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Inola Walela & Steven Hawk #1
Staccato
Two possible killers. One dead woman. Who is her murderer? Who will be next? Retribution played double-time.When acclaimed pianist Nicholas Kalman discovers his lover’s dead body, he sets out alone to find her killer. During his journey, he meets an unwitting female accomplice who soon becomes determined to help Nicholas wield his retaliation. Following a parallel path for justice, Steven Hawk, the deputy of a sleepy Southern county, is assigned to the case. Pursuing the investigation, Hawk finds himself entangled in a world of vengeance, greed and manipulation. Performed against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, STACCATO transports readers to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of professional musicians, the psychological twists and turns of its characters, and in the end, retribution that crashes in a crescendo of notes played at the literary pace of a maestro’s staccato. STACCATO is Book One of The Smoky Mountain Inquest suspense series.“Staccato is a musical tempo, a beat, a rhythm. Ledford’s STACCATO throbs with the tensions of two prodigies vying for their diabolic mentor's approval. A gripping look at the resentments and ambitions at the highest level of musical competition where envy, jealousy and cold ambition lead to murder. And murder. And murder.” -Virginia Nosky, award-winning author of Blue Turquoise White Shell and White River“Exciting, riveting, unforgettable characters. A touch noir, a bit gothic, full of captivating suspense. Staccato is a well-crafted psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages.” -Sam Barone, award-winning author of Dawn of Empire, Empire Rising
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
64 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Deborah J. Ledford
32 books225 followersDEBORAH J LEDFORD is an Agatha Award winner and two-time nominee for the Anthony Award. REDEMPTION and HAVOC are from the Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran Native American suspense series.
Her first series, the Smoky Mountain Intrigue Native American police procedural series, includes the titles CAUSING CHAOS, CRESCENDO, STACCATO, and the Hillerman Sky Award Finalist and New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards Finalist, SNARE.
Three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, her award-winning stories appear in numerous print publications as well as literary and mystery anthologies.
She is also a former Arizona State University adjunct professor for The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Ledford is President/Producer for the independent media company, IOF Productions Ltd. She produced the CAUSING CHAOS and CRESCENDO audiobooks as well as The Blind Eye.
Part Eastern Band Cherokee, Ledford spent her summers growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, where her Smoky Mountain Inquest book series is set. She lives in the Phoenix, Arizona area with her extremely patient husband and their awesome Ausky.
She is a member of: International Thriller Writers Association (ITW), Sisters in Crime National (SinC), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Past-President of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths (AZ) Chapter.
Her first series, the Smoky Mountain Intrigue Native American police procedural series, includes the titles CAUSING CHAOS, CRESCENDO, STACCATO, and the Hillerman Sky Award Finalist and New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards Finalist, SNARE.
Three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, her award-winning stories appear in numerous print publications as well as literary and mystery anthologies.
She is also a former Arizona State University adjunct professor for The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. Ledford is President/Producer for the independent media company, IOF Productions Ltd. She produced the CAUSING CHAOS and CRESCENDO audiobooks as well as The Blind Eye.
Part Eastern Band Cherokee, Ledford spent her summers growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, where her Smoky Mountain Inquest book series is set. She lives in the Phoenix, Arizona area with her extremely patient husband and their awesome Ausky.
She is a member of: International Thriller Writers Association (ITW), Sisters in Crime National (SinC), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Past-President of Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths (AZ) Chapter.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 12, 2010
This novel reads to its own inner score of classics expertly played on the piano. Staccato by Deborah J Ledford is set in the beautiful scenery of the Smoky Mountains and revolves around the mansion and summer home of super-rich musician Alexander Kalman. Kalman was born in Hungary. Afflicted with a club foot, but blessed with music, and empowered by an enormous drive to succeed, he now supervises the musical careers of two young men, Nicholas who his sister adopted many years ago, and Timothy who has lived with him from childhood. But—listen to those powerful chords—Nicholas has found a notebook from his natural father, and things are not as they seem.
Eight months from now, Nicholas will come into his inheritance and be free. Eight months from now, he will publicize his romance with Alexander’s niece. Eight short months… But time is cut shorter than that and tragic events unfold as the music plays.
The author switches the narrative pace beautifully, like a well-played piece; tense arguments, slow ponderings, urgent climbs and pregnant pause. Then the first act ends. New characters appear; Steven Hawk and Inola Walela, working for the police in search of a missing person. The music plays differently—Smoky Mountain tracks replacing the grand opera, and the two strains twist and combine with an evil beat lurking underneath.
The difference between skill and hard work is beautifully played, between care and ambition, between help and control, and the whole is a fascinating book that brings music and the Smoky Mountain scenery to life. It will be interesting to see where Hawk and Walela take us when the author’s next novel comes out.
Eight months from now, Nicholas will come into his inheritance and be free. Eight months from now, he will publicize his romance with Alexander’s niece. Eight short months… But time is cut shorter than that and tragic events unfold as the music plays.
The author switches the narrative pace beautifully, like a well-played piece; tense arguments, slow ponderings, urgent climbs and pregnant pause. Then the first act ends. New characters appear; Steven Hawk and Inola Walela, working for the police in search of a missing person. The music plays differently—Smoky Mountain tracks replacing the grand opera, and the two strains twist and combine with an evil beat lurking underneath.
The difference between skill and hard work is beautifully played, between care and ambition, between help and control, and the whole is a fascinating book that brings music and the Smoky Mountain scenery to life. It will be interesting to see where Hawk and Walela take us when the author’s next novel comes out.
January 7, 2010
Suspenseful and just quirky enough to be fascinating. This book's a page turner of the kind where you are just dying for some evil jackass to get what's deserved. The plot has a few good twists and the ending was satisfying. Good writing all around.
October 18, 2009
"Staccato" is staccato: sharp, crisp, almost percussive--like gun shots, like a cane tapping on the floor or striking a shoulder, like light reflected off a black Porsche Targa, like the piercing cold of a Great Smoky Mountains night.
Two years into his career as a world-class concert pianist, young Nicholas Kalman finds his absent father's journal. It's written as a warning to Nicholas, or perhaps a confession. "Beware of this man you call, Uncle," it says.
The uncle is Alexander, the tyrannical, club-footed, cane tapping maestro and mentor. He's crafted the talented Nicholas into a dazzling musician who crushes the competition in every venue. He drinks. He expects perfection. He lashes out when angry.
Alexander demands unquestioning obedience from Nicholas, the cloyingly submissive second-string pupil Timothy, the imposing butler Sampte, his niece Elaine, sheriff's deputy Steven Hawk, and everyone else who dares enter his ten thousand square foot mansion in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Deborah J. Ledford's thriller tears through mountains and music with a steady rhythm in perfect time with the maestro Alexander's music room metronome. Nicholas finds a his lover's body in his Porsche. Timothy perfects his Prokofiev to steal the limelight. Sampte does what he's ordered to do. The metronome ticks and the cane taps as the bodies pile up, as Nicholas searches for a killer and runs for his life, as Hawk investigates a grim case, as Alexander orchestrates notes and lives, as readers turn "Staccato's" pages, quickly, crisply, sharply throughout Ledford's toccata-like virtuoso performance.
Two years into his career as a world-class concert pianist, young Nicholas Kalman finds his absent father's journal. It's written as a warning to Nicholas, or perhaps a confession. "Beware of this man you call, Uncle," it says.
The uncle is Alexander, the tyrannical, club-footed, cane tapping maestro and mentor. He's crafted the talented Nicholas into a dazzling musician who crushes the competition in every venue. He drinks. He expects perfection. He lashes out when angry.
Alexander demands unquestioning obedience from Nicholas, the cloyingly submissive second-string pupil Timothy, the imposing butler Sampte, his niece Elaine, sheriff's deputy Steven Hawk, and everyone else who dares enter his ten thousand square foot mansion in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Deborah J. Ledford's thriller tears through mountains and music with a steady rhythm in perfect time with the maestro Alexander's music room metronome. Nicholas finds a his lover's body in his Porsche. Timothy perfects his Prokofiev to steal the limelight. Sampte does what he's ordered to do. The metronome ticks and the cane taps as the bodies pile up, as Nicholas searches for a killer and runs for his life, as Hawk investigates a grim case, as Alexander orchestrates notes and lives, as readers turn "Staccato's" pages, quickly, crisply, sharply throughout Ledford's toccata-like virtuoso performance.
December 11, 2009
Three world-class pianists.
Two possible killers.
One dead woman.
Who is her murderer?
Who will be next?
When acclaimed pianist Nicholas Kalman discovers his lover’s dead body, he sets out alone to find her killer. During his journey, he meets an unwitting female accomplice who soon becomes determined to help Nicholas wield his retaliation. Following a parallel path for justice, Steven Hawk, the deputy of a sleepy Southern county, is assigned to the case. Pursuing the investigation, Hawk finds himself entangled in a world of vengeance, greed and manipulation.
