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The Virtuosic Spy #2
The Secret Chord
An Irishman on the run. He's left a lot of things behind him . . . but they're not far enough back. Conor McBride has lost everything, and if he can't find a way to disappear in a hurry, the next thing he loses could be his life. Running from enemies he's never met and haunted by his own destructive actions, Conor needs a refuge secure enough to hold his secrets. A farmhouse inn tucked amidst the green mountains of Vermont seems ideal, but when his past catches up with him, Conor discovers the beautiful young innkeeper has secrets of her own, and that hers are more likely to get them both killed.
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
86 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Guare
16 books77 followersAuthor of the award-winning Conor McBride International Mystery Series, Kathryn Guare’s character-driven novels are a mix of page-turning suspense and travel adventure, balanced with a little romance and humor. She has a passion for exploring diverse cultures and cuisine, Classical music, and all things Celtic, and mixes these into her stories along with other enthusiasms that capture her imagination. Formerly, as an executive with a global health advocacy organization, she traveled extensively throughout the world. Currently, as a native Vermonter, she hates to leave home during foliage season.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 29, 2018
Reviewed on Behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
Well what can one say after 10hours and 25 minutes of nonstop intrigue and deception.
We follow Conner McBride after he sells the farm and property after the death of his mother. Conner is world class musician and plays the violin. He leaves Ireland and goes to Vermont to work on a farm and old Inn that his employee and friend introduced him too via internet.
Conner can’t believe his luck when he meets Kate, his boss. They start to full in love, but before they can start enjoy life. Unfortunately both their pasts comes back to haunt them. Once we find out Conner had worked with MI6 in the past, and they need his help again.
This is a book full of spies, and bad men that need to be behind bars. There is love between Kate and Conner and I was absorbed and listened in one go and now need the next one. This book had everything, and it had to be listened to carefully in case you miss something.
I really enjoyed listening to the narrator’s voice, and his Irish lilt was pleasure to listen to. I kept me so focused on the action the time sped to fast.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Guare. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Well what can one say after 10hours and 25 minutes of nonstop intrigue and deception.
We follow Conner McBride after he sells the farm and property after the death of his mother. Conner is world class musician and plays the violin. He leaves Ireland and goes to Vermont to work on a farm and old Inn that his employee and friend introduced him too via internet.
Conner can’t believe his luck when he meets Kate, his boss. They start to full in love, but before they can start enjoy life. Unfortunately both their pasts comes back to haunt them. Once we find out Conner had worked with MI6 in the past, and they need his help again.
This is a book full of spies, and bad men that need to be behind bars. There is love between Kate and Conner and I was absorbed and listened in one go and now need the next one. This book had everything, and it had to be listened to carefully in case you miss something.
I really enjoyed listening to the narrator’s voice, and his Irish lilt was pleasure to listen to. I kept me so focused on the action the time sped to fast.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Guare. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
April 24, 2014
Though I don't usually read international thrillers or romances, Kathryn Guare has completely won me over. Deceptive Cadence, the first book in her Virtuosic Spy series was impossible to put down, with a complex plot that kept me on my toes. I was swept away once again by the second volume, Secret Chord. What hooked me? Guare does an amazing job giving her reader both an exciting plot and intriguing locales. I especially love her descriptions of India.. However, for me, her characters make the books. The Deceptive Cadence characters—tough but vulnerable Conor, mysterious Frank, and complex Sedgewick—are back in full force. Add to them a great new group of women, especially Kate, Connor's love interest, a widowed Vermont innkeeper and frustrated artist, and her pals, sassy Abigail and straight shooter Yvonne. Each major character has a rich, fully developed inner life. That's what hooked me. Bravo to this new author. i can't wait for the next book. Hurry up, Kathryn Guare! This fan is hungry for more.
February 5, 2015
Sadly I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one:"Deceptive Cadence". This would be a difficult 'stand-alone' if you hadn't read the first one; and even then, the plot became exceedingly complicated with the multiple identities and double double agents and numerous agencies all getting in the way of each other. Way too much, which convoluted the story for me, never seeming to all come together comfortably. Far too much work on the part of the reader--me--to try to keep everything straight. And Conor McBride lost some of his sparkle, humanness and intrigue for me. And what was with the Kate's inheritance? That seemed ridiculously superfluous. Maybe the next one with Conor joining the philharmonic will give him back his spirit. I'll try one more because, in spite of plot difficulties, Guare is a very good writer.
