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Wolf Tones
You escaped the past. Here comes the present.
Fifteen years ago, Rolf was destined for the gutter.
His luck has changed. Now a cellist with the Salzburg City Orchestra, he has his dream job and dizzying prospects.
All because of her.
Smart, sexy, well connected and crazy about him, Leonor is his fantasy woman. She made him and he’ll never forget it.
Neither will she.
She chooses Rolf’s diet, his friends, his decisions and career path. She knows best. When does a champion turn controller?
While he submits to domination at home, he struggles at work. The maestro is determined to break down and rebuild his new cellist. Clash after clash shatter Rolf’s confidence until he doubts everything about himself.
Then a rumour reaches his ear. Has he misjudged his new friends? Is something more sinister pulling the orchestra’s strings?
Regardless of the drama behind the scenes, the show must go on. It’s the only way to escape his past.
A classic artist, Rolf presents the best side of himself, hiding the pain of imperfection. A strategy with devastating results.
Fifteen years ago, Rolf was destined for the gutter.
His luck has changed. Now a cellist with the Salzburg City Orchestra, he has his dream job and dizzying prospects.
All because of her.
Smart, sexy, well connected and crazy about him, Leonor is his fantasy woman. She made him and he’ll never forget it.
Neither will she.
She chooses Rolf’s diet, his friends, his decisions and career path. She knows best. When does a champion turn controller?
While he submits to domination at home, he struggles at work. The maestro is determined to break down and rebuild his new cellist. Clash after clash shatter Rolf’s confidence until he doubts everything about himself.
Then a rumour reaches his ear. Has he misjudged his new friends? Is something more sinister pulling the orchestra’s strings?
Regardless of the drama behind the scenes, the show must go on. It’s the only way to escape his past.
A classic artist, Rolf presents the best side of himself, hiding the pain of imperfection. A strategy with devastating results.
- GenresCrime
328 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2021
21 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Marsh
34 books178 followersAs a child, Jill read so obsessively she got kicked out of the school library. But her passion for words continued. She graduated in English Literature and Theatre Studies from the University of Wales and set up a theatre company. Since then, as an actor, director, teacher, writer and journalist, she’s worked in fifteen countries. She learnt something from each one.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 28, 2021
Wolf tones intrigued me from the get go. I could take it slowly until I was about half way through, then I could no longer put it down. I love JJ Marsh's books, I have read them all. This one I got to read in return for an honest review.
It's a different kind of book. It is not like the Beatrice Stubb's series, which I also love. It is a bit less cosy, I think the word is. That the main character Rolf is manipulated by his girlfriend is clear from the inset, that his past makes it difficult to see that and deal with it, is too.
But then... The twists and turns, the music in the background and my personal favourite, a cat called Blue lingering around the corner, made for a great read.
I highly recommend Wolf Tones!
It's a different kind of book. It is not like the Beatrice Stubb's series, which I also love. It is a bit less cosy, I think the word is. That the main character Rolf is manipulated by his girlfriend is clear from the inset, that his past makes it difficult to see that and deal with it, is too.
But then... The twists and turns, the music in the background and my personal favourite, a cat called Blue lingering around the corner, made for a great read.
I highly recommend Wolf Tones!
September 6, 2021
I did not know what exactly to expect from Wolf Tones by J.J. Marsh but I am very much interested in books about musicians therefore this significant detail about the story was enough for catching my interest. However, the more I was lost into the book the less I wanted the story to end. No, Wolf Tones is far from being one of those feelgood books that one may be interested in because it gives you a positive vibe. Rather the opposite, but what kept me so much interested into the book was the unique art of the writer to create a suspense which builds up as a concerto.
Rolf Jaro is a young cellist with a relatively shady past that just got a new job at Salzburg Orchestra. He moved from Bratislava with his glamorous girlfriend Leonor, a beautiful and well-connected lady with a flash of temper. Their love is not enough though as Leonor is in fact a very manipulative and psychotic person whose narcissistic personality will not refuse herself anything for reaching her mentally-distorted aims. She is playing the most hideous game of psychological torture and manipulation that may occur in a private relationship.
