Danse Macabre

The murder of a virtuoso violinist and a death sentence for a possibly innocent man launch Elias's deft follow-up to Devil's Trill (2009). Blind and cranky Daniel Jacobus, a former concert violinist, reluctantly agrees to investigate the murder of maestro René Allard after flamboyant African-American musician BTower, who had a tumultuous relationship with Allard, is seen standing over the body literally with blood on his hands. As BTower sits on death row with the clock ticking down, Jacobus talks to the figures who formed the arrogant Allard's offstage world, and uncovers shady activities on Allard's part. Puzzling transactions involving violins, an attempt on Jacobus's life, and the suicide of an elevator operator indicate that Jacobus may be closing in on uncomfortable truths. The refreshingly caustic Jacobus, a cast of superbly drawn supporting characters, an interesting classical music milieu accessible to aficionados and neophytes alike, an unexpected twist or two, and a unique murder method combine for an engrossing read. Author tour. (Sept.)