Counterpoint: A Novel of Music & Murder
About
Allegra Brewster, a talented cellist and the SummerFest Symphony’s assistant manager, is thankful all is finally going well after a spring beset by a tragic murder. Now the festival has returned to form, filled with music and camaraderie, in the charming Maine coastal town of Kennimac.
Unbeknownst to Allie, big changes are afoot. First, a key festival member decides to leave. Next, Allegra must fend off her former boyfriend, whose desire to rekindle their romance she doesn’t share. Then, much worse, the festival’s harmony shatters when a member is found dead under strange circumstances. The police quickly rule it a suicide, but Allie can’t believe that person would have killed themself. Others, besides the police, disagree.
Determined to find the answer, Allie begins to question her preconceptions. What in this person’s life was not as it seemed? As she navigates the unknown, she confronts her own doubts and fears. Was the death truly self-inflicted, or is a murderer hiding among them?
With her own safety—and perhaps confidence in her ability to understand others—on the line, Allie sets out to discover if it was indeed a murder and, if so, expose the killer. Accompanied by an extensive and varied playlist, this mystery novel blends the haunting beauty of Maine’s coastline and the distinctive atmosphere of a summer orchestra with the tension of a gripping mystery, centered on a young woman whose passion for music and truth drives her quest for knowledge.
Praise for this book
Counterpoint by Barbara Burt is a self-contained story, and reading book one is not necessary to enjoy it. The author does an excellent job of dropping gems of information into the narrative so readers are brought up to speed about the earlier murder. Allegra Brewster is a captivating character. Although music is her life, Allie experiences all the self-doubt, romantic angst, and pressure of any single twenty-five-year-old wondering if she is out of her depth, both professionally and personally. She is a character that many readers will instantly identify with. As one of the least musical readers on the planet, I was initially doubtful if I could grasp the nuances and lifestyle of the professional concert musician’s career and psyche. But these characters are all readily identifiable from any walk of life. The musical aspect of the story was fascinating to this “Philistine,” and I even found myself checking out many of the musical references liberally scattered throughout the text and enjoying them. I thoroughly appreciated this book and look forward to the next installment. I highly recommend this read.
Counterpoint is a compelling murder mystery that blends the thrill of the whodunit with a melodic undertone, where the heroine's love of music guides her quest for the truth. Barbara Burt's musical knowledge brings a distinct rhythm to the storytelling, enriching the narrative. The thoughtfully arranged compositions contribute to the development and engagement of both the characters and plot. As the steady rhythm of the story unfolds, readers are drawn to the intriguing music pieces and eagerly await the discovery of the elusive killer. The ensemble of characters feels true to life, reflecting the typical routines of classical musicians, and immerses readers in their dramatic world. This intriguing tale weaves themes of mystery, suspense, and danger while inviting the reader into its rich musical backdrop. Lovers of classical music will find the footnotes and references to various musical works particularly appealing. Music and murder blend seamlessly in this novel, offering a new twist on the conventional crime narrative.
What captivated me most about Barbara Burt's Counterpoint wasn't just the guarantee of an exciting mystery story. It was the alluring setting of the book—a vibrant music festival nestled in a coastal Maine town. Equal parts tense and endearing, this book was hard to put down for lengthy periods at a time. I love how Burt does an astute job of balancing the mystery with Allie’s inner turmoil. This novel isn't simply a tale about a gifted female musician who believes she always has the correct answers to everything. No, it's about a character who is more than prepared to explore challenging questions even if it shakes her trust in herself and others. I like how the narrative didn't quickly resolve the tension, but respected the gravity of self-doubt, interpersonal conflict, and grief. Readers who relish a good mystery novel will find lots to love here.