What do you think?
Rate this book
Alistair Fitzjohn #7
The Fourth String
“The Claremont”, an outdated, run-down apartment building, is thrown into turmoil when its latest and most celebrated resident, Crispin Fairchild, conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, is found murdered.
His eccentric neighbours and members of the orchestra appear saddened by his death but are they? Is one of them his killer? These are questions Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn asks himself when he takes on the case and unearths not only the innermost secrets of those who knew Crispin, but the enigma that surrounds him.
His eccentric neighbours and members of the orchestra appear saddened by his death but are they? Is one of them his killer? These are questions Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn asks himself when he takes on the case and unearths not only the innermost secrets of those who knew Crispin, but the enigma that surrounds him.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2017
About the author
Jill Paterson
14 books113 followersJill Paterson is best known for her popular Fitzjohn Mystery Series. Set in the city of Sydney, Australia, her richly drawn characters include Alistair Fitzjohn. Now a police consultant since his retirement from the force, his methods of investigation remain the same, methodical and painstaking.
While continuing the Fitzjohn series, Jill is also working on a new series, the Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries. Set along the east coast of Australia in a small township, Phoebe Chadwick heads the cast of characters as the female sleuth.
When not writing, Jill explores settings for her books and enjoys painting, photography and tai chi.
If you would like to get an automatic email when Jill’s next book is released, sign up on her blog at: https://theperfectplot.blogspot.com
Alternatively, join Jill’s mailing list on her website at: https://www.jillpatersonfitzjohnmyste...
Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
While continuing the Fitzjohn series, Jill is also working on a new series, the Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries. Set along the east coast of Australia in a small township, Phoebe Chadwick heads the cast of characters as the female sleuth.
When not writing, Jill explores settings for her books and enjoys painting, photography and tai chi.
If you would like to get an automatic email when Jill’s next book is released, sign up on her blog at: https://theperfectplot.blogspot.com
Alternatively, join Jill’s mailing list on her website at: https://www.jillpatersonfitzjohnmyste...
Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 28, 2018
When Crispin Fitzgerald, new conductor of the Sydney Symphony, is brutally murdered, DCI Alistair Fitzjohn is called back from leave to take charge of the case. He finds a crowd of persons of interest: all of Fitzgerald’s condo building, quite an artsy group.
We get a peek into book signings and other author woes, the stolen art trade, apartments used for violin practice, sculpting, and vocal lessons as the building’s inhabitants go about their businesses under the watchful eyes of the police. Oh, and the murderer leaves spoor—a violin string draped around the victim’s neck.
As the case progresses, Inspector Fitzjohn and his sidekick Betts delve deeper into the past of all the persons of interest. They turn up even more of them as they go. Meanwhile, Fitzjohn’s troubles with his irascible neighbor and snarky superintendent continue, although the latter is temporarily replaced by a woman. Will she become a romantic interest and someone to fill the loneliness in the Inspector’s life? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
A few copy editing errors remain, notably with the British-style single quotes, but they’re not enough to ruin the fun. The plotting is carefully done and the author continues to develop her main characters, which is the advantage of writing a series. But this novel can be read independently from the others, the mark of a good series. There’s not much local color here, though. In fact, the story could have taken place in England or Canada, and it reminds me of the P. D. James and Louise Penny mysteries—horrible happenings occurring amidst Commonwealth propriety.
I’m a fan of this series. Like all of the Fitzjohn books, nice twists and turns abound. This one is a pleasant mix of police procedural, with Fitzjohn’s traditional sleuthing, mystery—who did the deed?—and suspense, because there’s evil to be rooted out. In other words, this is the kind of novel I love to read. Fans of good mysteries will too.
We get a peek into book signings and other author woes, the stolen art trade, apartments used for violin practice, sculpting, and vocal lessons as the building’s inhabitants go about their businesses under the watchful eyes of the police. Oh, and the murderer leaves spoor—a violin string draped around the victim’s neck.
As the case progresses, Inspector Fitzjohn and his sidekick Betts delve deeper into the past of all the persons of interest. They turn up even more of them as they go. Meanwhile, Fitzjohn’s troubles with his irascible neighbor and snarky superintendent continue, although the latter is temporarily replaced by a woman. Will she become a romantic interest and someone to fill the loneliness in the Inspector’s life? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
A few copy editing errors remain, notably with the British-style single quotes, but they’re not enough to ruin the fun. The plotting is carefully done and the author continues to develop her main characters, which is the advantage of writing a series. But this novel can be read independently from the others, the mark of a good series. There’s not much local color here, though. In fact, the story could have taken place in England or Canada, and it reminds me of the P. D. James and Louise Penny mysteries—horrible happenings occurring amidst Commonwealth propriety.
I’m a fan of this series. Like all of the Fitzjohn books, nice twists and turns abound. This one is a pleasant mix of police procedural, with Fitzjohn’s traditional sleuthing, mystery—who did the deed?—and suspense, because there’s evil to be rooted out. In other words, this is the kind of novel I love to read. Fans of good mysteries will too.
May 14, 2019
Want a comfortable yet engaging mystery? Then I would suggest you try Jill Patterson’s Inspector Fitzjohn series. Author Paterson has put together an interesting story, a good, straightforward plot with plausible, interesting and well-developed characters. “The Fourth String” is one of those murder mysteries that you can't guess whodunit ~ but it sure was fun trying!
“The Claremont,” an older, opulent yet slightly run-down apartment building, is thrown into turmoil when its resident Crispin Fairchild, conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, is found murdered with a violin string around his neck. Interestingly, members of the symphony as well as Fairchild’s neighbors did not seem all that upset at his death. Now DCI Alastair Fitzjohn is recalled from his vacation to deal with this high profile murder.
Set in Sydney, Australia, Paterson's is a well-crafted mystery with a fast paced plot. Paterson's characterization has created well -rounded, engaging characters. This is especially true the protagonist Chief Inspector Fitzjohn and his side-kick Sergeant Betts. DCI Alastair Fitzjohn is a very realistic and likable character, a little reminiscent of Adam Dalgleish (for those who enjoy British mysteries). I highly recommend this series. In order to enjoy them the best, do start with the first novel “The Celtic Dagger” in order to appreciate the change and development in characters. I will certainly read more of Patterson, and I invite you to give her a try!!
“The Claremont,” an older, opulent yet slightly run-down apartment building, is thrown into turmoil when its resident Crispin Fairchild, conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, is found murdered with a violin string around his neck. Interestingly, members of the symphony as well as Fairchild’s neighbors did not seem all that upset at his death. Now DCI Alastair Fitzjohn is recalled from his vacation to deal with this high profile murder.
Set in Sydney, Australia, Paterson's is a well-crafted mystery with a fast paced plot. Paterson's characterization has created well -rounded, engaging characters. This is especially true the protagonist Chief Inspector Fitzjohn and his side-kick Sergeant Betts. DCI Alastair Fitzjohn is a very realistic and likable character, a little reminiscent of Adam Dalgleish (for those who enjoy British mysteries). I highly recommend this series. In order to enjoy them the best, do start with the first novel “The Celtic Dagger” in order to appreciate the change and development in characters. I will certainly read more of Patterson, and I invite you to give her a try!!
July 10, 2018
A Quick and Fun Read
Author Jill Paterson is my go-to author when I want a comfortable and fun cozy. As usual, this book has a good, straightforward plot with well-developed characters I enjoy spending time with. Happily, this time the most aggravating police character in this series is actually there for only a few scattered paragraphs. I also smile a lot when reading about Inspector Fitzjohn’s turf (sometimes literally) wars with his oddball neighbor. I enjoy this series’ stand-alone books, because plot threads are nicely tied off, and this book has a very satisfying ending.
Author Jill Paterson is my go-to author when I want a comfortable and fun cozy. As usual, this book has a good, straightforward plot with well-developed characters I enjoy spending time with. Happily, this time the most aggravating police character in this series is actually there for only a few scattered paragraphs. I also smile a lot when reading about Inspector Fitzjohn’s turf (sometimes literally) wars with his oddball neighbor. I enjoy this series’ stand-alone books, because plot threads are nicely tied off, and this book has a very satisfying ending.
November 10, 2018
The apartment building was a run down building, while Crispin had refurbish his lavishly. Conductor of the symphony has been murdered, a position he has only held for six months. Detective Fitzjohn has been recalled from his vacation. The motive of the others living in the apartment building were many. Crispin wanted one to move her singing students elsewhere. While others didn’t like him practicing his violin at any hour. Then seeing them broke, if they had gone with the security system Crispin wanted installed. The puzzle was the string around his neck.
February 27, 2020
I love the multiple mini mysteries that accompany the murder mystery
When I started this series my friend said to be sure to read them order. I am so glad I did. Not only are the mysteries very good the characters have become friends. I am a bit sad I will now start the
Last one. 😞
When I started this series my friend said to be sure to read them order. I am so glad I did. Not only are the mysteries very good the characters have become friends. I am a bit sad I will now start the
Last one. 😞
July 22, 2019
Another really good little mystery. They just keep getting a bit better...or maybe I'm just more 'invested' in the recurring characters...Either way, a lovely read. This is the last one in the series so far...I hope it's not THE last one!
March 18, 2020
Terrific!
DCI Fitzjohn is careful, methodical,and able to think outside the box in solving murders. A clever plot with lots of suspects and many confusing clues provide an entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery! Great fun.
DCI Fitzjohn is careful, methodical,and able to think outside the box in solving murders. A clever plot with lots of suspects and many confusing clues provide an entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery! Great fun.
December 20, 2017
Another great story from Jill Paterson
I have enjoyed everyone of the Fitzjohn mysteries. I bought it on the 18th and just finished reading it. Cannot wait for the next book.
I have enjoyed everyone of the Fitzjohn mysteries. I bought it on the 18th and just finished reading it. Cannot wait for the next book.
May 7, 2018
Fun read
I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The Fourth String is one of those murder mysteries that you can't guess whodunit! Enjoy!
I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The Fourth String is one of those murder mysteries that you can't guess whodunit! Enjoy!
December 9, 2018
Great Series enjoyed all the books
Enjoyed hope more are coming. Really li led the characters and hope more stories are coming with them all to enjoy
Enjoyed hope more are coming. Really li led the characters and hope more stories are coming with them all to enjoy
February 4, 2020
Another good Read from Jill Paterson. Great characters good mystery.
April 24, 2021
Again a good read
Despite several predictable outcomes on subplots, though I was wrong on my guess as the killer, it was another enjoyable read.
Despite several predictable outcomes on subplots, though I was wrong on my guess as the killer, it was another enjoyable read.
June 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Alistair Fitzjohn is an interesting character who is a police detective as well as an Orchid enthusiast. As a fan of Agatha Christie, I could also say that Hercule Poirot should retire and let Fitzjohn take over.
August 22, 2021
A nice blend of personal life along with the detecting.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews