The rarefied world of top-tier orchestral musicians provides a fascinating backdrop for this mystery, the latest installation in a series featuring violinist Daniel Jacobus.

Someone is murdered in the midst of a performance by a world-class orchestra, attended by thousands, inside a storied concert hall. There is no apparent motive, making the task of finding the killer that much more challenging, yet it is vitally important to Jacobus and others close to him to solve the murder. Although the London police close the case, with what amounts to a confession in hand, Jacobus is convinced they have not uncovered the inciting incident for the crime. With his friends, he launches an investigation that takes him to unexpected places and even more unexpected encounters. When Jacobus finally solves the puzzle, he not only finds the true guilty party, he also provides vindication for a number of people who have been harmed.

The mechanics of orchestra touring, as well as the dynamics of orchestra politics, make for entertaining reading. Most readers will have little insight about insider topics such as how musicians’ salaries are negotiated or even how their travel arrangements are made. The author gives us an enticing view into a glamorous world that few are privileged to see firsthand.

In addition to Daniel Jacobus, the curmudgeonly protagonist, the book is populated with lively and interesting characters who come from a wide range of backgrounds, most of whom would be right at home in an English village mystery.

The settings come alive, especially the title setting, but also the rest of the book’s locations from a luxurious Belgravia home to a country inn, to a poor apartment in a run-down corner of London. Food and drink are described in loving detail, and the characters enjoy many enticing meals.

At times the technical details about the music may be difficult for non-musical readers to appreciate. It would also be helpful for new readers to the series to have more backstory on Jacobus and some of the other recurring series characters. Nonetheless, it is possible to glean enough in context to follow the action.

Classical music lovers and classic whodunnit lovers will both find much to enjoy in this book.

Murder at the Royal Albert is a brilliant addition to the Daniel Jacobus mystery series. Like Elias’s previous books, it offers an inside look at the classical music world, a setting that forms a vivid backdrop to a baffling and very public murder. Nothing is quite as it seems, as a group of unlikely sleuths, some with questionable motives, comes together to pull back the curtain on secret identities and hidden motives. Their journey takes them across London and into tiny English villages, as they investigate a tangle of clues that propel the story to its satisfying end. Complex characters, a tightly plotted story, and a most moving conclusion are seamlessly woven into a larger meditation on love and loss, family and friendship, revenge and redemption. Highly recommend.

World class musician and mystery maestro, Elias creates an intricate web of murder and mayhem that is to kill for, or, as the gentler English would say, to die for. The story begins with a bang, literally, inside the incredible Royal Albert hall at the percussive conclusion of Mahler's Sixth Symphony. We follow his unique and well-loved series characters, including Daniel Jacobus, the blind curmudgeon violin teacher, through London and the English countryside as they unravel this cleverly constructed, twisty tale. Murder at the Royal Albert is a must read for lovers of classical music and ingenious mysteries,

A young musician is shot on her first evening on tour with a big orchestra in London. The question that needs tone answered is Why? She'd never been to the UK before and wasn't known to have mixed with anyone at all suspect. There again perhaps there are more questions that should be asked.

I found it a bit predictable - I wasn't always right. Enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

A cracker of a mystery, well-paced, witty, and satisfying. Gerald Elias's amateur detective, the irascible Jacobus, finds himself in England for a performance of Mahler's 6th in which the great hammer blows seal the fate of an orchestra member. While unfolding the tale of who shot the young violinist, Elias imbues and enriches the story with orchestral and musical lore, The author has the gift of making the sometimes esoteric and ivory-tower world of symphonic music approachable, human. and funny.

Not that it's a light cozy. Daniel Jacobus confronts not just a baffling murder but his own demons: his blindness, his grim past, his dogged fidelity to his musical ideals, and his aversion to the human race. In fact, the novel wraps up some dark elements of the Jacobus story that have threaded through the series.

Murder at the Royal Albert stands beautifully on its own as a mystery, with its clever plot and multiple surprise endings. But it's also a gratifying culmination to a series that has brought us a detective as unique has he is entertaining.

Classical Conundrum…
The eighth instalment of the Daniel Jacobus mystery series provides another engaging whodunit within the confines of the world of classical music. A full house at London’s Albert Hall is about to get more than they bargained for. Twists and turns aplenty occupy an immersive plot populated with well crafted and often endearing characters - Jacobus himself the shining star - in this next classical conundrum.

London’s Royal Albert Hall is packed for a concert of Gustav Mahler’s monumental 6th Symphony. But at height of the finale, at the exact moment the third hammer struck, a single bullet pierces the temple of violinist Natasha Conrad.

This is the eighth book in the Daniel Jacobus Mystery series. I’ve not read any of the previous books in this series, and although reading them may have provided some background, I don’t think it would have been enough to enhance my experience with this book.

The author created a mystery plot that grabbed me at the beginning, but then mired it down in information more relevant to music lovers than someone interested in a murder investigation. Little happens for the majority of the story, as the characters spend their time sightseeing and at concerts, with short side trips looking into the murder. The resolution, when it comes, feels rushed, and is then forgotten as the author resolves, what appears to be, a long-standing story arc.

What I did enjoy was the characters. There was a great sense of trust and friendship, and the dialogue amongst them was filled with humor and sharp wit.

So, I’d have to say that this one was a “meh” kind of read for me. A serviceable story that held my interest enough to keep reading.

Thank you, Level Best Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC.

Gerald Elias has written something special with his Daniel Jacobus mysteries. His amateur sleuth is intelligent, a gifted musician, and a curmudgeon. Much like the late Bruce Alexander’s Sir John Fielding, Daniel doesn’t let his blindness keep him from seeing what others don’t. We can excuse his snark, as he’s impatient because he’s bright while others are dim. MURDER AT THE ROYAL ALBERT is a mystery that makes you think more than most puzzle pieces—and I can’t tell you why without risking spoilers. The story is well-paced and readers who enjoy London, some culture, and classical music will find much to enjoy between the pages. Highly recommended.

Complex characters, enough twists to keep the reader guessing, and a deep dive into the world of music. As an accomplished musician, Elias' story context rings true. And from the start, I wanted justice for the victim as well as wanting the blind sleuth to succeed. This book has all the elements of an entertaining and informative read. Great series.

This is a near perfect murder-mystery. Don't miss it! "Murder at the Royal Albert" is elegantly written and has real heart. Despite taking place in the rarified world of classical music, it's never precious, and gives us a view into a world that few get to see. A world Daniel Jacobus, the blind virtuoso and amateur sleuth who is once again at the heart of the story, helps make feel like home. Brilliant and prickly, he takes charge and leads us through an intricate mystery. One that left even a seasoned reader like me second guessing myself. But here's the thing: "Royal Albert" is more than a whodunit. As I read, I wanted justice for the victim, who left a real impression on me, despite spending most of the novel as a corpse. I wanted just desserts for the villain. I thoroughly enjoyed the complex family relationships. In other words, I cared about these characters and look forward to meeting them again... the ones who survived, that is.