October 23, 2017
Suspense with a wee touch of Gaelic life
The continued world intrigue and suspenseful story blending international criminal life, agencies and cultural blend of Ireland, India and New England Vermont made this book a delight. The characters are psychologically fascinating and the senses are opened to experience the history and lives of these countries. I love a story that leads me to follow up with internet searches of violin solos, different countries religions, languages, geography and in general broadened my horizons while weaving an intriguing story and intelligent plot.
The continued world intrigue and suspenseful story blending international criminal life, agencies and cultural blend of Ireland, India and New England Vermont made this book a delight. The characters are psychologically fascinating and the senses are opened to experience the history and lives of these countries. I love a story that leads me to follow up with internet searches of violin solos, different countries religions, languages, geography and in general broadened my horizons while weaving an intriguing story and intelligent plot.
September 26, 2018
I was really excited to dig into this book because Book 1 was so good. This story had it’s charms as well but I did enjoy the first book more. Our hero, Conor McBride, is in dire need of some serious rest and relaxation. He goes to great pains to walk away from the espionage business that entangled him and his brother in Book 1. A fancy but quiet Vermont Bed & Breakfast needs an experienced dairy farmer and that’s right up Conor’s alley.
At the B&B, he meets Kate (the owner) and Abigail (the motherly demanding chef). Kate is a painter who’s currently suffering from artist’s block. She sits in front of her canvas day in and day out not painting because she lacks that spark. She does have a good sense of humor and can be stubborn and decisive. Sometimes I liked her and sometimes I rolled my eyes at her. She’s initially a little prickly with Conor, assuming that Conor has assumed she’s incompetent at farm work. Kate says she’s good with the tractor but we never see her doing any farm work, so I have my doubts.
Kate is directly tied to my one complaint for this book. I don’t mind a little romance with my espionage thriller, but I do mind characters being idiots and Kate was often an idiot and it usually was because of the romance. She is idiotically jealous over something Conor mumbles in his sleep. In another incident, she feels that Conor needs to ask her forgiveness and I felt she was being high handed, needy, and immature. Finally, there’s this end stage of the spy operation and Kate insists on going along with no spy training. This was such a bad idea but she bullies her way into it, endangering everyone. I really dislike it when stories use this particular ploy to make room for drama later on. So, yeah, I wanted to like Kate but I felt that she was mostly useless and at times detrimental to the other characters.
I loved that Conor played his violin for Kate. They chat about art in general and her artist’s block. Conor makes a comment along the line that Kate is making it all about herself instead of the art – and that sums up Kate perfectly. She’s not a bad person but she is self-centered.
Along this same line, I have to say that the ladies in this book are all comforters or love interests. Kate and Abigail and Yvonne (I think I have her name right) are well written but I wanted more from the women in general. It’s the modern age and lady spies have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. It would nice to see that reflected here.
Setting that aside, it was great to have Frank Murdoch and Sedgewick back in the game. Conor thought he had been clever, had left his old life behind, but he’s also new to all this spy business. So he’s not too surprised when Murdoch reaches out and has an assignment for him. There’s some unfinished business with Vasily Draganov, the big baddie from Book 1. Conor is still mourning his brother Thomas and his mother Brigid and the loss of the family farm. I could easily see how torn Conor was – go after this man or put it all behind him and try to heal.
At the end of Book 1, I wasn’t sure how much to trust Sedgewick and Murdoch but now there is a true bond among the three men. They each go through this new crisis and come out knowing each other better. Sedgewick is still a bit paranoid and rougher around the edges and Murdoch is still all proper English (doing his best to hide his heritage).
There’s plenty of double crossing and double agents stuff going on. It’s clear by the end of Book 1 that one of the good guys was feeding intel to one of the bad guys. Now in this book, that gets dealt with and wrapped up. Also, there’s a lingering string back to Thomas and to Conor’s farm caretaker (no longer employed since he sold the place) Phillip. I was delightfully surprised with the big reveal on that and also on how it got handled.
All told, 4/5 stars. If the next book comes to audiobook land, I will give it a listen because I think Kate can grow and become useful.
The Narration: Wayne Farrell was great! He has a light Irish accent for Conor that is just perfect. He also does a good job with the female voices. I loved his voice for Sedgewick, especially when Sedgewick was being rude or was in the grip of malaria or alcohol. He also had a good kid voice for the young lad. There were no technical issues with this recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Guare. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
At the B&B, he meets Kate (the owner) and Abigail (the motherly demanding chef). Kate is a painter who’s currently suffering from artist’s block. She sits in front of her canvas day in and day out not painting because she lacks that spark. She does have a good sense of humor and can be stubborn and decisive. Sometimes I liked her and sometimes I rolled my eyes at her. She’s initially a little prickly with Conor, assuming that Conor has assumed she’s incompetent at farm work. Kate says she’s good with the tractor but we never see her doing any farm work, so I have my doubts.
