Murder at a Musical Retreat

One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries #6

by P.C. James

Accused of murder, a violinist pleads for help. Can this retired sleuth stop a concert of discordant deaths?

Tom Ramsay is finding his rhythm. So when local authorities ask the former inspector to advise their top suspect in a killing, he cautiously agrees to evaluate the evidence. And though the young woman’s pleas of innocence ring false, the dogged detective can’t ignore a whisper of doubt — especially when another musician turns up dead.

Chasing stolen instruments, backstage shadows, and missing money, Ramsay composes a long list of alternative suspects. But instincts alone can’t clear his client’s name and the frustrated Scot is running out of time.

Can Ramsay solve the case before the last note becomes a funeral dirge?

Murder at a Musical Retreat is the gripping sixth book in the One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries Series. If you like police procedurals, loyal canines, and puzzles that strike a deadly chord, then you’ll love P. C. James’s suspenseful whodunit.

Buy Murder at a Musical Retreat for a crescendo of conflicting clues today!

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

Reviews

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Ramsey & his dog, Bracken accept a plea for help from a violinist who stands to be accused of a murder she didn’t commit & he was recommended by Inspector Baldock! Linda had had a very loud row with the victim, Cedric, & had followed him along the cliff top. Their footprints showed that they met. He was discovered dead after falling from the cliff & had glove fibres on his back, showing he’d been pushed. Tom makes enquiries of the local as he S looking for anyone who may have seen her on the route she says she had used to get back to the retreat. Eventually he comes across two teenage boys who say they saw someone who could have been her. When he takes her with him to meet the boys, Tom is told it’s no hesitation “That’s her!” Adding to the puzzle is the seeming suicide of another participant. There are two stories going along side by side in this interesting puzzle.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories move at a measured pace, with lots of atmosphere and great descriptions - but then you realize you are caught up in the mystery, and our stalwart ex-inspector (and Bracken, too, of course) are moving step by step to gather the clues. Ramsay is a delightful, warm, and human character whom you feel very comfortable with - like you're at his side as the clues only make things murkier. Two murders - but are there two criminals, or only one? Or are there more, just not murderers? This will keep you on your toes and guessing until the end! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Adrian Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramsay and Bracken plunge into the murky and competitive waters of classical music. A famous but little loved classical musician plunges to his death from a tall cliff during a retreat for up-and-coming musicians.

The chief suspect allies with Ramsay not only to prove her innocence, but to catch the true killer.

As usual, there are lots of twists and turns as the duo, nobly aided by Bracken, pursue their investigation.

Ex-Inspector Ramsay is one of my favourite modern day cozy mystery sleuths. I enjoyed this latest book with its colourful cast of potential miscreants. Another well-written whodunnit!

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

These mysteries just get better and better! I absolutely loved how Bracken, the border collie, helped to solve this mystery, and how Ramsay was actually brought onto the case by the police inspector he's had dealings with in the past. There were some fun twists and I absolutely loved the red herrings that kept me guessing. The 60s setting also really came out well in this volume, which made it all the more endearing.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and consider it my favorite in this series so far. My only minor matter of preference is that there are a few moments of head hopping I personally felt were jarring. 4,5 stars.

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 3 out of 5]

The initial murder mystery starts out fairly straight-forward, a nasty man pushed over a cliff. Linda stands accused of this and hires Ramsay to clear her name. Then the story is complicated by a second suspicious death, the disappearance of a famous violin, and hints of possible embezzlement of the retreat's operating funds. Not sure if he's dealing with one, two, or three separate players, Ramsay bounces around a lot in his suspicions of who did what.

There is some nice scenery description as well as the inclusion of two alert, realistic local boys. I don't care as much for all the rehashing of possibilities Ramsay and Linda do, though, so skimmed through the last quarter of the book. The ending definitely a surprising twist.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Wow they really kept me guessing and trying to figure it out. I didn't see the end coming.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

another intricate murder

Tom Ramsey and Bracken are a good detective team. I enjoy PC James' writing. It's never light and fluffy and has substance to it.