With tension as taut as strings on a cello, the fourth Michael Ohayon mystery from Israels Agatha Christie, in which the police officer must solve the murder of two musicians, is pure reading pleasure (New York Times).
After his cellist friend’s father and brotherwho are also well-known musiciansare brutally murdered, Chief Superintendent Michael Ohayon, a classical music afficionado, sets out to solve the crime. From the opening pages, where the detective plays a compact disc of Brahm’s First Symphony, to the newly discovered music for an unknown Vivaldi requiem that provides a rock-solid motive for the crime, lovers of crime novels, as well as music, will thrill to every dulcet note.
Dive into the intricate world of classical music and deadly secrets with "Murder Duet: A Musical Case (Michael Ohayon Series, 4)" by the acclaimed Israeli author Batya Gur, often lauded as Israels Agatha Christie. This gripping mystery, a reprint edition published in 2020 by Harper Perennial, promises a thrilling journey for fans of police procedurals, international crime fiction, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted puzzle. Chief Superintendent Michael Ohayon, a complex and compelling character renowned for his sharp intellect and deep appreciation for classical music, finds himself entangled in a particularly sensitive and perplexing case. When the father and brother of his cellist friend, both celebrated musicians, are found brutally murdered, Ohayon is drawn into a world of intense rivalries, hidden passions, and long-buried secrets within the close-knit community of classical musicians. Gur masterfully weaves together the intricacies of a murder investigation with the rich tapestry of classical music. From the very opening scene, where Ohayon immerses himself in Brahms' First Symphony, to the tantalizing discovery of a lost Vivaldi requiem that may hold the key to the motive, music serves not merely as a backdrop but as an integral element of the plot. The narrative is infused with musical references, enhancing the atmosphere and providing clues that only a discerning ear might detect. This is not just a whodunit; it's a "whydunit" that delves into the personalities, relationships, and motivations of the suspects. Ohayon must navigate a complex web of relationships, uncovering jealousies, resentments, and potentially scandalous secrets that could have driven someone to commit such a heinous crime. As he delves deeper, he discovers that the harmonious faade of the musical world hides a discordance that can be deadly. Batya Gur's signature style shines through in "Murder Duet." Her writing is characterized by its psychological depth, keen observations of Israeli society, and meticulous attention to detail. Ohayon's introspective nature allows readers to connect with him on a personal level as he grapples with the moral dilemmas of his profession and the emotional toll of solving such violent crimes. Whether you are an avid reader of mystery novels, a lover of classical music, or simply seeking a sophisticated and engaging read, "Murder Duet" is sure to captivate you from the first page to the last. Prepare to be swept away by the suspense, the intrigue, and the haunting melodies that echo through the pages of this unforgettable novel. With 448 pages to explore, this paperback edition offers hours of reading pleasure.