Performed against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Staccato transports readers to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of professional musicians, the psychological twists and turns of its characters, and in the end, retribution that crashes in a crescendo of notes played at the literary pace of a maestro’s staccato.
Staccato is the first novel of the Steven Hawk/Inola Walela thriller trilogy.
Two possible killers.
One dead woman.
Who is her murderer?
Who will be next?
When acclaimed pianist Nicholas Kalman discovers his lover’s dead body, he sets out alone to find her killer. During his journey, he meets an unwitting female accomplice who soon becomes determined to help Nicholas wield his retaliation. Following a parallel path for justice, Steven Hawk, the deputy of a sleepy Southern county, is assigned to the case. Pursuing the investigation, Hawk finds himself entangled in a world of vengeance, greed and manipulation.
Performed against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Staccato transports readers to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of professional musicians, the psychological twists and turns of its characters, and in the end, retribution that crashes in a crescendo of notes played at the literary pace of a maestro’s staccato.
Staccato is the first novel of the Steven Hawk/Inola Walela thriller trilogy.
April 26, 2015
A former child piano protege Alexander Kalman, wanted perfection and total obedience. If he was crossed he had those people killed. Finally the past caught up with him and his hench men. He killed himself. After his one remaining student healed from a near fatal accident. He went on to perform as he once did.
February 25, 2010
Loved this book! Musical connections are awesome!
December 13, 2024
Two years ago, after reading Deborah Ledford’s powerful novel “Redemption” involving murders of drug-addicted women on the Taos Indian Reservation, and while waiting for “Havoc”, the second book in the series, I became interested in Ledford’s other series, also involving a Native American connection. The first book of this series, “Staccato”, is a convoluted tale involving two aspiring young pianists, Nicholas and Timothy, and the stern Hungarian maestro who mentors both of them, Alexander Kalman. The young men’s jealousy is manipulated and precipitated by the cruel ambition of “Uncle Alex”. The plot thickens when Nicholas begins a relationship with Alexander’s niece Elaine and that in turn sets off the old man’s catastrophic jealousy.
The two detectives who will feature in the subsequent books in this series, African American sheriff’s deputy Steven Hawk and Cherokee city police officer Inola Walela, do not feature as a “couple” in this first novel, the stage is set for their developing relationship. As in Ledford’s other novels, the interracial and intercultural issues do not overwhelm, but are handles with wisdom and sensitivity. They add richness and relevance to the narrative.
June 1, 2024
I really enjoyed the story, the location, the musical connection and the characters. While I was waiting for the female character to make an appearance since her name is included in the title parenthesis, I'm hoping she will in the next book. I am drawn to stories with strong female characters.
September 17, 2023
Griping
This novel kept my interest from beginning to ending. I would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense, romance, and mystery.
This novel kept my interest from beginning to ending. I would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense, romance, and mystery.
April 8, 2025
I didn't care for most of the main characters. The detective was all right, but most of the others were garbage and just poorly developed. It felt like a novice's attempt at a murder mystery. The brazenness of some of the characters felt over the top to the point of disbelief. The musical references were nice, but overall, the story felt flat.
April 28, 2011
Review by Melissa Cornwell
First, I would like to say that I enjoyed Staccato very much. It was a very intense adventure right from the beginning. The characters were very enjoyable, especially Nicholas. He was a very convincing character, and I felt for him the entire way. I just really liked the intensity of the novel. It was to the point, and I liked that about it. I also felt that the background behind the story was thoroughly explained. As mentioned in the acknowledgments, a lot of research was required to make this book possible, and the effort shows in the result. I could also feel like I could connect to the characters on my own emotional level. Everyone has secrets, or skeletons in the closet, that they would rather not address, and I felt that coming from the characters. I could also relate to the musical side of the book, or that passion for music, or for any form of art. The characters were extremely complex, like Sampte. I felt that he was a character torn between loyalty and doing what is right. What person hasn’t been put in that position at one time and another? This novel was very realistic in terms of what the characters portrayed: Alexander, who was never truly loved, and Timothy, who wanted to find acceptance. The villains had a very human side to them. I was also really glad that Nicholas was able to continue playing after doing therapy. His was a well-deserved happy ending. This book brings out these qualities of humanity, and that is why I liked this book. Excellent writing technique and language, which made the book easier to read. All in all, an excellent debut novel, and I wish the author future success in her career.
http://www.romancing-the-book.com/201...
First, I would like to say that I enjoyed Staccato very much. It was a very intense adventure right from the beginning. The characters were very enjoyable, especially Nicholas. He was a very convincing character, and I felt for him the entire way. I just really liked the intensity of the novel. It was to the point, and I liked that about it. I also felt that the background behind the story was thoroughly explained. As mentioned in the acknowledgments, a lot of research was required to make this book possible, and the effort shows in the result. I could also feel like I could connect to the characters on my own emotional level. Everyone has secrets, or skeletons in the closet, that they would rather not address, and I felt that coming from the characters. I could also relate to the musical side of the book, or that passion for music, or for any form of art. The characters were extremely complex, like Sampte. I felt that he was a character torn between loyalty and doing what is right. What person hasn’t been put in that position at one time and another? This novel was very realistic in terms of what the characters portrayed: Alexander, who was never truly loved, and Timothy, who wanted to find acceptance. The villains had a very human side to them. I was also really glad that Nicholas was able to continue playing after doing therapy. His was a well-deserved happy ending. This book brings out these qualities of humanity, and that is why I liked this book. Excellent writing technique and language, which made the book easier to read. All in all, an excellent debut novel, and I wish the author future success in her career.
http://www.romancing-the-book.com/201...
March 13, 2012
When two young pianists live under the same roof, are carefully groomed for stardom by their ‘uncle’ and share a hard competitive edge jealousy is bound to rear its ugly head. When the more accomplished of the two, Nicholas, appears to have the winning hand then the other, Timothy, takes every pleasure in bring him down a notch.
When this comeuppance involves the death of Nicolas’ lover and his own near murder he has to fake memory loss to get enough time to gather the information he needs to get even with his rival. With the discovery of his father’s secret diary he is able to put together the missing pieces he needs to bring the whole ‘family’ to their knees. With the help of a new found love he forges a bond to get back to a real life again.
If I had not read Ledford’s second novel, Snare, out of sequence and known that the protagonist was to be detective Steven Hawk I would have thought that Nicholas was the hero of the novel and Hawk takes too long of a time before making his appearance in Staccato. Both books can be read as stand-alone novels and the second is much more satisfactory than the first showing the growth that this writer has made in her style between books. I know there is a third in the series due out and I am chomping at the bit to read it too.
Staccato is a fine novel, a thriller that is poignant, suspenseful and written to a broken beat that sets the stage for each successive story line to advance with allegro.
When this comeuppance involves the death of Nicolas’ lover and his own near murder he has to fake memory loss to get enough time to gather the information he needs to get even with his rival. With the discovery of his father’s secret diary he is able to put together the missing pieces he needs to bring the whole ‘family’ to their knees. With the help of a new found love he forges a bond to get back to a real life again.
If I had not read Ledford’s second novel, Snare, out of sequence and known that the protagonist was to be detective Steven Hawk I would have thought that Nicholas was the hero of the novel and Hawk takes too long of a time before making his appearance in Staccato. Both books can be read as stand-alone novels and the second is much more satisfactory than the first showing the growth that this writer has made in her style between books. I know there is a third in the series due out and I am chomping at the bit to read it too.
Staccato is a fine novel, a thriller that is poignant, suspenseful and written to a broken beat that sets the stage for each successive story line to advance with allegro.
March 23, 2016
"Staccato" revolves around the lives of three world-class piantists located in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The novel is a fast paced thriller that will leave your heart pounding. Music, murder and jealousy are the three main ingredients and run their course through out the book.
Alexander Kalman is a grand piantist who has two students, Nicholas and Timothy. Nicholas is in love with Elaine who is Alexander's niece. Alexander desires Elaine but when Elaine is offended by his advances and tells of her love for Nicholas. Elaine is murdered and this is where I end my review. Why, Because if I went on it would take away from the reader's anticipation of knowing what is to come.
I thought the book a bit heartless and cruel but I think that it added to the drama that was portayed.
Alexander Kalman is a grand piantist who has two students, Nicholas and Timothy. Nicholas is in love with Elaine who is Alexander's niece. Alexander desires Elaine but when Elaine is offended by his advances and tells of her love for Nicholas. Elaine is murdered and this is where I end my review. Why, Because if I went on it would take away from the reader's anticipation of knowing what is to come.
I thought the book a bit heartless and cruel but I think that it added to the drama that was portayed.
October 4, 2010
This novel held mystery, suspense, murder and much much more. I loved the connection with the piano. The dimension of the characters was great. You always wonder how far someone will go for power and money...this book unvailed that story line. What I felt was really well written was Nicholas' desperation and need for Jessica's help. With not a sole in the world he could turn to, he turned to a stranger. Spoiler The one question I had and it was never answered was if Sampte did try to run Nicholas off the road or was it someone else? If it was Sampte who told him to do it and why? It didn't appear that Alexander had.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Deborah Ledford.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Deborah Ledford.
November 2, 2010
First of all, I loved the setting of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina -- my favorite place!
I had a little bit of a rough time getting into the story because the dialogue seemed so formal, but once I got into the rhythm of it I was much more comfortable with enjoying the story. It's a good mystery and I loaned it to my neighbor (just got it back!) and she liked it, too.
I would enjoy reading more by by this author!
I would like to add my thanks to author Deborah Ledford for taking the time to personally autograph my copy of "Staccato." Best wishes!
I forgot to add that I won a copy of this book through Goodreads :)
I had a little bit of a rough time getting into the story because the dialogue seemed so formal, but once I got into the rhythm of it I was much more comfortable with enjoying the story. It's a good mystery and I loaned it to my neighbor (just got it back!) and she liked it, too.
I would enjoy reading more by by this author!
I would like to add my thanks to author Deborah Ledford for taking the time to personally autograph my copy of "Staccato." Best wishes!
I forgot to add that I won a copy of this book through Goodreads :)
March 29, 2011
Great little drama, rich, rather well performed and well meant to be scary in ways drama strikes a reader in these genres. A little incidental in places. Or too roughish. A few questions still aroused my imagination as the story began its transformation into a mystery even when we know who is who and who wants what and what it really cost at the end. Back at the first we are introduced into the beginning of lovers of the life of Nicholas and his realization that there is certainly more in life than just being a pianist. Or was there? When a professional performer as Nicholas there can't be any going back so he must study music to become the great musician he is destined. Or will he?
April 29, 2015
Drew me in and wouldn't let me go. I had to force myself to put it down so I could attend to my life. The book is paced wonderfully, and the characters are well written and felt real. And although I knew that no good would come to Alexander, Timothy, and Sampte, it still was fitting to see how their fates were sealed.
I have to admit, I've had the book since it was published and just hadn't read it yet. Now I know what I was missing, and thankfully, I can follow up on her next 3 books without having to wait! Deb, hope you forgive me!!
I have to admit, I've had the book since it was published and just hadn't read it yet. Now I know what I was missing, and thankfully, I can follow up on her next 3 books without having to wait! Deb, hope you forgive me!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2010
I received this book as a First-Reads winner giveaway. It was an enjoyable read and though parts of it seemed to drag along (for example, I am not a fan of authors who write about every detail of a character's clothing- it's too "American Psycho" for me), it overall was a good thriller novel to curl up in the evening and read. Can't really beat the price either :) I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys thriller novels.
August 28, 2010
Enter the world of Nicholas Kalman. He's in love, his career as a concert pianist is flourishing, and seems to have it all. His world is shattered in one night when he finds the dead body of his girlfriend in the back of his car. Confused, grieving, and not at all thinking clearly he panics and sets into motion events that will change his life and those around him forever.
February 28, 2011
A very fast paced, hard to put down title with a solid story, and well defined characters full of emotion. I was entertained by Ledford's use of classical music to set the mood of each scene. The only thing I think would kick this title up a notch is if it had it's own soundtrack on CD set into the back of the book. However, this would work great as an audio book as well.
March 13, 2013
I was interested in reading this book for many reasons: (1) it was recommended to me as a book that I would enjoy, (2) its setting is in an area of western North Carolina that is near and dear to my heart and (3) I have known the author's mother since I was a child. The book was great! I loved the piano connection and the story line definitely held my attention.
June 2, 2011
Great read~though I liked the second book in the series better and that may have something to do with the fact that I read the second book first. Did that make sense?
Definitely worth the read!
Can hardly wait for the third in the series!!
Definitely worth the read!
Can hardly wait for the third in the series!!
Want to read
October 9, 2010I won Staccato from First Reads. I am looking forward to reading it now that it's arrived.
Want to read
April 20, 2011So I won this from one of Goodread's giveaways and I used my cousin's in the USA address. So I don't have the book yet and so therefore I can't read it and then write the review. D:
August 14, 2016
Fun read, plot seemed rushed at times.
November 30, 2010
Excellent book. A well crafted mystery with memorable characters. Great pacing, intrigue, and plot. Well done.
December 8, 2010
Literary, thoughtful. Character and plot development are immaculate. The southern mountain setting was well chosen. A winner. Buy it. Read it. You won't be sorry.
April 10, 2014
A good mystery with a little magic!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews