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Joseph Haydn Mystery #2
Aria to Death
When Monteverdi's lost operas surface, so does a killer desperate to possess them, , ,
Preoccupied with preparations for the opera season at Eszterháza, Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn receives a curious request from a friend in Vienna. Kaspar, an impoverished violinist with an ailing wife, wishes Haydn to evaluate a collection of scores reputed to be the lost operas of Monteverdi.
Haydn is intrigued until Her Majesty, Empress Maria Theresa, summons him with a similar request. Skeptical of the value of Kaspar’s bequest, Haydn nevertheless offers to help. But before he can examine the works, Kaspar is murdered—beaten and left to die in front of a wine tavern.
The police are quick to dismiss the death as a robbery gone wrong. But Haydn is not so sure. Kaspar’s keys were stolen and his house broken into. Could his bequest be genuine after all? And can Haydn find the true operas—and the man willing to kill for them?
Preoccupied with preparations for the opera season at Eszterháza, Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn receives a curious request from a friend in Vienna. Kaspar, an impoverished violinist with an ailing wife, wishes Haydn to evaluate a collection of scores reputed to be the lost operas of Monteverdi.
Haydn is intrigued until Her Majesty, Empress Maria Theresa, summons him with a similar request. Skeptical of the value of Kaspar’s bequest, Haydn nevertheless offers to help. But before he can examine the works, Kaspar is murdered—beaten and left to die in front of a wine tavern.
The police are quick to dismiss the death as a robbery gone wrong. But Haydn is not so sure. Kaspar’s keys were stolen and his house broken into. Could his bequest be genuine after all? And can Haydn find the true operas—and the man willing to kill for them?
- GenresMystery
301 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2017
10 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Nupur Tustin
20 books122 followersA former journalist, Nupur Tustin relies upon a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to orchestrate fictional mayhem. Childhood piano lessons and a 1903 Weber Upright share equal blame for her musical works.
Haydn Series: www.ntustin.com
Music: www.ntustin.musicaneo.com
Haydn Series: www.ntustin.com
Music: www.ntustin.musicaneo.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 27, 2018
Welcome to the musical world of Joseph Haydn, an Austrian composer from the mid to late 1700's. In this intriguing historical murder mystery we come to know him and his background as he investigates the death of an old friend. Kaspar is an impoverished violinist who has received a potentially valuable inheritance from his uncle. Kaspar has received an old worm eaten wooden chest which supposedly holds the lost operas of Monteverdi. He has sent for Haydn to validate them. Haydn doubts that they can be authentic but when Her Majesty, Empress Maria Theresa also summons him for a similar request, he starts to wonder if the bequest is actually the real operas. Before he can see the music, Kaspar is attacked and viciously beaten to death. Haydn becomes determined to find Kaspar's murderers and save the missing inheritance for his ailing wife. Tied to this storyline is the theft of a valuable necklace belonging to the Empress. As the Empress's maid and other female household staff members work to solve the theft, they discover the same people are involved in it that Haydn is investigating for the murder.
I wasn't sure what to expect as I starting reading this book? I was familiar with this period in time and have read a lot about the royal families and the music that was created for their benefit. Austria-Hungary was at their peak of power and Vienna was the heart of the music world. Haydn mentored both Mozart and Beethoven and became a leading composer of symphonies and operas during his long life. I felt that the characters came to life as I read and that the background and settings were portrayed in a very realistic fashion. The murder and missing operas made for a highly entertaining plot with lots of twists, turns and red herrings. I found that I really enjoyed reading this historical mystery book. The author's writing was well done and the murder spaced out in a very organized manner. I think any mystery or historical reader will enjoy reading this book. I did read at a slower pace than I usually do because both the characters and setting were very complex. I needed to pay more attention to the details to keep everything and everybody straight. All in all, this was a very entertaining adventure and I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series, "A Minor Deception."
