Paul Adam's "The Rainaldi Quartet" eloquently melds his knowledge of Italian culture and violins into a contemporary mystery revolving around the heinous murder of an aging luthier. His lead characters - Gianni and Guastafeste - are tireless in their efforts to find out what their dear departed friend had discovered just prior to his demise. It's a quest that takes them across breathtaking cityscapes and is written with such skill that you can practically smell the food they're eating and the wine they're tasting! For lovers of classical music and history, "The Rainaldi Quartet" is a splendid read. My only criticism - and it's minor - is that the segues into historical explanations periodically detract from the mystery that is being unfolded. I came away from the read, however, with a deeper appreciation of a violin maker's extraordinary craft. Bravo!
By:
Christina Hamlett