A Minor Deception: A Joseph Haydn Mystery
by Nupur
Tustin
GENRE: Historical
Cozy Mystery
BLURB:
Kapellmeister Joseph
Haydn would like nothing better than to show his principal violinist, Bartó
Daboczi, the door. But with the Empress Maria Theresa’s visit scheduled in
three weeks, Haydn can ill-afford to lose his surly virtuoso.
But when Bartó
disappears—along with all the music composed for the imperial visit—the
Kapellmeister is forced to don the role of Kapell-detective, or risk losing his
job.
Before long Haydn's
search uncovers pieces of a disturbing puzzle. Bartó, it appears, is more than
just a petty thief—and more dangerous. And what seemed like a minor musical
mishap could modulate into a major political catastrophe unless Haydn can find
his missing virtuoso.
Excerpt:
Where is Bartó?
Johann was waiting for Haydn at the
top of the staircase in the semi-circular carpeted landing between the Music
Room and the Rehearsal Room. He came forward with a look of immense relief when
he saw the Kapellmeister.
“There you are, brother! What took
you so long?”
“His Serene Highness wished to see
me. Why, what is it?”
As he spoke, an excited buzzing drew
Haydn’s attention toward the Rehearsal Room. The door was slightly ajar, but no
strains of music emerged from the room. His brows drew together. Where was his
principal violinist?
“What can Bartó be thinking of?” His
eyes returned to his brother’s anxious face. “The Prince wishes to hear all of
the chamber music for the imperial visit. In three days’ time, no less. But far
from conducting rehearsal, Bartó allows the men to idle away the morning!”
“The imperial visit will still take
place, then.” Johann’s voice sounded tentative.
Haydn wondered why, but there was no
time to press the issue. More urgent matters awaited his attention. Head bowed,
he stepped briskly toward the Rehearsal Room only to find Johann in front of
him, barring his progress.
The Kapellmeister raised his head.
The mists of preoccupation parted. He noted his brother’s pale face and tightly
pressed lips.
What was so amiss for Johann to look
like that?
His younger brother coughed, eyes
flickering away. “I wish I knew how to break the news to you, brother.” He
coughed again. A moment passed.
Then he turned resolutely toward
Haydn.
“Bartó is gone, brother.”
AUTHOR BIO:
Author
Bio: A former journalist, Nupur Tustin relies upon a Ph.D. in Communication and
an M.A. in English to orchestrate fictional mayhem. The Haydn mysteries are a result of her
life-long passion for classical music and its history. Childhood piano lessons
and a 1903 Weber Upright share equal blame for her original compositions,
available on ntustin.musicaneo.com.
Her
writing includes work for Reuters and CNBC, short stories and freelance
articles, and research published in peer-reviewed academic journals. She lives
in Southern California with her husband, three rambunctious children, and a pit
bull.
For
details on the Haydn series and monthly blog posts on the great composer, visit
the official Haydn Mystery web site: NTUSTIN.COM
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2 comments:
Thanks for hosting!
Thanks for hosting this excerpt.
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