Kate is directly tied to my one complaint for this book. I don’t mind a little romance with my espionage thriller, but I do mind characters being idiots and Kate was often an idiot and it usually was because of the romance. She is idiotically jealous over something Conor mumbles in his sleep. In another incident, she feels that Conor needs to ask her forgiveness and I felt she was being high handed, needy, and immature. Finally, there’s this end stage of the spy operation and Kate insists on going along with no spy training. This was such a bad idea but she bullies her way into it, endangering everyone. I really dislike it when stories use this particular ploy to make room for drama later on. So, yeah, I wanted to like Kate but I felt that she was mostly useless and at times detrimental to the other characters.
I loved that Conor played his violin for Kate. They chat about art in general and her artist’s block. Conor makes a comment along the line that Kate is making it all about herself instead of the art – and that sums up Kate perfectly. She’s not a bad person but she is self-centered.
Along this same line, I have to say that the ladies in this book are all comforters or love interests. Kate and Abigail and Yvonne (I think I have her name right) are well written but I wanted more from the women in general. It’s the modern age and lady spies have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. It would nice to see that reflected here.
Setting that aside, it was great to have Frank Murdoch and Sedgewick back in the game. Conor thought he had been clever, had left his old life behind, but he’s also new to all this spy business. So he’s not too surprised when Murdoch reaches out and has an assignment for him. There’s some unfinished business with Vasily Draganov, the big baddie from Book 1. Conor is still mourning his brother Thomas and his mother Brigid and the loss of the family farm. I could easily see how torn Conor was – go after this man or put it all behind him and try to heal.
At the end of Book 1, I wasn’t sure how much to trust Sedgewick and Murdoch but now there is a true bond among the three men. They each go through this new crisis and come out knowing each other better. Sedgewick is still a bit paranoid and rougher around the edges and Murdoch is still all proper English (doing his best to hide his heritage).
There’s plenty of double crossing and double agents stuff going on. It’s clear by the end of Book 1 that one of the good guys was feeding intel to one of the bad guys. Now in this book, that gets dealt with and wrapped up. Also, there’s a lingering string back to Thomas and to Conor’s farm caretaker (no longer employed since he sold the place) Phillip. I was delightfully surprised with the big reveal on that and also on how it got handled.
All told, 4/5 stars. If the next book comes to audiobook land, I will give it a listen because I think Kate can grow and become useful.
The Narration: Wayne Farrell was great! He has a light Irish accent for Conor that is just perfect. He also does a good job with the female voices. I loved his voice for Sedgewick, especially when Sedgewick was being rude or was in the grip of malaria or alcohol. He also had a good kid voice for the young lad. There were no technical issues with this recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Guare. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
February 6, 2019
I liked the book despite everything negative I shall have to say about it. This is the second book of a trilogy, but it could stand alone. Again, the DEA, CIA, MI6 and more like agencies were involved. A wife has grieved over the death of her husband until she finds out he was a no good con man trying to steal her fortune and who is indeed alive rather than dead. Learning that and figuring he could be eliminated because of his high crime activity was the most thrilling part of the book. I did not like author's use of too much uncalled for obscenity. Padding books with obscenity flung with carelessness demeans the author. The same is true for graphic sexual activity, which the author did not do. Thank you very much. Whatever an author cannot use effectively should not be used at all. Otherwise, the author's writing was good. I had no trouble with the host of characters. The information dump near the book's end accounted for all of the people and almost all of their actions. The hero would have died in the end had his mother's spirit not come back from the dead to save him. I liked that picture of maternal love.
Thank you, Ms. Guare, for a good read.
Thank you, Ms. Guare, for a good read.
February 1, 2023
What an engaging, if often quite dark trilogy. Described as character-driven, they tell of a tall, dark Irishman who will steal your heart. The details of each location is like a separate character in the books: from the streets of India to the quiet dells of Ireland, they make me want to book a flight to experience them in person; although, you hardly need to visit because the descriptions are so vivid.
The stories are full-on spy thrillers so there is quite a bit of violence (drug lords, money launderers, general purpose thugs), but those are the smaller part of the stories where the tender moments make up the majority.
I listened to the audio version which makes the Irish lilt of Connor McBride (quite well done by the reader) perfect!
The stories are full-on spy thrillers so there is quite a bit of violence (drug lords, money launderers, general purpose thugs), but those are the smaller part of the stories where the tender moments make up the majority.
I listened to the audio version which makes the Irish lilt of Connor McBride (quite well done by the reader) perfect!
September 3, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Deceptive Cadence, and was excited to begin this second installment in the series. Very interesting! Conor ends up in Vermont, running, hiding, not knowing what to expect next. Well, throw in a lovely young maiden, and here we go! But there's much more to her than just a pretty face, and secrets can be dangerous. I was captivated from beginning to end, thought the story and narration were amazing. When will there be MORE? :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 16, 2022
This is a good series. I would have awarded this second book 4 stars, but for the chintzy twist that turned the female lead from a humble innkeeper/farmer into an heiress and royalty (FFS). Why does everyone have to be rich or famous or royalty hiding out? Almost ruined it for me, but I paid for the three books and I'm a gonna read the three books, dagnabbit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2018
A fast paced adventure with surprising twists
One surprise (or a couple really) that I was definitely not expecting! This was another interesting story with unexpected twists and drama. Some happy moments too! :)
One surprise (or a couple really) that I was definitely not expecting! This was another interesting story with unexpected twists and drama. Some happy moments too! :)
September 9, 2018
We are proud to announce that THE SECRET CHORD (Virtuosic Spy #2) by Kathryn Guare is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
October 22, 2018
The second book in the series is as good as the first. Can’t wait to read the third book
April 7, 2021
Beautifully written.
November 5, 2022
Loved the mystery - hated the foul language!
January 6, 2015
When I turned the last pages of « Deceptive Cadence », Kathryn Guare's debut and brillant novel, I was wondering what breed of cows (Jersey ? Holstein ?) Conor McBride, the hero, was going to milk in Vermont in the coming sequel. I still don't know after reading « The Secret Chord », but never mind. Actually McBride had little time to milk, and plenty to do to escape his ennemies while falling in love with Kate.
I gave 5 stars to « Deceptive Cadence », and feel compelled to give 5 again to « The Secret Chord ». Kathryn Guare writes elegantly, her book's plot is terrific, full of twists and surprises. She has a deep sense of places, and the psychology of her characters is perfect. This author really deserves to be discovered by a large audience.
January 15, 2019
Mystery and Love, two of the most popular topics readers pick up and Kathryn Guare does well to pair them together in this book.
In the end, I was truly swept away by her extensive novel of agents, farmers, heiresses, and mobsters. Although, I must admit it was hard to keep up with all of the twists and turns created in the story but on the whole it was a story that kept me intrigued to the very end.
Wayne Farrell's narration was very notable for me. His character voices were subtle yet distinguishable and his narration easy to listen too.
Overall I would recommend this to all who love a good action packed mystery and don't mind a little love thrown in.
This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
In the end, I was truly swept away by her extensive novel of agents, farmers, heiresses, and mobsters. Although, I must admit it was hard to keep up with all of the twists and turns created in the story but on the whole it was a story that kept me intrigued to the very end.
Wayne Farrell's narration was very notable for me. His character voices were subtle yet distinguishable and his narration easy to listen too.
Overall I would recommend this to all who love a good action packed mystery and don't mind a little love thrown in.
This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2014
This thriller, set mainly in Vermont, introduces us to Kate, an innkeeper who recently lost her husband to a tragic accident. Then enters Conor who picks up where we last left him in Deceptive Cadence (The Virtuosic Spy Book 1). All is not smooth for these two at the beginning, in case you are wondering if you've been thrown headlong into a romance. Frank, Sedgwick and Bishan are all back so you know there has to be trouble. The intrigue continues and does not disappoint. The writing is just as good. This book could stand alone but is so much more interesting knowing what transpired in the first book. I'm really looking forward now to Book 3!
November 9, 2014
I think Kathryn Guare has created a wonderful character, an Irish spy with a heart of gold. Everyone loves a hero that is vulnerable, and Conner McBride fits the bill nicely. The fact that he is a virtuoso violinist, an oft times reciting poetic bard, and an action packed heroic M16 secret weapon doesn't hurt either. Guare's descriptive writing is flawless, however, I do agree with the writer of the only two star review that The Secret Chord received, if I hear about one more cup of tea being drunk, or one more runny nose, hacking cough, or sleepless and tired complaint being aired, I will explode!
June 21, 2016
Accolades for Kathryn Guare
Rarely do I take the time to post a review for an ebook I have finished. Regardless of the enjoyment I receive from a story, in the end it is over and I am ready to move on. Not so with the Conor McBride series. Having read Deceptive Cadence and The Secret Chord back to back I am finding it difficult to pull away from this complicated, dangerous world that "everyman" Conor McBride struggles to survive. If ever I became immersed in a fictional story line it has happened here. Is this not what we all desire when we read fiction. Congratulations Kathryn for achieving a level of excellent writing many strive for and very few attain.
Rarely do I take the time to post a review for an ebook I have finished. Regardless of the enjoyment I receive from a story, in the end it is over and I am ready to move on. Not so with the Conor McBride series. Having read Deceptive Cadence and The Secret Chord back to back I am finding it difficult to pull away from this complicated, dangerous world that "everyman" Conor McBride struggles to survive. If ever I became immersed in a fictional story line it has happened here. Is this not what we all desire when we read fiction. Congratulations Kathryn for achieving a level of excellent writing many strive for and very few attain.
March 19, 2015
From the time I finished Deceptive Cadence, I wanted more of Conor's story. This installment (and the short story From Here To Bethlehem) not only brought me exactly that, but also introduced Kate, who brings even more layers of interest and intrigue to the story. Without getting too spoiler-iffic, I'll say it was wonderful seeing how their pasts deepened their connection, and let something great come out of the ashes left by evil. Now, time for the next book, which conveniently came out the other day, and is already waiting for me!
November 16, 2016
Entertaining
I listened to The Deceptive Cadence as an audiobook and enjoyed the performance. The descriptive writing about locations is vivid, and the plot twists kept me going. This book had all of that, but since Vermont is not as exotic as India, the action seemed a bit forced against a domestic background. I want to like the characters more, but Conor and Kate are too good to be true. Sedgwick and Frank are cliches. I will probably read the next book in the series, hoping for some deeper character development.
I listened to The Deceptive Cadence as an audiobook and enjoyed the performance. The descriptive writing about locations is vivid, and the plot twists kept me going. This book had all of that, but since Vermont is not as exotic as India, the action seemed a bit forced against a domestic background. I want to like the characters more, but Conor and Kate are too good to be true. Sedgwick and Frank are cliches. I will probably read the next book in the series, hoping for some deeper character development.
February 17, 2014
The 2nd book in this series and another great read. You feel the countryside and all the beautiful places so well described in this tale,I totally enjoyed every moment! The story is wonderful with characters that you want to know everything about,they become your friends as the story unfolds,and you hate to see the end arrive I am looking forward to the next book about the Virtuosic Spy!
March 31, 2016
I enjoyed the first book of the series just a bit more
Conor McBride is a fascinating character. I am glad to have met him. The setting for book 1 was interesting as well. This book had just a few too many unlikely twists to the story. To find out what they were, you'll have to read the book yourself.
Conor McBride is a fascinating character. I am glad to have met him. The setting for book 1 was interesting as well. This book had just a few too many unlikely twists to the story. To find out what they were, you'll have to read the book yourself.
August 15, 2016
Wonderful characters, great story! Great settings in Vermont, Ireland, and India. I highly recommend The Virtuosic Spy series for those who look for detailed mysteries, with complex characters.
This is the second book in the series. Deceptive Cadence, the first in the series was recently released as an audiobook! Available through Audible!
Hoping there will be a fourth installment!!
This is the second book in the series. Deceptive Cadence, the first in the series was recently released as an audiobook! Available through Audible!
Hoping there will be a fourth installment!!
February 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book and found parts of it amazing. Unfortunately, the oh-so-predictable romance was not one of those parts. But the story moved along and was interesting, and I did enjoy reading it. (I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.)
November 29, 2016
This series is a fresh tangle of the sublime and the intense. While generally a gentle man, whose loves are his family, the Isle of Dingle in southwest Ireland, and his precious Pressanda violin. He is also an M16 agent who gets pulled into dangerous missions for the British Government.
February 13, 2014
Another top-notch offering from Kathryn Guare. I especially enjoyed the Vermont settings in this one, and the addition of the character of Kate. I'm already looking forward to book 3.
July 26, 2014
I just finished reading The Secret Cord (book 2) in the Virtuosic Spy series by Kathryn Guare. I loved the intrigue and the love story. Cannot wait to read more about Conor McBride!
September 28, 2014
Brilliant
The two books in this series are some of the best writing I've come across in years and I would probably put the author head to head with the giant's of this genre.
The two books in this series are some of the best writing I've come across in years and I would probably put the author head to head with the giant's of this genre.
February 1, 2015
This series is such a joy to read. Romance and action. I am looking forward to the next book which should be out soon. I hope Masterpiece Mystery produces this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews