Aria for Murder: A Julia Kogan Opera Mystery

by Erica Miner

Excitement mounts as the moment arrives for brilliant young violinist Julia Kogan’s debut in the orchestra of the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera. But the high-stakes milieu of this musical mecca is rocked to its core when, during an onstage murder scene, Julia’s mentor, a famous conductor, is assassinated on the podium. Thrust into the investigation when her closest colleague in the orchestra is named chief suspect, Julia teams up with opera-loving NYPD detective Larry Somers to solve the murder. In the process, they are shocked to discover the venerable opera house is rife with a web of secrets, intrigue, and lethal rivalries. But all bets are off when Julia suddenly finds herself the real killer’s prime target.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2022

About the author

Formerly a violinist with the New York Metropolitan Opera, Erica is now an award-winning author, journalist, lecturer and screenwriter. Erica's debut novel, Travels With My Lovers, won the Fiction Prize in the Direct from the Author Book Awards. Her screenplays have won awards in recognized competitions. Aria for Murder, the first in her Opera Mystery series published by Level Best Books, was a Finalist in the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Awards. The sequel, Prelude to Murder, releases in September 2023, and the third book in the series is due for publication in 2024.

Erica is a regular contributor of articles and interviews to such arts websites USBachtrack, BroadwayWorld, and LAOpus.com.

An experienced speaker, seminarist and workshop giver, Erica was a top-rated lecturer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She has since presented regularly for the Seattle Symphony pre-concert talks, Osher Lifelong Living Institute at University of California San Diego and University of Washington, Wagner Societies on both coasts and in Australia, and numerous other venues.

Reviews

[James L'Etoile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is as it seems in the glitzy, glamorous world of opera at the MET. Miner exposes the hidden world behind the curtain and the drama audience members never see. The unspoken secrets, hidden passions, and jealousy boil over when a legendary conductor is murdered in the middle of his performance. Young violinist Julia Kogan’s world is turned upside down after her mentor’s death and the search for the killer could be her last performance. Well-defined characters, shrewd plotting, and a heroine you want to cheer for make Aria for Murder a must-read. I look forward to Julia’s next performance.

[James Ziskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ruthless and clever killer haunts the Metropolitan Opera and the hidden recesses of Lincoln Center. Violinist Julia Kogen, a rising star in the pit, must unmask the murderer or become a victim herself. Erica Miner’s richly satisfying Aria for Murder delivers a compelling mystery, replete with devious characters, glorious music, and plenty of behind-the-scenes dirty laundry. A musical and dramatic triumph. Bis! Encore!

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aria For Murder is the first book that I have read by Erica Miner and unfortunately it will probably be the last. There is a murderer on the loose killing people who are a part of an opera at the Met. Julia, a violinist, is on a mission to figure out who the killer is in order to clear her friend’s name, but doing so puts her life at risk, because the killer is closer than she thinks.
I tried to like this story, but I just couldn’t get into it. It never grabbed me and I didn’t really like any of the characters either. Julia was just too naive to be believable and the cops didn’t come across as quick on their feet as they should have either.

[Diana Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery which means it’s light hearted, and an easy read. However, I found myself struggling to connect with any of the characters. I didn’t particularly like Julia, the MC, which isn’t a deal breaker in books but in this one it didn’t help. The setting, an orchestra at the MET is a nice change if pace from the usual cozy mystery settings. If you’re looking for a quick read this would be a good book for that, especially if you’re coming from a heavier book. I think others would probably really enjoy this book; it just wasn’t for me.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Prologue of ARIA FOR MURDER, the author, Erica Miner, lets the reader know that there was no better time for an assassination than opening night at the Met. I was intrigued and began my reading journey. Julia Kogan, a 22-year-old violinist, performs for the first time with the Metropolitan Opera House’s pit orchestra in an opening-day production of Verdi’s DON CARLO. Abel Trudeau, the orchestra’s conductor and Julia’s mentor, is shot dead while conducting. Who murdered Abel? Was Abel the intended target?Abel leaves Julia a song. What does it mean? Did the song leave a clue about the murderer’s identity?

I recommend this cozy mystery and look forward to reading other books written by Erica Miner. While I’m a musician, and the subject matter appeals to me, I think that non-musicians will also enjoy reading ARIA FOR MURDER.

The DRC (digital reader’s copy) of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I actually received this book after the publication date, but I would still like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

[Karin Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement mounts as the moment arrives for brilliant young violinist Julia Kogan’s debut in the orchestra of the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera. But the high-stakes milieu of this musical mecca is rocked to its core when, during an onstage murder scene, Julia’s mentor, a famous conductor, is assassinated on the podium. Thrust into the investigation when her closest colleague in the orchestra is named chief suspect, Julia teams up with opera-loving NYPD detective Larry Somers to solve the murder. In the process, they are shocked to discover the venerable opera house is rife with a web of secrets, intrigue, and lethal rivalries. But all bets are off when Julia suddenly finds herself the real killer’s prime target. This was such a well written story with lots of attention to detail. Not only did I learn a ton about the world of opera but I enjoyed a very satisfying mystery! I can’t wait for more with these characters. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

[Gabriel Valjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Level Best Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

As a reader, I am happiest when I discover a new writer, when I learn something new, and ARIA FOR MURDER did double-time. I was introduced to a world hidden from the audience—the orchestra pit—and to the hidden histories of the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, and the wonderful world of opera. It’s a good thing that the famous aria Nessun Dorma means ‘No one shall sleep’ because you won’t fall asleep reading this impressive first novel in the Kogan Opera Mystery series. Erica Miner has created a world few people know or have access to. A mystery with music beyond the words on the page. If all music aspires to the human voice, this author has found hers from the start.

[Shivali · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This was an ok book, I liked learning about the way the opera works, and the mystery was decent. However I have a few gripes, the main character seems way too naive and trusting for what she’s been through. The characters are one dimensional. They are also very inconsistent, the storyline with the main love interest doesn’t make any sense given the main character’s trauma. All the romance aspects are disturbing, being that all those characters are all her dead fathers age. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having inside knowledge of a venue and the inner machinations and politics gives a writer a foot up but it doesn’t guarantee success. The protagonist was not relatable nor believable. The characters were shallow and unlikeable. The dialog was stilted when it wasn’t pretentious. The people doing the murdering were not difficult to pinpoint. I was really hoping for more and came away disappointed.

Thank you Level Best Books and NetGalley for a copy.

[Kate Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry I did not particularly like this one. Firstly it smacked of snobbishness and elitism. I realise that the author was trying to convey the attitudes of the characters populating the opera house environment but I feel that it was also innate in her own attitude, albeit mildly. Secondly I could not feel symaptico with Julia. she remained two dimensional for me throughout the novel. Her self protective shell came completely unstuck. She went from never allowing anyone to touch her, to going home with a handsome man, even knowing his reputation as a Lothario, and I felt it was unconvincing. And why would she give her precious gift from Abel to him? Without making a copy. Her interactions with Larry were also unconvincing to say the least.
And it was so obvious to me as a reader who the villain was not even halfway through.
The ages of the men seemed out of kilter. Apparently they were thick as thieves at a camp as boys? However their ages in the current time seemed disparate. Abel was written as a father figure, Sidney as an older man, Matt as head stage hand was implied at being younger. As Abel’s brother, Charles had to be of fairly advanced years too. Yet three of them were hitting on a 22 y.o. Sounds like a bunch of sleazy old men. Would Julia really be interested in them? Yes possibly as a father figure replacement that might convince. But it was not supported sufficiently. The behind the scenes glimpses were interesting however.

[Mary Beth Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When murder and music come together, the stakes go off the charts! Julia Kogan has lost someone dear to her. Now someone else she cares about may be charged with the crime. The venue may never be the same. Working with an opera-loving police detective, Julia has to go off-score and improvise to find the truth.
I loved the way this novel brought the behind-the-scenes world of opera to life. Miner made everything so interesting, I went out and started learning more about operas and their stories. Great job!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the same book as Murder in the Pit. My review of MITP follows:

I enjoyed this first in a series about a young violinist at the NY Metropolitan Opera House.

I have no knowledge of opera, but I did enjoy the murder mystery. I had the killer pegged early, but read on to see what the motive and other twists would be. I enjoyed it enough to also buy the second in the series, location Santa Fe and the third located in San Francisco.

I purchased a copy as it was not available in the public library.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 upped to 4
I think there's a lot of potential and loved the world of Metropolitan Opera. Julia, the MC, is a bit too naif and I wasn't a huge fan.
There's potential in this story as the mystery is quite solid and the setting is fascinating.
I think it could become a good series.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable first in this opera-themed series. The drama backstage at the Met far surpasses the drama onstage, with murder, secret clues, romance, drugs, and more.