Murder in the Choir

Helen Mirkin #2

by Ruth Shidlo

In this second Helen Mirkin novel, upon her return to Tel Aviv, Detective Inspector Helen Mirkin is tasked with finding opera singer Araceli Pena, who uncharacteristically has missed two Wozzeck rehearsals before opening night. When she is found dead in bed, the circumstances of her death are far from clear.


The investigation takes DI Mirkin behind the scenes, to the mercurial world of the annual Opera Music Workshop, rife with competition and backstabbing among the singer’s colleagues, many of whom dream of being awarded the Seagram Grant to study under the best coaches New York can offer.


When the meteoric composer Israel Berger is shot dead shortly thereafter, the stakes are even higher for DI Mirkin, as the music world she cherishes seems to be under attack. Are the two deaths related? Can the Opera Music Workshop survive? And can DI Mirkin open a new chapter in her life and find happiness and love?

312 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2016

About the author

Born in Portugal, Ruth Shidlo has also lived in Spain, Israel, and the United States. She practices as a psychologist in Tel Aviv, and is the author of the Helen Mirkin series. Her books are available via Amazon and other online sellers.

https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Shidlo/e/...

Print version: To be announced

Goodreads Giveaway:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

Reviews

[Aliza Ben Moha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I came across this title, my first reaction was. “Who got murdered? The Soprano or the music?”… The second D I Mirkin novel is set against the choral music scene in Tel Aviv - a scene Shidlo is familiar with (as am I, which is why I chose to read and review this book). A very talented opera singer on the verge of a major career break is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Was it accident? Did she commit suicide? Or was she murdered? As the investigation progresses, the list of suspects grows longer, including fellow participants of the prestigious Opera workshop, egocentric directors and rich benefactors. Who wanted Araceli Pena dead, and why? D I Helen Mirkin tries to juggle between her personal life as a gay woman, her love for music and choir singing, and her career as a police officer in order to solve the mystery before another body turns up.

I enjoyed reading the book. Looking forward to No. 3.

[Michal Or · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into the story from the beginning, and found it hard to put down. I wanted to learn more about the various characters and what makes them tick, and I loved the setting in the musical world. This is the second book I've read by this exciting new Israeli author, and I look forward to DI Mirkin's next case. I am also curious about her relationship with Mira, and where it will go.