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Scott Drayco Mystery #5
The Suicide Sonata
Can a piece of music be cursed?
When a young marine biologist is found dead of suicide, his father can't believe he took his own life and hires Scott Drayco to prove it was murder. But what of the strange song found with the young man's body—the same song linked to a piano sonata that led to a wave of suicides in 1930s Hungary?
As Drayco digs deeper, he finds even more unusual aspects of the case not easily explained: the victim’s missing cellphone; his “Gang of Five” friends and their interest in the Akashic Records spiritual philosophy; and the gun used by the victim that was mysteriously stolen from a friend’s car.
Drayco fears a tragic incident from his own past may be clouding his objectivity. After all, the facts point to suicide, case closed. But when Drayco starts suffering from depression himself after playing the sonata, can he really be sure of what’s real and what’s imagined?
The Suicide Sonata is the fifth installment in the acclaimed Scott Drayco mystery series, a finalist for the Shamus, Silver Falchion, Daphne, and Kindle Book Awards.
When a young marine biologist is found dead of suicide, his father can't believe he took his own life and hires Scott Drayco to prove it was murder. But what of the strange song found with the young man's body—the same song linked to a piano sonata that led to a wave of suicides in 1930s Hungary?
As Drayco digs deeper, he finds even more unusual aspects of the case not easily explained: the victim’s missing cellphone; his “Gang of Five” friends and their interest in the Akashic Records spiritual philosophy; and the gun used by the victim that was mysteriously stolen from a friend’s car.
Drayco fears a tragic incident from his own past may be clouding his objectivity. After all, the facts point to suicide, case closed. But when Drayco starts suffering from depression himself after playing the sonata, can he really be sure of what’s real and what’s imagined?
The Suicide Sonata is the fifth installment in the acclaimed Scott Drayco mystery series, a finalist for the Shamus, Silver Falchion, Daphne, and Kindle Book Awards.
- GenresMystery
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
71 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
B.V. Lawson
48 books200 followersThanks for visiting my profile! I'm an author of crime fiction, including the Scott Drayco mystery series, which has been honored by the American Independent Writers, Maryland Writers Association, named Best Mystery in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and been a finalist for the Shamus Awards, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne Awards, the Foreword Book Review Awards, and the Kindle Book Awards. Library Journal said of the series, "worth putting on your reading list," and I hope you'll think so, too.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 31, 2019
You can't go wrong with the Scott Drayco mystery series book. The books are so well written. I loved this book. It's exciting, fascinating, enjoyable, entertaining and unputdownable reading. I was a nervous wreck and chewing my nails , which rates a book as a 10 out of 10.
A father knows his son best. He hires Scott to find out who killed his son, because he'll never believe it was suicide. Scott has his work cut out for him. What will he discover and will the father be able to live with his decision? Scott hates looking into suicides. I love the main characters and the characters that are added for the story are all so interesting, along with the subplots the story has. There are no dull moments in a BV Lawson book. She's an artful writer. I love the use of Scott's piano playing. It's a reminder of how much I've forgotten about my years of piano lessons. It's amazing how a session on the piano can help you think through problems, relax or energize you. It's also a way to let go of emotional turmoil with some healthy tears. How I miss my piano music and a piano to play on. In the meantime, I have Scott Drayco to read about!
Get the book and read ii!
A father knows his son best. He hires Scott to find out who killed his son, because he'll never believe it was suicide. Scott has his work cut out for him. What will he discover and will the father be able to live with his decision? Scott hates looking into suicides. I love the main characters and the characters that are added for the story are all so interesting, along with the subplots the story has. There are no dull moments in a BV Lawson book. She's an artful writer. I love the use of Scott's piano playing. It's a reminder of how much I've forgotten about my years of piano lessons. It's amazing how a session on the piano can help you think through problems, relax or energize you. It's also a way to let go of emotional turmoil with some healthy tears. How I miss my piano music and a piano to play on. In the meantime, I have Scott Drayco to read about!
Get the book and read ii!
March 10, 2020
Suicide?
