valentinaburbank 's review for:

Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

---

This book was one of my favorites as soon as I read the first chapter. Even though it was early in the year, I knew it would make this list. For theater, orchestra, or band kids from the 70s/80s who have ever competed away from home or gone to a camp, this book will feel like going home. It is a murder mystery set in a old hotel/conference center where the adults are incomprehensible and inattentive, your peers are at once a torment and your only support system, and the work of the competition /performance takes a backseat to real life drama. 
      The mystery itself is less important than the characters and their development along with the choices they make.