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Aria to Death: Joseph Haydn Historical Murder Mystery (Joseph Haydn Mystery Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Nupur Tustin (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
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OPERAS CAN BE DEADLY

In the cobblestone streets of Vienna, rumors of a musical treasure draw out a killer. . . Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn is busy preparing for the opera season when he receives an urgent request from Vienna. An impoverished violinist with bills to pay wants Haydn to examine his bequest—a collection of scores so valuable they could wipe out his debts. A collection reputed to be the long-lost works of the Italian master of opera Monteverdi. Haydn agrees to help, but remains skeptical. Until Kaspar is murdered—beaten and left to die in front of a wine tavern. The police dismiss the death as a robbery gone wrong. But Haydn is not so sure. Unable to prevent Kaspar’s murder, can Haydn track down his killer? And fathom whether music was the motive for Kaspar’s death?
Advance Praise
"Vivid historical descriptions, intricate details, and a fascinating central character kept me turning the pages. Bravo!" Amanda Carmack, Award-winning Author of the Elizabethan Mystery Series "A standout in the genre of historical mysteries. An encore is requested!" Midwest Book Review
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Previous page
  1. Book 2 of 5
    Joseph Haydn Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    303 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    December 1, 2017
  6. File size
    1341 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Advance Praise for the Haydn Mysteries"Wonderful read for fans of historical cozy mysteries with a strong focus on the world of music. . .The characters are strong and the writing is smooth. . ." Books a Plenty Book ReviewsAn interesting journey and Haydn is a likable main character. Those who have interest in music history and opera will most likely enjoy this tale. . ." Christa Reads and Writes"A wonderful read for any music lover! Vivid historical descriptions, intricate details, and a fascinating central character kept me turning the pages. Bravo!" Amanda Carmack,award-winning author of The Elizabethan Mystery Series"A standout in the genre of historical mysteries. An encore is requested!" Midwest Book Review"Tustin occupies a unique niche in the historical mystery world." Edith Maxwell, Agatha-nominated author of Delivering the Truth"A wonderful tour de force that pulls the reader into the intricate world of 18th century music, mystery and politics!" Emily Brightwell, New York Times Bestselling Author, Mrs. Jeffries Series

From the Author

The Haydn Mystery Series reflects my passion for history, music, and mystery. I hope you enjoy the books as much as I enjoy researching and writing them. Join me on my blog, ntustin.com/blog, for insight into my research and tidbits of the great composer's life. 
And for a Complimentary Taste of Haydn's Sleuthing Skills, Visit: ntustin.com/tasteofmurder

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07641GD25
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Foiled Plots Press; 1st edition (December 1, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1341 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

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Nupur Tustin

Nupur Tustin

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

A former journalist, Nupur Tustin relies upon a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to orchestrate fictional mayhem. The Haydn mysteries are a result of her life-long passion for classical music and its history. Childhood piano lessons and a 1903 Weber Upright share equal blame for her original compositions, available on ntustin.musicaneo.com.

Her writing includes work for Reuters and CNBC, short stories and freelance articles, and research published in peer-reviewed academic journals. She lives in Southern California with her husband, three rambunctious children, and a pit bull.

For details on the Haydn series and monthly blog posts on the great composer, visit the official Haydn Mystery web site: NTUSTIN.COM.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
28 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

C. Deranek
4.0 out of 5 stars Light, Enjoyable, Musical Mystery
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2018
**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.**

The setting: 1700s Austria, Esterhazy Rule
The crime: a murder must musical - the violinist Kaspar suffers a cruel fate thanks to his inheritance, a potentially priceless set of Monteverdi opera scores in the composer's own hand

I enjoyed this book very much, despite not having read the first in the series. I am often bothered when I don't have the context that the first book would provide, and while I with I had in certain contexts, such as the relationship with Haydn and his sister-in-law, Therese, I enjoyed it either way. The plot was engaging, the characters easy to care about, and the mysteries sufficiently shrouded in mist until the great reveal.

Now, that said, a few things to keep in mind when you start out:

-The musical notation references are horrendous. "The pianissimo of doubt swelled to a crescendo of disbelief" was a particularly heinous example. If you are a musician and are easily offended by silliness like this, Aria to Death is not for you.
-Many names are quite similar, and because of the author's interest in using the German language liberally throughout, it is easy to get lost on occasion. A briefer on the language is useful, but not required.
-There is a subplot involving maids and a missing necklace. While it is not immediately clear why you should care, it becomes more so with time. Give it a chance.

I wouldn't necessarily knock down doors to read the next in this series, but it was an enjoyable romp in a good setting, with characters with whom it is easy to build connections. Your time will not be wasted, and you might learn a thing or two about orchestras, sopranos, and composers while you do it.
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Doward Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars OPERAS CAN BE DEADLY
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2018
Welcome to the musical world of Joseph Haydn, an Austrian composer from the mid to late 1700's. In this intriguing historical murder mystery we come to know him and his background as he investigates the death of an old friend. Kaspar is an impoverished violinist who has received a potentially valuable inheritance from his uncle. Kaspar has received an old worm eaten wooden chest which supposedly holds the lost operas of Monteverdi. He has sent for Haydn to validate them. Haydn doubts that they can be authentic but when Her Majesty, Empress Maria Theresa also summons him for a similar request, he starts to wonder if the bequest is actually the real operas. Before he can see the music, Kaspar is attacked and viciously beaten to death. Haydn becomes determined to find Kaspar's murderers and save the missing inheritance for his ailing wife. Tied to this storyline is the theft of a valuable necklace belonging to the Empress. As the Empress's maid and other female household staff members work to solve the theft, they discover the same people are involved in it that Haydn is investigating for the murder.

I wasn't sure what to expect as I starting reading this book? I was familiar with this period in time and have read a lot about the royal families and the music that was created for their benefit. Austria-Hungary was at their peak of power and Vienna was the heart of the music world. Haydn mentored both Mozart and Beethoven and became a leading composer of symphonies and operas during his long life. I felt that the characters came to life as I read and that the background and settings were portrayed in a very realistic fashion. The murder and missing operas made for a highly entertaining plot with lots of twists, turns and red herrings. I found that I really enjoyed reading this historical mystery book. The author's writing was well done and the murder spaced out in a very organized manner. I think any mystery or historical reader will enjoy reading this book. I did read at a slower pace than I usually do because both the characters and setting were very complex. I needed to pay more attention to the details to keep everything and everybody straight. All in all, this was a very entertaining adventure and I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series, "A Minor Deception."
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Daniele K
3.0 out of 5 stars Lost opera scores and murder
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2018
As a classically trained musician with a degree in music and a love for classical works, I was really excited to read ARIA TO DEATH. With a composer as the amateur sleuth, its Venetian setting, and mystery tied to lost operas I expected great things, and, perhaps, those expectations are my problem with this book. I found this book slow going and easy to put down. The pace did pick up about midway through the story, but I never felt compelled to keep reading.

In ARIA TO DEATH, Joseph Haydn searches for and authenticates the lost opera scores of Monteverdi while trying to solve a murder (or two) along the way. Haydn is supposed to be the friend of murder victim Kasper, but he comes across as a little too wooden in his reaction to and investigation of Kasper’s death. In fact all of the characters feel stilted with the exception of Haydn’s feelings and interactions with his younger brother Johann. I enjoyed their brotherly banter. Also of note is one of the palace maids, Rosalie. In fact, the subplot involving one of the Empresss’s stolen necklaces, and Rosalie’s plucky determination and sleuthing skills, are the best part of the book. This subplot and the final twist concerning the murderer and his identity save the book.

I recommend ARIA TO DEATH to readers interested in the Austria-Hungary royalty and the time period. Also those interested in Monteverdi’s lost operas might enjoy this.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher through The Review Crew and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
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