Scan barcode
mariasmusings's review
3.0
‘The Music Box Enigma’ is the sixth novel in the Silas Quinn series by R.N. Morris. Set in 1914, Quinn is a member of the Special Crimes Unit in the police and has been assigned to investigate a particularly gruesome murder – Sir Aidan Fonthill has been murdered while attending a rehearsal for his Christmas benefit concert. The novel commences begins with the discovery of Sir Aidan’s murder, and then takes a step back in time to reveal the various suspects and their motives. The number of potential killers is large and the list of motives even greater. Fonthill is a unpleasant man to say the least and I struggled to care about his actual murder. Instead, I was more interested in Quinn and his team.
There are several real-life characters included in the story such as Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Edward Elgar, which adds and amusing element to the tale. Despite a slightly perfunctory ending, this is an entertaining and amusing read
There are several real-life characters included in the story such as Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Edward Elgar, which adds and amusing element to the tale. Despite a slightly perfunctory ending, this is an entertaining and amusing read
scostner's review
3.0
I'm new to the Silas Quinn mysteries, but that was not an impediment to enjoying this title. Historical fiction plus mystery equals an intriguing story. Set in the London of World War I, this story does an excellent job of capturing the wartime atmosphere and the social mores of the era.
Fans of procedural police shows and vintage detective stories alike will find plenty to hold their interest as Quinn and his team from the Special Crimes Department at New Scotland Yard try to find the murderer of a renowned choir director. Someone obviously doesn't have the holiday spirit, since they stabbed him in the ear with a tuning fork during a rehearsal break for the Christmas concert.
The more the team investigates, the more enemies they uncover. Between his gambling debts, affairs, rudeness to others in the musical field...the list just keeps growing. And the odd music box that plays something that grates on the ears doesn't make sense. Why was it delivered shortly before his death - and does it hold any clues to a motive?
Existing relationships between the original members of Quinn's team and the reasons behind the newest members being assigned to his command seem to cause some of the men to distrust each other. Additional oversight by the Military Operations Directorate leads to even more tension in an already difficult situation. With all the political and personal currents beneath the surface, Quinn may be in dangerous waters as he works to solve the case.
Fans of procedural police shows and vintage detective stories alike will find plenty to hold their interest as Quinn and his team from the Special Crimes Department at New Scotland Yard try to find the murderer of a renowned choir director. Someone obviously doesn't have the holiday spirit, since they stabbed him in the ear with a tuning fork during a rehearsal break for the Christmas concert.
The more the team investigates, the more enemies they uncover. Between his gambling debts, affairs, rudeness to others in the musical field...the list just keeps growing. And the odd music box that plays something that grates on the ears doesn't make sense. Why was it delivered shortly before his death - and does it hold any clues to a motive?
Existing relationships between the original members of Quinn's team and the reasons behind the newest members being assigned to his command seem to cause some of the men to distrust each other. Additional oversight by the Military Operations Directorate leads to even more tension in an already difficult situation. With all the political and personal currents beneath the surface, Quinn may be in dangerous waters as he works to solve the case.
tealmango's review
3.0
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
vesper1931's review
4.0
19th December 1914. Sir Aidan Fonthill is discovered dead by his wife Lady Emma. The cause of death is stabbing by a tuning fork into his ear. Then the story go back two days where we learn more about Fonthill and his activities. Also previously a parcel was left on the doorstep of their home. Inside is a wooden musical box, with the inscription in German. Is it his series of indiscretions that is the cause of his death or something else.
A well-written, and plotted, historical mystery with some likeable characters.
A NetGalley book
A well-written, and plotted, historical mystery with some likeable characters.
A NetGalley book
More...