I wasn't sure what to expect as I starting reading this book? I was familiar with this period in time and have read a lot about the royal families and the music that was created for their benefit. Austria-Hungary was at their peak of power and Vienna was the heart of the music world. Haydn mentored both Mozart and Beethoven and became a leading composer of symphonies and operas during his long life. I felt that the characters came to life as I read and that the background and settings were portrayed in a very realistic fashion. The murder and missing operas made for a highly entertaining plot with lots of twists, turns and red herrings. I found that I really enjoyed reading this historical mystery book. The author's writing was well done and the murder spaced out in a very organized manner. I think any mystery or historical reader will enjoy reading this book. I did read at a slower pace than I usually do because both the characters and setting were very complex. I needed to pay more attention to the details to keep everything and everybody straight. All in all, this was a very entertaining adventure and I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series, "A Minor Deception."
November 29, 2017
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April 29, 2018
The premise was fun, but when it came to reading the book, I couldn't. I tried several times, but I felt like I was just reading words and sentences that didn't actually fit together. I thought I would like the music connection, but the references were really bizarre and frustrating if you have musical background. I felt like this could have been a decent book with some judicious editing and some plot refinement. I wanted to like it, but it just didn't have any redeeming qualities that I could find.
I received a copy of this book at no cost, in return for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book at no cost, in return for my honest review.
April 19, 2018
Aria To Death
by Nupur Tustin
review by Jessica Secrest
Monteverdi. Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) was a composer of operas. As I read the first part of this story, it seemed familiar to me. When I read the author's notes, Monteverdi's story again seemed familiar.
I cannot figure out why. I wondered if I had read the story in hard back. As the story continued, I didn't remember reading the story. It has an excellent twist in the end that I thoroughly enjoyed. I wonder if I heard of a similar story from my different studies in music.
It is based on historical figures, so it is possible. The author wrote that she was inspired by an actual robbery of Monteverdi's coat when he was traveling. Perhaps that is the story I heard.
This is the second in the Joseph Haydn Mysteries. I would be interested in reading the first one. The characters are interesting and well crafted. You can see the craftiness of the villains. There are many misdirections. Sometimes the main characters act without common sense and really drove me nuts.
Spoiler alert: Everyone is after the chest. Haydn carries the chest out in the open instead of taking it somewhere that it will be safe. I mean, really? I had to quit reading for a time.
Did I mention Rosalie? She is a palace maid. She is resourceful, kind, clever, and brave. I really like her. She is also a cautious and watchful. She knows when to keep her mouth shut.
Sometimes, I wished Johann, Haydn's brother, would have kept his mouth shut, but the author used him to move the story along.
I was shocked by who the first victim was. Later, when you find out why he was killed, really sad, gruesome and sad.
I had trouble reading some of the titles as the story takes place in Vienna. Haydn's title is Kapellmeister. I tried reading it as acapella, without the a's. Meister wasn't any problem for me. I am not sure what his job description is, but I think he was the head music master at the palace and Konzertmeister, Luigi Tomasini was directly under him and second in command of the singers, actors, and orchestra. Luigi seemed to work with them more than Haydn. Haydn was to busy solving the mystery.
If you enjoy historical mysteries and music, try this one. This story has a lot of twists and turns in it. It will grab your attention. I dare you to guess who is behind all of the treachery.
by Nupur Tustin
review by Jessica Secrest
Monteverdi. Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) was a composer of operas. As I read the first part of this story, it seemed familiar to me. When I read the author's notes, Monteverdi's story again seemed familiar.
I cannot figure out why. I wondered if I had read the story in hard back. As the story continued, I didn't remember reading the story. It has an excellent twist in the end that I thoroughly enjoyed. I wonder if I heard of a similar story from my different studies in music.
It is based on historical figures, so it is possible. The author wrote that she was inspired by an actual robbery of Monteverdi's coat when he was traveling. Perhaps that is the story I heard.
This is the second in the Joseph Haydn Mysteries. I would be interested in reading the first one. The characters are interesting and well crafted. You can see the craftiness of the villains. There are many misdirections. Sometimes the main characters act without common sense and really drove me nuts.
Spoiler alert: Everyone is after the chest. Haydn carries the chest out in the open instead of taking it somewhere that it will be safe. I mean, really? I had to quit reading for a time.
Did I mention Rosalie? She is a palace maid. She is resourceful, kind, clever, and brave. I really like her. She is also a cautious and watchful. She knows when to keep her mouth shut.
Sometimes, I wished Johann, Haydn's brother, would have kept his mouth shut, but the author used him to move the story along.
I was shocked by who the first victim was. Later, when you find out why he was killed, really sad, gruesome and sad.
I had trouble reading some of the titles as the story takes place in Vienna. Haydn's title is Kapellmeister. I tried reading it as acapella, without the a's. Meister wasn't any problem for me. I am not sure what his job description is, but I think he was the head music master at the palace and Konzertmeister, Luigi Tomasini was directly under him and second in command of the singers, actors, and orchestra. Luigi seemed to work with them more than Haydn. Haydn was to busy solving the mystery.
If you enjoy historical mysteries and music, try this one. This story has a lot of twists and turns in it. It will grab your attention. I dare you to guess who is behind all of the treachery.
April 27, 2018
2.75 stars
As a classically trained musician with a degree in music and a love for classical works, I was really excited to read ARIA TO DEATH. With a composer as the amateur sleuth, its Venetian setting, and mystery tied to lost operas I expected great things, and, perhaps, those expectations are my problem with this book. I found this book slow going and easy to put down. The pace did pick up about midway through the story, but I never felt compelled to keep reading.
In ARIA TO DEATH, Joseph Haydn searches for and authenticates the lost opera scores of Monteverdi while trying to solve a murder (or two) along the way. Haydn is supposed to be the friend of murder victim Kasper, but he comes across as a little too wooden in his reaction to and investigation of Kasper’s death. In fact all of the characters feel stilted with the exception of Haydn’s feelings and interactions with his younger brother Johann. I enjoyed their brotherly banter. Also of note is one of the palace maids, Rosalie. In fact, the subplot involving one of the Empresss’s stolen necklaces, and Rosalie’s plucky determination and sleuthing skills, are the best part of the book. This subplot and the final twist concerning the murderer and his identity save the book.
I recommend ARIA TO DEATH to readers interested in the Austria-Hungary royalty and the time period. Also those interested in Monteverdi’s lost operas might enjoy this.
I received a copy of this title from the publisher through The Review Crew and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
As a classically trained musician with a degree in music and a love for classical works, I was really excited to read ARIA TO DEATH. With a composer as the amateur sleuth, its Venetian setting, and mystery tied to lost operas I expected great things, and, perhaps, those expectations are my problem with this book. I found this book slow going and easy to put down. The pace did pick up about midway through the story, but I never felt compelled to keep reading.
In ARIA TO DEATH, Joseph Haydn searches for and authenticates the lost opera scores of Monteverdi while trying to solve a murder (or two) along the way. Haydn is supposed to be the friend of murder victim Kasper, but he comes across as a little too wooden in his reaction to and investigation of Kasper’s death. In fact all of the characters feel stilted with the exception of Haydn’s feelings and interactions with his younger brother Johann. I enjoyed their brotherly banter. Also of note is one of the palace maids, Rosalie. In fact, the subplot involving one of the Empresss’s stolen necklaces, and Rosalie’s plucky determination and sleuthing skills, are the best part of the book. This subplot and the final twist concerning the murderer and his identity save the book.
I recommend ARIA TO DEATH to readers interested in the Austria-Hungary royalty and the time period. Also those interested in Monteverdi’s lost operas might enjoy this.
I received a copy of this title from the publisher through The Review Crew and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
March 31, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was previously unaware of this series but am now very glad I've found it. I loved the period of this book. The mystery had enough twists to keep me page turning and the supporting characters added to much humor and live to the story. I recommend this series especially if you love historical mysteries and music as a theme.
March 27, 2018
I enjoyed Aria To Death. It's a well plotted, thoughtful mystery where the protagonist is the famous composer Joseph Haydn. This author seamlessly combined history, music and a mystery. It made for a compelling story. I liked the characters. Their interaction with each other was believable and helpsed build the suspense. Against the background of Vienna and the Royal Court, I saw the suspects interact with Joseph and his brother. I must say that I was completely in the dark as to the perpetrator. I never guessed who did it. Nupur Tustin has a writing style that helped me appreciate musical history. I was intrigued by the lost operas of Claudio Monteverdi.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
April 26, 2018
**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.**
The setting: 1700s Austria, Esterhazy Rule
The crime: a murder must musical - the violinist Kaspar suffers a cruel fate thanks to his inheritance, a potentially priceless set of Monteverdi opera scores in the composer's own hand
I enjoyed this book very much, despite not having read the first in the series. I am often bothered when I don't have the context that the first book would provide, and while I with I had in certain contexts, such as the relationship with Haydn and his sister-in-law, Therese, I enjoyed it either way. The plot was engaging, the characters easy to care about, and the mysteries sufficiently shrouded in mist until the great reveal.
Now, that said, a few things to keep in mind when you start out:
-The musical notation references are horrendous. "The pianissimo of doubt swelled to a crescendo of disbelief" was a particularly heinous example. If you are a musician and are easily offended by silliness like this, Aria to Death is not for you.
-Many names are quite similar, and because of the author's interest in using the German language liberally throughout, it is easy to get lost on occasion. A briefer on the language is useful, but not required.
-There is a subplot involving maids and a missing necklace. While it is not immediately clear why you should care, it becomes more so with time. Give it a chance.
I wouldn't necessarily knock down doors to read the next in this series, but it was an enjoyable romp in a good setting, with characters with whom it is easy to build connections. Your time will not be wasted, and you might learn a thing or two about orchestras, sopranos, and composers while you do it.
The setting: 1700s Austria, Esterhazy Rule
The crime: a murder must musical - the violinist Kaspar suffers a cruel fate thanks to his inheritance, a potentially priceless set of Monteverdi opera scores in the composer's own hand
I enjoyed this book very much, despite not having read the first in the series. I am often bothered when I don't have the context that the first book would provide, and while I with I had in certain contexts, such as the relationship with Haydn and his sister-in-law, Therese, I enjoyed it either way. The plot was engaging, the characters easy to care about, and the mysteries sufficiently shrouded in mist until the great reveal.
Now, that said, a few things to keep in mind when you start out:
-The musical notation references are horrendous. "The pianissimo of doubt swelled to a crescendo of disbelief" was a particularly heinous example. If you are a musician and are easily offended by silliness like this, Aria to Death is not for you.
-Many names are quite similar, and because of the author's interest in using the German language liberally throughout, it is easy to get lost on occasion. A briefer on the language is useful, but not required.
-There is a subplot involving maids and a missing necklace. While it is not immediately clear why you should care, it becomes more so with time. Give it a chance.
I wouldn't necessarily knock down doors to read the next in this series, but it was an enjoyable romp in a good setting, with characters with whom it is easy to build connections. Your time will not be wasted, and you might learn a thing or two about orchestras, sopranos, and composers while you do it.
April 26, 2018
What a thought provoking, complex, uniquely plotted
historical fiction mystery!!!
The cast consists of cleverly crafted, well defined and
interesting characters. Murder, robbery, music, danger,
intrigue, politics and suspense add to the fast paced
adventures.
This takes the reader onto the musical stage of Joseph
Hayden who was an Austrian composer in the
Classical period. Haydn's job title was Kapellmeister
(music director) for the Esterházy family.
Joseph receives a request from a friend to authentic a
bequest of music scores.
Before Joseph can authenticate them the man is found
beaten to death. Joseph sets about to investigate what
happened to this music and who has beaten his friend
to death. He will be involved in a course that has many
twists and turns making the puzzle harder to piece
together.
There is also a theft of Her Majesty’s valuable necklace.
Her personal lady’s maid is accused of the deed. Other
members of the household staff decide to investigate as
they know Her Majesty’s maid is innocent. Danger lurks
at their every turn...
What a surprise to discover that incident ties into Joseph’s
murder inquiries!!! The plot thickens.
The various settings in the book are deftly described.
The reader is made part of the story. You travel along
with Joseph and the array of characters as part of
their adventures.
This is an engrossing historical mystery from the first
word to the final word.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
I volunteered to read Aria to Death. Thanks to the author
and publishing company via Facebook’s Cozy Mystery
Review Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
historical fiction mystery!!!
The cast consists of cleverly crafted, well defined and
interesting characters. Murder, robbery, music, danger,
intrigue, politics and suspense add to the fast paced
adventures.
This takes the reader onto the musical stage of Joseph
Hayden who was an Austrian composer in the
Classical period. Haydn's job title was Kapellmeister
(music director) for the Esterházy family.
Joseph receives a request from a friend to authentic a
bequest of music scores.
Before Joseph can authenticate them the man is found
beaten to death. Joseph sets about to investigate what
happened to this music and who has beaten his friend
to death. He will be involved in a course that has many
twists and turns making the puzzle harder to piece
together.
There is also a theft of Her Majesty’s valuable necklace.
Her personal lady’s maid is accused of the deed. Other
members of the household staff decide to investigate as
they know Her Majesty’s maid is innocent. Danger lurks
at their every turn...
What a surprise to discover that incident ties into Joseph’s
murder inquiries!!! The plot thickens.
The various settings in the book are deftly described.
The reader is made part of the story. You travel along
with Joseph and the array of characters as part of
their adventures.
This is an engrossing historical mystery from the first
word to the final word.
A Highly Recommended Read!!
I volunteered to read Aria to Death. Thanks to the author
and publishing company via Facebook’s Cozy Mystery
Review Crew for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
Read
April 30, 2018What an interesting book! Austria was the center of the music world at the time. Joseph Haydn, the composer, is asked to authenticate an inherited chest of lost opera scores penned by Monteverdi. Before that can happen, the inheritor, impoverished violinist Kasper is murdered and Joseph decides to investigate. The plot ensues with twists and turns and a tie-in to a stolen necklace. I enjoyed the historical mystery and if you are familiar with classical music it will be a real treat despite some corny musical references. I wasn’t familiar with this period of time but I did understand somewhat the ties between composers of the era and their wealthy and often royal benefactors. The author included details of the time and place that were new for me and required a bit of concentration as did the characters but overall it was interesting and a great read. The mystery was well laid out and included multiple false paths, twists and turns - especially the twist at the end. This is the second book in the series and I will definitely read the first book.
April 23, 2018
If you like historical murder mysteries than the world of Joseph Haydn will entice you. Joesph is an Austrian composer in the 1700's. He originally is hired to prove authenticity of the operas from his friend Kaspar. Kaspar claims they are very valuable since they are the lost operas of Monteverdi. Unfortunately Kaspar is killed and the operas are stolen. Haydn becomes determined to find Kaspar's murderer and help Kaspar's widow. During this mystery a necklace of the Empress is also stolen. What turns out to be unrelated brings all the players together. I loved the setting of this time period. The characters are interesting and the mysteries are intertwined nicely! I would recommend picking up this story!
April 28, 2018
I found that the time period and plot of this novel to be interesting. A composer who is also a detective? That made me want to read it even more. However, this novel moved rather slow for me. I was hoping that things would pick up, but the tempo remained the same throughout (no pun intended) and I started to lose interest. Yet, I read all the way to the end since I had to know what happened.
All in all, the premise of the book was interesting, but it just wasn't for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
All in all, the premise of the book was interesting, but it just wasn't for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
April 8, 2019
Kapellmeister (to Prince Esterházy) Joseph Haydn is back to solve a second mystery (after foiling an assassination plot against Empress Maria Theresa in 'A Minor Deception'). This time, he has been approached by an old friend to evaluate some musical manuscripts (allegedly by Claudio Monteverdi) that he received in a bequest from his merchant uncle. The man is found murdered in the streets of Vienna. Meanwhile, Haydn is summoned to the Empress herself to look over some Monteverdi manuscripts she has been given for possible purchase. Meanwhile, Haydn's sister-in-law (and first love), the beautiful Therese Keller (now a nun), asks Haydn to look into the theft of some manuscripts, as well as old vellum, from the convent library. Meanwhile, there is kerfuffle over the Princess Esterházy's priceless necklace of emeralds and pearls that involves the maid Rosalie and her friend Greta. -- There is a little too much going on in this novel -- too many manuscripts all purporting to be by Monteverdi -- but there is no lack of suspects: the family attorney, no fewer than two Italians involved with musical manuscripts, a pair of obnoxious (and rather untalented) opera singers, the mysterious landlady, a shady milliner and her assistant, a sinister policeman, even the widow of the first murdered man (yes, there is a second killing; even Haydn himself is attacked at one point). Quite a few twists to the story lead to a solution that, while surprising, is satisfying. Concertmaster Luigi Tomasini (absent from 'A Minor Deception') is on hand this time to aid in Haydn's sleuthing, as is his faithful younger brother Johann. -- Once again, I like the characters and the family dynamic the author sets up for Haydn and his family, now extended to include his father-in-law and the 'one that got away'... The multiplicity of manuscripts, though, leads to confusion -- in this reader's mind, at least. -- But I'm still up for more Haydn adventures!
December 2, 2017
I enjoyed the first Haydn novel and enjoyed this one just as much and I look forward to the next one. They contain all the things I look for in an historical novel. They inform about the country, customs, politics and in this case about music. They also do not contain modern phrases or items that were not available during that time period. These two things will pull me right out of the mood being created by the book. In a mystery I expect the detective to be appropriate to his character which he is. Haydn follows clues steadily while still being aware of other possibilities. He is working in a area in which he is knowledgeable. The information about his private also help to understand him better. I also enjoyed the secondary mystery of Rosalie and the queen's necklace.
December 1, 2017
Another great Haydn Mystery, full of historical details, which will be particularly attractive for music lovers.
Nupur Tustin will submerge you in a world of music, intrigue and politics, and keep you turning page after page until you reach the end of the story.
The writing is really good, the characters are all well-developed, the plot was fantastically done, and with a surprising end. This is the second book in the series, although it can be read as a stand-alone. But I recommend reading A Minor Deception: A Joseph Haydn Mystery, too because it is as good as this one.
I can't wait for the third instalment in this series. Very recommended.
Nupur Tustin will submerge you in a world of music, intrigue and politics, and keep you turning page after page until you reach the end of the story.
The writing is really good, the characters are all well-developed, the plot was fantastically done, and with a surprising end. This is the second book in the series, although it can be read as a stand-alone. But I recommend reading A Minor Deception: A Joseph Haydn Mystery, too because it is as good as this one.
I can't wait for the third instalment in this series. Very recommended.
November 28, 2017
Very interesting read. Lots of information about the time period and the world of music. Well-developed characters. Read the first book in the series and this one flows nicely but can also be read as a stand alone with no problems. Can't wait for the third installment! I like to be taken back to the past and to different countries and this series of books does just that in a very engaging way. I received this book as a free advanced reader's copy.
December 29, 2018
Love historicals and this, the second novel in the series is a good read. I enjoyed the deeper incite into Haydn's family and I found his father in law charming.
It took me ages to get through the book because of personal problems, not anything with the book itself.
It took me ages to get through the book because of personal problems, not anything with the book itself.
December 3, 2017
The best damn bumbling murder mystery over opera scores in the history of the world. You'll fall in love with this series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews