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Music Lover’s Mystery #1
Dead Ringer
Orchestra practice hits the wrong chord when a fellow musician is found dead, and violinist (and now amateur sleuth) Midori Bishop finds herself investigating more than just a new concerto in Sarah Fox's new cozy mystery, Dead Ringer
Midori Bishop's life is hitting all the right notes. She has her dream job playing violin in the Point Grey Philharmonic Orchestra, and is embarking on a new relationship with the symphony's hot maestro. But when Midori finds a cellist strangled to death during a rehearsal, the maestro soon becomes the number-one suspect and Midori his only supporter.
Midori sets out to prove the maestro's innocence, but soon discovers that he and many others have secrets they would rather keep hidden. For someone who was only a ringer—a temporary member of the orchestra—the dead cellist had certainly made a lot of enemies. And as the investigation takes Midori closer to the truth, the killer gears up for a grand finale—with Midori as the intended victim.
Midori Bishop's life is hitting all the right notes. She has her dream job playing violin in the Point Grey Philharmonic Orchestra, and is embarking on a new relationship with the symphony's hot maestro. But when Midori finds a cellist strangled to death during a rehearsal, the maestro soon becomes the number-one suspect and Midori his only supporter.
Midori sets out to prove the maestro's innocence, but soon discovers that he and many others have secrets they would rather keep hidden. For someone who was only a ringer—a temporary member of the orchestra—the dead cellist had certainly made a lot of enemies. And as the investigation takes Midori closer to the truth, the killer gears up for a grand finale—with Midori as the intended victim.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
25 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
23 books741 followersSarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
Sarah is the author of the Literary Pub Mysteries, the Pancake House Mysteries, and the Music Lover's Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 14, 2020
3 stars
I like the main character Midori and her best friend JT and the mystery was convoluted enough to be interesting but I was really expecting this to have more music. Usually in the first book of a cozy series the occupation/hobby of the main character has a prominent part in the book. Hardly no musical references are in the book, perhaps the next book in the series will have more, but right now I’d say that this was a pretty generic cozy. At least a little more detail is given about the setting, and we learn a little bit a Vancouver.
I thought that the killer was
Cozies Reading Challenge
I like the main character Midori and her best friend JT and the mystery was convoluted enough to be interesting but I was really expecting this to have more music. Usually in the first book of a cozy series the occupation/hobby of the main character has a prominent part in the book. Hardly no musical references are in the book, perhaps the next book in the series will have more, but right now I’d say that this was a pretty generic cozy. At least a little more detail is given about the setting, and we learn a little bit a Vancouver.
I thought that the killer was
Cozies Reading Challenge
September 24, 2019
It took me a bit to get into the rhythm of the book, but I found my comfortable place and enjoyed the mystery. It was refreshing that it was set in Canada. 3.5*
September 11, 2022
This barely got 2 stars out of me. For some reason I just couldn't only give it 1 star - maybe it was the music aspect that raised the rating. This is the type of cozy mystery where the MC continually does really stupid things to investigate a murder on her own. I spent the whole book shaking my head. I will not be continuing the series.
November 23, 2025
This was a good one. I liked Midori and the other characters. The setting was interesting and I enjoyed her musical lifestyle, a nice change from lots of other cozies. There were definitely some exciting spots in the story, since there are more books in the series I had every confidence that Midori would survive them.
June 13, 2015
I received a gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.
First of all, if you love music than you will definitely love Dead Ringer. In addition, there is romance, mystery, betrayal, lies, and so much more. A mixture of genre to entice those that like to dabble in books that offer enjoyment to a diverse group of fans. That is one reason why I rated Dead Ringer so high. In addition the characters are interesting, unique, and most contain flair in their personality that I felt fit this specific individual's role.
Take Midori Bishop, the heroine, who steps into trouble when she finds a fellow musician's dead boy. When she enters the mystery to clear a crush's reputation she finds more than she bargains for. Enter the world of music that includes murder and secrets. It was easy to be enticed into the whodunit of the story. Your attention is captured until the very end when the twist is given into finishing the story.
The other part that is favorable about the story is how well Sarah sets the scene. It is easy to feel present as the scene is set from the very first page of the book. You can feel the echo's and dampness of having music class sitting in the grungy basement of an old church. The anxiety in the room and when the action happens makes the reader feel the emotions emitting from the story. When the novel emits heightened awareness, it was like I could feel little hairs standing up from the emotions that I was feeling from the book. I liked that. I felt I was sitting in the same room as the characters.
I recommend Dead Ringer for lovers of a multitude of genres. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.
First of all, if you love music than you will definitely love Dead Ringer. In addition, there is romance, mystery, betrayal, lies, and so much more. A mixture of genre to entice those that like to dabble in books that offer enjoyment to a diverse group of fans. That is one reason why I rated Dead Ringer so high. In addition the characters are interesting, unique, and most contain flair in their personality that I felt fit this specific individual's role.
Take Midori Bishop, the heroine, who steps into trouble when she finds a fellow musician's dead boy. When she enters the mystery to clear a crush's reputation she finds more than she bargains for. Enter the world of music that includes murder and secrets. It was easy to be enticed into the whodunit of the story. Your attention is captured until the very end when the twist is given into finishing the story.
The other part that is favorable about the story is how well Sarah sets the scene. It is easy to feel present as the scene is set from the very first page of the book. You can feel the echo's and dampness of having music class sitting in the grungy basement of an old church. The anxiety in the room and when the action happens makes the reader feel the emotions emitting from the story. When the novel emits heightened awareness, it was like I could feel little hairs standing up from the emotions that I was feeling from the book. I liked that. I felt I was sitting in the same room as the characters.
I recommend Dead Ringer for lovers of a multitude of genres. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.
July 29, 2017
A quick paced, fun cozy with likable characters. I enjoyed moving through the mystery with Dori and I really liked her friendship with JT. I'm hoping it'll become something more in book 2. There were a lot of characters which made it difficult to solve the mystery, but I think that's part of what made it fun...like Dori, every time I thought I had it figured out, something new popped up.
July 15, 2022
This was a cute cozy centered around an orchestra (although there wasn't a ton of music in this one.) I was hoping for a certain twist that didn't happen, but that's ok.
May 28, 2015
Mystery harmonizes with music in Sarah Fox's delightful new cozy, Dead Ringer.
Life is good for Midori Bishop, a violinist with the Point Grey Philharmonic Orchestra. Her relationship with the handsome and charismatic maestro, Hans is moving forward, and the renovations of the Abrams Center are almost complete.
After Midori discovers the strangled body of Jeremy Ralston, a cellist with more enemies than friends, suspicion falls on Hans. Earlier in the evening, Midori witnessed the two arguing, but she cannot believe that Hans is a murderer. Determined to prove his innocence and point the police towards the real killer, Midori starts asking questions – questions that point her towards the killer, and make the killer aware of her. If Midori isn't careful, her investigation may mean its curtains for her.
While Midori may be clueless in love, she is good at asking questions. It is easy to understand how difficult it is for her to leave the investigating to the police, particularly once she has begun. Her actions are believable, if at times rash.
Dead Ringer is an entertaining cozy with just the right amount of suspense. It is a great choice for reading on a lazy summer afternoon.
I received a copy of Dead Ringer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Life is good for Midori Bishop, a violinist with the Point Grey Philharmonic Orchestra. Her relationship with the handsome and charismatic maestro, Hans is moving forward, and the renovations of the Abrams Center are almost complete.
After Midori discovers the strangled body of Jeremy Ralston, a cellist with more enemies than friends, suspicion falls on Hans. Earlier in the evening, Midori witnessed the two arguing, but she cannot believe that Hans is a murderer. Determined to prove his innocence and point the police towards the real killer, Midori starts asking questions – questions that point her towards the killer, and make the killer aware of her. If Midori isn't careful, her investigation may mean its curtains for her.
While Midori may be clueless in love, she is good at asking questions. It is easy to understand how difficult it is for her to leave the investigating to the police, particularly once she has begun. Her actions are believable, if at times rash.
Dead Ringer is an entertaining cozy with just the right amount of suspense. It is a great choice for reading on a lazy summer afternoon.
I received a copy of Dead Ringer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
December 10, 2016
Midori Bishop is confusingly with her friend Mikayla, a maestro and a reverend when her music practice is interrupted by finding a dead body. This unfortunate is a cellist and bell ringer. He's just been in a serious argument with another man and the little orchestra doesn't know how to cope. The police are on the job from the second chapter so no time is wasted in getting to grips with the case.
Midori plays and teaches violin, and she likes sushi. She's single but there is a Danish man who is interested. She's from Vancouver, where the tale is set. Unfortunately the Dane had argued with the late cellist and the police are very interested in the pair of them. Midori doesn't want to think the maestro could be involved, but if he is she might be in danger. Then she starts receiving harassment like a break-in. In theory this is exactly what a killer would not do, because every crime scene means more potential clues for the police. But there is more than one unsavoury issue.
Classical music fans will enjoy the regular name dropping about composers, concertos and symphonies. The book tends to dialogue rather than strong action and the minutiae of lives are explored in the search for the killer. The mystery is on the cosy side and suitable for teen readers if they choose.
I was sent an ARC for unbiased review.
Midori plays and teaches violin, and she likes sushi. She's single but there is a Danish man who is interested. She's from Vancouver, where the tale is set. Unfortunately the Dane had argued with the late cellist and the police are very interested in the pair of them. Midori doesn't want to think the maestro could be involved, but if he is she might be in danger. Then she starts receiving harassment like a break-in. In theory this is exactly what a killer would not do, because every crime scene means more potential clues for the police. But there is more than one unsavoury issue.
Classical music fans will enjoy the regular name dropping about composers, concertos and symphonies. The book tends to dialogue rather than strong action and the minutiae of lives are explored in the search for the killer. The mystery is on the cosy side and suitable for teen readers if they choose.
I was sent an ARC for unbiased review.
September 4, 2016
This book is set in the exciting world of symphony orchestras. When Midori discovers a dead body she and her boyfriend Hans start to investigate who killed the fellow musician. Hans quickly becomes the main suspect in this well written murder mystery. Midori is intelligent and quick to get to the point as she questions her list of suspects. Lots of music trivia and facts for the fans of this genre.
June 19, 2016
3,5 / 5
June 29, 2015
Fun characters and great suspense throughout the story make this a highly engaging read. I loved it!
May 7, 2017
I consider this novel to be a wonderful discovery! One of the most marvelous delights in sharing friendship with friends that also love to read is that as you exchange "book bags" to read, you may be introduced to an author that you would not have ever discovered on your own. Our recent "book bag exchange" introduced me to Sarah Fox, author of "Dead Ringer" - 1st in the series, A Music Lover's Mystery.
Mildori (Dori) Bishop is a modern Nancy Drew and her story is created in a unique cozy mystery setting. Dori plays second violin in the Point Grey Philharmonic and also teaches private violin lessons. Hans Clausen is Maestro of the Philharmonic but it appears he may soon become the maestro of Dori's heart. Dori's private lessons are given at a friend's home in Dunbar as JT being a musician, composer, and sound engineer has his own recording studio in his basement and also rents rooms on the main floor - one of which Dori rents to teach her private lessons.
I don't remember ever reading a cozy mystery or any mystery actually in the unique setting of an orchestra. I think this is a wonderful addition for cozy mystery fans who love classical music and perhaps had dreams of their own of playing in an orchestra. The cover art creations add to the delights of discovering this series. It will be interesting to read the next novels in the series, "Death in A Major: A Music Lover's Mystery" and "Deadly Overtures: A Music Lover's Mystery" and learn about Dori's next life adventures - both professionally and personally.
I also recommend reading more background information about the novels in the series at https://thewritefox.wordpress.com/.
Mildori (Dori) Bishop is a modern Nancy Drew and her story is created in a unique cozy mystery setting. Dori plays second violin in the Point Grey Philharmonic and also teaches private violin lessons. Hans Clausen is Maestro of the Philharmonic but it appears he may soon become the maestro of Dori's heart. Dori's private lessons are given at a friend's home in Dunbar as JT being a musician, composer, and sound engineer has his own recording studio in his basement and also rents rooms on the main floor - one of which Dori rents to teach her private lessons.
I don't remember ever reading a cozy mystery or any mystery actually in the unique setting of an orchestra. I think this is a wonderful addition for cozy mystery fans who love classical music and perhaps had dreams of their own of playing in an orchestra. The cover art creations add to the delights of discovering this series. It will be interesting to read the next novels in the series, "Death in A Major: A Music Lover's Mystery" and "Deadly Overtures: A Music Lover's Mystery" and learn about Dori's next life adventures - both professionally and personally.
I also recommend reading more background information about the novels in the series at https://thewritefox.wordpress.com/.
April 10, 2020
A music lover's mystery.
I love music and a good mystery. So, I'll love this book, right?
Well ... it was OK and interesting enough to at least keep me reading through to the implausible conclusion with a few dangling loose ends.
Will Midori Bishop, the violinist and amateur sleuth who solves the mystery ahead of the police and risks her life in the process, find the elusive love of her life? Did she even go out on that date with the Brit with cute dimples?
Will her best friend JT tell her how he really feels?
Does the lying cad Maestro Hans Clausen keep his job or get called out and kicked off the podium?
If you're looking for a cozy mystery diversion in these times of troubles, sit back, relax and enjoy Dead Ringer. It's a fun read in spite of the flaws.
I love music and a good mystery. So, I'll love this book, right?
Well ... it was OK and interesting enough to at least keep me reading through to the implausible conclusion with a few dangling loose ends.
Will Midori Bishop, the violinist and amateur sleuth who solves the mystery ahead of the police and risks her life in the process, find the elusive love of her life? Did she even go out on that date with the Brit with cute dimples?
Will her best friend JT tell her how he really feels?
Does the lying cad Maestro Hans Clausen keep his job or get called out and kicked off the podium?
If you're looking for a cozy mystery diversion in these times of troubles, sit back, relax and enjoy Dead Ringer. It's a fun read in spite of the flaws.
October 16, 2022
Dead Ringer by Sarsh Fox is the first book in the Music Lover's Mystery series. Violinist Midori Bishop comes across the body of the substitute celloist during orchestra rehearsal. A nice start to the series but I had a hard time with Midori and her snooping. There really was no reason for her to get involved in the investigation and she seemed to make a lot of poor choices along the way. The music aspect was not as pronounced as what I thought it would be. An interesting mystery but I just didn't care much for the characters.
July 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Midori Bishop is a violinist in an orchestra in Vancouver. When she discovers the dead body of a substitute in the orchestra she begins investigating. She's trying to clear the name of the maestro, who she has been seeing, much to the dismay of the cops and her best friend, JT. I loved that this centered around music and I look forward to reading more books in this series. I hope Midori and JT eventually end up in a relationship!
February 20, 2019
I found this novel to be incredibly simplistic and oh so predictable. She, Midori, plays a violin and her orchestra has to rehearse in a church because of renovations in their usual spot. There’s a murder in the church and she persistently sticks her nose into every aspect of the crime. Of course, she puts herself in harm’s way constantly but never seems to catch on to how her presumptuous interference has something to do with it. I gave this 2.5 stars.
April 2, 2021
Not all that bad of a mystery book, not sure I liked the lead female character, she did to many stupid things that she should have realized were terrible mistakes.
May 16, 2022
Its my first time reading Sarah and first time reading about a murder set within people playing in a band, What a fun fresh new read. Great story and I cant wait to finish the series.
September 10, 2024
Not her best.
April 2, 2025
3.5 stars
May 9, 2025
Wished there was more music!
August 29, 2021
This was mildly entertaining but somewhat let down by clunky, pedestrian prose and a rather predictable plot. The plot twists were clearly signposted to the reader but not, apparently, the protagonist, whose lack of self-awareness tended to irritate. I also felt the series title of "Music Lover's Mystery" was slightly misleading as music was fairly peripheral to the story.
On the plus side, the Vancouver setting was refreshing and I learned a new word- "narthex".
Despite the niggles I was sufficiently engaged to finish the book and may well try the next one in the series, if only to find out how Midori's personal life develops.
On the plus side, the Vancouver setting was refreshing and I learned a new word- "narthex".
Despite the niggles I was sufficiently engaged to finish the book and may well try the next one in the series, if only to find out how Midori's personal life develops.
June 19, 2015
It truly as a reader has been a very long time since I have read a true mystery. By that I mean the main focus is the mystery with none or very little romance, and if there is they are usually a couple that goes about solving them. Curious to say the least would be how I enter this novel with never having read this author before either. When the beginning is given and you meet Midori a violinist that is at rehearsal with at first the hint of more than music coming into play. She is a spunky girl that is also curious with that opening the door to alot of trouble for her because of what she will stumble onto. A dead body of a fellow musician will take her on her own hunt because well that is her nature as you will find out as you read. The two detectives are also supporting characters that will be popping in and out as she will encounter them more than once. A touch of romance but will fizzle out due to him being a slim ball. She does have a really good friend named JT who she will turn to many times but I do believe if she really looked hard enough she would see there could be something more but they both seem to shy away from it. Anyways the mystery itself is the true fun part in the reading of this novel. The clues given and followed are quite delightful with you playing detective too. Though at times it was so captivating I would forget to do that and just be caught up in the mystery from the events that would happen. because she could not leave it to the detectives even though she would try and even tell her friend so I do not think she could help herself. For every time she had a look see she sent a reaction into effect. This author though is very good at throwing you off of the real who done it and by the time you reach that part you will have your mouth hanging open smacking your head for not having seen that one. So delightful and refreshing change of pace for me and reminded me why at times in past I would inhale mysteries when I found a good author. Received a copy for a honest review.
August 11, 2018
This book was really good, lots of suspense and action going on made me want to keep reading and reading. I thought it was an interesting job for a cozy mystery protagonist to have, unique since I hadn't read any other cozies that had the main character as a professional musician.
When one of the temporary members of the orchestra was killed in the church where they held rehearsals, Midori Bishop was suspicious that this wasn't just an accident. The man who was killed wasn't very well-liked in the orchestra, and Midori had heard him threatening her boss, the maestro. She also was getting to know the maestro in a relationship that hadn't quite started yet. Even when that didn't work out, she definitely didn't want him blamed for something she just knew he couldn't have done. While investigating, Midori has a few scares, one of which could have killed her, so her good friend JT insists she come and use his guest room--she already rented space from him where she gave violin lessons.
The showdown was exciting because a fire was involved and I was on the edge of my chair as to what would happen next. Yes, I knew she'd be ok, I just wanted to see how she managed to do that. ;) With the perp caught and in custody, JT and Dori, as he called her, were able to enjoy that TV-watching marathon they've talked about.
Poor Midori doesn't seem to have much luck in the romance department. I wish she'd just realize that since she's best friends with JT, that's half the battle of finding a good guy. He's amazing to her and even though he doesn't approve of her sleuthing, he manages to at least listen to what she has to say. Hopefully they'll get together in a future book! This is one of the best friendships I've seen in a book. Usually the sleuth has a girlfriend to rely on, but I really like JT. His dog Finnegan sounds pretty awesome too. He was great when Midori was having nightmares. I'm going to try and get to the second book before the summer is over, and hopefully the third book.
When one of the temporary members of the orchestra was killed in the church where they held rehearsals, Midori Bishop was suspicious that this wasn't just an accident. The man who was killed wasn't very well-liked in the orchestra, and Midori had heard him threatening her boss, the maestro. She also was getting to know the maestro in a relationship that hadn't quite started yet. Even when that didn't work out, she definitely didn't want him blamed for something she just knew he couldn't have done. While investigating, Midori has a few scares, one of which could have killed her, so her good friend JT insists she come and use his guest room--she already rented space from him where she gave violin lessons.
The showdown was exciting because a fire was involved and I was on the edge of my chair as to what would happen next. Yes, I knew she'd be ok, I just wanted to see how she managed to do that. ;) With the perp caught and in custody, JT and Dori, as he called her, were able to enjoy that TV-watching marathon they've talked about.
Poor Midori doesn't seem to have much luck in the romance department. I wish she'd just realize that since she's best friends with JT, that's half the battle of finding a good guy. He's amazing to her and even though he doesn't approve of her sleuthing, he manages to at least listen to what she has to say. Hopefully they'll get together in a future book! This is one of the best friendships I've seen in a book. Usually the sleuth has a girlfriend to rely on, but I really like JT. His dog Finnegan sounds pretty awesome too. He was great when Midori was having nightmares. I'm going to try and get to the second book before the summer is over, and hopefully the third book.
October 7, 2016
A very enjoyable and believable cozy mystery! Filled with plenty of intrigue, suspense in a setting that hasn't been done death as some others have. Loved that it was music related as it brought a fresh new venue to my favorite form of reading entertainment!! Looking forward to reading more of this series!!
July 4, 2018
As a musician myself, I really enjoyed the musical aspects of the story and the music related imagery. The mystery was exciting and made the reader wonder if Midori would make it out alive! Looking forward to the next in the series!
January 14, 2020
I loved the music aspect, but I got annoyed with the main character's constant "I'm going to investigate", "no I'm not", "yes I am" - the whole thing felt like even more of a stretch than normal for a cozy. So I probably won't read any more of this series.
June 6, 2021
Good. This is one of her early books. It is not as good as her other series'. But a solid mystery.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews