“What caught my attention is the unusual combination of a traditional whodunit and the highly specific world of a British symphony orchestra. The isolated island setting adds an extra layer of tension, especially with Darius having to investigate while surrounded by musicians who all seem to have their own secrets and motives. I also like how the orchestral details appear woven into the mystery rather than simply serving as background decoration. It sounds like a fun choice for readers who enjoy eccentric detectives, closed-circle mysteries, and plenty of jealousy and intrigue.” – Amazon Review
My Bloody Viola:
A viola-wielding sleuth unmasks a symphonic murder!
(Darius McGuire, Violist and Sleuth)
Murder Strikes a Chord on Starling Island!
Darius McGuire isn’t your typical detective. He’s a principal second viola player in a provincial British symphony orchestra, and his biggest worry is usually a discordant note. That is, until the orchestra’s tour takes a deadly turn on the remote Starling Island.
The victim? None other than Morton Jabberwock, the principal violist, found with his head bashed in by a priceless Stradivarius. With Easter holidays in full swing, the nearest police are days away on the mainland, and the next ferry isn’t until Monday. It falls to Darius, the reluctant amateur sleuth, to uncover the truth before the killer can slip away.
The Suspects: A Symphony of Intrigue
- Francesco Gesualdo: The eccentric conductor, who openly despised Morton’s out-of-tune playing.
- Sylvia St. John: The oboist entangled in a secret affair with the deceased, who was also cheating on her.
- Arabella Thistlethwaite: The harpist, also one of Morton’s lovers, with her own motives.
- Lord Nattlewood: The island’s feudal heir, whose ancient rights might hide dark secrets.
- And even Darius himself, who stands to inherit Morton’s coveted principal viola position.
Trapped on an island where everyone has something to hide, Darius must navigate a treacherous score of jealousy, betrayal, and ambition. Can he piece together the discordant clues and identify the killer before the final curtain call? Or will he become the next victim in this deadly symphony?
My Bloody Viola is a captivating mystery that blends classic whodunit suspense with the unique world of orchestral music. Get ready for a thrilling read where every note could be a clue, and every musician a suspect!
About the Author
Jacob Chillingsworth
Jacob Chillingsworth is a violist in a provincial orchestra in the South of England. His orchestra doesn’t have any exciting adventures, unlike the one in his books. In middle age he decided to try to write a few novels to redress the flood of viola jokes he has always had to cope with. He wishes he were Darius McGuire, but his real life is much more humdrum.
BE sure to check out the rest of the Darius McGuire Mystery Series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HK1JVZC5
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