Erica Miner signs MURDER IN THE PIT

Julie Kogan, the youngest member of the Metropolitan Opera’s violin section, is excited about her first professional appearance with the orchestra. After entering the opera house, Julie is surrounded by the tensions and demanding personalities that exist there. She is greeted by Patricia Wells, general manager of the Met. The woman is spiteful towards the musicians and a rival for power with Abel Trudeau, the conductor of the orchestra. Julie can hear Abel, her mentor, arguing with Sidney Richter, a violinist who is her closest friend. Once the opera begins, the fights, egos, and territorial personalities relax and enjoy the music. Until Abel Trudeau is shot and killed during the performance of Don Carlo and Sidney is arrested for his murder. Julie, desperate to prove Sidney innocent, creates a petition insisting on a police investigator familiar with opera. In spite of the arrest, Larry Somers, LAPD detective and closet opera lover, is thrilled to be in the Met surrounded by the musicians, stage hands, and performers. Until he clashes with the usually quiet Julie. Another body is found just after Sidney posts bail and he is rearrested. Larry begins to reinvestigate the events and Julie finds herself threatened. Erica Miner has created a story within a story with likeable characters and plot twists. The book would appeal to opera lovers and readers of light mysteries.

-- Guest Reviewer Sandra Hale