The Strings of Murder: A Novel (A Frey & McGray Mystery) - Hardcover

De Muriel, Oscar

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1681771322 ISBN 13: 9781681771328

Publisher: Pegasus Crime, 2016

Synopsis

The brutal slaying of a violinist in his home in 1888 sparks a locked room murder mystery investigated by two diametrically opposed Edinburgh detectives.

1888: a violinist is brutally murdered in his Edinburgh home. Fearing a national panic over a copycat Jack the Ripper, Scotland Yard sends Inspector Ian Frey. Frey reports to Detective "Nine-Nails" McGray, local legend and exact opposite of the foppish English inspector. McGray’s tragic past has driven him to superstition, but even Frey must admit that this case seems beyond belief...

There was no way in or out of the locked music studio. And there are black magic symbols on the floor. The dead man’s maid swears there were three musicians playing before the murder. And the suspects all talk of a cursed violin once played by the Devil himself.

Inspector Frey has always been a man of reason―but the longer this investigation goes on, the more his grasp on reason seems to be slipping...

About this title

About the Author

is a violinist, translator, and chemist―and the author of three other novels in this popular series,

, and

. He lives in England.

Review

“A hugely entertaining Victorian mystery.”
- Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

“Detailed historical context, spine-tingling occult overtones, and witty characterization create a gripping story. Fans of Alec Grecian's and Will Thomas’ gritty Victorian tales will want to see more of Frey.”
- Booklist

“Sherlock Holmes meets the X-Files in de Muriel’s standout debut, a creepy and atmospheric whodunit set in 1888. De Muriel matches the intricate mystery with a clever solution.”
- Publishers Weekly (starred)

“I enjoyed this―properly creepy and Gothic.”
- Ian Rankin, New York Times bestselling author

“De Muriel's debut offers nonviolinists ghostly, ghastly apparitions, unappealing accounts of unspeakable pub meals, and a steady drip of Had-I-But-Known foreshadowing and backshadowing.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“A great Victorian gothic romp. This should build into a lovely series.”
- Lovereading.co.uk

“The relationship between the two detectives and Oscar de Muriel's sparkling dialogue really elevate this murder mystery. Great wit and humor are on display as the cops gradually learn to appreciate each other's skills and intelligence, all the while sparring with great gusto. With such a colorful background, intriguing characters and a satisfyingly twisting plot, The Strings of Murder is a pleasure to read.”
- BookBrowse

“Well-written with colorful characters and relatable developments. Recommended without hesitation.”
- Historical Novels Review

“The numerous plot twists are likely to keep readers turning the pages. Entertaining and briskly paced.”
- The Historical Novel Society

“This is wonderful. A brilliant, moving, clever, lyrical book?. I loved it. Oscar de Muriel is going to be a name to watch.”
- Manda Scott

About this edition

• Publisher: Pegasus Crime
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1681771322
• ISBN 13: 9781681771328
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 412