Drayco is drawn into a case involving a young man who was obsessed with a song based on the suicide sonata. He is torn by financial and romance issues. Before his investigation is complete, the best friend of the victim also seems to kill himself. The writing is clear and direct, and easy to read. The characters are realistic and carry lots of baggage. The book held my interest through a number of tangents. The end finally resolved the major issues, but you will want more of Drayco. The beauty of Maryland's Eastern Shore is well-described.
Drayco is drawn into a case involving a young man who was obsessed with a song based on the suicide sonata. He is torn by financial and romance issues. Before his investigation is complete, the best friend of the victim also seems to kill himself. The writing is clear and direct, and easy to read. The characters are realistic and carry lots of baggage. The book held my interest through a number of tangents. The end finally resolved the major issues, but you will want more of Drayco. The beauty of Maryland's Eastern Shore is well-described.
October 31, 2019
Marty is found dead with a gun in his hand. His father does not believe it is a suicide and asks Scott Drayco to investigate. His best friend, Antonio, is found dead and also believed to be a suicide. The song Suicide Sonato was one Marty listened to. It looks like a suicide, but as Marty investigates, there are doubts. A pirate's skeleton found buried with a bullet hole in his head and a valuable coin found with the skeleton. A page turner.
March 20, 2021
Fifth in this series, oof! That was the saddest book! The theme was sad, suicide or maybe murder, but the lives of all involved in the story just made me sad. Humans really do struggle with love, with truth, with secrets. Well-written, unusual wrapping up, and cliffhanger at the end. Nothing new on the opera house, sad to say.
February 24, 2024
Good story
I really enjoyed the book. Scott Drayco is an interesting character and the author is talented. The only thing I wish is that the authors of today would pay better attention to spelling, grammar, and proofread these ebooks. I'm a bit embarrassed for them. Not speaking solely about this author.
I really enjoyed the book. Scott Drayco is an interesting character and the author is talented. The only thing I wish is that the authors of today would pay better attention to spelling, grammar, and proofread these ebooks. I'm a bit embarrassed for them. Not speaking solely about this author.
January 15, 2026
Had No Idea
If you enjoy mysteries that seem to defy a solution, then you will love The Suicide
Sonata. For the first time in a long time, the ending surprised me. I had no idea who the guilty party was. It held my interest all the way through. Don’t miss it. Jean, ARC
If you enjoy mysteries that seem to defy a solution, then you will love The Suicide
Sonata. For the first time in a long time, the ending surprised me. I had no idea who the guilty party was. It held my interest all the way through. Don’t miss it. Jean, ARC
January 10, 2021
Fabulous series
Hope she writes more. This book is well written and holds your attention. The characters are well developed and believable.
Hope she writes more. This book is well written and holds your attention. The characters are well developed and believable.
March 9, 2025
Kept me guessing until the last few pages!
January 9, 2026
Absorbing
I loved this book. It was unique in its intricacy of characters and personalities; while straightforward with its theme - greed.
I loved this book. It was unique in its intricacy of characters and personalities; while straightforward with its theme - greed.
March 20, 2020
A marine biologist, Marty Penry, is found dead and his father refuses to believe he committed suicide, so he hires Scott Drayco, a private detective. The lyrics of a Hungarian song from the 1930s were found with Marty. The song was linked to a string of suicides in the '30s.
Drayco is determined to follow this case to the end, no matter where it leads. The more he investigates, the stranger the case becomes. Marty's cellphone is missing, his friends all seem suspicious, and then there's the group's fascination with the Akashic Records.
Drayco is haunted by memories of his mentor's suicide, and he fears that may be clouding his judgment on this current case.
I received a free ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The story was a little all over the place. Too much time was spent talking about his car, the Starfire, and him sitting and playing the piano in the Opera House. I wouldn't recommend the story. I'm not sure how this is the fifth book in a series.
Drayco is determined to follow this case to the end, no matter where it leads. The more he investigates, the stranger the case becomes. Marty's cellphone is missing, his friends all seem suspicious, and then there's the group's fascination with the Akashic Records.
Drayco is haunted by memories of his mentor's suicide, and he fears that may be clouding his judgment on this current case.
I received a free ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The story was a little all over the place. Too much time was spent talking about his car, the Starfire, and him sitting and playing the piano in the Opera House. I wouldn't recommend the story. I'm not sure how this is the fifth book in a series.
November 5, 2019
Perception is everything … but is it real?
Very little is as it first appears to be in this story. There are a large number of suspects, many possible motives, complicated relationships and many twists and turns to keep you guessing. I thought I had it figured out near the end of the book but I was wrong. I am both surprised and pleased the author keeps finding new ways to incorporate music into the plot. Thanks to a secondary character, we are also treated to some history; it’s pirates and gold coins in this book which added some levity to a book that dealt with a heavy topic. Although this book works fine as a standalone, you’ll understand the characters relationships to each other and some of the references to the past if you’ve read the previous books. All are excellent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very little is as it first appears to be in this story. There are a large number of suspects, many possible motives, complicated relationships and many twists and turns to keep you guessing. I thought I had it figured out near the end of the book but I was wrong. I am both surprised and pleased the author keeps finding new ways to incorporate music into the plot. Thanks to a secondary character, we are also treated to some history; it’s pirates and gold coins in this book which added some levity to a book that dealt with a heavy topic. Although this book works fine as a standalone, you’ll understand the characters relationships to each other and some of the references to the past if you’ve read the previous books. All are excellent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2019
Super good mystery, that will keep you guessing till the end. A questionable death, was it suicide or murder? This Scott Drayco Mystery will keep you glued all the way till the end. Well developed story with characters that you love to love and love to hate, just the right recipe for a well-written book that gives you what you would expect from a whodunit! Music (one piece in particular) is artfully woven into this wonderful story which many years ago was cited as the reason many people committed suicide. All in all, a wonderful read that you'll be happy you took a chance on! I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my own, unsolicited opinion.
November 12, 2019
I found Suicide Sonata by B. V. Lawson to be a very good, interesting mystery. Scott Drayco is a different kind of Private Investigator. He was once a promising concert pianist until an accident caused an injury which affected his playing. He then pursued a career in the FBI. Currently he is a private investigator who is asked to look into a death that has been determined to be a suicide. What he finds is a puzzle where the pieces do not fit.
Following along with Scott Drayco's investigation was very good reading. It kept my attention and did not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book at my request. This review is my own opinion and is given voluntarily.
Following along with Scott Drayco's investigation was very good reading. It kept my attention and did not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book at my request. This review is my own opinion and is given voluntarily.
November 5, 2019
Another great Scott Drayco mystery! This time Scott is hired to solve the mystery of an apparent suicide involving a piece of music. As you follow the clues, you'll keep turning the page and your interest grows. Was it murder or was it really suicide? Strong characters, suspense and mystery. Great addition to the series. You'll keep guessing until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2019
Scott really gets involved in this case when things from his past come into play in it. What he thought was a suicide may not be, after all, there is the sonata present on the body. When Scott plays it, he too starts to suffer from depression. Something is definitely wrong here, can Scott figure it out before he too commits suicide? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 1, 2019
I enjoyed both the mystery and the writing style of BV Lawson. This was my first Scott Drayco Mystery, and as such I felt a bit lost sometimes. Even though it was a great book, I believe that the series would be better read in sequence. Great plot formatting, a variety of characters with depth, and a mystery with twists and turns; exactly what a great novel requires.
November 8, 2019
This is the 4th book I've read written by BV Lawson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2019
Riveting. Emotional. Suspenseful. Truly a MUST for your TBR list!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
November 6, 2019
This is an excellent book and an amazingly written mystery. I love the characters who are totally believable. This story had plenty of twists to keep me guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2019
I am.a big fan of a good mystery. The book has all things I enjoy interesting characters, good reality plus complex plot full of twists and turns. Well created and good story telling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2019
A good read following Scott Drayco’s relentless pursuit of the truth of Marty’s death despite starting with worrying symptoms himself. I found the lead character reminding me of mark Nolan’s “Jake Wolfe” as I read through it which isn’t a bad thing.
November 5, 2019
Great read BV Lawson~!!!!! Scott gets caught up in what looks like suicides, surprise ! Love the Scott Drayco Series, waiting patiently for the next book.
Thanks BV.
Thanks BV.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews