Deborah J LedfordStaccato

Thoroughly enjoyed Staccato. The story of a talented pianist and his controlling "uncle" and a trail of murders. Steven Hawks is a great character! A policeman with brains. I couldn't put it down. Will definitely be buying the next one. Deborah Ledford is an extremely talented writer.

Staccato takes the reader inside a world few will ever know--the world of classical pianists who travel the world thrilling audiences with their music. Nicholas, a charismatic prodigy, is part of this world. He has everything one could yearn for--exceptional talent, life within an opulent mansion, and fans who thrill to his every touch of the piano key.But what young Nicholas also has is a cruel and orchestrating mentor who controls every aspect of his life--even his relationships, and who will live and who will die. Ledford paints a mesmerizing and complex portrait of this man, Alexander Kalman, the maestro Nicholas calls "Uncle." Through the author's ability to script a scene and draw a character with a well-chosen economy of words, Staccato moves with the fast beating pace of an anxious thriller. Audiences will not be disappointed.

The young man at the heart of this story was raised to play, and play to perfection. He's expected to live within the exacting parameters that his adoptive uncle sets. Those two characters are set on a collision course when their visions for the future diverge. Set in an idyllic world of opulence, the raw emotions and violence of this tale evoke striking and colorful images. This book is hard to put down and I would recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries and suspense novels.

Strong characters pull you into this story and keep you there through the twists and turns. Ledford has a way of making it real with great dialogue and exploration of characters' motives. If you're a piano playing yourself, or a fan of the instrument, you are sure to find this a great read!

Loved this book. The author has a noir, almost literary style - unusual and special in these times. Pacing is pristine, the voice almost lyrical. An excellent mystery. Buy it. You won't be disappointed.