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Silas Quinn #6
The Music Box Enigma
Could a mysterious music box hold the key to unlocking the puzzle behind a gruesome murder for Detective Inspector Silas Quinn?
London, 1914. Despite a number of setbacks, rehearsals for The Hampstead Voices' Christmas concert are continuing apace. The sold-out event is raising funds for war refugees, and both Winston Churchill and Edward Elgar are expected to attend. But the most disturbing setback of all occurs when the choirmaster, Sir Aidan Fonthill, is discovered dead at a piano, a tuning fork protruding from his ear. Detective Chief Inspector Silas Quinn and his team from the Special Crimes Department at New Scotland Yard soon discover that Sir Aidan had a number of enemies, but who hated him enough to carry out such a heinous crime? Could the answer be linked to a mysterious music box delivered to Sir Aidan's house shortly before the murder, and can Silas solve the puzzle of the music box enigma and catch the killer before the concert takes place?
224 pages, Hardcover
Published August 4, 2020
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
R.N. Morris
27 books44 followersR. N. Morris's most recent book is the historical novel, Fortune's Hand.
He is the author of the St Petersburg Mysteries Series featuring Porfiry Petrovich, the detective from Dostoevsky's masterpiece Crime and Punishment: A Gentle Axe, A Vengeful Longing, A Razor Wrapped in Silk and The Cleansing Flames.
He also wrote the Silas Quinn series, set in London in 1914: Summon Up The Blood, The Mannequin House, The Dark Palace, The Red Hand of Fury, The White Feather Killer and The Music Box Enigma.
He has written a standalone dystopian thriller, Psychotopia and, writing as Roger Morris, the contemporary thriller Taking Comfort.
He is the author of the St Petersburg Mysteries Series featuring Porfiry Petrovich, the detective from Dostoevsky's masterpiece Crime and Punishment: A Gentle Axe, A Vengeful Longing, A Razor Wrapped in Silk and The Cleansing Flames.
He also wrote the Silas Quinn series, set in London in 1914: Summon Up The Blood, The Mannequin House, The Dark Palace, The Red Hand of Fury, The White Feather Killer and The Music Box Enigma.
He has written a standalone dystopian thriller, Psychotopia and, writing as Roger Morris, the contemporary thriller Taking Comfort.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 16, 2020
This is the sixth Silas Quinn mystery, which is a series that I really love. The Special Crimes Department has not only been reinstated, but has two members of the team. Alongside Macadam and Inchball, we now have D.I. Leversedge and D.C. Willoughby. Of course, this does change the group dynamics and we have the young Willoughby taking control of Macadam’s beloved car, while Inchball and Leversedge have clashed. However, the team has a new mystery to investigate and that always puts a spring in the team’s step.
Choirmaster, Sir Aiden Fonthill is killed just before the 1914 Hampstead Voices Christmas Concert, in aid of Belgium Refugees. The novel begins with the discovery of his murder and then gradually the cast of characters and motives – of which there are many – are revealed.
This is a good addition to a series which deserves to be better known. The first book featuring Silas Quinn is, “Summon Up the Blood.” If you like intelligent, historical mysteries, with quirky characters and unusual plots, you will enjoy these books. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Choirmaster, Sir Aiden Fonthill is killed just before the 1914 Hampstead Voices Christmas Concert, in aid of Belgium Refugees. The novel begins with the discovery of his murder and then gradually the cast of characters and motives – of which there are many – are revealed.
This is a good addition to a series which deserves to be better known. The first book featuring Silas Quinn is, “Summon Up the Blood.” If you like intelligent, historical mysteries, with quirky characters and unusual plots, you will enjoy these books. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
October 1, 2020
This is my second experience reading a book in the Silas Quinn series. This episode, set a few weeks before Christmas, 1914, finds England in the early stages of war, with many, if not most, still expecting the fighting to be over soon. The Special Crimes Unit continues to be called in on cases of extra importance.
Sir Aidan Fonthill is a man we learn about in the opening chapters from many viewpoints. We come to discover that one or more people in this well known conductor’s life may have reason to truly despise him. In the days leading up to a benefit Christmas concert, there is a murder and Quinn’s squad is called in. From there it is a matter of wearing down those possible suspects, understanding clues, and watching these characters develop.
I enjoyed the writing in this episode, with the descriptions of the environment often adding to the characters and action. It was a very different world then, with much less artificial light, reflecting moods so well.
