Mortal Music

Silver Rush #7

by Ann Parker

San Francisco. Winter 1881-82.

All pianist Inez Stannert wants for Christmas is for the struggling music store she owns in San Francisco to be a success. When diva Theia Carrington Drake asks Inez to be her accompanist for several high-profile personal appearances, Inez is thrilled. This is the chance she was waiting for--a way to make some extra money and bring her store into the limelight of the city's polite society to enhance her business.

But things are far from pitch perfect. An unknown threat is stalking Theia; her pet bird is found slain, and her signature gown is destroyed. Soon, Inez realizes that a murderer is stalking the city's opera halls, and that it's only a matter of time before Theia is his next victim. She'll have to enlist the help of private investigator Wolter Roeland de Bruijn and uncover the killer before Theia's celebrated voice is silenced--permanently.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, The United States Of America, 19th Century

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2020

About the author

Ann Parker earned degrees in Physics and English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, before taking up a career as a science writer. These days, she slings science and technical verbiage for a living during the day and writes fiction at night.

Ann's ancestors include a great-grandfather who was a blacksmith in Leadville, a grandmother who worked at the bindery of Leadville's Herald Democrat newspaper, a grandfather who was a Colorado School of Mines professor, and another grandfather who worked as a gandy dancer on the Colorado railroads. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Historical Novel Society, Women Writing the West, and Western Writers of America. Ann and her family reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, whence they have weathered numerous boom-and-bust cycles.

Her Silver Rush historical mystery series, published by Poisoned Pen Press, is set primarily in the silver boomtown of Leadville, Colorado, in the early 1880s. (The sixth in the series, A DYING NOTE, is set in San Francisco, 1881.) The series was picked as a "Booksellers Favorite" by the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association.

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

For her 7th book in the Silver Rush series author Ann Parker has her lead character, Inez Stannert, safely ensconced in San Francisco after her few books were set in Leadville, CO. This opens a world of possibilities for plot and character and Ms. Parker hits all the high notes with this interesting mystery. Inez is now the owner of a music store and much to her surprise she is asked to become the piano accompanist for Theia Carrington Drake, the "Songbird of San Francisco" who has had worldwide fame and has married a wealthy individual and they have made their way back to San Francisco for Theia's final performances. But what is supposed to be a happy conclusion is not what is in the cards. Theia's pet bird is killed, her favorite dress is ripped to shreds and so a private detective is called in to help solve the case, and due to her position with Theia now becomes a part of this investigation. This book has a wonderful cast of characters, from Theia's husband Graham "Lucky Duck" Drake, a beautiful understudy to Theia, a former accompanist, former lovers, a local seamstress and personal maids, valets, etc. There is quite a lot going on in this book, and Ms. Parker does a fine job if keeping us guess as to who committed those first crimes, and then a seemingly unrelated murder. Characters come and go, as everyone seems to want to distance themselves from Theia and Graham, and only through Inez's efforts will these cases be solved. Lots of old SF history and locales in this book and it provides a wonderful background for we the readers. Only drawback for me is that it could have been about 50 pages shorter, but who is to quibble with the author of such a highly successful and enjoyable series. Really liked this book!
For my complete review visit www.viewsonbooks.com.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's December of 1881, and Inez is a pianist and proprietor of a music store in San Francisco. A renowned vocalist invites Inez to be her accompanist until the end of the year, and Inez finds herself embroiled in strange and disturbing situations, including a shocking murder. I like books with strong female protagonists, and also enjoyed the historical setting and the plot of this mystery. It's part of a series with which I was unfamiliar, but it was fine as a stand-alone. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for this ARC.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 stars

1881 Holiday Season - San Francisco
Looking for an interesting historical mystery? Are you curious about the entertainment industry of 1880s San Francisco, its societal strata, and its effects on all those who serve the ton? Then this may well be a book for you.

Plucky Mrs. Inez Stannert, owner of a local music shop, as well as being a gifted pianist, gets tapped by Theia Carrington Drake, the new diva in town, to be her accompanist through the holidays. This is much to the chagrin of Theia's contracted accompanist, Rubio. Later that evening, Theia's precious songbird is killed and her favorite gown ripped to tatters and rendered worthless. Private Investigator, Wolter Roelof de Bruijn, is hired by Theia's wealthy husband, who is owner of the local newspaper, to find out who perpetrated these crimes against his wife. Within days, Theia's understudy is dead and Theia's companion, Yvonne, missing. Meanwhile, Inez and Theia are tirelessly preparing and executing four concerts over the course of two weeks. So much drama and mystery. Can Inez manage around all of the various landmines, the many secrets and perhaps solve the mysteries before anyone else gets hurt? Perhaps it's possible with the aid of Mr. de Bruijn or will she be out on her own limb? Time will tell.

What a twisted and engaging tale Ms. Parker has spun for her readers. There are tremendous twists and turns and many'a red herring throughout this book. The writing is solid. The atmosphere of the times is well described with all its equine dung heaps, opium den smoke, gas lamp aura, and foggy mists of 1880s San Francisco. The main characters are well developed and their backgrounds are revealed bit by bit over the course of the book. It does keep the little grey cells churning.

Ms. Parker has done a yeoman's job in her research of historic San Francisco, opera, the stage, its female performers and the Comstock Lode of Nevada. All of it is deftly woven throughout this interesting and creative story. Although this book is 7th in Ms. Parker's "Silver Rush Mystery" series, it capably stands on its own without leaving the reader adrift with missing details revealed in earlier installments. This is an entertaining, informative and suspenseful story. I look forward to reading other's by this gifted storyteller.

I am grateful to author Ann Parker and Poisoned Pen Press for having provided a free e-book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfying snapshot of history and a mostly decent plot. Though it lacks the richness of writing, this reminded me a little of Mariah Fredericks’ work.

I enjoyed the historical and atmospheric details of Parker’s novel, and the mystery itself isn’t bad. Though it has a handful of details that suggest cozy mystery, it’s not much for warmth or humor and has a number of elements that are too dark for the genre. I’m not certain why it’s been classed as such. Historical mystery is a much more accurate descriptor.

Though the story is compelling and mostly moves well, the ending left a lot to be desired. The conclusion thankfully doesn’t suffer from the poor writing or plot errors that plague many mysteries, but it’s incredibly depressing and more importantly, is deeply absent any sense of justice, almost to the point of nihilism. I also didn’t love the inclusion of a murder of a pet, which felt unnecessary and makes the book even more of a downer.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under contract as accompanist to an opera diva, Inez encounters more than she wants of artistic temperament and robber baron puritanism. Not a particularly likable set of characters, perhaps because so easily recognizable today. The author's detailed examination of 1880s San Francisco, however, makes reading enjoyable.

[Betsy Cornwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Stannert has been asked to be the piano accompanist for the "Golden Songbird" for her final appearances on the glittering stages of 1880's San Francisco. Is this a wonderful break for her musical career and her struggling music store? When the Songbird's pet song bird is found brutally murdered, Inez Stannert has second thoughts. What follows is an unpredictable week full of unexpected hazards and astonishing revelations. The cast of allies and enemies is constantly shifting in this romp through old San Francisco.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mortal Music by Ann Parker is book 7 of the Silver Rush historical mystery series, set in winter 1881-1882 San Francisco. Inez Stannert is co-owner of D & S Music and Curiosities. She and her 12-year-old ward Antonia Gizzi attend a performance at the Grand Opera House by "the Golden Songbird" Theia Carrington Drake. After the performance, Inez cannot resist playing the piano. She's startled by Theia joining her, insisting they perform together.

Inez reluctantly agrees to accompany Theia for all her performances through New Year's Eve, replacing pianist Luis Rubio. He's furious at being fired on the spot; an instant enemy.

On the morning after the performance, Inez arrives at Theia's room for practice, and finds all in an uproar. Theia's signature ball gown is shredded, her beloved yellow warbler killed. Theia's husband Graham Drake hires private investigator Wolter Roeland de Bruijn to find the culprit.

In a whirlwind of practice sessions, Inez sees Theia's relationships with her husband, personal assistant Yvonne, protege Julia Green, and theatre manager Thackeray are a tangled web of ego, deceit, betrayal, manipulation. Inez suspects Theia has past history with de Bruijn. Inez and de Bruijn agree to work together to solve the crimes. But he doesn't divulge his history with Theia.

Inez overhears a secret from Theia's past when the diva performs at Cliff House. Tragedy strikes, seemingly accidental, but Inez knows it was murder. After Yvonne mysteriously disappears, Theia urges Inez to move into her hotel suite so she'll be handy for long practice sessions. Inez agrees because it gives her a chance to snoop for clues. De Bruijn goes away on a case, and Inez can't share evidence she finds...until it's too late.

Nicely paced, with convincing red herrings, clues and evidence. Authentic period details, including a small side plot that reveals the prevailing prejudice at the time.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story but very sad.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Mortal Music is the 7th Silver Rush historical mystery by Ann Parker. Due out 27th Jan 2020 from Poisoned Pen Press, it's 448 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

Although shelved as a cozy mystery, this is quite a bit darker and more graphic/ambiguous than most of the genre. It's December 1881 in San Francisco and protagonist Inez Stannert is drawn unwillingly into the orbit of a world famous opera singer on her last tour before she retires. When the diva hears music shop owner Inez play the piano she's delivered for the opera performances, she fires her accompanist and insists on hiring Inez for her few remaining appearances.

There are murders, mistaken identity, betrayals, theft, double-crosses, and more skullduggery. The buildup and resolution/denouement were pretty significant downers. I found the plotting slow in places and some of the dialogue was both anachronistic (modern) and stiff. I really wanted to smack Inez's sometime partner/sidekick De Bruijn at several points in the narrative. I found the killing of the diva's pet over the top and unpleasant.

All around, not a very upbeat read, although it is admittedly well written and the author is adept at storytelling. Despite being the 7th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. Fans of the series who have already formed a connection to the protagonists will likely find this volume more enjoyable.

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Randee Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

To earn some extra money and help advertise her struggling music and curiosities shop, Inez Stannert agrees to be the accompanist for a retiring singer who is performing her final shows in the San Francisco area. After Theia’s pet bird is killed and her favorite dress is destroyed, Inez finds herself working alongside private investigator Wolter Roeland de Bruijn to find the perpetrator before Theia becomes the next victim.

I am a big fan of Inez Stannert and the Silver Rush mysteries, but I found MORTAL MUSIC lacking. The mystery was uninteresting until an actual person was killed and another person went missing. The plot seemed to drag, and the writing just wasn’t up to the quality of the other books in the series. Perhaps if Theia – the woman in danger – had not been so unlikable, I might have been more interested in Inez’s investigation. Overall, the Silver Rush series just has not been the same since Inez relocated from Leadville to San Francisco. Parker did do a great job bringing 1880s San Francisco to life through her vivid descriptions of the city.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mortal Music has a great premise and interesting characters. It just fell short for me. It didn't keep me interested enough.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Parker's historical Silver Rush mysteries have been a joy to read from the very first book, Silver Lies. Inez Stannert is a strong, intelligent, unconventional woman readers first met as an owner of a popular saloon in mining boomtown Leadville, Colorado. She's divorced her unfaithful conman husband and been forced to give her infant son to a family member to raise. Looking for a fresh start, she's moved to San Francisco with her young ward Antonia and opened a music store.

Readers always learn things when they pick up a Silver Rush mystery. In this year of 1881, Parker seamlessly weaves in facts about local San Francisco landmarks, music, the Comstock Lode, and the plights of African-Americans as well as dressmakers and other businesswomen.

As Mortal Music opens, Inez's young (and extremely headstrong) ward Antonia is bundled off to spend the holidays with the co-owner of the music store. I wondered about that because the give-and-take between these two strong-minded and independent souls often leads to laughter and plenty of headshaking on my part. However, it didn't take me long to realize why Antonia was shuffled off stage left. There's no way in the world Inez could deal with Antonia AND Theia Carrington Drake at the same time. She would've been driven berserk.

The private investigator de Bruijn adds quite a bit to the story. His ability to investigate things Inez isn't able to is important, but even more important is the dynamic between the two. There's a growing attraction there even though de Bruijn is having a difficult time dealing with Inez's personality. She's just not the usual sort of woman he runs across. She's more liable to pull out her revolver and shoot someone assaulting her instead of screaming for help.

Mortal Music is slow-paced and probably could have used a bit more editing to tighten up the story, and I found whodunit to be rather easy to deduce, but I didn't much care. There's just something about Inez Stannert and the world that Ann Parker creates that gives me so much pleasure that I'm willing to overlook a small bump or two along my reading road. If you enjoy historical mysteries and haven't read a Silver Rush book, I highly recommend the series and suggest that you begin with the first book, Silver Lies. If you're already a fan, be prepared to sink into this story with a happy sigh of anticipation.

[Tonstant Weader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mortal Music is the seventh book in the Silver Rush series that features Inez Stannert, formerly of the Silver Queen Saloon in Leadville, Colorado. It’s 1881 and she has been hired as the accompanist to Theia Carrington, a world-famous opera singer who is performing her final concerts in San Francisco as the year winds to a close. Something is amiss among Theia and her entourage, though, as the very night Inez is hired, Theia’s pet bird is strangled and the gown she was wearing was torn to shreds. Theia’s husband Graham Drake hires local detective Wolter Roeland de Bruijn to solve the mystery. Inez agrees to be eyes and ears on the inside for de Bruijn.

This is a historical novel with a lot of details about San Francisco of the 1880s. Inez is a talentd pianist and a self-confident woman who knows her worth, someone not willing to be obeisant to Theia’s whims and abuse. She is observant and smart and is aware there are many hidden motives and connections at play. When it turns deadly, she is more than ready to fight for justice.



My reaction to Mortal Music shifted during my reading, I liked it a lot at the beginning and then drifted into boredom in the all-too-long middle and liked it again at the end. I though Ann Parker did a good job of creating the place of 1880s San Francisco. I was less convinced by her characters who other than the Inez and de Bruijn seem fairly flat. Theia is a stereotype and so is her husband. Most of the characters are. I nearly quit a few times during the long, long center of the book. A good quarter of the book could be cut without loss of any central portion of the mystery and it might be a more dynamic book. I am glad, though, I stuck it out to the end, even though the guilty party for the avicide was obvious from the start. I do appreciate the moral quandary at the end in terms of seeking justice. It’s a bold writer who doesn’t feel the need to have an all’s well that ends well ending.

Mortal Music will be released January 27th. I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.

Mortal Music at Poisoned Pen Press
Ann Parker author site

https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book is Ann Parker’s Silver Rush mystery series. The main character is Inez Stannert, part-owner of a music store in 1881 San Francisco. When Inez is asked to accompany diva Theia Carrington Drake for the final personal appearances in the city, Inez is less than thrilled because it will take time away from trying to save the music store from closing. However, since she will be highly paid, she takes on the task. While she expects to be taxed by the temperamental diva, she finds the job is actually much worse than expected. When the diva’s favorite gown is slashed to pieces and her pet bird killed, the diva’s husband hires deBrujin, a private investigator to investigate the crimes, Inez is pleased because they have worked together in the past. deBrujin’s work is complicated because the crime scene has been badly compromised. Another death makes things even worse.

This is a very well-written entry in Parker’s series and reads like a stand-alone. She doesn’t insert historical information just to show off. Parker was careful to give us enough of Inez’s background over the course of the first fifty or so pages that the reader never feels lost. Inez Stannert is a complex, intelligent woman whose background is not what one would expect from a business owner catering to the high end of the social spectrum. The ending is unexpected without coming from way out in left field.

If you like well-written historical mysteries, this one is for you, but be prepared to stay up past your bedtime reading it. If you haven’t read the first six books, you’ll probably add them near the top of your to-be-read list.

My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for an e-ARC.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mortal Music is the seventh book in the A Silver Rush Mystery series.

Inez Stannert has been asked by Theia Carrington Drake to her new accompanist, to replace Rubio, who she has fired after hearing Stannert play. Theia and her husband have recently moved to San Francisco where Mr. Drake owns a newspaper, while Theia is a trained singer and will be giving performances through New Year’s Day.

The next morning after hiring Inez, Theia finds that her pet bird has been killed and her favorite dress has been cut to shreds. Mr. Drake hires Private Investigator de Bruijn to determine who did these despicable deeds. Inez and de Bruijn happen to meet at Drake’s suite, he to search where the damage was done and Inez to rehearse with Theia. Before long Theia’s understudy dies and her companion, Yvonne goes missing. Inez and de Bruijn decide that it is best to work together to solve this mystery.

Another compelling addition to this exciting series. The story is well-told and written with an interesting cast of characters. The author did an excellent job of providing what seems to be a very accurate depiction of the time. There were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing until the end.

I will be watching for the next book in this series.

[Eric Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

At around 450 pages this is quite a long book . The story basically revolves around an opera singer whose pet bird is found dead in its cage at the same time as her favourite dress is destroyed . About half way through, a main character is found dead but there is no evidence of foul play . Another 100 pages on , a second character disappears but again it may well be by choice . Set in 19th Century San Francisco , the locations are mostly of interest to locals and perhaps the odd tourist . Why did I read this to the end when there is little action and even less mayhem ? The answer is that the author writes with a charm and gentleness not often found in today's novelists . M C Beaton and the Miss Marple stories by Agatha Christie spring to mind . If I can find further books by Ann Parker in the UK then I shall certainly read them . Original and thoroughly enjoyable .

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of historical mysteries with strong female leads should try this series for a taste of, in this latest, 1881 San Francisco. Inez Stannert, a pianist, is also an ace investigator who has been running into trouble for years- starting in Leadville, Colorado. San Francisco, where she owns a music store, is meant to be an easier life but it's not- it's just differently difficult. She's excited when she's asked to accompany Thea Carrington Drake, an important vocalist, but then bad things start to happen. Lots of bad things, including murder. This has a good cast of quirky characters, good atmospherics, and a twisty enough plot to keep you guessing, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This will be fine as a standalone and a nice addition for those who have read the earlier ones.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Cozy Mystery in 1881 San Francisco
This is an exceptionally good mystery. Mentally traveling along with the sleuths while 'we' discover hidden secrets made this a real page-turner. More than that, as a historian dedicated to American history, especially of the history of the West, I was thrilled with this book. Usually, I find issues to get picky about with historical fiction, not so with this book. It is written in such rich detail it was if a movie was playing in my mind. I can't believe that I have just now found this series. I am going get all of the books in this series and binge read until I'm giddy. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 7 in the series.

This is the first book I've read in the series, but it absolutely is a stand alone story. It's also not really a cozy mystery, but more of a historical mystery.

I'm a huge western history buff, so this was right up my alley. Yes, it's historical fiction, but Ms. Parker has obviously done her research on the area and time period.

Her main character is interesting and likable, intelligent and strong. The plot was full of twists and turns and now I really want to go back and read the previous books in the series!

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 80+ mom LOVES murder mysteries, but growing up watching Murder She Wrote turned me away from reading them myself. Trixie Belden gave me my fill in elementary school. Mom loaned me this in a stack of books to help fight COVID-19 boredom and despondency. I had read through all of of the lighthearted reads I already had, what I have left to tackle at home are too intellectual for my current mood. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down! It’s campy, but fun, and I love the characters! I will read more if the Silver Rush series for sure

[Trick Wiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realized when asked to read this book,it was a series!I read so much of it and stopped cause I guess it's just me,it's not fair to the book and author to review the book not knowing all the background! I'm sure it could be a stand along story but I just want the whole story not just this book! I will return and review this bum when all others are read!! Not going to mark this as read yet!!

[Hannah Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I received this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion, I was unaware it was pretty of a series of books. However it stands well as a standalone book. As a classical singer myself the character of Theia and the setting of various concert halls intrigued me. I thought it was a great read and one that kept me guessing throughout.
I shall definitely be reading the rest of the books from the series.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Very long and complex mystery set in San Francisco during the late nineteenth century. The year is almost over when music store owner Inez Stannert accepts the job as accompanist to singer Theia Carrington Blake. But almost immediately she becomes involved in mysterious and potentially dangerous happenings. Naturally, Inez is determined to try to figure out just what is going on, even if it puts her in danger. Recommended.

[Blue Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad I had enough patience to read through this moderately slow-paced mystery. At first glance, the characters' development appears to repeat itself, but only later when the truth starts to be uncovered, the roundabout suspicions are necessary to adumbrate how we were fooled by things' mere resemblances. The ending is unexpectedly well-paced and the lasting taste can be intensified further by listening to "Ave Maria"!

[ABCme · Rating 3 out of 5]

1881, San Francisco Grand Opera House.
A simple crime starts off a bigger mystery to be solved over the course of the Christmas holidays.
An entertaining well written story, placed in a beautiful musical environment, filled with believable characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent historical mystery with a strong female MC and a vivid and well researched historical background.
I liked the engrossing and well crafted plot, the solid mystery and the fleshed out cast of characters.
It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spunky protagonist with a mystery man to assist her, good period details, a bit of early feminism, and glimpses into old San Francisco. Although I enjoyed the book, I feel it doesn't quite stand alone, with too many partial tales of Stannert's past. These derailed me from the current story. Perhaps I should start at the beginning.

But times change, and people with them.

[Mary Nuttelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the previous titles in series, this one stands out for me as a book to be savored. It combines the historical with an atmospheric perspective that one conjures up when speaking about San Francisco. Throw in a fascinating look at the music scene of the time along with a murder, and you've got a read with which you'd want to spend some time.

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

A historical mystery set in San Francisco among the upper class, involving musicians and PIs. While the setting was interesting and the musical details handled well, the plot wasn't terribly captivating and none of the characters were appealing enough for me to end up caring much what happened.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! I couldn't wait to read more. I was not able to figure out the murderer ahead of time (when I usually can), and there were some interesting turns. It was fun to see this world through the lense of musicians. I am interested to read more of Ann Parkers books