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meezcarrie's review
4.0
The first thing I’m going to do after I finish writing this review is track down a copy of Rhapsody in Red, the first Preston Barclay Mystery by Donn Taylor. Not because I felt I was missing anything by not having read it before I read Murder Mezzo Forte (it works very well as a standalone) but because I enjoyed Murder Mezzo Forte so much that I want to go back and catch up with the series!
Donn Taylor has such a delightfully droll writing style, displayed most clearly in the narrative voice of his main character Preston Barclay. Full of literary allusions, puns (in all their groan-inducing glory), and witty dialogue, Preston keeps us apprised of the situation with dry humor and his own melodious soundtrack, and it reminded me of the type of subtle but hilarious humor you find in British literature.
The mystery itself is layered and entertaining, and I also enjoyed the small liberal arts college setting. Having graduated from one, which is also now a “university” (even though nothing really changed except the name), I could easily identify with the politics and the ins and outs of campus life. There’s even a bit of romance to appease diehard KissingBook fans like me
Colorful characters, ironic humor, and a cleverly written story are the strengths of Murder Mezzo Forte. If you love British humor and/or cozy mysteries like I do, then you will find much to enjoy about Preston Barclay and this latest novel by Donn Taylor. Faith is at the core of the characters’ lives but never overpowers the story, and the romance is sweet and well-paced. A very entertaining mystery, and a new-to-me author whose backlist I need to stalk ASAP!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Donn Taylor has such a delightfully droll writing style, displayed most clearly in the narrative voice of his main character Preston Barclay. Full of literary allusions, puns (in all their groan-inducing glory), and witty dialogue, Preston keeps us apprised of the situation with dry humor and his own melodious soundtrack, and it reminded me of the type of subtle but hilarious humor you find in British literature.
The mystery itself is layered and entertaining, and I also enjoyed the small liberal arts college setting. Having graduated from one, which is also now a “university” (even though nothing really changed except the name), I could easily identify with the politics and the ins and outs of campus life. There’s even a bit of romance to appease diehard KissingBook fans like me
Colorful characters, ironic humor, and a cleverly written story are the strengths of Murder Mezzo Forte. If you love British humor and/or cozy mysteries like I do, then you will find much to enjoy about Preston Barclay and this latest novel by Donn Taylor. Faith is at the core of the characters’ lives but never overpowers the story, and the romance is sweet and well-paced. A very entertaining mystery, and a new-to-me author whose backlist I need to stalk ASAP!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
paperbacks_n_frybread's review
4.0
After reading some other reviews, I can see many people didn't like the main character, due to his quirky ability to hear concertos in his head. I actually like this detail. It makes him a highly unique character-and a memorable one at that. If you don't know the music he's describing, I would suggest YouTube. It really brings the story to life!
Murder Mezzo Forte has a pretty great pace with not many pages lagging in action, or feeling like fillers. I enjoy Taylor's writing style, and I'm interested in checking out his other books (which the covers suggest to have a military theme) like The Lazarus File or Deadly Additive. I think all of Donn Taylor's works would be great gifts for the special guys in your life too!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review*
Murder Mezzo Forte has a pretty great pace with not many pages lagging in action, or feeling like fillers. I enjoy Taylor's writing style, and I'm interested in checking out his other books (which the covers suggest to have a military theme) like The Lazarus File or Deadly Additive. I think all of Donn Taylor's works would be great gifts for the special guys in your life too!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review*
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