This is not love, but a survival of the fittest in a scenario which involves breaking the most humanly possible rules. Leonor knows his victim very well and is obsessed about controlling Rolf and breaking up his career. If in the case of Rolf there are details about his past revealed, I would have been a bit curious to find out some details about Leonor´s personal history as well. What happened to her that she ended up so vicious?
The details about how an orchestra operates at a human level are very important for understanding the framework of the story. The ambiance details are an important element of the story construction, helping the characters to operate.
The innate aggressivity and the mind games are not for everyone and some readers may feel overwhelmed by the rough sexual scenes as well. Personally, I needed a short break after every chapter as it kept me breathless. But although most of the characters are either broken or enjoying breaking each other, there is a fascination of the evil very well described and featured by JJ Marsh that made me keep reading. She is such a knowledgeable person of the darkest sides of humans and writing about it is equally important as encouraging people to see the positive side of life.
Wolf Tones is a masterpiece of book featuring in such a vivid way the temptation of just being evil, and enjoying it, with no explanation or reason to be somebody else.
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Rolf Jaro is a young cellist with a relatively shady past that just got a new job at Salzburg Orchestra. He moved from Bratislava with his glamorous girlfriend Leonor, a beautiful and well-connected lady with a flash of temper. Their love is not enough though as Leonor is in fact a very manipulative and psychotic person whose narcissistic personality will not refuse herself anything for reaching her mentally-distorted aims. She is playing the most hideous game of psychological torture and manipulation that may occur in a private relationship.
This is not love, but a survival of the fittest in a scenario which involves breaking the most humanly possible rules. Leonor knows his victim very well and is obsessed about controlling Rolf and breaking up his career. If in the case of Rolf there are details about his past revealed, I would have been a bit curious to find out some details about Leonor´s personal history as well. What happened to her that she ended up so vicious?
The details about how an orchestra operates at a human level are very important for understanding the framework of the story. The ambiance details are an important element of the story construction, helping the characters to operate.
The innate aggressivity and the mind games are not for everyone and some readers may feel overwhelmed by the rough sexual scenes as well. Personally, I needed a short break after every chapter as it kept me breathless. But although most of the characters are either broken or enjoying breaking each other, there is a fascination of the evil very well described and featured by JJ Marsh that made me keep reading. She is such a knowledgeable person of the darkest sides of humans and writing about it is equally important as encouraging people to see the positive side of life.
Wolf Tones is a masterpiece of book featuring in such a vivid way the temptation of just being evil, and enjoying it, with no explanation or reason to be somebody else.
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
August 23, 2021
This book has now been released, so I've been able to submit my review on Amazon.ca... copied here.
I received an advance copy from the author and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
I am a huge JJ Marsh fan, having read all of the Beatrice Stubbs series & recommended it to many others. I also recently read the first in her new series, White Heron, and found it to be of equal quality. A great story, a flawed & complex main character, lots of twists & turns.
Unfortunately, Wolf Tones was not of the same calibre as these other works. The storyline between Rolf and his wife Leonor seemed like it teetered between trying to be "Fifty Shades of Grey" vs "Fatal Attraction" - and doing neither of these particularly well. Their backstory was given out in dribs and drabs but none of it was complete enough to really get a sense of how or why they ended up together and why Leonor had such a tight grip on Rolf's life & career. There are some plot twists to this, but none of them ever feel completely believable. She is obviously completely cray-cray but we don't really have any information about why. The ending is predictable and somewhat anti-climactic. And the descriptions of the various sex acts seemed contrived and didn't really add to the story, in my opinion. (I have no issue with well-written sex scenes when the plot requires them, by the way.)
There are some aspects to the book that kept me reading, and I was still reasonably interested in how it would end... but otherwise it just felt "incomplete" with not enough explanations to make me care about any of the characters, even Rolf himself.
I'm disappointed to have been disappointed... and I feel guilty for not loving this book since the author was kind enough to include me in her ARC list... however, I will definitely stick with the White Heron series but I don't think I'd pick up another in this series or in this genre if Marsh ever writes one.
I received an advance copy from the author and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
I am a huge JJ Marsh fan, having read all of the Beatrice Stubbs series & recommended it to many others. I also recently read the first in her new series, White Heron, and found it to be of equal quality. A great story, a flawed & complex main character, lots of twists & turns.
Unfortunately, Wolf Tones was not of the same calibre as these other works. The storyline between Rolf and his wife Leonor seemed like it teetered between trying to be "Fifty Shades of Grey" vs "Fatal Attraction" - and doing neither of these particularly well. Their backstory was given out in dribs and drabs but none of it was complete enough to really get a sense of how or why they ended up together and why Leonor had such a tight grip on Rolf's life & career. There are some plot twists to this, but none of them ever feel completely believable. She is obviously completely cray-cray but we don't really have any information about why. The ending is predictable and somewhat anti-climactic. And the descriptions of the various sex acts seemed contrived and didn't really add to the story, in my opinion. (I have no issue with well-written sex scenes when the plot requires them, by the way.)
There are some aspects to the book that kept me reading, and I was still reasonably interested in how it would end... but otherwise it just felt "incomplete" with not enough explanations to make me care about any of the characters, even Rolf himself.
I'm disappointed to have been disappointed... and I feel guilty for not loving this book since the author was kind enough to include me in her ARC list... however, I will definitely stick with the White Heron series but I don't think I'd pick up another in this series or in this genre if Marsh ever writes one.
September 15, 2021
Rolf is about to embark upon a dream come true when he manages to get a position with the Salzburg City Orchestra. He relocates to Salzburg with his strongest supporter and his lover, Leonor. His confidence takes a beating when he finds it difficult to adjust and little does he know that is just the beginning of his problems.
In general it left me feeling as if there were areas left to be explored and some potential holes to fill in. How did the two of them meet, what are their backstories, has one been drawn to the other for a specific reason? Why does Leonor seem so invested in Rolf’s life and success – to the point of obsessive even?
The sexual element seemed to just be tossed in for the sake of it – I felt as if it came out of blue. Saying that there was definitely an undertone of lack of consent and a convenient forgetting of safe word, ergo physical and sexual abuse hidden under the category of sexual exploration. In general Rolf appears to be an insecure man who likes to dominate, and yet somehow as the story progresses the lines between victim and perpetrator start to get blurry.
Some of the questions help to form an idea of what is simmering at the core of their relationship, whilst on the outside everything would seem to appear very normal for a couple in love and interested in each other. It wasn’t particularly clear where certain boundaries were crossed by either one or who is guilty of the most malignant attitude – however there is a clear winner towards the end.
It’s a piece that could do with a polish, more clarity and more depth. There were plenty of good ideas and subplots the author dipped into though.
In general it left me feeling as if there were areas left to be explored and some potential holes to fill in. How did the two of them meet, what are their backstories, has one been drawn to the other for a specific reason? Why does Leonor seem so invested in Rolf’s life and success – to the point of obsessive even?
The sexual element seemed to just be tossed in for the sake of it – I felt as if it came out of blue. Saying that there was definitely an undertone of lack of consent and a convenient forgetting of safe word, ergo physical and sexual abuse hidden under the category of sexual exploration. In general Rolf appears to be an insecure man who likes to dominate, and yet somehow as the story progresses the lines between victim and perpetrator start to get blurry.
Some of the questions help to form an idea of what is simmering at the core of their relationship, whilst on the outside everything would seem to appear very normal for a couple in love and interested in each other. It wasn’t particularly clear where certain boundaries were crossed by either one or who is guilty of the most malignant attitude – however there is a clear winner towards the end.
It’s a piece that could do with a polish, more clarity and more depth. There were plenty of good ideas and subplots the author dipped into though.
September 4, 2021
Title: Wolf Tones
Author: JJ Marsh
Rating: 5⭐️
“Everyone deserves their secrets”
“Women’s lives can and damn well should be defined by so many others achievements than marriage and motherhood”
This was a slow starter for me, but after a few chapters I was so invested and couldn’t put it down.
Narcissism, gaslighting, betrayal and deceit are the perfect words to describe this novel; the author made it SO EASY to absolutely despise certain characters and I really got into the feel of the story - I wanted to shout and scream at Rolf the whole way through.
This is a perfect example of letting someone trap you and bring you down; having a partner with a condescending demeanour and controlling attitude can stop someone achieving their dreams.
With lots of sec and music, forbidden fantasies and experiences, this book was the perfect binge read for me. I was so invested in the relationships between the characters, and I loved the LGBT element between individuals.
We often forget that domestic abuse, physical or not can work both ways, it’s not always the men and this book showed that in the best way; with Gone Girl vibes, this book took a twisted, sinister and thrilling turn.
Remember, you never know who you can trust, or who you really truly know.
There’s are trigger warnings throughout this book incase you do choose to read!
@authorjjmarsh @randomthingstours
#wolftones
**gifted
Blurb and more info in the comments below!
Author: JJ Marsh
Rating: 5⭐️
“Everyone deserves their secrets”
“Women’s lives can and damn well should be defined by so many others achievements than marriage and motherhood”
This was a slow starter for me, but after a few chapters I was so invested and couldn’t put it down.
Narcissism, gaslighting, betrayal and deceit are the perfect words to describe this novel; the author made it SO EASY to absolutely despise certain characters and I really got into the feel of the story - I wanted to shout and scream at Rolf the whole way through.
This is a perfect example of letting someone trap you and bring you down; having a partner with a condescending demeanour and controlling attitude can stop someone achieving their dreams.
With lots of sec and music, forbidden fantasies and experiences, this book was the perfect binge read for me. I was so invested in the relationships between the characters, and I loved the LGBT element between individuals.
We often forget that domestic abuse, physical or not can work both ways, it’s not always the men and this book showed that in the best way; with Gone Girl vibes, this book took a twisted, sinister and thrilling turn.
Remember, you never know who you can trust, or who you really truly know.
There’s are trigger warnings throughout this book incase you do choose to read!
@authorjjmarsh @randomthingstours
#wolftones
**gifted
Blurb and more info in the comments below!
October 2, 2021
How can you live your own life when you owe everything to someone else?
The pressure cooker environment of a professional orchestra makes a great backdrop for this psychological thriller. Rolf is a cello player who has just earned a spot in the Salzburg City Orchestra. Coming from a working class background (with quite a bit of trauma in his past, as is gradually revealed throughout the book), Rolf believes he owes his success to his girlfriend Leonora. Beautiful and confident, they met when Rolf was working in her family’s stables. Leonora spots Rolf’s potential and grooms him for success – finding him a prestigious mentor, introducing him to the right people in high society, and supporting him both practically and emotionally, even when her own family’s fortunes change.
It’s clear from the start of the story that things are on a dangerous path, and as Leonor’s behaviour becomes increasingly troubling, Rolf is forced to question whether she’s supporting him or controlling him…
This is a dark psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Some readers might not enjoy the mental abuse on display in this novel, and there are also several scenes portraying the sexual relationships between certain characters that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a twisting tale of broken relationships and suspense, this is the book for you!
The pressure cooker environment of a professional orchestra makes a great backdrop for this psychological thriller. Rolf is a cello player who has just earned a spot in the Salzburg City Orchestra. Coming from a working class background (with quite a bit of trauma in his past, as is gradually revealed throughout the book), Rolf believes he owes his success to his girlfriend Leonora. Beautiful and confident, they met when Rolf was working in her family’s stables. Leonora spots Rolf’s potential and grooms him for success – finding him a prestigious mentor, introducing him to the right people in high society, and supporting him both practically and emotionally, even when her own family’s fortunes change.
It’s clear from the start of the story that things are on a dangerous path, and as Leonor’s behaviour becomes increasingly troubling, Rolf is forced to question whether she’s supporting him or controlling him…
This is a dark psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Some readers might not enjoy the mental abuse on display in this novel, and there are also several scenes portraying the sexual relationships between certain characters that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a twisting tale of broken relationships and suspense, this is the book for you!
September 19, 2021
I've been so lucky this year to read so many incredible books as part of publicity tours and this is another one to add to the list.
It's a very slow burner but in a really good way. Instead of leaving you bored the tension cleverly builds up the whole way through until the amazing ending which I wasn't expecting at all and left me a bit breathless 😂
The characters were all very complex, some of them in very intriguing ways and others were the definite love to hate or just plain hate variety. I wanted to shake Rolf so many times whilst reading and also push Leonor out of a window or something similar!
A really clever twisting psychological thriller that I would highly recommend. If you read it you'll find out what a Wolf Tone is which if you're anything like me you won't have a clue!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
It's a very slow burner but in a really good way. Instead of leaving you bored the tension cleverly builds up the whole way through until the amazing ending which I wasn't expecting at all and left me a bit breathless 😂
The characters were all very complex, some of them in very intriguing ways and others were the definite love to hate or just plain hate variety. I wanted to shake Rolf so many times whilst reading and also push Leonor out of a window or something similar!
A really clever twisting psychological thriller that I would highly recommend. If you read it you'll find out what a Wolf Tone is which if you're anything like me you won't have a clue!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
September 16, 2021
Set mainly in Salzburg, focusing on a professional orchestra. Relationships, both personal and professional, control and power are the predominant themes in this story. The setting is vividly described, and the reader gets a good sense of place through the sensory imagery. The vivacity extends to the characters, some of who are unlikeable. Unreliable protagonists mean that it's hard to decipher lies from the truth. The dynamics within the orchestra are fascinatingly described. This book focuses on issues of control and is disturbing reading.
It has originality and a rawness that will appeal to many readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in return for an honest review.
September 6, 2021
A deceptively cleverly plotted novel, this slow burn thriller gives little away, but created a gradual build up of tension and mild dread as I learnt more about the characters.
I became a fan of JJMarsh through her Beatrice Stubbs novels, and as a result I preorder everything she publishes. This is a much darker and less amusing novel, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the depths and the twists - I most definitely did. It's always a good sign when a book is calling to me and preventing me from doing other things. I'm rather behind in my day job as a result ;-)
It's a standalone story, and I look forward to more in the same style.
I became a fan of JJMarsh through her Beatrice Stubbs novels, and as a result I preorder everything she publishes. This is a much darker and less amusing novel, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the depths and the twists - I most definitely did. It's always a good sign when a book is calling to me and preventing me from doing other things. I'm rather behind in my day job as a result ;-)
It's a standalone story, and I look forward to more in the same style.
September 7, 2021
It's a twisting thriller full of lies and decite. I don't have a musical bone in my body but enjoyed the writing style and pace of the story, it was an interesting point of view on the orchestras operations as a family and one unit. This did become a centre piece to the story as the plot evolved. I did love Rolf and was rooting for him to get a HEA and let's not forget Blue. There a a good mix in this one of thriller, tragedy and a bit of steam. You really will be asking who can Rolf trust to the very end. I think was a well written book, with a nice slow build, each chapter making you doubt the things you thought were going happen.
August 29, 2021
Wolf Tones is a twisty, steamy tale of obsession and possession. The characters were very well crafted, and intensely so - the level of control Leonora executed over Rolfs life was bordering toxic, abusive, and will definitely not be comfortable for a lot of readers, including myself at times. The setting was beautifully done, a strange juxtaposition between the life of a struggling musician and the most stunning backdrops of beautiful cities and glamour. A slow-burning read that left us with a lot more questions that I would have liked, this is definitely going to be a divisive tale
June 23, 2025
I must confess that I have not yet read this book but am using it as a standin for a .J. Marsh book that I have read, An Empty Vessel. My 4 stars are for that book which was a careful psychological study of a woman on death row in 1950s England. She was so unusual. The reason I needed a standin book was because Goodreads does not recognise the existence of the book I bought on amazon and read on a kindle. I provided the ISBN number to no avail. Thus this false review.
August 19, 2021
Wolf Tones is a standalone in JJ Marsh's newest series. It is fully developed and richly written. There is so much to take in it's like being on vacation in a distant locale. Definitely recommend!
Many thanks to the author for this ARC!
Many thanks to the author for this ARC!
December 21, 2021
A must read
This book is very different from her other books but a fantastic read just the same. I absolutely love this author
This book is very different from her other books but a fantastic read just the same. I absolutely love this author
April 9, 2022
A perfectly plotted book that slowly draws the reader in and keeps them hooked. The tension rises inexorably, through the fate of a cat, until the final pay-off.
The characters are well-drawn - one feels rage at Leonor and despair at Rolf's inability to stand up to her, yet such things happen. The background workings of the orchestra are described in glorious detail.
A very satisfying read.
The characters are well-drawn - one feels rage at Leonor and despair at Rolf's inability to stand up to her, yet such things happen. The background workings of the orchestra are described in glorious detail.
A very satisfying read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews