Rated of 5
by Barbara F. (Saint Louis, MO) Some things never change
If you find the opening first few chapters a bit tedious as you are not enraptured by English nuance and you aren't obsessed with the perfect opera, do not relinquish the pleasures this book offers if you stay till the end. I was totally engaged with the obsessive nature of the characters and apparent lack of conscience when art and genius come together. On a lighter note, I chuckled with the similarities picturing another group of English gentlemen(in this century) imbibing in mind altering substances, swapping bed partners, while obsessing about the perfect rock album. Somehow the earlier century affords these behaviors, respectability and mystery. Earnest, disciplined book clubs will enjoy the read.
Rated of 5
by Kenneth T. (Houston, Tx) Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer
A bit like the author, Wesley Stace, this book is a compilation of parts. Musical history, early twentieth century political and social history, and a history of a murder, the whole is indeed better than the description of its parts. Stace is the alter ego of composer and musician John Wesley Harding, a name itself created from that of a 19th century gunslinger. (John Wesley Hardin is perhaps better known to us in Texas.) Although there were some slow stretches, the period speech and detail are terrific and form the ribbon which wraps this witty and very clever tale. I shall have to avail myself of Hardings music along side Hardins legends after this roundabout.
Rated of 5
by Mary L. (Madison, MS) Difficult Read
I received this book with much excitement. However, I struggled to read it. The plot was slow to develop. The book was written in the manner of speaking of Victorian England. It also had many references to opera and music that although I am fairly versed in this subject, I still had to look up the references. Once the plot finally gelled, I began to enjoy the book. (I read the ARC. I expect a good editor will tighten the plot). However, I was able to anticipate the plot twist. This book is a fair first attempt at a mystery. Any opera lover would enjoy this book just to gain a feel of English opera in Victorian England. up the references. Once the plot finally gelled, I began to enjoy the book.
Rated of 5
by Jane C. (Brighton, MI) Charles Jessold Considered as a Murderer
Unique combination of music and literature, with a little murder thrown in. All of the pieces are blended well. Interesting character development as people moved in and out of the scenes. Written from the perspective of a man who know Charles Jessold, warts and all.
Rated of 5
by Jean T. (Paducah, KY) A Mystery Maestro
My first thought as I began reading "Charles Jessold" was “this is delicious!” which seemed a bit incongruous for a musical novel, but I was “hungry for more!” As I continued through the intricate twists and turns that comprise the narrator’s tale of murder set against a background of love won and lost, psychological intrigue, musical history, and war, I generally found Mr. Stace’s prose to be amusing, clever, engaging, and far from the run of the mill approach to unwinding a mystery. In this way I truly enjoyed this book. My only two quibbles with the novel were that there was a section about half to two- thirds into it where it began to get a bit tedious and I was feeling myself wanting to jump ahead, but then I was back following intensely for the last several chapters; and the other quibble was at times I found the musical references a bit too erudite and I was wishing my musical knowledge was a bit more “up to snuff”. Overall I enjoyed the book a great deal and I would definitely recommend it to other mystery lovers.
Rated of 5
by Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY) Atonal Music - Atonal Plot
The story is set in the early 20th century. It deals with English Classical music set against a macabre and tragic tale of love and passion. As told by a first person narrator, the plot takes many twists and turns. However, the revelation of what really happened in the end was not that hard to predict.
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by Barbara F. (Saint Louis, MO) 
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by Kenneth T. (Houston, Tx) 
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by Mary L. (Madison, MS) 
