Having survived her entanglement in a murder plot at the Metropolitan Opera, violinist Julia Kogan finds herself once more in operatic turmoil at the Santa Fe Opera. Against the breathtaking backdrop of mystical New Mexico and the elegant contemporary outdoor Santa Fe Opera Theatre, chaos ensues, as murderous activities plague the performers on stage and off.“Death by Opera is a peek behind the … behind the curtain of a world-renown opera company, with plenty of mayhem on the bill. Rich spirituality, sumptuous history, and metaphysical frights give Erica Miner’s new novel many layers to enjoy. But it’s the music that steals the show. Amateur sleuth Julia Kogan, now summer concertmaster at Santa Fe’s famous opera company, returns (after Murder in the Pit), and finds herself smack in the middle of a veritable killing spree backstage. An engaging, clever mystery set against bloody arias and deadly recitativo.” ~ James W. Ziskin, Anthony and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone Mysteries
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Opera is filled with passion, and what better setting for secrecy and murder. What could possibly go wrong behind the curtain, in those dark corners, hidden hallways, stairwells, scenery and props when larger-than-life egos fuel rivalries? The machinations of Death by Opera are skillfully conducted in a masterful story authored by Erica Miner. Memorable characters vividly come to life on this novel stage and engage the reader in a puzzling mystery to solve.
This is the second book in a captivating series. Having survived her entanglement in a murder plot at the Metropolitan Opera, violinist Julia Kogan finds herself once more in operatic turmoil at the Santa Fe Opera. Against the breathtaking backdrop of mystical New Mexico and the elegant contemporary outdoor Santa Fe Opera Theatre, chaos ensues, as murderous activities plague the performers on stage and off.
The reader is mesmerized by the chance idea that life imitates art imitates life. If all the world’s a stage, and we merely players, then how will this macabre overture turn the story, through its acts and arias? And how does it all end? This mystery is a fascinating glimpse into a world that few have the privilege to be a part of, and then it includes the intrigue of a life and death mystery to solve. And there is a fun dynamic to the book, including the operatic quotes starting each chapter.
This author’s many years as a violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and her enchanting imagination, combine to indulge the reader in a vibrant show that’s rich in history and chills. Erica Miner retired from the Met and moved to the West Coast, where she studied screenwriting and won awards in several competitions including with the Writer’s Digest. Her first novel in this series, Murder in the Pit, is also a celebrated mystery.
Your idea of opera may be a staged drama set to music; a story told of a guy who gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. If so, you’ll want to join these characters backstage in Death by Opera to see for yourself how a murderer is discovered, and if that murderer can be stopped in time, before the fat lady sings.
I have to admit it, I love Opera. So, when I had the chance to read Erica Miner’s new novel, my heart beat a little faster. Anything to do with divas and tenors and the drama behind the scenes gets me salivating, and Death by Opera didn’t disappoint!
Set in the rich culture and gorgeous landscapes of Santa Fe, the story draws readers through the pristine landscapes of New Mexico deep into the bowels of the opera house, wrapped in vibrant colors, exotic costumes, and the (imagined) illustrious voices of the singers.
Death by Opera is book two in a series featuring Julia Kogan, a Metropolitan Opera violinist who’s on assignment for the summer in the coveted role of concertmaster for the Santa Fe Opera Company. Her significant other, Larry Somers, is a NYPD detective. Both have just come off a previous season at the Met, where murders took place and they were intimately involved in the solving of the case.
Others will rehash the plot line of the story in their reviews, or, you can just ready the synopsis on this page. But I’d rather tell you how the book made me feel.
I found the main character to be believable, if a bit flawed due to anxiety and fearfulness. But Julia’s dedication to her craft and her unjustly accused friend, Marin, redeemed her admirably! Her partner, Larry, is also realistically painted as a perfect male counterpart to Julia. Their relationship is not quite solid when the story starts out, as Julia keeps a number of secrets from Larry. But as time moves on, they learn to trust each other and appear to be committed by the end of the story.
Several lush and magnificently described operas were performed or referenced while the plot progressed, including “Lulu,” “Lucia di Lammermoor,” and “Romeo and Juliet.” I hadn’t ever been exposed to these particular operas on my too infrequent jaunts to the Met, but I found myself craving more and more the music of my own favorites, such as “Tosca,” “Carmen,” “Rigoletto,” “Norma,” “Traviata,” “Aida,” or “La Boheme.” So inspired was I by the lovely accounts of the productions, that I rushed to my music collection to regale in the beauty of my favorite arias.
Even if you aren’t an opera buff, you’ll love the drama of the ghastly murders that occur backstage, and the rush to the finish to survive as the production doesn’t miss a beat, because, as we all know, “the show must go on!”
Highly recommended by Aaron Paul Lazar.