Von Fock

Estonia, 1820s. The Baltic German nobility has largely retained its autonomy within the Russian Empire. Some of the estates are wealthier than small German principalities. Many struggle – luxuries and lavish lifestyles, drinking and gambling stress the family budgets. Younger brothers are often left empty handed, joining the Russian army or learning a trade to earn an income. And among the ethnic Estonians, national awakening is starting.

When Paul von Fock, the youngest of three brothers, inherits Sagadi Manor, he struggles to fit into his new role socially – but his brilliance at managing his estate and his keen sense of justice quickly secure him the position of assessor at the local court. Expecting to only solve pub brawls and border disputes, he is wholly unprepared for what awaits him – murder mysteries, fake identities, paintings and cash, stolen fortunes and futures. Realising that not only is his appointment at stake, but his reputation and sometimes his life, he admirably rises to the occasion and proceeds, with the help and intervention of the notorious femme fatale Maria von Nottbeck, to become a seasoned detective. The greatest mystery, however, is Maria herself – but somewhere along the line, she allows Paul to unravel it.