Reviewed by Kelly Gass, kgass@copper.net
Just over two weeks ago, I received a totally unexpected email from the author of the book I’m reviewing this month. Sandra Miller, the sender of the email, stated that she lives in West Fork and enjoys the Washington County Observer, including my monthly book review. She also said she had written a novel that came out in October 2010, and would gladly send me a copy in the flavor of my choice — (Kindle, Nook, PDF) or paperback.
A couple days later I received my very own autographed paperback of the author’s novel “Concerto,” pronounced “Ken’cher-toe.” According to Webster’s, a concerto is basically a musical piece for one or more soloists in an orchestra.
Our protagonist, Chrispen Marnett, plays violin and recently moved to the fictitious midwestern town of Newton, to play in their orchestra. Chrispen is a graduate of the famed music school Juilliard. She could probably play in any big-time orchestra but she moved here for one reason, Alexis Brooks. Alexis Brooks is considered to be the greatest living violinist and is now the concertmaster of the Newton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.
Alexis Brooks is not only a violin virtuoso, but is also an accused murderer of his late wife. Chrispen for one, doesn’t believe Alexis killed his wife but there are some who believe he did, including Alexis’s own father and the local police. Chrispen and Alexis get along quite nicely and as the story progresses he gives her opportunities to accompany him in various musical pieces.
Unfortunately for Chrispen, not all is as idyllic and inspirational as playing in the orchestra with Alexis.
Chrispen is not only having recurring nightmares but she is also becoming the object of someone’s morbid and terrifying fixation. She is being stalked and observed by some lunatic. He keeps sending her the same message “I see you” via various methods of delivery. She contacts the police but they already have Alexis figured as the prime suspect and refuse to investigate beyond their prejudice. This stalking quickly escalates into actual violence against Chrispen.
I found this to be a very interesting book with a coherent theme. The author keeps a constant element of suspense running throughout the story. I found no boring parts or lulls. The story is believable. There is plenty of dialogue throughout the book and it is very well done. This author has spent several years honing her craft and it shows. Aspiring writers, such as me, would do well in learning from this writer. Sandra has an excellent web site on writing, to help us do just that: http://pgtc.com/~slmiller/.
Sandra is also a violinist and has played with the UNLV Symphony Orchestra. She, like me, has a background in computer science and has worked as a software engineer. You can get a copy of Sandra’s book on Amazon.com. A Kindle eBook edition is only $2.99 and the paperback is $7.60. You might try requesting a copy through your local library.
