This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Book Description
A gripping standalone thriller by the New York Times bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles series
INTERNATIONAL THRILLER WRITERS AWARD FINALIST NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY LOS ANGELES TIMES AND SUSPENSE MAGAZINE
In a shadowy antiques shop in Rome, violinist Julia Ansdell happens upon a curious piece of music--the Incendio waltz--and is immediately entranced by its unusual composition. Full of passion, torment, and chilling beauty, and seemingly unknown to the world, the waltz, its mournful minor key, its feverish arpeggios, appear to dance with a strange life of their own. Julia is determined to master the complex work and make its melody heard.
Back home in Boston, from the moment Julia's bow moves across the strings, drawing the waltz's fiery notes into the air, something strange is stirred--and Julia's world comes under threat. The music has a terrifying and inexplicable effect on her young daughter, who seems violently transformed. Convinced that the hypnotic strains of Incendio are weaving a malevolent spell, Julia sets out to discover the man and the meaning behind the score.
Her quest beckons Julia to the ancient city of Venice, where she uncovers a dark, decades-old secret involving a dangerously powerful family that will stop at nothing to keep Julia from bringing the truth to light.
My Review
I found this book to be very engaging. A single piece of music and it's connection from the past to the present and it's affect on the characters was a very interesting storyline. Traveling back in time to the city of Venice and what happened to the Jews in Italy at the end of WWII was a history lesson in itself. Learning about Lorenzo who wrote the music and what happens personally to him made the story even more tragic. I enjoyed Tess Gerritsen's writing very much and found her characters to be well-developed. There were lots of twists and turns which kept the pages turning fast. I would highly recommend this book to those who like a good mystery mixed with history from the past. I look forward to reading more of Gerritsen's books in the future.
Book Description
A gripping standalone thriller by the New York Times bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles series
INTERNATIONAL THRILLER WRITERS AWARD FINALIST NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY LOS ANGELES TIMES AND SUSPENSE MAGAZINE
In a shadowy antiques shop in Rome, violinist Julia Ansdell happens upon a curious piece of music--the Incendio waltz--and is immediately entranced by its unusual composition. Full of passion, torment, and chilling beauty, and seemingly unknown to the world, the waltz, its mournful minor key, its feverish arpeggios, appear to dance with a strange life of their own. Julia is determined to master the complex work and make its melody heard.
Back home in Boston, from the moment Julia's bow moves across the strings, drawing the waltz's fiery notes into the air, something strange is stirred--and Julia's world comes under threat. The music has a terrifying and inexplicable effect on her young daughter, who seems violently transformed. Convinced that the hypnotic strains of Incendio are weaving a malevolent spell, Julia sets out to discover the man and the meaning behind the score.
Her quest beckons Julia to the ancient city of Venice, where she uncovers a dark, decades-old secret involving a dangerously powerful family that will stop at nothing to keep Julia from bringing the truth to light.
My Review
I found this book to be very engaging. A single piece of music and it's connection from the past to the present and it's affect on the characters was a very interesting storyline. Traveling back in time to the city of Venice and what happened to the Jews in Italy at the end of WWII was a history lesson in itself. Learning about Lorenzo who wrote the music and what happens personally to him made the story even more tragic. I enjoyed Tess Gerritsen's writing very much and found her characters to be well-developed. There were lots of twists and turns which kept the pages turning fast. I would highly recommend this book to those who like a good mystery mixed with history from the past. I look forward to reading more of Gerritsen's books in the future.