Recommended to those who enjoy historical procedurals and mysteries.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Sir Aidan Fonthill is a man we learn about in the opening chapters from many viewpoints. We come to discover that one or more people in this well known conductor’s life may have reason to truly despise him. In the days leading up to a benefit Christmas concert, there is a murder and Quinn’s squad is called in. From there it is a matter of wearing down those possible suspects, understanding clues, and watching these characters develop.
I enjoyed the writing in this episode, with the descriptions of the environment often adding to the characters and action. It was a very different world then, with much less artificial light, reflecting moods so well.
Recommended to those who enjoy historical procedurals and mysteries.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 30, 2020
Hope of Glory
This was my first Silas Quinn mystery. It did not disappoint.
It is 1914. The First World War has yet to degenerate into mass slaughter. In leafy Hampstead preparations are in train for a Christmas concert in aid of the war effort. It just may be that some famous figures will attend the concert. Such, at least, is the hope of its conductor, Sir Aidan Fonthill, an arrogant, opinionated serial seducer of the lady members of his choir – a wonderfully monstrous figure. By the time of his murder at the end of the first third of the novel, it was possible to identify a sizeable group of potential killers.
At which point enters Silas Quinn and his team of investigators. Quinn is an interesting detective, all the more so when one of his young officers is himself killed. His investigation proceeds apace, features wit and humour, pathos and drama, and not least the guest appearances of Sir Edward Elgar as a reserve constable and Sir Winston Churchill as himself. Despite a slightly perfunctory ending, this is an entertaining and amusing read.
This was my first Silas Quinn mystery. It did not disappoint.
It is 1914. The First World War has yet to degenerate into mass slaughter. In leafy Hampstead preparations are in train for a Christmas concert in aid of the war effort. It just may be that some famous figures will attend the concert. Such, at least, is the hope of its conductor, Sir Aidan Fonthill, an arrogant, opinionated serial seducer of the lady members of his choir – a wonderfully monstrous figure. By the time of his murder at the end of the first third of the novel, it was possible to identify a sizeable group of potential killers.
At which point enters Silas Quinn and his team of investigators. Quinn is an interesting detective, all the more so when one of his young officers is himself killed. His investigation proceeds apace, features wit and humour, pathos and drama, and not least the guest appearances of Sir Edward Elgar as a reserve constable and Sir Winston Churchill as himself. Despite a slightly perfunctory ending, this is an entertaining and amusing read.
June 29, 2020
This is a fun book, full of quirky British characters who don't take themselves too seriously. When I started reading, I didn't realize this is number six in the Silas Quinn series. Even so, I didn't have any trouble keeping track of characters and the action was steady enough to keep me turning pages.
April 8, 2020
224 pages
5 stars
This book takes place at the end of 1914.
Choirmaster Sir Aidan Fonthill is found murdered at his piano. (Wife is Lady Emma)
The book then goes back to two days prior to the murder to give the reader the full list – and motives - of those who would gladly want to see Fonthill dead.
DCI Silas Quinn and his team of New Scotland Yard are in charge of the case. Quinn immediately learns that there were numerous people who had reason to intensely dislike Fonthill.
There is much going on in this novel. The witnesses are lying, avoiding the truth, evasive and seemingly hallucinatory – at times. When Quinn and his officers interview them, they can't seem to get a straight story. They actually haven't met anyone who has anything food to say about Fonthill. Needless to say, there are plenty of suspects.
Tragedy strikes the team. There is a huge surprise at the end of the book and some fascinating reveals.
This book is extremely well written and plotted. It is an interesting read. We learn more about Quinn and his detectives in this book. I like learning more about the individuals who “star” in the book. There was also information given about the suspects as well. Although I wasn't sure I liked Quinn and his team's method of extracting information, I had to remind myself that this was 1914 and that is the way the police operated at that time in history.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
5 stars
This book takes place at the end of 1914.
Choirmaster Sir Aidan Fonthill is found murdered at his piano. (Wife is Lady Emma)
The book then goes back to two days prior to the murder to give the reader the full list – and motives - of those who would gladly want to see Fonthill dead.
DCI Silas Quinn and his team of New Scotland Yard are in charge of the case. Quinn immediately learns that there were numerous people who had reason to intensely dislike Fonthill.
There is much going on in this novel. The witnesses are lying, avoiding the truth, evasive and seemingly hallucinatory – at times. When Quinn and his officers interview them, they can't seem to get a straight story. They actually haven't met anyone who has anything food to say about Fonthill. Needless to say, there are plenty of suspects.
Tragedy strikes the team. There is a huge surprise at the end of the book and some fascinating reveals.
This book is extremely well written and plotted. It is an interesting read. We learn more about Quinn and his detectives in this book. I like learning more about the individuals who “star” in the book. There was also information given about the suspects as well. Although I wasn't sure I liked Quinn and his team's method of extracting information, I had to remind myself that this was 1914 and that is the way the police operated at that time in history.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
April 5, 2020
Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The White Feather Killer, by this author, I was keen to read this latest book. R.N. Morris is fast becoming my favourite author and Silas Quinn my favourite detective. The victim is a thoroughly loathsome character and if someone hadn’t bumped him off, I might have been tempted myself. Quite frankly I’m not sure why anyone would want to investigate the murder but justice has to be done. Silas Quinn is a brilliant character - dogged, determined and clever. The cast of characters who surround him are bumbling and brilliant in turn. The addition of Edward Elgar as both a composer and a special Constable is a stroke of genius. The story is part gritty crime, part P.G. Wodehouse and it works. It trots along at a fair pace keeping the reader interested.. To borrow an overused phrase, there’s a twist you will never see coming. In this case it is seriously true. The ending was extraordinary and I was stunned. The historical aspect is well researched, well written and interesting, giving a sound basis for the setting and context. A superbly written book which I would highly recommend.
Thank you to The publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. At no point was I asked for a positive review. My review is based on my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to The publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. At no point was I asked for a positive review. My review is based on my enjoyment of the book.
October 8, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Music Box Enigma is the sixth book in the DCI Silas Quinn series, The story works ok as a standalone but I think reading the previous books will give a person more insight into Quinn's history and methodology.
London, Winter, 1914. On the eve of an important Christmas benefit concert, conductor Lord Adrian Fonthill found murdered at his piano. This story unfolds in the vein of an Agatha Christie mystery--numerous suspects and theories discarded one by one, as Detective Chief Inspector Quinn closes in on the truth.
Read this if you enjoy atmospheric English police procedurals with lots of twists and interesting characters.
The Music Box Enigma is the sixth book in the DCI Silas Quinn series, The story works ok as a standalone but I think reading the previous books will give a person more insight into Quinn's history and methodology.
London, Winter, 1914. On the eve of an important Christmas benefit concert, conductor Lord Adrian Fonthill found murdered at his piano. This story unfolds in the vein of an Agatha Christie mystery--numerous suspects and theories discarded one by one, as Detective Chief Inspector Quinn closes in on the truth.
Read this if you enjoy atmospheric English police procedurals with lots of twists and interesting characters.
April 8, 2021
This novel was quite a pleasant surprise! Not that I thought it would be bad, but I went into it as neutral as could be... I knew nothing about this novel, the series or the author. It was a wonderful, very British murder mystery/ detective story. A bonus for me is the time period in which it is set as I don’t read very many books set around WWI, even though I like historical fiction. In my opinion, the book works well as a standalone novel but I am now inspired to read the rest of the series.
July 26, 2020
With thanks to the publisher, Severn House, and to NetGalley, for access to read an advance ebook of R. N. Morris' The Music Box Enigma. This is #6 in the Silas Quinn series and is due to be published August 4, 2020.
Set in London, December 1914 .
Dress rehearsals for the benefit Christmas concert by the Hampstead Voices are starting. The featured soloists are there as well as the local orchestra and the Hampstead Voices choir led by Sir Aidan Fonthill. During a rehearsal break screams are heard and Lady Emma Fonthill is found in the practice room with Sir Aidan, who is seated at the piano with blood coming from his ear which appears to be pierced with a tuning fork. The Police are called and DCI Silas Quinn of New Scotland Yard’s Special Crimes Department arrives to take charge of the investigation. As information is gathered the crime appears increasingly complex, and other police units become involved. One of my favorite ‘extras’ was Special Constable Sir Edward Elgar, the composer, who later works out the answer to one of the puzzles in the investigation to his special delight. What unfolds is a complex search for what happened, who was responsible, why did it happen, and whether there is a larger crime planned involving a leading member of the Government.
