Death and the Maiden

Things are looking up for the celebrated New Magini String Quartet in Elias's talky, less than compelling third mystery featuring blind violin teacher Daniel Jacobus (after 2010's Danse Macabre) once the quartet settles a major lawsuit and is slated to perform in an avant-garde presentation of Schubert's renowned Death and the Maiden at Carnegie Hall. Then first violinist Aaron Kortovsky fails to return from vacation, and a severed finger is found in another member's instrument case. Jacobus grumpily agrees to investigate, but his quest turns urgent when his beloved former student, Yumi Shinagawa, the quartet's second violinist, becomes the maiden Death threatens. Jacobus's hostile personality sometimes strikes a sour note, and readers will struggle to relate emotionally to many of the characters. The book's real heart is the detailed behind-the-scenes glimpse of the classical music scene provided by the author, a violinist and music professor himself. (Aug.)