I have been playing the violin for around eight years now and I cannot emphasize how amazing this book. While Elias is not an English major; his writing style can be compared to any of the great fiction writes of the 20th century.I do have some discrepancies with the novel. While it is a fantastic work of fiction, if one is not a music major or has not played music at some time in he or she's life; the book can be confusing. Some of his ideas, while they are great are not completely connected. Sometimes there will be a couple of passages that do not advance the plot or character. IN my opinion those passages do not need to be there at all.But as someone who has been accepted into Oberlin; Elias has put my thoughts on the corruption in the music business into words. He has opened my eyes to the toxic environment some teachers and professionals put kids and adults through.If you are a classical musician this book is a must read! I started out liking this book, then things went south. A rip-snorting beginning, then the prose started getting awkward. He needs a good line-editor, I thought, to iron out the awkwardness of the style and the occasional incorrect word.I was still okay with the mystery part, thinking Elias was going to clear up the obvious problem: How could a blind man steal a priceless violin from under the noses of two security guards and a mob of people? Jacobus was framed by some evil-doers, but how could the police not ask how it could happen? Where did he put the bloody thing was one obvious question. So I figured that would be cleared up in the end, but no. Jacobus's blindness is exclaimed over again and again, but the obvious problem is not addressed. There was a limp "he had an accomplice," but no more than that.How disappointing, and it'll be a long time before I try the next one in the series.
What do You think about Devil's Trill (2009)?
Not bad, not great. I think this will be a series. I do like the main character, so there's hope.
—zuann
Fascinating hero and characters... convoluted too... I could hardly put it down.
—Miranda
meh. I have to admit that I'm disappointed in the writing. Not sure I'll finish.
—James
A grumpy protagonist, musical tidbits, and a ripping yarn to boot.
—Chris