I was impressed from the outset by how well the author created a milieu that seemed true to the historical time and place of the story. The language used, the working methods, the spectre of war with Germany on everyone’s mind, all of it seemed right. Strangely, given the time through which we are now living, Sir Aidan’s inappropriate behavior toward the young women in the family’s employ and his cutting remarks and bullying made me think about similar issues that have been in our minds the past several years and more. There is also discussion of the policing tactics of the time which are eagerly adopted by some and not approved of by others. There is a great deal to think about throughout the unfolding of the plot.
If I had any quibbles, it would be that the ending seemed a bit rushed since there was so much to unpack. The author does explain the many varied threads of the plot so that was a plus. It was an enjoyable read and I liked the main characters very much.
Set in London, December 1914 .
Dress rehearsals for the benefit Christmas concert by the Hampstead Voices are starting. The featured soloists are there as well as the local orchestra and the Hampstead Voices choir led by Sir Aidan Fonthill. During a rehearsal break screams are heard and Lady Emma Fonthill is found in the practice room with Sir Aidan, who is seated at the piano with blood coming from his ear which appears to be pierced with a tuning fork. The Police are called and DCI Silas Quinn of New Scotland Yard’s Special Crimes Department arrives to take charge of the investigation. As information is gathered the crime appears increasingly complex, and other police units become involved. One of my favorite ‘extras’ was Special Constable Sir Edward Elgar, the composer, who later works out the answer to one of the puzzles in the investigation to his special delight. What unfolds is a complex search for what happened, who was responsible, why did it happen, and whether there is a larger crime planned involving a leading member of the Government.
I was impressed from the outset by how well the author created a milieu that seemed true to the historical time and place of the story. The language used, the working methods, the spectre of war with Germany on everyone’s mind, all of it seemed right. Strangely, given the time through which we are now living, Sir Aidan’s inappropriate behavior toward the young women in the family’s employ and his cutting remarks and bullying made me think about similar issues that have been in our minds the past several years and more. There is also discussion of the policing tactics of the time which are eagerly adopted by some and not approved of by others. There is a great deal to think about throughout the unfolding of the plot.
If I had any quibbles, it would be that the ending seemed a bit rushed since there was so much to unpack. The author does explain the many varied threads of the plot so that was a plus. It was an enjoyable read and I liked the main characters very much.
July 21, 2020
Tickets are sold out for a 1914 concert by the Hampstead Voices but at a rehearsal the conductor is found murdered, throwing plans into chaos. Sir Aidan Fonthill was abrasive and critical of those around him. He also believed that being married should not stop him from pursuing other women. He has alienated his wife and run up gambling debts that he can not pay. Prior to the rehearsal Fonthill received a music box that played seemingly random notes, which caused a fearful reaction. To solve the murder Chief Inspector Silas Quinn must wade through a long list of suspects and ultimately discover the significance of the music box.
As head of the Special Crimes Department Quinn reports to the head of Intelligence. When he is called to Kell’s office he is informed that as an invited guest to the concert, Winston Churchill has taken a personal interest in this case. Suspicion falls on a supposedly blind piano tuner who had been seen with Fonthill shortly before his murder. When he is seen running from the hall he is pursued by a member of Quinn’s team but the chase ends tragically, leaving them no closer to the truth.
Fonthill’s wife offers no assistance and not every member of Quinn’s team supports his actions and decisions. Despite this, he is observant and willing to take chances when necessary. R.N. Morris fills his story with twist after twist and ends with the biggest twist of all. This has become one of my favorite series and is highly recommended. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for providing this book for my review.
As head of the Special Crimes Department Quinn reports to the head of Intelligence. When he is called to Kell’s office he is informed that as an invited guest to the concert, Winston Churchill has taken a personal interest in this case. Suspicion falls on a supposedly blind piano tuner who had been seen with Fonthill shortly before his murder. When he is seen running from the hall he is pursued by a member of Quinn’s team but the chase ends tragically, leaving them no closer to the truth.
Fonthill’s wife offers no assistance and not every member of Quinn’s team supports his actions and decisions. Despite this, he is observant and willing to take chances when necessary. R.N. Morris fills his story with twist after twist and ends with the biggest twist of all. This has become one of my favorite series and is highly recommended. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for providing this book for my review.
August 1, 2020
I have sung in many fine choirs in my lifetime, singing renowned masterworks with excellent orchestras. I was even given the opportunity to sing on the stage of the Academy of Music with the Philadelphia Orchestra. All of the conductors were excellent musicians who had the unique ability to draw out the best from each singer. But never have I had to deal with a conductor like Sir Aidan Fonthill and I thank God for it! Sir Aidan was the most egotistical, self-absorbed, obnoxious human being imaginable. It is no wonder that he was murdered. And there were no end of people willing and able to perform the task.
But who was responsible for performing this public service?
Into this dysfunctional musical scene steps Detective Chief Inspector Silas Quinn. Quinn, together with the other officers of the Special Crimes Department of the Metropolitan Police Force, begins to slowly and methodically unravel the web of this case. In wonderful Sherlockian fashion, Quinn discovers not only a murder, but a much more sinister plot. Along the way the reader is met with the cameo appearances of Special Constable Sir Edward Elgar and the First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill.
This is the seventh novel focusing on the work of DCI Quinn and I had no problem reading it without previously reading books in the series. I found it a wonderful, captivating police mystery that has its share of red herrings and pertinent clues that lead to a satisfying conclusion.
I appreciate the opportunity NetGalley gave me to read this book with my promise of an honest review.
But who was responsible for performing this public service?
Into this dysfunctional musical scene steps Detective Chief Inspector Silas Quinn. Quinn, together with the other officers of the Special Crimes Department of the Metropolitan Police Force, begins to slowly and methodically unravel the web of this case. In wonderful Sherlockian fashion, Quinn discovers not only a murder, but a much more sinister plot. Along the way the reader is met with the cameo appearances of Special Constable Sir Edward Elgar and the First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill.
This is the seventh novel focusing on the work of DCI Quinn and I had no problem reading it without previously reading books in the series. I found it a wonderful, captivating police mystery that has its share of red herrings and pertinent clues that lead to a satisfying conclusion.
I appreciate the opportunity NetGalley gave me to read this book with my promise of an honest review.
July 26, 2020
Sir Aidan Fonthill has been murdered, stabbed in the ear with what appears to be a tuning fork. Fonthill is a philandering choirmaster in London, and a generally unpleasant human, as established in the early chapters of the novel. It seems that almost every character we meet in the first portion of the story has a good reason to want Sir Aidan dead in the days before the Christmas Concert. The actual murder is discovered about a third of the way through the book, and then the plot takes off.
The best description I have for this book is haphazard. In my opinion, there are too many narrators, especially leading up to the murder. While the characters have their own personalities, the tone, style, and content of the narration feels nearly identical. With a few exceptions for dialect, the inner musings of one character could easily be swapped with another, and it would be difficult to tell the difference. Many plot tangents further muddy the waters, and in the end everything feels just too implausible. I like a mystery with a twist, but the twist has to feel grounded in the story, and very little about the book felt like it was built on a solid foundation. This is book six in a series, and it’s possible that I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books. Reading it as a first entry into the series doesn’t prompt me to go find the other novels and start from the beginning.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review via NetGalley.
The best description I have for this book is haphazard. In my opinion, there are too many narrators, especially leading up to the murder. While the characters have their own personalities, the tone, style, and content of the narration feels nearly identical. With a few exceptions for dialect, the inner musings of one character could easily be swapped with another, and it would be difficult to tell the difference. Many plot tangents further muddy the waters, and in the end everything feels just too implausible. I like a mystery with a twist, but the twist has to feel grounded in the story, and very little about the book felt like it was built on a solid foundation. This is book six in a series, and it’s possible that I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books. Reading it as a first entry into the series doesn’t prompt me to go find the other novels and start from the beginning.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review via NetGalley.
March 26, 2025
The Music Box Enigma is book 6 in the Silas Quinn Series. Let me start out by saying, I think one should start from the beginning of this series to get the full impact. I struggled to connect with the main character, DI Silas Quinn, as I had no history to understand his methods of solving crimes or his personal history he brings to each installation of the series.
The mystery itself is at early days of WWI and many of the able-bodied men are enlisting which is a problem to maintain staff for the police. When the director/conductor of a local Choir is found murdered, it's all hands on deck to find the culprit and get the musical back on track as Winston Churchill is purported to be attending.
A complicated mystery involving cheating husband, jealous wives, spurned mistresses, mob like characters, spies, the Russians, and more had my head reeling trying to keep up and ferret out clues that were being dropped. The WWI backdrop and England at the time rang true.
Overall, I think historical mystery buffs would definitely appreciate this series.
The mystery itself is at early days of WWI and many of the able-bodied men are enlisting which is a problem to maintain staff for the police. When the director/conductor of a local Choir is found murdered, it's all hands on deck to find the culprit and get the musical back on track as Winston Churchill is purported to be attending.
A complicated mystery involving cheating husband, jealous wives, spurned mistresses, mob like characters, spies, the Russians, and more had my head reeling trying to keep up and ferret out clues that were being dropped. The WWI backdrop and England at the time rang true.
Overall, I think historical mystery buffs would definitely appreciate this series.
October 29, 2020
‘The Music Box Enigma’ is the sixth novel in the Silas Quinn series by R.N. Morris. Set in 1914, Quinn is a member of the Special Crimes Unit in the police and has been assigned to investigate a particularly gruesome murder – Sir Aidan Fonthill has been murdered while attending a rehearsal for his Christmas benefit concert. The novel commences begins with the discovery of Sir Aidan’s murder, and then takes a step back in time to reveal the various suspects and their motives. The number of potential killers is large and the list of motives even greater. Fonthill is a unpleasant man to say the least and I struggled to care about his actual murder. Instead, I was more interested in Quinn and his team.
There are several real-life characters included in the story such as Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Edward Elgar, which adds and amusing element to the tale. Despite a slightly perfunctory ending, this is an entertaining and amusing read
There are several real-life characters included in the story such as Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Edward Elgar, which adds and amusing element to the tale. Despite a slightly perfunctory ending, this is an entertaining and amusing read
December 30, 2020
I love a good ole cozy British murder mystery, and I love everything about choirs. So right out of the box, this was a great setup for me: murder by tuning fork during a small English village choir rehearsal. The cast of suspects was colorful and full of red herrings. The atmosphere was delicious. The main character, Chief Inspector Quinn, was surprisingly colorless; the generic Scotland Yard investigator. He could have been anyone, he was so bland. I'm not sure how you can build a series of detective novels around a bland character like this. Nevertheless, I was along for the ride until it came to the solution. I felt the solution came out of left field and was very unsatisfying. So I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book, but the final quarter left a bad taste in my mouth.
June 1, 2020
19th December 1914. Sir Aidan Fonthill is discovered dead by his wife Lady Emma. The cause of death is stabbing by a tuning fork into his ear. Then the story go back two days where we learn more about Fonthill and his activities. Also previously a parcel was left on the doorstep of their home. Inside is a wooden musical box, with the inscription in German. Is it his series of indiscretions that is the cause of his death or something else.
A well-written, and plotted, historical mystery with some likeable characters.
A NetGalley book
A well-written, and plotted, historical mystery with some likeable characters.
A NetGalley book
June 19, 2020
Thought that I discovered another author to follow when I first started reading this book. The characters were engaging and very much alive with all their emotions, eccentricities, and fallacies. After establishing the main theme of everyone having contempt for the main character, the plot becomes fuddled and the ending was implausible.
It seems like many readers like this book. I don’t know if this is his normal style of writing, but I like a definitive ending.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an ARC of this book.
It seems like many readers like this book. I don’t know if this is his normal style of writing, but I like a definitive ending.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an ARC of this book.
August 1, 2020
The Music Box Enigma is the sixth book in the Silas Quinn series, I haven't read any of the previous books which made it hard for me to really ever make a good connection with the characters in the book. I did find some of the characters quick quirky and I did enjoy that part of the book. Having said that I found the book to be well written, just not my normal cup of tea. I always suggest that others read the book for themself because I know everyone doesn't like the same things.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Severn House, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Severn House, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
August 22, 2020
I'm new to the Silas Quinn mysteries, but that was not an impediment to enjoying this title. Historical fiction plus mystery equals an intriguing story. Set in the London of World War I, this story does an excellent job of capturing the wartime atmosphere and the social mores of the era.
Fans of procedural police shows and vintage detective stories alike will find plenty to hold their interest as Quinn and his team from the Special Crimes Department at New Scotland Yard try to find the murderer of a renowned choir director. Someone obviously doesn't have the holiday spirit, since they stabbed him in the ear with a tuning fork during a rehearsal break for the Christmas concert.
The more the team investigates, the more enemies they uncover. Between his gambling debts, affairs, rudeness to others in the musical field...the list just keeps growing. And the odd music box that plays something that grates on the ears doesn't make sense. Why was it delivered shortly before his death - and does it hold any clues to a motive?
Existing relationships between the original members of Quinn's team and the reasons behind the newest members being assigned to his command seem to cause some of the men to distrust each other. Additional oversight by the Military Operations Directorate leads to even more tension in an already difficult situation. With all the political and personal currents beneath the surface, Quinn may be in dangerous waters as he works to solve the case.
Fans of procedural police shows and vintage detective stories alike will find plenty to hold their interest as Quinn and his team from the Special Crimes Department at New Scotland Yard try to find the murderer of a renowned choir director. Someone obviously doesn't have the holiday spirit, since they stabbed him in the ear with a tuning fork during a rehearsal break for the Christmas concert.
The more the team investigates, the more enemies they uncover. Between his gambling debts, affairs, rudeness to others in the musical field...the list just keeps growing. And the odd music box that plays something that grates on the ears doesn't make sense. Why was it delivered shortly before his death - and does it hold any clues to a motive?
Existing relationships between the original members of Quinn's team and the reasons behind the newest members being assigned to his command seem to cause some of the men to distrust each other. Additional oversight by the Military Operations Directorate leads to even more tension in an already difficult situation. With all the political and personal currents beneath the surface, Quinn may be in dangerous waters as he works to solve the case.
Want to read
August 21, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 11, 2020
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2020
The Music Box Enigma is the sixth Silas Quinn murder mystery, and while many writers find it hard to sustain the reader's attention over a long series, R.N. Morris has no such difficulties. "Quickfire Quinn" is an engaging protagonist, and the backdrop of the First World War, while always present, never overpowers the central mystery. The author economically captures the feel of the period, particularly the class distinctions of the time.
The novel opens with the death of Sir Aidan Fonthill, a choirmaster of dubious moral stamp, and by the time Chief Inspector Quinn arrives on the scene, we've been introduced to a beautifully drawn rogues' gallery, all with motive to kill him. The plot unwinds with the mechanical precision of the eponymous music box, to a solution which is at once appropriate and unexpected. Quinn, as we've come to expect, endures some moments of danger and self-doubt, including at least one genuinely shocking moment. As a bonus, a couple of real-life historical characters make an appearance, but I won't spoil the surprise.
Fans of Silas Quinn's previous adventures are sure to enjoy this. For new readers, no prior knowledge is needed, although reading the earlier novels is recommended.
The Music Box Enigma is a subtle and entertaining read, with just enough deliberate loose ends to make the reader enthusiastic for Quinn's next case.
The novel opens with the death of Sir Aidan Fonthill, a choirmaster of dubious moral stamp, and by the time Chief Inspector Quinn arrives on the scene, we've been introduced to a beautifully drawn rogues' gallery, all with motive to kill him. The plot unwinds with the mechanical precision of the eponymous music box, to a solution which is at once appropriate and unexpected. Quinn, as we've come to expect, endures some moments of danger and self-doubt, including at least one genuinely shocking moment. As a bonus, a couple of real-life historical characters make an appearance, but I won't spoil the surprise.
Fans of Silas Quinn's previous adventures are sure to enjoy this. For new readers, no prior knowledge is needed, although reading the earlier novels is recommended.
The Music Box Enigma is a subtle and entertaining read, with just enough deliberate loose ends to make the reader enthusiastic for Quinn's next case.
July 25, 2020
Sir Aidan Fonthill has no shortage of people that don't like him, so when he turns up dead before the Christmas concert that was sure to draw so very important people. But do any of these people dislike him enough to kill him? That is what Detective Chief Inspector needs to find out and fast, before any more people are killed. Can the answer be found in the music box delivered to Sir Aidan before his death.
Despite the backstory being a bit wordy and long this book really picks up speed and never slows down once DCI Quinn arrives on the scene. That is when all the action and suspense starts and there is more than enough to keep everyone reading this book to find out what happens. Hang in there and you will like this book too.
Despite the backstory being a bit wordy and long this book really picks up speed and never slows down once DCI Quinn arrives on the scene. That is when all the action and suspense starts and there is more than enough to keep everyone reading this book to find out what happens. Hang in there and you will like this book too.
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