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Swing: A Mystery
Two-time Edgar Award winner Rupert Holmes-author of the critically acclaimed Where the Truth Lies and creator of the Tony Award—winning musical whodunit The Mystery of Edwin Drood-now fuses gripping suspense and evocative music in an innovative novel of intrigue set in 1940, during the very heart of the Big Band era. Swing is a multimedia experience, it contains musical tracks which give clues to the mystery. Jazz saxophonist and arranger Ray Sherwood, touring with the Jack Donovan Orchestra, is haunted by personal tragedy. But when a beautiful and talented Berkeley student named Gail Prentice seeks his help in orchestrating a highly original composition called Swing Around the Sun, which is slated to premiere at the Golden Gate Exposition on the newly created Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, Ray finds himself powerfully drawn to the beguiling coed. Within moments of first setting eyes on her, Ray also witnesses a horrifying a young woman plunging to her death from the island's emblematic Tower of the Sun. As the captivated Ray learns more about Gail and her unusual family, he finds himself trapped in a tightening coil of spiraling secrets- some personally devastating, all dangerous and deadly- in which from moment to moment nothing is certain, including Gail's intentions toward him and her connection to the dead woman who made such a grisly impact upon the stunning island. As events speed toward a shocking climax, Ray must use all his physical daring and improvisational skills to unlock an ominous puzzle whose sinister implications stretch far beyond anything he could imagine. Swing is a brilliant historical thriller-with an extra twist that extends beyond its pages. Accompanying the novel is a CD of original songs and music that feature prominently in the story, within which the reader may find additional clues to the mysteries of Swing.
MP3 CD
First published January 1, 2005
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About the author
Rupert Holmes
32 books919 followersRupert Holmes was born on February 24, 1947, in Northwich, Cheshire, England. Soon after, he ventured forth to America (New York) with his British mum and Air Force dad. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, Mr. Holmes delved into the art of melodious sound. A successful piano player for both the Cuff Links and the Buoys, with whom he had his first international hit, "Timothy," in 1971, Rupert also wrote and arranged songs for Gene Pitney, The Platters, The Drifters and the Partridge Family.
With the new millennium, Holmes added novel writing to his repertoire. His critically-acclaimed mystery, Where the Truth Lies, was a Booklist Top Ten Debut Novel; his second, Swing, was a San Francisco Chronicle Top Ten Best Seller, called “imaginative, smart, sophisticated and impressively elaborate” by Janet Maslin of the New York Times. His short stories have been anthologized in such prestigious collections as Best American Mystery Stories, On a Raven’s Wing, A Merry Band of Murderers and Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop. He was also commissioned by The New York Times to write the Arts and Leisure tribute celebrating the one hundredth birthday of Irving Berlin.
With the new millennium, Holmes added novel writing to his repertoire. His critically-acclaimed mystery, Where the Truth Lies, was a Booklist Top Ten Debut Novel; his second, Swing, was a San Francisco Chronicle Top Ten Best Seller, called “imaginative, smart, sophisticated and impressively elaborate” by Janet Maslin of the New York Times. His short stories have been anthologized in such prestigious collections as Best American Mystery Stories, On a Raven’s Wing, A Merry Band of Murderers and Christmas at the Mysterious Bookshop. He was also commissioned by The New York Times to write the Arts and Leisure tribute celebrating the one hundredth birthday of Irving Berlin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 14, 2013
Rupert Holmes is a renaissance man. He has written many a hit pop song (“Escape: The Pina Colada song), had Broadway hits (The Mystery Of Edwin Drood which he a wrote book, lyrics and music – an rather uncommon feat, Curtains) and a much loved TV show on AMC, (Remember WENN). He has written two mystery novels: Where the Truth Lies which was turned into quite a good film starring Colin Firth and Kevin Bacon . His latest, Swing, is a fun romp set during the last days of the Golden Gate International Exposition (1939 San Francisco World’s Fair). This book had me written all over it. Breezy mystery set in the 1940s with wisecracking dialogue. Worlds Fair setting! Claremont Hotel and other local landmarks form a backdrop. The hard cover version comes with CD of swinging tunes that help give clues to the mystery (later versions allow you to download the music). A very fun read. A nice puzzle. Overall a really diverting enjoyable ride.
July 10, 2008
It was okay. Rupert Holmes has such a great feel for the Depression era. I don't know that the mystery was all that great. The characterizations were very strong. You read many books and they could take place in any time. Holmes makes you feel the thin shoe leather, hear the crackling radios and breathe the air of that bygone period. A fun twist with this novel, is that much of the story revolves around music and particular tunes. The book comes with a CD of the music, and if you are reading a copy that doesn't, you can download the music from his website.
September 25, 2008
A jazz mystery. How bizzare is that? Quite, but it works. This book is like the movie 'Lone Star' in that I can't tell you why it is so good without ruining it for anyone who hasn't read it. Pick it up, check it out. It's worth your time. Besides, it's set in San Francisco during the 1940 World's Fair, and the history woven into it is interesting. Who knew that the Army Corps of Engineers had created an island for the World's Fair? I didn't until I read 'Swing.'
November 4, 2017
Very good "old school" mystery, with enough intrigue and historical reference to make the world seem more real than your average whodunnit.
May 22, 2019
Ray Sherwood, a talented jazz musician traveling the nation with Jack Donovan and His Orchestra, stays on the road in an attempt to outrun the heartache from his past. Arriving in San Francisco in September 1940, the orchestra's engagement coincides with the Golden Gate International Exposition, held on the man-made Treasure Island located below the famous Golden Gate Bridge. The World's Fair supplies more than just spectacular exhibits. It is also the backdrop for intrigue and murder.
Ray receives a note at his hotel asking him to meet a woman named Gail at an Exhibition café to discuss a business proposition. Sufficiently intrigued, Ray arrives a bit early and is accosted by a French woman seeking a husband. After his meeting with Gail, Ray witnesses the same French woman plunge to her death from the Tower of the Sun. At first, it's ruled a suicide, but as Ray gets more deeply involved with Gail and her friends and family, he uncovers unsettling things that turn out to be more dangerous than he can imagine.
This novel takes a fantastic peek into the world of a jazz musician in the 1940s. Ray is an endearing character with plenty of flaws, yet vulnerable and smart. The way he puzzles out the mystery is inspiring. The descriptions and pictures of the San Francisco World's Fair piqued my interest and caused me to want to read more about the true event that serves as a backdrop for this fictional tale. The supporting characters are richly drawn and add harmony to the main melody of the storyline.
A CD of the music is included to enhance the reader's enjoyment of the story. The CD contains 'extra musical clues' but does not give any of the mystery away if enjoyed apart from the book. A friend of mine listened to the CD before reading the book and found some of it strange, so I recommend experiencing it while reading. It's not crucial to listen in order to understand the book, but it greatly strengthens the impact of the climax and unveiling of the mystery.
Rupert Holmes is an award-winning author and composer. His talent shines here, both in the music and the highly original plot. The action is fast-paced and the musical discussion is complex enough to please even the most educated reader, yet sufficiently detailed enough for those with no musical background. Swing is a wonderful book to lose yourself in for a few hours or days, one that will stay with you for a long time.
Ray receives a note at his hotel asking him to meet a woman named Gail at an Exhibition café to discuss a business proposition. Sufficiently intrigued, Ray arrives a bit early and is accosted by a French woman seeking a husband. After his meeting with Gail, Ray witnesses the same French woman plunge to her death from the Tower of the Sun. At first, it's ruled a suicide, but as Ray gets more deeply involved with Gail and her friends and family, he uncovers unsettling things that turn out to be more dangerous than he can imagine.
This novel takes a fantastic peek into the world of a jazz musician in the 1940s. Ray is an endearing character with plenty of flaws, yet vulnerable and smart. The way he puzzles out the mystery is inspiring. The descriptions and pictures of the San Francisco World's Fair piqued my interest and caused me to want to read more about the true event that serves as a backdrop for this fictional tale. The supporting characters are richly drawn and add harmony to the main melody of the storyline.
A CD of the music is included to enhance the reader's enjoyment of the story. The CD contains 'extra musical clues' but does not give any of the mystery away if enjoyed apart from the book. A friend of mine listened to the CD before reading the book and found some of it strange, so I recommend experiencing it while reading. It's not crucial to listen in order to understand the book, but it greatly strengthens the impact of the climax and unveiling of the mystery.
Rupert Holmes is an award-winning author and composer. His talent shines here, both in the music and the highly original plot. The action is fast-paced and the musical discussion is complex enough to please even the most educated reader, yet sufficiently detailed enough for those with no musical background. Swing is a wonderful book to lose yourself in for a few hours or days, one that will stay with you for a long time.
February 8, 2017
A great twisting tale of mystery, murder and espionage. I found this in a thrift book store and it looked interesting. I recognized the author's name. Happy find. It is a great story - set in pre-WWII San Francisco, California - describing in great detail the music vibe and mood during this Era. I like Swing music and get most of the references, although I cannot vouch for the composition and score references because I cannot read music and do not play an instrument, but you don't have to - all is explained in great detail. Didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this as a Good Read and suggest reading through the Acknowledgement section (which I would normally skip) for more insight.
January 15, 2014
A hugely enjoyable historical mystery set in 1940 in and around the San Francisco Golden Gate Exhibition. Swing musician and orchestrator Ray Sherwood gets dragged into a Nazi/Japanese plot when he agrees with beautiful young composer to arrange her prizewinning experimental composition "Swing Around the Sun". For the most part this is gloriously flip, just as you'd expect it to be, but there are some (far) darker motifs lurking in amongst the rest. Much recommended.
My copy came with a short CD containing six swing tracks and the swingily arranged "Swing Around the Sun" itself, all composed by Holmes.
My copy came with a short CD containing six swing tracks and the swingily arranged "Swing Around the Sun" itself, all composed by Holmes.
September 8, 2020
Swing is a decent little mystery with a musical twist. It's hook is that Broadway composer Holmes not only wrote the book but also a musical score that fits into the story. The songs were mostly good without being memorable while the book is absorbing and has enough twists to qualify as a good mystery even though he telegraphs a few of them. I would read another one if he ventures down this path again.
March 10, 2024
This book is unique in that there is a CD of music written for this book and the pieces are discussed in the book, intertwined with the plot. I enjoyed that part much more than I thought I would. The tone is great, plot intricate, twists and turns unexpected and abundant, pace is easy and setting interesting. This is a book that stays with you after you finish.
June 5, 2008
Not as good as Where the Truth Lies--but entertaining!
August 13, 2013
I listened to this book and regret every last minute I wasted.
August 3, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
I was walking through one of my local libraries recently, just looking to see what caught my eye when this book popped out at me. Rupert Holmes...a name with which I am familiar, and 'Swing' ... one of my favorite styles of music. This looked tailor-made for me.
Ray Sherwood is a jazz saxophonist. He also happens to be an accomplished arranger. Currently, Ray is in the San Francisco area with the Jack Donovan Orchestra for the Golden Gate Exposition and there is no shortage of attractive co-eds to add to the excitement of the World's Fair. One such beguiling co-ed, Gail Prentice, seeks Ray's help. A composition she wrote has been selected as a composition winner and will be performed at the exposition. Now Gail needs someone to arrange her piece for a full band.
It's a lot of work, and Ray looks to lose money on his time investment, but music (and women) are his life and he's impressed enough with Gail's composition that he looks forward to the challenge. It will also take his mind off another young woman he encountered about that same time - a woman who leaped to her death from Treasure Island's Tower of the Sun.
What I was hoping for ... and got ... was a mystery in which music played a key role. I can't say too much about it without giving a lot of the mystery away, but trust that music is key.
While the mystery itself starts off pretty spectacularly, much of the book is a slow process of character introduction and establishing location and talents. The meat of the mystery doesn't really develop until three-quarters of the way through and most who've read a fair number of mysteries can probably anticipate where this story is going. Still, it is, in fact, Holmes' character development and knowledge of music that keeps the story interesting. The chapters are quite short, making this a very easy read.
Anyone who can get a copy of the book that includes the CD will be rewarded with some fine music.
This was just what I was looking for while trolling the local library and I enjoyed the read.
Looking for a good book? Swing, by Rupert Holmes, is a delightful read and the perfect sort of mystery to read on a beach in the summer or while settling down in front of a fire in the colder months.
I was walking through one of my local libraries recently, just looking to see what caught my eye when this book popped out at me. Rupert Holmes...a name with which I am familiar, and 'Swing' ... one of my favorite styles of music. This looked tailor-made for me.
Ray Sherwood is a jazz saxophonist. He also happens to be an accomplished arranger. Currently, Ray is in the San Francisco area with the Jack Donovan Orchestra for the Golden Gate Exposition and there is no shortage of attractive co-eds to add to the excitement of the World's Fair. One such beguiling co-ed, Gail Prentice, seeks Ray's help. A composition she wrote has been selected as a composition winner and will be performed at the exposition. Now Gail needs someone to arrange her piece for a full band.
It's a lot of work, and Ray looks to lose money on his time investment, but music (and women) are his life and he's impressed enough with Gail's composition that he looks forward to the challenge. It will also take his mind off another young woman he encountered about that same time - a woman who leaped to her death from Treasure Island's Tower of the Sun.
What I was hoping for ... and got ... was a mystery in which music played a key role. I can't say too much about it without giving a lot of the mystery away, but trust that music is key.
While the mystery itself starts off pretty spectacularly, much of the book is a slow process of character introduction and establishing location and talents. The meat of the mystery doesn't really develop until three-quarters of the way through and most who've read a fair number of mysteries can probably anticipate where this story is going. Still, it is, in fact, Holmes' character development and knowledge of music that keeps the story interesting. The chapters are quite short, making this a very easy read.
Anyone who can get a copy of the book that includes the CD will be rewarded with some fine music.
This was just what I was looking for while trolling the local library and I enjoyed the read.
Looking for a good book? Swing, by Rupert Holmes, is a delightful read and the perfect sort of mystery to read on a beach in the summer or while settling down in front of a fire in the colder months.
July 31, 2023
Rupert Holmes is a real polymath -- musician, composer, arranger, playwright, author; multiple Tony Awards for The Mystery of Edwin Drood. So he's uniquely suited for a jazz musician main character, with an insider's knowledge of the business, and a solid love for the mystery genre to boot. The novel runs heavy on all the tropes of the Dashiell Hammett / Raymond Chandler style: the protagonist in over his head, the attractive dame who isn't what she seems, murky conspiracy, etc, and the prose was so ripe it was a pleasure to read. I wasn't expecting the evidently personal meditation in grief, although the dedication is a tip-off.
The ending doesn't quite work; both the protagonist and unmasked antagonist have at least two solid chapters of explaining every plot twist and trick at gunpoint. And although I didn't buy the main plot device at first -- it turns out the novel was originally published with an accompanying CD, and if a Broadway arranger and composer actually created the music, even if it's an Ornette Coleman level of atonality, well, I can't say "oh that's impossible."
The ending doesn't quite work; both the protagonist and unmasked antagonist have at least two solid chapters of explaining every plot twist and trick at gunpoint. And although I didn't buy the main plot device at first -- it turns out the novel was originally published with an accompanying CD, and if a Broadway arranger and composer actually created the music, even if it's an Ornette Coleman level of atonality, well, I can't say "oh that's impossible."
August 15, 2020
Swing: A Mystery, caught my eye on the shelf at the library once the library allowed patrons back in the door. Set in 1940 San Francisco, the story starts off a little slow but picks up steam and has a satisfying last half. Early on, when I read, "She was the kind of blonde only a chemist could love, with a uniform whose lumpiness was probably not entirely the uniforms fault", I knew I'd enjoy the writing. The main character, Ray Sherwood is a good guy. Makes the story more fun when you really like the characters. A good story and if you are musically educated, all the better. I was not familiar with Treasure Island so I did google earth and there it is, an unnatural looking man made island. I was very young when I lived near San Francisco in the late 40's and early 50s. I never noticed Treasure Island probably due to the fact that as a fearful four-year old whenever my mother would drive over the Golden Gate Bridge I was quaking in fear on the floor in the back seat not wanting to look. There is a CD in the back of the book with songs referenced in the story.
March 6, 2017
As soon as I saw that this book was about the Golden Gate exposition on Treasure Island -- I picked it up. People who grow up in San Francisco have a great tendency towards nostalgia! I was born after this event but one of my memories was of my father with two of my sisters walking through the fair--fedora and double breasted suit and baggy trousers!!! And that's how I pictured this book's main character!
Ray Bradbury, a member of a swing band, is playing at the nearby Claremont Hotel in Oakland. He's a tenor sax guy and also a very talented composer and arranger. He meets Gail (of course--boy meets girl!) and is also a witness to a rather grizzly death.
Events evolve and twisting plot is rather brilliant! Never thought I'd find an "Oakland Noir" book! I recommend to all who like a good convoluted mystery!
Ray Bradbury, a member of a swing band, is playing at the nearby Claremont Hotel in Oakland. He's a tenor sax guy and also a very talented composer and arranger. He meets Gail (of course--boy meets girl!) and is also a witness to a rather grizzly death.
Events evolve and twisting plot is rather brilliant! Never thought I'd find an "Oakland Noir" book! I recommend to all who like a good convoluted mystery!
May 23, 2023
A mystery book turned spy novel. While I'm not crazy about the spy stuff, the book was enjoyable. My only experience with this author is Escape (The Pina Colada song), and I love the song, so I wanted to give his books a try. And I'm glad I did. He has a way with words, and I found myself giggling at some of the lines he wrote. And the way he described things, it almost felt like you were there.
The mystery was well thought out in my opinion, and while I had it half solved, there were some interesting twists that I didn't see coming.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of his work.
The mystery was well thought out in my opinion, and while I had it half solved, there were some interesting twists that I didn't see coming.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of his work.
July 24, 2021
Loved this book when I read it when it was first published. I was talking to friends about it a few days ago and decided to research getting it -- I didn't remember the title or the author, but google found the name when I put in all the search terms, Treasure Island, San Francisco, espionage, jazz. I look forward to reading it again and seeing if it lives up to my memory of it. Now that I live in San Francisco and have been to Treasure Island a number of times (it looks nothing like the scene painted in the book now), I am eager to read it again.
October 14, 2024
I don’t read music, and I understand very little about jazz; despite this I found it to be a fun story. I liked the narrator who told the story. Though at times throughout the story I wanted to yell, “no that’s a really bad idea!” It seemed like there should be a mystery - I knew there would be a mystery… Just couldn’t figure out what it was until about midway through the book. But if you like the 40s era, and you find the geopolitical climate around the lead up to the US involvement in World War II interesting, You will probably find this to be an engaging book.
February 22, 2025
I listened to the audiobook which has some musical interludes that add to the storyline. If you are going to read this book, make sure it is the audiobook for that reason.
I disliked the main character intensley. That is not why I gave it such a low rating. That is from the unimaginative ending to the story and the long slog to get there. I almost DNF'd this book at the last chapter because the ending was so glaringly obvious. It was also unbelievable, which is two major strikes.
The author does have other novels that are much better written and executed.
I disliked the main character intensley. That is not why I gave it such a low rating. That is from the unimaginative ending to the story and the long slog to get there. I almost DNF'd this book at the last chapter because the ending was so glaringly obvious. It was also unbelievable, which is two major strikes.
The author does have other novels that are much better written and executed.
June 24, 2023
Set in San Francisco. 384 pp. What a story! It was a little slow burn at the beginning, but once it took off, boy, did it go! There’s even music composed for the book, available on the author’s website. Touching, funny, suspenseful… this book has it all.
Music: https://www.rupertholmes.com/swingmus... sw7ktz
Music: https://www.rupertholmes.com/swingmus... sw7ktz
February 4, 2021
Good old fashioned noire mystery featuring a haunted jazz
musician. Set in 1940, gives a great sense of Berkley CA and
the mood of the country. Comes with a CD featuring jazz music.
Nice to read some light fiction for a change!!
musician. Set in 1940, gives a great sense of Berkley CA and
the mood of the country. Comes with a CD featuring jazz music.
Nice to read some light fiction for a change!!
January 28, 2022
Really fun historical mystery. Cheesy. Coherent writing about music and jazz, which was nice. Good twist, but darkened by WWII politics that always distracts me. Also the narrative tone has enough wink to be a bit cringey, but overall a fun read
April 26, 2023
A fun book with a good sense of period and place, early 40’s SF and with a jazz saxophonist in the lead. It moves right along but sure tries to a lot (way too much) in the closing scenes. I did like the characters, but there are many other detectives stories about to compete with it.
June 4, 2023
This is a great historic San Francisco Bay Area mystery.
It includes pictures of the fair on Treasure Island and goes into the types of attractions there were.
I have passed it on to my Mom who went to the fair.
Hope she enjoys it as much as I did.
I own a copy.
It includes pictures of the fair on Treasure Island and goes into the types of attractions there were.
I have passed it on to my Mom who went to the fair.
Hope she enjoys it as much as I did.
I own a copy.
March 15, 2024
I found this book akin to watching a 40's era movie - slow in parts and somewhat cheesy in others - but as the mystery is solved the pace quickens and the many loose ends are tied up quite satisfyingly. Definitely helps if you have some nostalgia for Oakland and San Francisco in the 40's, too.
March 22, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this slightly unusual mystery thriller set in San Francisco.
September 5, 2022
I liked the period stuff and the East Bay locale, but wasn't entirely buying the thriller plot.
October 6, 2022
An interesting plot but I found it very confusing. Too many sub-plots, blind alleys and details. It got interesting toward the end but I am not sure that I fully understand the ending.
August 28, 2023
Darn good, while I did figure out who did some of it, other elements surprised me at the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews