Feel like an inexpensive trip to Austria? Maybe you're craving a tragic mystery that needs unraveling? Boomzap has returned with a new installment in the hidden object puzzle mystery adventure Dana Knightstone series: Death Upon an Austrian Sonata: A Dana Knightstone Novel! With a sprinkling of romance gone wrong thrown in, this is already shaping up to be a great romp into the European countryside.

Ms. Knightstone, world renowned author, has long been gifted with the ability to see ghosts. As such she is often tasked with setting right whatever devastating wrongs occurred to tie the ghosts to the mortal realm. Much to her surprise, Dana receives a letter from her cousin claiming that he is afflicted with the same ability and is being visited by the silent, sorrowful and beautiful ghost of a famous violinist. Without hesitation Dana sets off to meet with her cousin, help the ghost move on, and possibly get the plot for her next best seller. What Dana isn't aware of is that there are others interested in the mysteries of the deceased musician, and unlike Dana, their motives aren't as benevolent.

There are three difficulty levels to choose from: casual, advanced, and hardcore, all of which will determine how swift your progression through the game will be. No matter what difficulty you choose hidden object scenes will never sparkle and are instead layered through the game like any other object that must be investigated. In puzzles there is no blatant explanation but if you need an overview then all you need do is hover over parts of the puzzle to be given detail on what you need to solve. The inventory bar is constantly available, there is a generous hint button, and there is a journal that will keep track of all vital information obtained. Your cursor will change when hovering over interactive items in the scenery allowing you to more easily achieve your goals for each chapter.

The lush scenery will easily draw any individual, old fan or new, into the sleuthing fray. What will keep you there is the fast paced adventure teamed up with a loveable protagonist aiming to help at all costs, despite constant danger to her own safety. The icing on the cake that will have you wanting another release in the series (and soon!) is the thrilling story, light but fun puzzles, and the pleasing combination of crafty game play and feel good story resolution. To put it in plain terms: this is a game worth your recognition and favor.

A Collector's Edition is also available. It contains bonus content, an art gallery, strategy guide, and more. Remember that Big Fish Game Club Members pay only $13.99 for Collector's Editions (or 2 club credits), and collector's editions count 3 card punches of 6 total needed for a free game.

Windows:
Download the demo
Get the full version
Also available: Collector's Edition

Mac OS X:
Download the demo
Get the full version
Also available: Collector's Edition