Death of a Baritone: A Music Lover's Mystery

Music Lover's Mystery #1

by Karen Sturges

Phoebe Mullins spent years as a peacemaker between her conductor husband and the music world's most petulant stars. But when she lands a job at an aging diva's opera school, she has no idea that her shrewd knack for diplomacy will be tested once again.

At the exclusive Long Island opera colony of singing legend Anna Varovna, residents are rehearsing their summer production of Così fan tutte. But Phoebe quickly sees that relations offstage are less than cozy, and Mozart's honeyed melodies soon give way to high-decibel melodrama.

Then handsome baritone Frank Palermo is found dead of an allergy to the penicillin pill covertly planted among his vitamins--and Anna urges Phoebe to make some discreet inquiries. Could Frank's recent joining of the Children of Truth cult have somehow earned him an early grave? And why did Frank, clutching his opera score as he died, scratch an X on the name "Amadeus"?

Before Phoebe can make sense of it all, a fatal cacophony of love, lust, genius, and guilt reveals itself--and the tempo accelerates as death strikes again.

Genres: Mystery

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Thomas Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

My stepmother was a wonderful person and fulfilled a lifetime dream when her first two mysteries were published. She had more in the pipeline when she passed on. Quick and enjoyable, these made "Mystery of the Month Club" recommendations lists.

[Angela DeMott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember much about this book, but I do remember exactly when and where I found it and read it: purchased with my mom at a book fair during a road trip to upstate New York the summer before my freshman year of high school. I think I read for the remainder of that drive and finished it while still in the car.

I do remember enjoying the Hampton's location and the fact that all of the characters were staying and performing at a summer opera colony. It felt like an adult version of my favorite Nancy Drew book The Silver Cobweb and something unique, at least compared to the little adult fiction I had read thus far. I think this book subconsciously contributed to my lifelong love for a unique and well-described setting as well as murder mysteries in general.

Also, this cover and this title are just so silly, they're genius.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widowed Phoebe Mullins has spent her life in the world of music. Needing a job, she becomes secretary for the Varovna summer opera company, and finds herself over her head with practical matters. Then the titular baritone is found dead--and Madame Varovna expects Phoebe to solve the mystery as well as keeping the clerical records up-to-date. An unexpected love interest surprises Phoebe, who does learn about the murder, and a lot about herself.

[Karla Huebner]

This little item from the local book exchange turned out to be a pretty decent example of its genre--a relatively cozy mystery. What makes it rise above many others of its kind is the well-informed and intelligent use of musical background. The protagonist-sleuth is the likable widow of a famous conductor, who gets a job as secretary at an opera camp. Sure, aspects of the story aren't all that believable--that's true of most mystery novels--but on the whole it's a quick and entertaining read.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My standard for a good mystery isn't complicated. I want to like the setting, I don't want to get the characters too mixed up (the key at the beginning of the story helps), I don't want to have to do too much flipping back and forth to figure out what just happened, and I want a worthy riddle to ponder. This book fit the bill and I look forward to reading another by this author. The colorful and intelligent musical references were much appreciated, as was the woodsy seaside setting. I could smell the salt air and sense the darker forces working in the background. A page turner.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end as to who done it. What is unique is that the murders take place among the backdrop of a Long Island opera summer colony preparing a production of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutti. Each of the performers and staff are suspect. As in the plot of Cosi, Sturges weaves a story where the characters are not what they appear to be. My favorite character is the colony's head, Anna Varovna with her malapropisms such as "burning gun" and "bull in a glass house."

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Still confused by your website. Wrote this review three times. The book did not grab my interest from the pending death in the beginning. I am a caregiver for my dying mother right now. This is NOT my book to read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was ok. Rather a lot of unnecessary foul language and I didn't love the plot or characters.

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't warm to the characters