"DEATH AND THE MAIDEN," by Gerald Elias, Minotaur Books, $25.99, 287 pages (f)
"Death and the Maiden," a Daniel Jacobus mystery written by acclaimed author Gerald Elias, is a suspenseful tale that brings together all the elements of a good mystery.
The famed New Magini String Quartet is on the verge of collapse. Plagued by a lawsuit, the members are about to emotionally and physically collapse. In an attempt to revive the quartet, the members decide to play the masterpiece “Death and the Maiden” at Carnegie Hall.
As the performance draws near, one of the members vanishes. The remaining members are caught up in a deadly web as they come closer to discovering the truth about their missing colleague. It is eventually left up to Jacobus, a renowned musician, to unravel the mystery — before all the members disappear for good.
Author of the "Devil’s Trill" and "Danse Macabre," Elias has brought classical music to the spotlight. A master violinist and professor of music, Elias plays close attention to detail.
Music lovers will appreciate Elias’s knowledge of famous classical symphonies. Even better is his ability to weave his musical expertise into fast-paced mystery.
The plot resembles that of a symphony. The story begins with soft melodious tunes that quickly turn into sharp and exciting crescendos.
Though the plot of the book is certainly engaging, the characters are somewhat unlikable. Jacobus, the main character, is ailing in his old age. As a result, he is often harsh to his closest friends. Instead of ageless wisdom, Jacobus portrays a childish immaturity. The reader has to resist the urge to tell Jacobus to grow up.
The other characters are also immature in their actions. Further development of the major characters would have made them more likable.
Elias is a master of description. At the beginning of the book, the reader is introduced to Jacobus while he is listening to a horrible concert. The reader can almost feel the pain Jacobus is feeling because of the vivid language used.
Overall, "Death and the Maiden" is a story that is captivating and evocative. Despite the character downfalls, it is an engaging tale that is worthy to be compared to Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.
There is mild language that is used throughout the novel.
IF YOU GO ...
What: Gerald Elias book signing
When: Tuesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com
Shelby Scoffield is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a graduate student at California State University, Stanislaus.