Devil's Trill: A Daniel Jacobus Mystery

Product Description Greed, lust, power, and murder are words not commonly associated with the world of classical music. Yet this is the setting into which blind Daniel Jacobus, a reclusive, cantankerous violin teacher living in self-imposed exile in rural New England, is inexorably drawn. For Jacobus, who spends his time chain smoking, listening to old LPs, and berating students in the hope they will flee, the evils of that world are epitomized by the "Piccolino" Stradivarius, a uniquely dazzling violin that has brought misfortune to all who possessed it over the centuries. After the Carnegie Hall debut of nine-year old Grimsley Competition winner Kamryn Vander, who is managed by the ruthless Musical Arts Project (MAP), the priceless "Piccolino" is stolen with Jacobus at the scene of the crime. But that's not the end of his problems. Haughty Victoria Jablonski, Vander's teacher and Jacobus's rival, is brutally murdered, and Jacobus becomes the primary suspect in both crimes. With the help of his musical partner Nathaniel Williams and his intriguing new student Yumi Shinagawa, Jacobus sets out to rid the world of MAP and prove his innocence against all odds. Review "As a highly respected member of the musical community, Gerald Elias...brings a true insider's view of a fascinating world. It's a joy to see him extend his musical expertise into the realm of letters." -John Williams, celebrated film composer and conductor "This captivating and wholly original debut by a former concert violinist is packed with insider tidbits on the classical music scene in New York City. A good choice for mystery fans wanting something new and music lovers who do not usually consider crime fiction." -Library Journal (starred review) "A thoroughly engaging mystery...packed with violin and concert lore."-Booklist "Fans of ratiocination will be pleased with Utah concertmaster Elias' witty and acerbic debut."-Kirkus Reviews "If one in a hundred writers could play music as well as Gerald Elias writes, what a harmonious world we would have!" -S.J. Rozan, Edgar(c)-winning author of The Shanghai Moon "This richly plotted mystery will thrill music lovers, while those not so musically inclined will find it equally enjoyable." -Publishers Weekly "Ian Rankin offered up Inspector Rebus and now Gerald Elias introduces us to Daniel Jacobus, his blind, complex and irreverent violinist. There's not a false note in this page turning, debut performance. Bravo! I can't wait for the encore." -International Bestselling author M.J. Rose "Elias has written a nicely paced thriller that turns into a page turner. Mystery buffs will enjoy Devil's Trill. It's quite a musical and suspense filled ride that will keep the reader wondering until the end." -Deseret News (UT) About the Author Gerald Elias leads a double life as a world-class musician and critically acclaimed author. Devil's Trill, the debut novel of his award-winning Daniel Jacobus mystery series that takes place in the dark corners of the classical music world, was a Barnes & Noble Discover: Great New Writers selection. In 2020 he penned The Beethoven Sequence, a chilling psycho-political thriller. Elias's prize-winning essay, War & Peace. And Music, excerpted from his memoir, Symphonies & Scorpions, was the subject of his TEDxSaltLakeCity2019 presentation. His short stories and essays have appeared in prestigious journals ranging from Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine to The Strad. A former violinist with the Boston Symphony and associate concertmaster of the Utah Symphony, Elias has performed on five continents and has been the conductor of Salt Lake City's popular Vivaldi by Candlelight chamber orchestra series since 2004. He maintains a vibrant concert career while continuing to expand his literary horizons.