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The Devil's Violin
With his diverse background of art evaluation and Desert Storm duty, FBI Special Investigator Chris Clarke is ready for all comers. Only one fugitive haunts his thoughts: the notorious and ruthless assassin known only as “The Man in Black,” whose trail of contract killings had never led law enforcement to anything but a figure lurking in the shadows. One morning, “The Man in Black” is seen by witnesses in Cremona, Italy, in the area where a young violinist was found dead with his throat cut. Clarke and his partner head off to Europe to tack down the assassin while attempting to decode the mystery that lies behind the motive. Meanwhile, veteran sneak-thief Gus Edward Happy has been hired to fly to Europe and steal the most valuable violin in existence – the famed violin coveted by the Jimi Hendrix of the nineteenth century, Niccolo Paganini – thought to be in league with the devil because his genius was unexplainable in earthly terms. Through a tangled web involving Illuminati, secret documents in the possession of Paganini at his death, a master violin forger and his deceptive daughter, thieves, and assassins, Clarke faces the challenge of his career as he and his partner move across Italy to the South of France where pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place with the Devil’s Violin at center stage.
- GenresMystery
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2014
3 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Art Johnson
59 books2 followersArt Johnson has been a highly regarded musician for over forty years and has performed with everyone from Luciano Pavarotti, Lena Horne, Randy Crawford and Mark O'Connor, as well as being an Academy Award and Grammy Award participant. He is a solo recording artist with ten Cd's to his credit. He has toured all over the globe and his life experience has produced his first mystery/suspense/detective thriller, "The Devil's Violin" which in it's debut has caught the attention of the reader as well as the reviewers. He lives in Monaco where Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene has requested a copy which is now in the Palace. His taut crisp prose has been well received and his newly gathered fans as an author are waiting for the next book.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 11, 2014
An adventure tale based on an extremely valuable violin is an unusual premise for a murder/crime mystery. That alone gives the story value, as the plot by necessity would have significant differences from other books in this category.
The story opens in the middle of the nineteenth century with musician Niccolo Paganini on the verge of dying. For years he has been playing a violin and making such astounding music that some believe him to be possessed by the Devil or perhaps even the Devil himself. There is also a set of ancient writings with the violin that promises many things, one of which is eternal life. A copy of the violin has been made and as one of his last acts, Paganini has placed the real violin and the manuscripts in a secret compartment in the floor of his apartment.
There is then a fast forward to modern times where there is a plot to steal the copy that is now in a museum and replace it with another copy. The one in the museum is considered to be authentic and is extremely valuable. Two distinct criminal elements are trying to steal the violin and there are FBI agents on the case.
This is where the story declines due to the large number of characters. One of the criminal teams is composed of a career American sneak thief and a female descendent of Paganini and the other is a lone and mysterious contract killer. The FBI team has one female and the rest are males and there is a mysterious elderly husband and wife team that seem capable of acts that border on magic.
Romantic entanglements develop that clog the movement of the story along with the sheer number of characters. The book is only 158 pages in length, this does not allow for significant development of their backgrounds. It would have been a much better book if one of the criminal teams and their plans had been developed in great detail. An intricate, intelligent and plausible plan always makes for a great story. There is a climactic scene that reaches the point of semi-absurdity as so many of the characters appear that it lacks any real sense of tension.
This is a book that had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the author makes a mistake commonly made by first-time authors. He introduces too many characters, expanding the scope so that all are weakened instead of sharply concentrating on a few characters that are fully expanded.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review appears on Amazon.
The story opens in the middle of the nineteenth century with musician Niccolo Paganini on the verge of dying. For years he has been playing a violin and making such astounding music that some believe him to be possessed by the Devil or perhaps even the Devil himself. There is also a set of ancient writings with the violin that promises many things, one of which is eternal life. A copy of the violin has been made and as one of his last acts, Paganini has placed the real violin and the manuscripts in a secret compartment in the floor of his apartment.
There is then a fast forward to modern times where there is a plot to steal the copy that is now in a museum and replace it with another copy. The one in the museum is considered to be authentic and is extremely valuable. Two distinct criminal elements are trying to steal the violin and there are FBI agents on the case.
This is where the story declines due to the large number of characters. One of the criminal teams is composed of a career American sneak thief and a female descendent of Paganini and the other is a lone and mysterious contract killer. The FBI team has one female and the rest are males and there is a mysterious elderly husband and wife team that seem capable of acts that border on magic.
Romantic entanglements develop that clog the movement of the story along with the sheer number of characters. The book is only 158 pages in length, this does not allow for significant development of their backgrounds. It would have been a much better book if one of the criminal teams and their plans had been developed in great detail. An intricate, intelligent and plausible plan always makes for a great story. There is a climactic scene that reaches the point of semi-absurdity as so many of the characters appear that it lacks any real sense of tension.
This is a book that had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the author makes a mistake commonly made by first-time authors. He introduces too many characters, expanding the scope so that all are weakened instead of sharply concentrating on a few characters that are fully expanded.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review appears on Amazon.
May 12, 2014
Travel across continents with this dark and edgy mystery thriller where the main character is an almost priceless missing violin whose case is rumored to hold unbelievable secrets. The Devil’s Violin by Art Johnson is a mesmerizing journey into the world of priceless antiquities, greed and deceit. Where possession of these papers means everything and the means to that possession has no rules.
This prized violin is said to have been the very one that was played by the man called the Devil, as his ability to play was unearthly. Dark and mysterious, twisted and deadly, two FBI agents follow the bread crumbs they gather in a trans-global race to gain the prize. Among those caught in this twisted web are a master violin forger, a beautiful, yet mysterious woman, a professional thief and, the Man in Black. Is it possible that these hidden papers could be of interest to the clandestine Illuminati, too?
Art Johnson had me from the title! I saw the word “violin” and knew I had to read this. Add the amazing journey to the finish, the history of the violin and the possible contents of these papers, as well as the furious pace that feeds small pieces of the puzzle, timed perfectly and I could not put this down!
Mr. Johnson’s gift for storytelling with a taut, crisp style is magnetic. A striking plot that is populated by diverse characters that feel flawed and real, the excitement of the chase, make The Devil’s Violin more than a simple mystery. He manages to turn this into his own concert of words.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: February 9, 2014
Publisher: Story Merchant Books
ISBN: 0989715469
Genre: Adult Mystery
Print Length: 174 pages
Available from: Amazon
This prized violin is said to have been the very one that was played by the man called the Devil, as his ability to play was unearthly. Dark and mysterious, twisted and deadly, two FBI agents follow the bread crumbs they gather in a trans-global race to gain the prize. Among those caught in this twisted web are a master violin forger, a beautiful, yet mysterious woman, a professional thief and, the Man in Black. Is it possible that these hidden papers could be of interest to the clandestine Illuminati, too?
Art Johnson had me from the title! I saw the word “violin” and knew I had to read this. Add the amazing journey to the finish, the history of the violin and the possible contents of these papers, as well as the furious pace that feeds small pieces of the puzzle, timed perfectly and I could not put this down!
Mr. Johnson’s gift for storytelling with a taut, crisp style is magnetic. A striking plot that is populated by diverse characters that feel flawed and real, the excitement of the chase, make The Devil’s Violin more than a simple mystery. He manages to turn this into his own concert of words.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: February 9, 2014
Publisher: Story Merchant Books
ISBN: 0989715469
Genre: Adult Mystery
Print Length: 174 pages
Available from: Amazon
May 9, 2014
The world’s most prized violin becomes the centerpiece of intrigue as FBI Special Investigator Chris Clarke and his partner Carlos “Chubbs” Gonzales weave their way through a maze containing a notorious assassin, Illuminati, secret documents, a master violin forger and his deceptive and charismatic daughter, a Hollywood film producer and one of L.A.’s finest and most neurotic sneak-thieves. As the story progresses we follow Chris and Carlos through the streets in Europe to Southern California. To find the Man in Black and track down the Devil's violin,
This book had me hooked by page three. I admit it I was reading far into the night. Mr. Johnson had me guessing and second guessing my way through this book . Between the history of the violin and the intrigue. The mixture of the sacred documents that come up and then throw in the Illuminate and you are going to go on the ride of your life. Which is exactly what happened when I was reading it. The book moves so fast and the characters are so well written , You can't help but cheer for the main characters.
The characters are all bound one way or another to each other , as they cross paths with the ill fated violin. You can feel their desperation and what they need to get done to survive . The man in black is just evil , you cheer for Chris and Carlos as they unravel the mystery. You want to figure it out as badly as Chris does .
So if you love tightly written novels full of intrigue and mystery this is the book is for you . I am so happy that I took the chance on this book. I want to read more from this author. If the first book is any indication , we are going to be reading great things from this author . I hope that you all take a chance on this book . You will not be disappointed and you will have fun trying to find out who , what and where .
.
May 29, 2014
The Devil’s Violin by Art Johnson is a mystery novel. It has overtones of science fiction.
Niccolo Pagnini is a famous violinist and owns a 1741 Guarneu violin and also a document that explains how his expertise as a violinist came to be. He is noted for being able to make the violin perform as if it were enchanted. Thus he denotes himself as the Devil’s violinist. He has promised the violin to the mayor of Genoa to be placed in their museum. After all, he was born in Genoa. However, he has had a copy made and is giving the copy to the museum. He hides the true violin beneath the floorboards with the documents and intends to tell his son about it; but he dies before he is able to do so.
Now, different groups of people are searching for the true violin for different reasons. Some are just wanting the original violin and have had a copy made to switch fo the “real” one. Another group is only interested in the documents. Still another group is only wanting to trace the “man in black” who seems to be a hired killer in Europe and the US.
Sound confusing? It is. Each chapter changes to a different person or group and it is difficult to keep up with who is who and what they are doing. I had to keep a running list of notes to keep things straight. I do believe the story could have been told in a different mode which would have cut down on the confusion. I cannot say I really enjoyed this book but it was definitely different.
Niccolo Pagnini is a famous violinist and owns a 1741 Guarneu violin and also a document that explains how his expertise as a violinist came to be. He is noted for being able to make the violin perform as if it were enchanted. Thus he denotes himself as the Devil’s violinist. He has promised the violin to the mayor of Genoa to be placed in their museum. After all, he was born in Genoa. However, he has had a copy made and is giving the copy to the museum. He hides the true violin beneath the floorboards with the documents and intends to tell his son about it; but he dies before he is able to do so.
Now, different groups of people are searching for the true violin for different reasons. Some are just wanting the original violin and have had a copy made to switch fo the “real” one. Another group is only interested in the documents. Still another group is only wanting to trace the “man in black” who seems to be a hired killer in Europe and the US.
Sound confusing? It is. Each chapter changes to a different person or group and it is difficult to keep up with who is who and what they are doing. I had to keep a running list of notes to keep things straight. I do believe the story could have been told in a different mode which would have cut down on the confusion. I cannot say I really enjoyed this book but it was definitely different.
June 21, 2014
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
This was a very interesting book for me to review. I went back and forth over my rating because parts of this book are amazingly though out. The plot, the twists, the ideas for example are simply quite amazing.
Then there are a few flaws that in the end I decided irked me enough to drop the rating down to a four. I think the biggest problem is that the book is so short it all feels kind of rushed not allowing these fascinating characters to come to life in a way that a longer novel would give them the potential too. There is also the annoying insa-love connection which I personally felt was unnecessary.
That being said this author certainly has a great story idea in there and I think many people would enjoy it. An original, if slightly to short piece.
Over all 4 out 5 stars from me!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This was a very interesting book for me to review. I went back and forth over my rating because parts of this book are amazingly though out. The plot, the twists, the ideas for example are simply quite amazing.
Then there are a few flaws that in the end I decided irked me enough to drop the rating down to a four. I think the biggest problem is that the book is so short it all feels kind of rushed not allowing these fascinating characters to come to life in a way that a longer novel would give them the potential too. There is also the annoying insa-love connection which I personally felt was unnecessary.
That being said this author certainly has a great story idea in there and I think many people would enjoy it. An original, if slightly to short piece.
Over all 4 out 5 stars from me!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
April 29, 2018
The prologue has a dying Niccolo Paganini hiding his famed violin, along with a manuscript containing information of how he attained his incredible musical ability but could be used for other purposes, with a plan to reveal it to his son after a doctor's visit. He does not survive the visit with the doctor, and the treasures are lost.
In 2010, three different searches, for three different reasons, are underway for Paganini's lost violin. A man and woman hired by a Hollywood mogul are trying to find the violin to fill out the mogul's collection of rare musical instruments. A mysterious international killer also wants the violin, which involves the FBI, which has been tracking him for a string of international political deaths. And a remarkably well connected couple, with a number of artistic and business skills that should have made them much better known than they are, somehow appear often in the vicinity of the investigation.
The story moves quickly. The focus tends to focus on the the item being sought than the characters, possibly because of the number of characters in the short number of pages. Enough information about several characters was in the story that could lead to stories following those characters in the future. It kept me entertained while reading. Will file this in my brain candy category.
In 2010, three different searches, for three different reasons, are underway for Paganini's lost violin. A man and woman hired by a Hollywood mogul are trying to find the violin to fill out the mogul's collection of rare musical instruments. A mysterious international killer also wants the violin, which involves the FBI, which has been tracking him for a string of international political deaths. And a remarkably well connected couple, with a number of artistic and business skills that should have made them much better known than they are, somehow appear often in the vicinity of the investigation.
The story moves quickly. The focus tends to focus on the the item being sought than the characters, possibly because of the number of characters in the short number of pages. Enough information about several characters was in the story that could lead to stories following those characters in the future. It kept me entertained while reading. Will file this in my brain candy category.
September 7, 2018
This was an okay book for me. it was a fast read with mystery and suspense.
October 10, 2015
Will the real ‘Guarneri’ violin please stand up? Some say that Niccolo Paganini sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his great ability to play the violin. “His fingers were astonishingly fast and precise. He could imitate the sound of birds and other animals on the violin—sometimes he sounded like three or four violins playing at once.” In 1840, in the prologue, he was dying. He managed to hide his 1742 Guarneri violin including a valued document within the case lining under a plank of the flooring and laid a copy of the violin on the bed. He intended for his son, Achilles, to know ‘the secret.’ But by the time Achilles returned with the doctor, Niccolo was dead and the secret died with him.
The copy was placed in a museum in Genoa, presumed to be the original. Unknowingly, years later, forgers would make a copy of the copy. Intrigued yet? Oh, but there’s more. It’s now 2010 and a violinist is murdered just before he was able to play the copy to ‘break it in’ so that it would not sound like a new violin. That’s where FBI Special Agent Chris Clarke and his partner Carlos (Chubbs) Gonzales come in and the mystery takes off.
This was a different type of suspenseful read. The protagonist is actually Chris Clarke, but he didn’t make his first appearance until chapter 11. He is described as “… a very simple man with a straight-ahead view of life. He did not own an I-pod, preferring the roar of the wind upon the waves when he strolled along the beach.” For such a short novel (174 pages), it had many characters for the reader to wade through. I did enjoy the characters of both Clark and Gonzales, but I do feel they could have been fleshed out more. They say to write what you know and Art Johnson, as a highly regarded musician for better than forty years, has done just that. This is his debut novel. Rating: 3 out of 5.
The copy was placed in a museum in Genoa, presumed to be the original. Unknowingly, years later, forgers would make a copy of the copy. Intrigued yet? Oh, but there’s more. It’s now 2010 and a violinist is murdered just before he was able to play the copy to ‘break it in’ so that it would not sound like a new violin. That’s where FBI Special Agent Chris Clarke and his partner Carlos (Chubbs) Gonzales come in and the mystery takes off.
This was a different type of suspenseful read. The protagonist is actually Chris Clarke, but he didn’t make his first appearance until chapter 11. He is described as “… a very simple man with a straight-ahead view of life. He did not own an I-pod, preferring the roar of the wind upon the waves when he strolled along the beach.” For such a short novel (174 pages), it had many characters for the reader to wade through. I did enjoy the characters of both Clark and Gonzales, but I do feel they could have been fleshed out more. They say to write what you know and Art Johnson, as a highly regarded musician for better than forty years, has done just that. This is his debut novel. Rating: 3 out of 5.
May 29, 2014
There is a mystical bent to this novel that transcends the present and delves into the far distant past. One man wants the real precious violin.--another the letter left with it. This book will not turn out the way you think it will-far from it! It revolves around real art and forged art and those that deal in both at times and what some people will do to get their hands on the best of the best.
There is a violent assassin out there and FBI investigator Chris Clarke and his partner Chubbs Gonzales are tasked with finding this person and bringing him to justice. Along the way they also become increasingly involved with the Violin which has been called the Devil's Violin.
There is very little romance in this novel and in all honesty I think I would have liked a different cover for this book. All in all I enjoyed reading this book and think you might enjoy it also.
The Devil's Violin
There is a violent assassin out there and FBI investigator Chris Clarke and his partner Chubbs Gonzales are tasked with finding this person and bringing him to justice. Along the way they also become increasingly involved with the Violin which has been called the Devil's Violin.
There is very little romance in this novel and in all honesty I think I would have liked a different cover for this book. All in all I enjoyed reading this book and think you might enjoy it also.
The Devil's Violin
February 5, 2016
Art Johnson paints with words. The atmosphere of the book is very well done, as are the characters. The Devil's Violin is the subject of mystery and desire. Paganini was a violinist of superb talent and some say he had made a deal with the devil. After his death, his violin was left to the people. Or was it? The story follows Gus and Maria en route to heist the violin. The mysterious "man in black" reappears creating havoc in their plans. The FBI join the action in Europe as they seek the man in black.
There are other forces at work and another plan in action that may usurp the others. Just wait and see!
I really liked how Art wove the story and characters, locations and plot. This story has a good pace and the characters are relatable. There was enough detail and explanation for those that are not familiar with the violin world while not becoming tedious. This is a crime thriller, with just a hint of the supernatural.
There are other forces at work and another plan in action that may usurp the others. Just wait and see!
I really liked how Art wove the story and characters, locations and plot. This story has a good pace and the characters are relatable. There was enough detail and explanation for those that are not familiar with the violin world while not becoming tedious. This is a crime thriller, with just a hint of the supernatural.
May 18, 2015
This fast-paced international mystery thriller has it all. Assassins, Illuminati, secret documents, violin forgeries and a charismatic cast of characters playing cops and robbers throughout Europe and Southern CA. Like a mysterious box left on one’s doorstep, The Devil's Violin compels the reader to unwrap all the tissue thin layers of intrigue within. Let's hope the author is working on the screenplay; this non-stop action novel would be the perfect vehicle for a Brad Pitt/George Clooney redux.
June 21, 2014
I received a copy from author in exchange for review.
The cover brought my eyes to the synopsis. A violin crafted by a musical genius is now an artifact. Two people brought together now have their eyes on it. F.B.I. agents are on the move to stop them. The twist who is falling the ones after the artifact?
A fast paced crime mystery that really didn't have anything big going on for my liking. Maybe some better sex scenes would of have me more attention to liking.
The cover brought my eyes to the synopsis. A violin crafted by a musical genius is now an artifact. Two people brought together now have their eyes on it. F.B.I. agents are on the move to stop them. The twist who is falling the ones after the artifact?
A fast paced crime mystery that really didn't have anything big going on for my liking. Maybe some better sex scenes would of have me more attention to liking.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews