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Maggie O'Shea Mystery #3
Shadow Music
Overcoming loss—finding the courage to move on—trying to stay alive
Late in the Cold War, an infant girl and a priceless painting vanish during a tragic escape from Communist Hungary, setting in motion a decades-old secret that will change lives for generations to come.
Many years later, classical pianist Maggie O’Shea goes to Cornwall in search of a missing journalist—and a long-lost Van Gogh. Decades-old secrets from World War II Paris hold many of the answers, but only two people know where the Van Gogh is hidden now—a courageous nun and a man presumed dead.
Set against the backdrop of the international music world, Maggie finds herself on a collision course with three ruthless Russians who threaten all she holds dear—including her life and the life of the man she has come to love.
Past and present converge in this haunting tale of loss, courage, love, and revenge.
Perfect for fans of Sandra Brown and Iris Johansen
Late in the Cold War, an infant girl and a priceless painting vanish during a tragic escape from Communist Hungary, setting in motion a decades-old secret that will change lives for generations to come.
Many years later, classical pianist Maggie O’Shea goes to Cornwall in search of a missing journalist—and a long-lost Van Gogh. Decades-old secrets from World War II Paris hold many of the answers, but only two people know where the Van Gogh is hidden now—a courageous nun and a man presumed dead.
Set against the backdrop of the international music world, Maggie finds herself on a collision course with three ruthless Russians who threaten all she holds dear—including her life and the life of the man she has come to love.
Past and present converge in this haunting tale of loss, courage, love, and revenge.
Perfect for fans of Sandra Brown and Iris Johansen
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
26 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Helaine Mario
8 books169 followersHELAINE MARIO - ABOUT THE WRITER
Best-selling author Helaine Mario grew up in NYC and is a graduate of Boston University. Now living in Arlington, VA, this mother of two, grandmother of five, and passionate advocate for women’s and children’s issues came to writing later in life. Her first novel, The Lost Concerto, won the Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal. Echoes on the Wind is her fifth novel and the fourth in her Maggie O’Shea Classical Music Suspense Series. Royalties from her books go to children’s music and reading programs. Helaine recently lost her husband, Ron, after 57 years together. Her new book echoes with loss, grief and, ultimately, the healing power of love.
Best-selling author Helaine Mario grew up in NYC and is a graduate of Boston University. Now living in Arlington, VA, this mother of two, grandmother of five, and passionate advocate for women’s and children’s issues came to writing later in life. Her first novel, The Lost Concerto, won the Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal. Echoes on the Wind is her fifth novel and the fourth in her Maggie O’Shea Classical Music Suspense Series. Royalties from her books go to children’s music and reading programs. Helaine recently lost her husband, Ron, after 57 years together. Her new book echoes with loss, grief and, ultimately, the healing power of love.
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March 7, 2021DNF No rating or review. Did not appeal to me but I am sure that many will like this book.
November 15, 2021
SHADOW MUSIC
By
Helaine Mario
REVIEW
My first “Maggie” novel was The Lost Concerto. Helaine invited me to read the beautiful work several years ago and I dove into a world of music, art, and love wrapped in skillful intrigue that had me mesmerized and lost to the world outside the pages of the book. I cried because it ended. The second novel, Dark Rhapsody was no less compelling and I am in the midst of rereading it as I want to revisit several of the lines of intrigue and look closer at how the characters have developed and grown with the telling of their stories.
Shadow Music reminded me of why this series cherishes precious space on my Much Loved Shelf in my library. Not many books can reach in and strike the deep chords that allow the reader to identify on so many levels with the characters in a book. Helaine has accomplished this with me in this series.
Maybe it is because I am a pianist, but the music literally floats up off the pages of the book and around the room and my body physically aches with Maggie’s as she lifts her head from the keyboard. The same plays for the artistic descriptions and the art history background that she weaves into the story. Only someone who has lived and breathed in this world could fully understand the true depth of how well Helaine spins the picture so that we all can get a full sense of the breadth of emotion and physical commitment a creative person devotes to their craft.
Helaine’s characters are not flat or two dimensional. They full-bodied and complex. They are not always who you first perceive them as, and there is not a character in the book that can be easily skimmed over. Each one is complex and has a multi dimensioned place in the story.
Interwoven with all this is an intricate, twisted plot of evil vs. good that twists over generations and across continents and countries that leaves the reader breathless and their head spinning. Life is interconnected. Only a brilliant, creative mind could pull a consistent thread through such a tangled web and keep a focus on it all. Helaine did just that and takes us along for the wild ride and barely allows us to breathe.
I have read the classics, the old greats, the new. There are authors that write books. Those that write novels. Those that write stories. Then there are authors that make the pages sing, that make the reader a part of the story. They draw you in and immerse you in the world they have created out of letters and words. They drown you in the world they have created and don’t allow you, the reader, back out until the last words of “The End” come floating up off the page. This is Helaine Mario. This is Shadow Music. Discover it for yourself.
By
Helaine Mario
REVIEW
My first “Maggie” novel was The Lost Concerto. Helaine invited me to read the beautiful work several years ago and I dove into a world of music, art, and love wrapped in skillful intrigue that had me mesmerized and lost to the world outside the pages of the book. I cried because it ended. The second novel, Dark Rhapsody was no less compelling and I am in the midst of rereading it as I want to revisit several of the lines of intrigue and look closer at how the characters have developed and grown with the telling of their stories.
Shadow Music reminded me of why this series cherishes precious space on my Much Loved Shelf in my library. Not many books can reach in and strike the deep chords that allow the reader to identify on so many levels with the characters in a book. Helaine has accomplished this with me in this series.
Maybe it is because I am a pianist, but the music literally floats up off the pages of the book and around the room and my body physically aches with Maggie’s as she lifts her head from the keyboard. The same plays for the artistic descriptions and the art history background that she weaves into the story. Only someone who has lived and breathed in this world could fully understand the true depth of how well Helaine spins the picture so that we all can get a full sense of the breadth of emotion and physical commitment a creative person devotes to their craft.
Helaine’s characters are not flat or two dimensional. They full-bodied and complex. They are not always who you first perceive them as, and there is not a character in the book that can be easily skimmed over. Each one is complex and has a multi dimensioned place in the story.
Interwoven with all this is an intricate, twisted plot of evil vs. good that twists over generations and across continents and countries that leaves the reader breathless and their head spinning. Life is interconnected. Only a brilliant, creative mind could pull a consistent thread through such a tangled web and keep a focus on it all. Helaine did just that and takes us along for the wild ride and barely allows us to breathe.
I have read the classics, the old greats, the new. There are authors that write books. Those that write novels. Those that write stories. Then there are authors that make the pages sing, that make the reader a part of the story. They draw you in and immerse you in the world they have created out of letters and words. They drown you in the world they have created and don’t allow you, the reader, back out until the last words of “The End” come floating up off the page. This is Helaine Mario. This is Shadow Music. Discover it for yourself.
December 4, 2021
"Grief is just love with nowhere to go...grief is a circle filled with sorrow. It doesn't shrink over time - life just grows around it in a bigger circle. Love grows around it." (quote from the book)
This is the third book in the Maggie O'Shea Mystery series that is as poignant, intense and haunting as the previous two (The Last Concerto #1 and Dark Rhapsody #2). Reading the first two will only enhance your understanding and connection with the characters within, for there are definite threads running through them all. Music is at the heart of each of the books and Rachmaninoff is at the soul of this one.
"A message, photographs. And a missing child." (quote from the book)
I was thrilled to be back in the lives of these characters, especially Maggie, Beckett and Shiloh as they are plunged into the world of international art smuggling and the ruthless Russian mafia. But through it all, the beauty of music and art runs deeply through it. I was even compelled to check out the original pieces of art described in the story. However, the scene at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. brought me to tears. This is one memorial I would love to see...one honoring the lives of over fifty-eight thousand veterans...a huge loss of life and a haunting reminder. But we never learn...
"Music tells our stories." (quote from the book)
This story is multi-layered and in five parts, with our beloved characters dealing with separate issues that come together and build to a dramatic crescendo. The chords that pull Maggie and Beckett closer will be tested, old and new characters will help them, and the music will live on in our hearts.
"She slipped into my soul - and I let her in...She took the darkness away." (quote from the book)
I highly recommend the Maggie O'Shea mysteries. It is not often I read 'modern mysteries', but this series has completely captured my imagination. I do hope we see more of Maggie in the future. I also want to say how much I love the cover and title which makes beautiful sense once you read the novel! Brava Ms. Mario!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing in making a copy of this book available. I am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
This is the third book in the Maggie O'Shea Mystery series that is as poignant, intense and haunting as the previous two (The Last Concerto #1 and Dark Rhapsody #2). Reading the first two will only enhance your understanding and connection with the characters within, for there are definite threads running through them all. Music is at the heart of each of the books and Rachmaninoff is at the soul of this one.
"A message, photographs. And a missing child." (quote from the book)
I was thrilled to be back in the lives of these characters, especially Maggie, Beckett and Shiloh as they are plunged into the world of international art smuggling and the ruthless Russian mafia. But through it all, the beauty of music and art runs deeply through it. I was even compelled to check out the original pieces of art described in the story. However, the scene at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. brought me to tears. This is one memorial I would love to see...one honoring the lives of over fifty-eight thousand veterans...a huge loss of life and a haunting reminder. But we never learn...
"Music tells our stories." (quote from the book)
This story is multi-layered and in five parts, with our beloved characters dealing with separate issues that come together and build to a dramatic crescendo. The chords that pull Maggie and Beckett closer will be tested, old and new characters will help them, and the music will live on in our hearts.
"She slipped into my soul - and I let her in...She took the darkness away." (quote from the book)
I highly recommend the Maggie O'Shea mysteries. It is not often I read 'modern mysteries', but this series has completely captured my imagination. I do hope we see more of Maggie in the future. I also want to say how much I love the cover and title which makes beautiful sense once you read the novel! Brava Ms. Mario!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing in making a copy of this book available. I am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
April 22, 2021
Shadow Music
Helaine Mario
Book 3 staring Maggie O’Shea is simply amazing atmospheric and poignant full of danger suspense and most of all music. In her author’s note Helaine Mario tells readers that she wants them to fall into Maggie’s story and that is exactly what they’ll do, body and soul.
Budapest 1985: An escape attempt to the west turns tragic when a young woman is killed by Russian soldiers leaving her best friend a nun to make the crossing with the woman’s now motherless infant daughter and priceless treasures from the past.
Present day: World renowned concert pianist, Maggie O’Shea has finally found her music again and has found love again with Colonel Michael Beckett after the tragic death of her husband, Johnny, almost two years before. She’s even considering performing the beautiful and difficult Rachmaninoff Concerto 2 with The New Russian Symphony Orchestra after being asked by their tour arranger Yuri Blankov until she’s visited by a past adversary who tells her that Johnny may still be alive leaving her no choice but to go and find out.
Colonel Michael Beckett has his own problems dealing with the murder of his late best friend’s daughter and finding her missing son, Dov. Never the less he doesn’t want Maggie to go off searching for Johnny but loves and knows her enough to know that there’s no stopping her, even when they learn from their friend and government agent Simon Sugarman that the last case Johnny was working on, a missing Van Gough painting has come to light again.
Helaine Mario takes readers on an incredible journey through time and music with, Shadow Music, her latest novel staring Maggie O’Shea.
Beginning with this master storyteller’s prologue set in late cold war Budapest to a huge plot bomb she drops early in the story to the very last page the action never stops and the speed never slows enough for the audience to catch their breaths between one crisis and another and yet they’re often gifted to the mundane minutia that makes everyday life such a treasure like a sunset, an ocean breeze or a cherished memory. Her wonderful, expressive prose like narrative flows beautifully and her deliciously thrilling storyline will keep her audience engaged and engrossed, excited to connect all the ingenious convoluted plot dots. Her characters are the glue that binds this novel and not only fan favorites like Maggie, Michael, Sugar, Robbie and of course Michael’s three-legged dog Shiloh, but also the newcomers like the troubled teen Dov and even the bad guys. But it’s Maggie and Michael that are, as always, the true standouts, how their love Phoenix like rose from the ashes of their pasts, so inspiring and now maybe in trouble. Then there’s the music, oh the music, and this story focuses on Rachmaninoff and his Piano Concerto 2 one of the most celebrated and difficult works for piano and how Maggie in between personal pitfalls, dodging danger and bad guys manages to bring it to life. Music is at the heart and soul of every one of Helaine’s Maggie O’Shea books and Shadow Music is the perfect Cadence for her (so-far) three-part symphony.
Brava!
Shadow Music stands well alone but for deeper character and storyline understanding read the novels, The Lost Concerto, Dark Rhapsody and Shadow Music in order.
Fans of women’s fiction, romantic suspense and fans of Nora Roberts, Iris Johansen and Sandra Brown will love Shadow Music and Helaine Mario.
Helaine Mario
Book 3 staring Maggie O’Shea is simply amazing atmospheric and poignant full of danger suspense and most of all music. In her author’s note Helaine Mario tells readers that she wants them to fall into Maggie’s story and that is exactly what they’ll do, body and soul.
Budapest 1985: An escape attempt to the west turns tragic when a young woman is killed by Russian soldiers leaving her best friend a nun to make the crossing with the woman’s now motherless infant daughter and priceless treasures from the past.
Present day: World renowned concert pianist, Maggie O’Shea has finally found her music again and has found love again with Colonel Michael Beckett after the tragic death of her husband, Johnny, almost two years before. She’s even considering performing the beautiful and difficult Rachmaninoff Concerto 2 with The New Russian Symphony Orchestra after being asked by their tour arranger Yuri Blankov until she’s visited by a past adversary who tells her that Johnny may still be alive leaving her no choice but to go and find out.
Colonel Michael Beckett has his own problems dealing with the murder of his late best friend’s daughter and finding her missing son, Dov. Never the less he doesn’t want Maggie to go off searching for Johnny but loves and knows her enough to know that there’s no stopping her, even when they learn from their friend and government agent Simon Sugarman that the last case Johnny was working on, a missing Van Gough painting has come to light again.
Helaine Mario takes readers on an incredible journey through time and music with, Shadow Music, her latest novel staring Maggie O’Shea.
Beginning with this master storyteller’s prologue set in late cold war Budapest to a huge plot bomb she drops early in the story to the very last page the action never stops and the speed never slows enough for the audience to catch their breaths between one crisis and another and yet they’re often gifted to the mundane minutia that makes everyday life such a treasure like a sunset, an ocean breeze or a cherished memory. Her wonderful, expressive prose like narrative flows beautifully and her deliciously thrilling storyline will keep her audience engaged and engrossed, excited to connect all the ingenious convoluted plot dots. Her characters are the glue that binds this novel and not only fan favorites like Maggie, Michael, Sugar, Robbie and of course Michael’s three-legged dog Shiloh, but also the newcomers like the troubled teen Dov and even the bad guys. But it’s Maggie and Michael that are, as always, the true standouts, how their love Phoenix like rose from the ashes of their pasts, so inspiring and now maybe in trouble. Then there’s the music, oh the music, and this story focuses on Rachmaninoff and his Piano Concerto 2 one of the most celebrated and difficult works for piano and how Maggie in between personal pitfalls, dodging danger and bad guys manages to bring it to life. Music is at the heart and soul of every one of Helaine’s Maggie O’Shea books and Shadow Music is the perfect Cadence for her (so-far) three-part symphony.
Brava!
Shadow Music stands well alone but for deeper character and storyline understanding read the novels, The Lost Concerto, Dark Rhapsody and Shadow Music in order.
Fans of women’s fiction, romantic suspense and fans of Nora Roberts, Iris Johansen and Sandra Brown will love Shadow Music and Helaine Mario.
March 7, 2021
Maggie O’Shea is a classical pianist. One year, between some shows, she gets embroiled in a ring of Russian art smugglers who want a mysterious Van Gogh painting that vanished years ago. Maggie’s husband got killed 18 months ago while investigating that same painting, and the Russians think that not only did he find out where it is, but that he told Maggie about it.
I got this from NetGalley without realizing it was book 3 of a trilogy; obviously, I haven’t read the previous two. However, it was explained clearly enough that I rarely felt confused. Either enough backstory was given for a character or event that I knew what was going on, or no backstory was needed at that moment.
The pacing was enjoyable, I was never bored. The short chapters made for a quick read, without time to get too stuck in details. The different character points of view made us know many aspects of the story, and yet there were still a few surprises in store.
A solid 3* read, not the best for me, I found the ending a bit abrupt and a let-down after so much build-up, but I don’t regret the time I spent reading it at all!
I got this from NetGalley without realizing it was book 3 of a trilogy; obviously, I haven’t read the previous two. However, it was explained clearly enough that I rarely felt confused. Either enough backstory was given for a character or event that I knew what was going on, or no backstory was needed at that moment.
The pacing was enjoyable, I was never bored. The short chapters made for a quick read, without time to get too stuck in details. The different character points of view made us know many aspects of the story, and yet there were still a few surprises in store.
A solid 3* read, not the best for me, I found the ending a bit abrupt and a let-down after so much build-up, but I don’t regret the time I spent reading it at all!
September 26, 2021
This third Maggie O’Shea mystery, following DARK RHAPSODY, opens a few years before the Soviet Union’s rusting Iron Curtain is shredded by eastern Europeans eager to view the stage of freedom. Two women near the Hungarian border wait for someone to help them cross, but Russian guards kill one, while the other takes an infant into the river. She brings with her the tale of a lost Rachmaninoff concerto and the whereabouts of a missing Van Gogh painting evocative of Starry Night.
In contemporary Boston, concert pianist Maggie O’Shea prepares to perform at the Museum of Fine Arts. She is introduced to Yuri Belankov, a former violinist from St. Petersburg, who was interviewed by Maggie’s husband shortly before Johnny O’Shea’s boat exploded. “The heart will always grieve.” But she has moved on and accepts the love offered by Michael Beckett.
Yet mysterious messages from Europe suggest a connection to Johnny, the Van Gogh and the concerto --- as well as wartime horrors in Paris. Maggie is recalcitrant to bear credence to what she fears may be a lure to extortion. While on her courtyard balcony, though, she hears familiar violin strains but can’t identify from which concerto. Could it be the lost composition from before Rachmaninoff’s death in 1943?
However, an invitation to perform in London with a Russian orchestra sways Maggie to unravel loose threads to her past, all of which the award-winning journalist Johnny O’Shea had been investigating. This complex novel has many subplots simmering in a stew, the stock of which is the international music and art world.
Name-changing characters detract from endearing them to readers, but identities concealed from nefarious Russian mobsters are essential --- especially for a troubled homeless youth. At times, the name changes and nicknames are reminiscent of the Abbott and Costello “Who’s On First” routine but without the comedy. Series newcomers should read the two previous installments to know who’s on first.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
In contemporary Boston, concert pianist Maggie O’Shea prepares to perform at the Museum of Fine Arts. She is introduced to Yuri Belankov, a former violinist from St. Petersburg, who was interviewed by Maggie’s husband shortly before Johnny O’Shea’s boat exploded. “The heart will always grieve.” But she has moved on and accepts the love offered by Michael Beckett.
Yet mysterious messages from Europe suggest a connection to Johnny, the Van Gogh and the concerto --- as well as wartime horrors in Paris. Maggie is recalcitrant to bear credence to what she fears may be a lure to extortion. While on her courtyard balcony, though, she hears familiar violin strains but can’t identify from which concerto. Could it be the lost composition from before Rachmaninoff’s death in 1943?
However, an invitation to perform in London with a Russian orchestra sways Maggie to unravel loose threads to her past, all of which the award-winning journalist Johnny O’Shea had been investigating. This complex novel has many subplots simmering in a stew, the stock of which is the international music and art world.
Name-changing characters detract from endearing them to readers, but identities concealed from nefarious Russian mobsters are essential --- especially for a troubled homeless youth. At times, the name changes and nicknames are reminiscent of the Abbott and Costello “Who’s On First” routine but without the comedy. Series newcomers should read the two previous installments to know who’s on first.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
October 22, 2021
I've added Helaine Mario to my 'must read' author's list. Her masterful manipulation of plot and characters is symphonic blend of mystery, music, and machinations of both good and evil. She is an artist with words.
SHADOW MUSIC may seem more like a standalone then, suddenly, the pieces start to fall into place. Like DARK RHAPSODY, SHADOW MUSIC is as much about art as it is about music. I am loath to even introduce the characters as I review these books because I am afraid of giving something away. Maggie O'Shea is a complicated woman dealing with sorrow, loss, and fear as she stands strong against mysterious adversaries. Meeting the other characters is an integral part of the adventure.
Maggie is practicing Rachmaninoff's piano concerto #2 throughout the book. One night, while reading, I found myself saying "Alexa, play Rachmaninoff's piano concerto #2." I confess it was a little distracting, but after a short while, listening definitely enhanced the story.
Once you get about halfway through the book, you will find that putting it down to do something as mundane as sleeping will be impossible. You will put it aside, turn off the light, toss and turn a bit, turn the light back on, pick up the book and read to the very end. You will enjoy the music, you will contemplate the art, and you will be choked with emotion as tears trickle down your cheek. Yes, this book is that good!
Although the blurb says these books can be read as standalones, and in any order, I do recommend that you read them in the order listed - THE LOST CONCERTO, DARK RHAPSODY, SHADOW MUSIC - in order to appreciate the intricate development of the series. It is my sincere hope that more books will follow.
SHADOW MUSIC may seem more like a standalone then, suddenly, the pieces start to fall into place. Like DARK RHAPSODY, SHADOW MUSIC is as much about art as it is about music. I am loath to even introduce the characters as I review these books because I am afraid of giving something away. Maggie O'Shea is a complicated woman dealing with sorrow, loss, and fear as she stands strong against mysterious adversaries. Meeting the other characters is an integral part of the adventure.
Maggie is practicing Rachmaninoff's piano concerto #2 throughout the book. One night, while reading, I found myself saying "Alexa, play Rachmaninoff's piano concerto #2." I confess it was a little distracting, but after a short while, listening definitely enhanced the story.
Once you get about halfway through the book, you will find that putting it down to do something as mundane as sleeping will be impossible. You will put it aside, turn off the light, toss and turn a bit, turn the light back on, pick up the book and read to the very end. You will enjoy the music, you will contemplate the art, and you will be choked with emotion as tears trickle down your cheek. Yes, this book is that good!
Although the blurb says these books can be read as standalones, and in any order, I do recommend that you read them in the order listed - THE LOST CONCERTO, DARK RHAPSODY, SHADOW MUSIC - in order to appreciate the intricate development of the series. It is my sincere hope that more books will follow.
March 3, 2021
I would like to begin by thanking NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read this ebook. I did not realize this was a book from a series when I began to read it but I was quick to discover this as there were so many characters that were not given a backstory so I felt rather lost.
This is a book that covers murder, mystery, suspense, grief, love and starting over. This may seem like a lot for one book but the author manages to weave all of these things into one book. Maggie is the main character and she has faced many hardships yet still manages to love deeply. The other characters are likeable, even without knowing their history from the other books.
The story takes us from present day US to Hungary and France during WWII. It has a poignant storyline that I really enjoyed. The rest of the story was very slow in the beginning but it did all come together in the end. I would highly suggest you read this series in order so you don’t feel as confused as I was.
Overall it is a good book with enough suspense and intrigue to keep you interested.
This is a book that covers murder, mystery, suspense, grief, love and starting over. This may seem like a lot for one book but the author manages to weave all of these things into one book. Maggie is the main character and she has faced many hardships yet still manages to love deeply. The other characters are likeable, even without knowing their history from the other books.
The story takes us from present day US to Hungary and France during WWII. It has a poignant storyline that I really enjoyed. The rest of the story was very slow in the beginning but it did all come together in the end. I would highly suggest you read this series in order so you don’t feel as confused as I was.
Overall it is a good book with enough suspense and intrigue to keep you interested.
October 23, 2021
Imagine for one moment a missing Vincent Van Gogh painting that some unsavory Russian characters would crave to get their hands on? Nothing would stop them from murdering anyone in their path to snatch the artwork? Such is Helaine Mario’s recent thriller, Shadow Music.
The prologue sets the tone of her narrative as she foreshadows events, persons, and consequences far beyond the episode depicted.
Two frightened young girls, Donata Kardos, her friend Tereza Janos, and her tiny child, Gemma Roza, are fleeing Hungary in 1985. Donata’s cousin Pavel agrees to transport them in his truck across the border to Austria.
Hours earlier, Donata watches Tereza pack a bag with clothing, banknotes, photographs, and her father Anton’s treasures that he had left behind the night the soldiers came for him.
Among the belongings is a Guarnieri Violin, encased in a heavy woolen jacket and a painted canvas. As the drama unfolds, the painting is featured at the heart of the tale.
When Pavel arrives, he picks up Tereza’s large duffel bag and chucks it into his truck. The only ones to escape are Donata, Tereza’s baby, and Anton’s belongings. Unfortunately, Tereza is shot and slain by a Russian soldier.
The ensuing string of events introduces us to Maggie O’Shea, a gifted classical pianist. She is performing at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
After her performance, Maggie wanders through the museum admiring the wonderful art and meetsYuri Belankov, ex-violinist from St. Petersburg, Russia. Belankov introduces Maggie to his friend, Nikolai Kirov, who owns a high-end art gallery in Manhattan.
Belankov informs Maggie that he is preparing a tour of the U.S.A by the New Russian Symphony Orchestra, whose conductor, Valentin Zharkov, has made quite a name for himself. He would like Maggie to solo with the orchestra.
Belankov and Kirov agree that Maggie is a means to an end, and for both of them, each will get what they want. Somehow these two Russians and Zharkov are interconnected to a missing Van Gogh painting that will play itself out over the several succeeding chapters.
We learn that Maggie’s husband Johnny was embroiled in an unfortunate boating accident and is presumed to have drowned somewhere off the Mediterranean coast. His body was never recovered. Maggie is briefed by Detective Simon Sugarman that Johnny, a prize-winning journalist, was working on an article concerning a Van Gogh painting that vanished after the Cold War.
Sugarman informs Maggie that he has his eye on three Russians working together who want the lost painting. He further points out to Maggie that Johnny had called him two years prior. At the time, he mentioned that a Roman Catholic nun with the given name of Donata Kardos had reached out to him with a story about a lost painting from Budapest. The nun was a friend of a well-known Hungarian violinist, Anton Janos, and his daughter. One day Janos was taken away by soldiers and was never seen again. He had left behind his violin, letters, and music, and a priceless piece of art-all concealed beneath a false floor next door to Donata’s apartment. Donata recounts how she fled from Hungary with Janos’ granddaughter and vanished until she turned up on Johnny’s doorstep.
Another character introduced into the plot is Colonel Michael Beckett and his three-legged Golden Retriever, Shiloh, rescued from a bombed village in Afghanistan. Beckett and Maggie are both deeply attracted to each other, and the chemistry had been immediate, tumultuous, and adversarial. Their relationship becomes somewhat complicated when Maggie learns that her husband Johnny may still be alive. She sets off to find him.
The plot thickens when Beckett hears about the strangulation of Irina Davidov by a piano wire. Irina was his best buddy, Yev’s only child. The homicide had been witnessed by her son Yevgeny. As it turns out, Irina was Kirov’s accountant, and she knew too much about his dealings in looted art.
The biggest reason for nestling this novel in your lap is that it is loaded with several characters with their own tension filled narratives.
Trust me when I say this is not a one-idea book. At times it felt like a giant puzzle with characters that are dealing with all kinds of struggles. You will love the challenge in trying to figure it all out. An added feature is Mario’s engrossing writing that is propelled by a fluid narrative interwoven with a disturbing undertone which can prove quite a balancing act. She is also able to keep all the elements of the narrative in suspension until the last chapters when she neatly ties all of the loose ends together.
Follow Here https://waa.ai/qRgn For Norm's Interview With Helaine Mario
The prologue sets the tone of her narrative as she foreshadows events, persons, and consequences far beyond the episode depicted.
Two frightened young girls, Donata Kardos, her friend Tereza Janos, and her tiny child, Gemma Roza, are fleeing Hungary in 1985. Donata’s cousin Pavel agrees to transport them in his truck across the border to Austria.
Hours earlier, Donata watches Tereza pack a bag with clothing, banknotes, photographs, and her father Anton’s treasures that he had left behind the night the soldiers came for him.
Among the belongings is a Guarnieri Violin, encased in a heavy woolen jacket and a painted canvas. As the drama unfolds, the painting is featured at the heart of the tale.
When Pavel arrives, he picks up Tereza’s large duffel bag and chucks it into his truck. The only ones to escape are Donata, Tereza’s baby, and Anton’s belongings. Unfortunately, Tereza is shot and slain by a Russian soldier.
The ensuing string of events introduces us to Maggie O’Shea, a gifted classical pianist. She is performing at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
After her performance, Maggie wanders through the museum admiring the wonderful art and meetsYuri Belankov, ex-violinist from St. Petersburg, Russia. Belankov introduces Maggie to his friend, Nikolai Kirov, who owns a high-end art gallery in Manhattan.
Belankov informs Maggie that he is preparing a tour of the U.S.A by the New Russian Symphony Orchestra, whose conductor, Valentin Zharkov, has made quite a name for himself. He would like Maggie to solo with the orchestra.
Belankov and Kirov agree that Maggie is a means to an end, and for both of them, each will get what they want. Somehow these two Russians and Zharkov are interconnected to a missing Van Gogh painting that will play itself out over the several succeeding chapters.
We learn that Maggie’s husband Johnny was embroiled in an unfortunate boating accident and is presumed to have drowned somewhere off the Mediterranean coast. His body was never recovered. Maggie is briefed by Detective Simon Sugarman that Johnny, a prize-winning journalist, was working on an article concerning a Van Gogh painting that vanished after the Cold War.
Sugarman informs Maggie that he has his eye on three Russians working together who want the lost painting. He further points out to Maggie that Johnny had called him two years prior. At the time, he mentioned that a Roman Catholic nun with the given name of Donata Kardos had reached out to him with a story about a lost painting from Budapest. The nun was a friend of a well-known Hungarian violinist, Anton Janos, and his daughter. One day Janos was taken away by soldiers and was never seen again. He had left behind his violin, letters, and music, and a priceless piece of art-all concealed beneath a false floor next door to Donata’s apartment. Donata recounts how she fled from Hungary with Janos’ granddaughter and vanished until she turned up on Johnny’s doorstep.
Another character introduced into the plot is Colonel Michael Beckett and his three-legged Golden Retriever, Shiloh, rescued from a bombed village in Afghanistan. Beckett and Maggie are both deeply attracted to each other, and the chemistry had been immediate, tumultuous, and adversarial. Their relationship becomes somewhat complicated when Maggie learns that her husband Johnny may still be alive. She sets off to find him.
The plot thickens when Beckett hears about the strangulation of Irina Davidov by a piano wire. Irina was his best buddy, Yev’s only child. The homicide had been witnessed by her son Yevgeny. As it turns out, Irina was Kirov’s accountant, and she knew too much about his dealings in looted art.
The biggest reason for nestling this novel in your lap is that it is loaded with several characters with their own tension filled narratives.
Trust me when I say this is not a one-idea book. At times it felt like a giant puzzle with characters that are dealing with all kinds of struggles. You will love the challenge in trying to figure it all out. An added feature is Mario’s engrossing writing that is propelled by a fluid narrative interwoven with a disturbing undertone which can prove quite a balancing act. She is also able to keep all the elements of the narrative in suspension until the last chapters when she neatly ties all of the loose ends together.
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September 19, 2021
In 1985 Donata Kardos and her infant goddaughter escaped from Hungary. The infant was the granddaughter of a famous composer who had been in possession of a lost Van Gogh. During the escape the child’s mother was killed and Donata disappeared with the child and the painting. In the present, Maggie O’Shea, the widow of a noted journalist, is drawn into the hunt for the missing painting. Her husband Johnny had been in contact with Donata shortly before his death. His last interview was with Yuri Belankov, a wealthy Russian living in Washington who collects art. Yuri believes that he is the father of the child who escaped with Donata and finding her will finally reveal the location of the Van Gogh. He is a dangerous man who arranged an encounter with Maggie hoping to discover what her husband knew.
Maggie is a concert pianist who lost the ability to concentrate on her music after her husband’s death. It has been well over a year and she is finally performing again. With the support of Michael Bennett she has also found love. Contacted by someone in her past, she discovers that Johnny may still be alive. While Michael is her current love, she also has feelings for her lost husband and sets off to find the truth. Michael has a quest of his own. The daughter of a friend who saved him in Viet Nam has been murdered and he has to find her missing teenage son. She had worked for the Russian mafia and passed information to her son shortly before her death. Now Michael searches the streets of New York to find him and offer him protection.
Maggie displays passion not only for her music, but also for the men in her life. She has finally emerge from the grief that almost destroyed her and she is stronger and more determined not only to find the truth, but also to master a difficult piece of music. As she works to achieve her goals Helaine Mario merges each of the story lines into a final showdown. Along with Maggie, Mario offers strong characters. Michael runs a ranch that offers rehabilitation for veterans. Despite his past, he feels ill-equipped to deal with a teenager who refuses his help. Yevgeny witnessed his mother’s murder and is distrustful of the help being offered. The one thing that brings them together is Shiloh, Michael’s dog with an attitude and personality that no one can resist. Mario’s characters and the surprising twists that she offers make this a story that hits all of the right notes. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for making this book available for my review.
Maggie is a concert pianist who lost the ability to concentrate on her music after her husband’s death. It has been well over a year and she is finally performing again. With the support of Michael Bennett she has also found love. Contacted by someone in her past, she discovers that Johnny may still be alive. While Michael is her current love, she also has feelings for her lost husband and sets off to find the truth. Michael has a quest of his own. The daughter of a friend who saved him in Viet Nam has been murdered and he has to find her missing teenage son. She had worked for the Russian mafia and passed information to her son shortly before her death. Now Michael searches the streets of New York to find him and offer him protection.
Maggie displays passion not only for her music, but also for the men in her life. She has finally emerge from the grief that almost destroyed her and she is stronger and more determined not only to find the truth, but also to master a difficult piece of music. As she works to achieve her goals Helaine Mario merges each of the story lines into a final showdown. Along with Maggie, Mario offers strong characters. Michael runs a ranch that offers rehabilitation for veterans. Despite his past, he feels ill-equipped to deal with a teenager who refuses his help. Yevgeny witnessed his mother’s murder and is distrustful of the help being offered. The one thing that brings them together is Shiloh, Michael’s dog with an attitude and personality that no one can resist. Mario’s characters and the surprising twists that she offers make this a story that hits all of the right notes. I would like to thank NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for making this book available for my review.
September 6, 2021
It’s nice to see Maggie O’Shea again. She’s still as strong and reliable as ever. Her relationship with Beckett is going strong and she’s successful in her career as a pianist. The death of her husband is still a sore spot, but things are going back to normal when she gets involved in another historical mystery. This time it’s a lost Van Gogh. Her late hubby may have known where it was and he could have told her. He didn’t, but three shady Russians don’t know that. I like how Maggie is older than your typical heroine and this time she’s not the only resourceful woman around. I liked the discussions about philosophy, art and history. I especially enjoyed when Maggie plays the piano and the reader sees the music through her eyes. I also loved Shiloh the dog and all the animals in the story. I wasn’t too crazy about the dialogues, which sound a little contrived, or the way the plot relies heavily on coincidence. Sometimes I was worried about what was going to happen to a character, but the situation resolved in an anticlimactic manner. That said, this is the perfect mystery for art and music lovers, as well as history buffs.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Oceanview Publishing!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Oceanview Publishing!
October 18, 2021
When I first started reading Shadow Music I couldn’t help but wonder if I needed to have read the first 2 books in Helaine Mario’s Maggie O’Shea series, I felt the initial few chapters jumped around and presumed previous knowledge. However this concern soon abated, I was captured by Maggie’s story. The story is full of strong characters – some you love easily and some equally unlovable. With the threads of music and art winding their way through the story, we become immersed in the Maggie’s quest to find out if her husband is alive, while at the same time following the quest for Van Gogh’s “Shadow Music” painting, which had been lost in the Nazi’s blitz against the Jews in WWII, and was being hunted by a number of (mostly evil) people for various reasons. Despite all Maggie goes through, her love both for her lost husband Johnny and now for Michael Beckett is stoic, and her passion for her music returns despite all the hardships and tests she faces.
My advice to anyone who plans to read Shadow Music – take the time to read “The Lost Concerto” and “Dark Rhapsody” first – I wish I had, and I plan to rectify this error in the very near future!
My thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for allowing me to read this beautiful book in return for my unbiased review.
My advice to anyone who plans to read Shadow Music – take the time to read “The Lost Concerto” and “Dark Rhapsody” first – I wish I had, and I plan to rectify this error in the very near future!
My thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for allowing me to read this beautiful book in return for my unbiased review.
March 23, 2021
Shadow Music
Classical musician Maggie O’Shea has lost her husband, found new love and is pulled into dangerous intrigue after her late husband’s home office is broken into and she is attacked. This story starts with the escape from Cold War Hungary by a young woman and the infant daughter of her best friend, who is killed during the escape. Fast forward years later, the woman is now a nun, the infant is a violinist and their lives collide with that of Maggie O’Shea. Three Russian oligarchs attempt to befriend Maggie, while they are really looking for the woman and girl from Hungary and a missing Van Gogh painting.
I enjoyed this book despite occasionally feeling like I had missed something. After finishing the book I became aware that this is the 3rd book in a trilogy. I think that if I had read the first 2 I would not have had that feeling. This book left me feeling that I need to go back and read the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Classical musician Maggie O’Shea has lost her husband, found new love and is pulled into dangerous intrigue after her late husband’s home office is broken into and she is attacked. This story starts with the escape from Cold War Hungary by a young woman and the infant daughter of her best friend, who is killed during the escape. Fast forward years later, the woman is now a nun, the infant is a violinist and their lives collide with that of Maggie O’Shea. Three Russian oligarchs attempt to befriend Maggie, while they are really looking for the woman and girl from Hungary and a missing Van Gogh painting.
I enjoyed this book despite occasionally feeling like I had missed something. After finishing the book I became aware that this is the 3rd book in a trilogy. I think that if I had read the first 2 I would not have had that feeling. This book left me feeling that I need to go back and read the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 27, 2021Several mysteries come together like the instruments of an orchestra to produce an intricate, surprising, inspiring symphony. With music, art, history, romance and crime, Mario's novel is sure to appeal to a wide swath of readers.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/09/21/orche...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/09/21/orche...
July 8, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley. I was not paid or otherwise compensated for this review, and the thoughts and opinions included here are mine and mine alone.
My short review of this book is simple: I wanted to like this more than I did. If GoodReads or NetGalley allowed for half-stars, then this would get a 2.5/5. As it is, I prefer to round up, so I'm going with 3/5.
The long review? Well, there's an interesting story here, and Helaine Mario does a standup job of breaking her narrative into initially separate arcs that weave together at the end, much like a well-made basket. Some of the plot points are a bit fanciful, but part of the joy of reading fiction is letting the author lull you into suspending your disbelief, and Helaine Mario was successful in achieving that. To me, that's sufficient for a 3-star rating.
My problem with this book, then, is the dialogue. Human beings do not speak the way that Helaine Mario's characters do. Here's one particularly egregious example, from approximately page 110:
"Time we even the odds," Beckett muttered to the Shiloh, "But no more prison brawls. It's time for age and treachery to overcome youth and skill. So how about we resurrect our 'Good Cop Bad Dog' routine?"
Every single character talks like this, though some of them have certain markers to give them their own voices. Johnny constantly calls Maggie "Lass" (y'know, because he's Irish, and Irish men call their wives "Lass"), the Russians tend to sprinkle Russian phrases into their speech (along with multiple explicit reminders that they are Russian, just in case we forgot), and Dov speaks with a New York accent (or should I say a "New York" accent). Regardless, they are all prone to conversing in this most purple of prose, and while it lets up a bit toward the end of the book, it definitely makes the first ~200 pages a bit of a slog. The writing in general is a bit precious for my taste, even outside of the dialogue.
Additionally, all of the characters in Shadow Music, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or other personal characteristics, are stated to be extremely, conspicuously attractive, to an extent that borders on distracting. To be fair, though, it's a relief to know that in the Maggie O'Shea universe, I, a solid 6 out of 10 on a good day, would have nothing to fear vis a vis involvement in international criminal conspiracies.
On a more positive note, certain aspects of this book (particularly some of the letter and diary entries in the later chapters) were very well-written and filled with nuance, pathos, and gravitas. I wish that similar style had been applied to more of the book, but it was good to read anyway, and was deployed effectively to provide both relevant background to the characters as well as resolution to the story.
I didn't know going into this that it was book #3 in a series. It's entirely possible that someone who has read the first two books and is more familiar with Helaine Mario's writing style and characterization choices might love this book, and to that person I say godspeed and happy reading. Maybe you happen to enjoy overly florid descriptions and dialogue schmaltzier than my Bubbe's cooking, and if so, this is the book for you.
To summarize, I enjoyed the plot, setting, and interconnection of narrative elements, and did not enjoy the dialogue and certain aspects of the characterization.
My short review of this book is simple: I wanted to like this more than I did. If GoodReads or NetGalley allowed for half-stars, then this would get a 2.5/5. As it is, I prefer to round up, so I'm going with 3/5.
The long review? Well, there's an interesting story here, and Helaine Mario does a standup job of breaking her narrative into initially separate arcs that weave together at the end, much like a well-made basket. Some of the plot points are a bit fanciful, but part of the joy of reading fiction is letting the author lull you into suspending your disbelief, and Helaine Mario was successful in achieving that. To me, that's sufficient for a 3-star rating.
My problem with this book, then, is the dialogue. Human beings do not speak the way that Helaine Mario's characters do. Here's one particularly egregious example, from approximately page 110:
"Time we even the odds," Beckett muttered to the Shiloh, "But no more prison brawls. It's time for age and treachery to overcome youth and skill. So how about we resurrect our 'Good Cop Bad Dog' routine?"
Every single character talks like this, though some of them have certain markers to give them their own voices. Johnny constantly calls Maggie "Lass" (y'know, because he's Irish, and Irish men call their wives "Lass"), the Russians tend to sprinkle Russian phrases into their speech (along with multiple explicit reminders that they are Russian, just in case we forgot), and Dov speaks with a New York accent (or should I say a "New York" accent). Regardless, they are all prone to conversing in this most purple of prose, and while it lets up a bit toward the end of the book, it definitely makes the first ~200 pages a bit of a slog. The writing in general is a bit precious for my taste, even outside of the dialogue.
Additionally, all of the characters in Shadow Music, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or other personal characteristics, are stated to be extremely, conspicuously attractive, to an extent that borders on distracting. To be fair, though, it's a relief to know that in the Maggie O'Shea universe, I, a solid 6 out of 10 on a good day, would have nothing to fear vis a vis involvement in international criminal conspiracies.
On a more positive note, certain aspects of this book (particularly some of the letter and diary entries in the later chapters) were very well-written and filled with nuance, pathos, and gravitas. I wish that similar style had been applied to more of the book, but it was good to read anyway, and was deployed effectively to provide both relevant background to the characters as well as resolution to the story.
I didn't know going into this that it was book #3 in a series. It's entirely possible that someone who has read the first two books and is more familiar with Helaine Mario's writing style and characterization choices might love this book, and to that person I say godspeed and happy reading. Maybe you happen to enjoy overly florid descriptions and dialogue schmaltzier than my Bubbe's cooking, and if so, this is the book for you.
To summarize, I enjoyed the plot, setting, and interconnection of narrative elements, and did not enjoy the dialogue and certain aspects of the characterization.
March 13, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this novel and give a honest review.
I was not aware this book was part of a trilogy until I read the final notes. This would possibly explain why the characters are not given enough back story in this book, which was a bit disappointing. I guess reading the other books as well, you will get to know the characters better and appreciate the story even more.
I did not like the first few chapters, as I felt the narration was too fragmented for my liking, going from one place/character to the other, and making me too confused. However, towards the middle of the book, I started to get more into the story, and the narration also became more linear, letting me appreciate the main character and the mystery behind.
I particularly liked the two sub-story about the origin of the painting (could be a novel on its own in my opinion) and the husband, but I am not sure the mystery was thrilling enough for me to read the previous and the following books, if there will be any.
I was not aware this book was part of a trilogy until I read the final notes. This would possibly explain why the characters are not given enough back story in this book, which was a bit disappointing. I guess reading the other books as well, you will get to know the characters better and appreciate the story even more.
I did not like the first few chapters, as I felt the narration was too fragmented for my liking, going from one place/character to the other, and making me too confused. However, towards the middle of the book, I started to get more into the story, and the narration also became more linear, letting me appreciate the main character and the mystery behind.
I particularly liked the two sub-story about the origin of the painting (could be a novel on its own in my opinion) and the husband, but I am not sure the mystery was thrilling enough for me to read the previous and the following books, if there will be any.
January 1, 2022
A slow burner.
‘Shadow Music’ begins at the end of the Cold War when a daring escape is made from communist Hungary by a young woman with an infant baby and an extremely precious work of art.
I gather that this is the third book in a series, featuring Maggie O’Shea. It can be read as a standalone, but it would be preferable to have read the first two books. For me, it was a slow burner, which was confusing at times when it switched between different timelines.
It wasn’t until I had read several chapters that I found myself fully engaged in the plot. Several decades had passed when Maggie felt drawn to Cornwall, in an earnest quest to find out the truth about her husband.
Another strand of the plot concerned three dangerous Russians who were also searching for the infamous Van Gogh painting. Maggie finds herself embroiled in the art and music world and fears for her life.
It is a pity that at times there was a lack of cohesion, hence three stars.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
‘Shadow Music’ begins at the end of the Cold War when a daring escape is made from communist Hungary by a young woman with an infant baby and an extremely precious work of art.
I gather that this is the third book in a series, featuring Maggie O’Shea. It can be read as a standalone, but it would be preferable to have read the first two books. For me, it was a slow burner, which was confusing at times when it switched between different timelines.
It wasn’t until I had read several chapters that I found myself fully engaged in the plot. Several decades had passed when Maggie felt drawn to Cornwall, in an earnest quest to find out the truth about her husband.
Another strand of the plot concerned three dangerous Russians who were also searching for the infamous Van Gogh painting. Maggie finds herself embroiled in the art and music world and fears for her life.
It is a pity that at times there was a lack of cohesion, hence three stars.
Galadriel.
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of this book to review.
October 21, 2021
This is the third in a series but my first and intriguing enough for me to read the first two. Classical music and art are seamlessly infused throughout, giving the story a beautiful angle. We see PTSD, peril, secrets, effects of war, love, deception, insight and hope. Even gorgeous Tintagel Castle, one of my favourites, is involved, contributing to the atmosphere.
A daring and necessary escape is made from Communist Hungary during the Cold War. A baby survives and is hidden for safety. A priceless van Gogh is secreted away and decades later searched for by various parties but only two people on earth know where it is. Precious music is lost as well. Plots within plots.
Maggie O'Shea, a concert pianist has much at stake and finds herself caught in sticky web upon sticky web as she seeks answers.
I like the multilayered mysteries with the Cold War tie. Well done.
My sincere thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this enthralling book.
A daring and necessary escape is made from Communist Hungary during the Cold War. A baby survives and is hidden for safety. A priceless van Gogh is secreted away and decades later searched for by various parties but only two people on earth know where it is. Precious music is lost as well. Plots within plots.
Maggie O'Shea, a concert pianist has much at stake and finds herself caught in sticky web upon sticky web as she seeks answers.
I like the multilayered mysteries with the Cold War tie. Well done.
My sincere thank you to Oceanview Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this enthralling book.
September 14, 2021
I did not realize when I requested this book that it was the third in a series. Nevertheless, that fact did not prevent me from enjoying the story. There was enough reference to the back story from the previous adventures to keep me engaged. The prologue starts at the end of the Cold War when a young girl escapes from Russian occupied Hungary with an infant girl and a priceless piece of art. Then the first chapter jumps to the present time when we are introduced to Maggie O’Shea who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving the Russian mafia, music, the stolen Van Gogh painting and enough suspense to keep me turning the page. Thanks to Netgalley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2021
This was not what I expected. It was not intriguing and i wanted to DNF it at some point. The storyline is interesting, about a murder mystery with the chapters rotating between the past and the present. At the beginning, I liked the characters, especially in the past. I secretly wanted the whole book to be about them but then all of a sudden there were new characters and i felt they weren't even going with the flow.
It's the third book in the series, but I still understood it. The whole storyline is a bit mushy with many characters and stories. However towards the end, new things emerge and i liked that part a bit more.
I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy this historical suspense. It just wasn't for me.
It's the third book in the series, but I still understood it. The whole storyline is a bit mushy with many characters and stories. However towards the end, new things emerge and i liked that part a bit more.
I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy this historical suspense. It just wasn't for me.
January 30, 2022
I've been looking for a reason to not continue reading this book, and then I realized that simply not wanting to was reason enough.
This is a fictional story of the Russian mafia in the USA - specifically the Boston area - and the people tied up in it, relating to stolen artwork and musicians. I stopped reading at 20%. It's interesting, but I don't feel interested or invested. A lot of it was feeling cliche too - a main character who forgets to eat, runs from problems (literally runs to deal), bad guys, lots of names to keep track of and secret links to each other... could be good, but not what I want to read right now.
CW: gang activity, murder
This is a fictional story of the Russian mafia in the USA - specifically the Boston area - and the people tied up in it, relating to stolen artwork and musicians. I stopped reading at 20%. It's interesting, but I don't feel interested or invested. A lot of it was feeling cliche too - a main character who forgets to eat, runs from problems (literally runs to deal), bad guys, lots of names to keep track of and secret links to each other... could be good, but not what I want to read right now.
CW: gang activity, murder
July 6, 2021
This is a well-done murder mystery, lost art, music filled story that has a steller opening. The first chapter pulls you in and really doesn’t ever let you go. There are a few scenes that I felt were past the believability point but otherwise the storyline flows well and all the characters are well defined.
I especially liked Maggie, Michael, Dov and of course we can’t leave out Shiloh and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. Quick easy read with a nice ending.
I received an ARC from Oceanview Publishing along with NetGalley for my honest review. This one comes in with 4 stars.
I especially liked Maggie, Michael, Dov and of course we can’t leave out Shiloh and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. Quick easy read with a nice ending.
I received an ARC from Oceanview Publishing along with NetGalley for my honest review. This one comes in with 4 stars.
November 5, 2021
Shadow Music is an entertaining mystery thriller with a touching love triangle involving Maggie, the heroine of the novel; her long-lost ex-husband; and her new lover. There are great storylines about a valuable, lost Van Gogh painting, a missing boy, and the long-ago murder of a young mother that all come together perfectly at the end, The heroine is a classical musician, and I enjoyed living in that world, as well as learning things about 20th century European history. This is a really good, fun read.
December 2, 2021
A stunning story, packed with danger, beautifully told. Shadow Music is Helaine Mario’s third Maggie O’Shea novel, following The Lost Concerto and Dark Rhapsody. I love Maggie; I love the music (Maggie is a classical pianist) and I love the art that Helaine Mario showcases in her novels—in this case a long-lost Van Gogh. But it’s not all art and music, in Shadow Music, Maggie is on a collision course with three Russian agents and there is a stunning revelation that shakes Maggie to her core. I think this series is the perfect blend of beauty and danger.
November 22, 2023
Missing art, music and love are the driving themes of this engrossing mystery. From Budapest to London to the hills of Virginia, the search for a missing Van Gogh has taken lives. Maggie O'Shea is finally remembering into life and music again after the traumatic death of her husband 18 months earlier, but the search he was on threatens her again. As this was the third in a series, I was a little confused at the outset, but the story is totally worthwhile and enjoyable. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
Another winner in the Maggie O’Shea series. Helaine takes the reader into the moment by transporting them with her captivatingly, descriptive prose. Be it Cornwall, England, Virginia, USA or Provence, France, the scenery is spectacular, the plot intriguing and the characters larger than life. I could hardly put my book down until completely consumed and loved every single bit of Shadow Music.
Can’t wait for number 5……
Can’t wait for number 5……
March 7, 2022
Helaine Mario’s third mystery is more than timely. Reading it as Russia invades the Ukraine amplifies the author’s sharply drawn story of wartime tragedy and it’s effect on generations to come. A precisely written melange of mystery, tragedy and romance, art and music are like living characters. The brave and compassionate protagonist, Maggie O’Shea leads the reader around the world in a perilous journey to unravel wartime secrets.
March 17, 2025
DNF at about 40%. I found the book to be dull, with too many storylines and settings. It was hard to keep it all straight. I also wasn’t a fan of the writing style (so many cliches!). I supplemented the eBook with the audio version and please be aware that the narration is horrible. Her dialogue—especially the accents—is horrible. Wish I would have quit sooner.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this title. The opinions are my own.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this title. The opinions are my own.
August 8, 2021
This mystery is complicated and a bit slow in the initial few chapters. It does have some parts that drew me in and kept me reading. I didn't know at the time this was the 3rd book in a series. It probably would have helped to read the first two and become more invested in the characters.
I received an advanced readers copy from Net Galley for my unbiased review.
I received an advanced readers copy from Net Galley for my unbiased review.
November 22, 2021
Rachmaninoff Forever
Helaine Mario is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I've grown to like all of her characters, especially Maggie, the concert pianist. I hope this series continues over the next few years because there are so many possibilities awaiting Maggie and friends!
Mario is f
Helaine Mario is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I've grown to like all of her characters, especially Maggie, the concert pianist. I hope this series continues over the next few years because there are so many possibilities awaiting Maggie and friends!
Mario is f
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