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Penguin Books Limited (2015), Unabridged MP3; 11h28
Description
The brutal slaying of a violinist in his home in 1888 sparks a locked room murder mystery investigated by two diametrically opposed Edinburgh detectives. --Publisher Edinburgh, 1888. When a violinist is murdered in his home, his maid swears she heard three musicians playing in the night, but only one body is in the locked practice room. There is no other way in or out-- black magic symbols are on the floor-- and the suspects talk of a cursed violin played by the Devil himself. Scotland Yard sends Inspector Ian Frey to investigate under the cover of a fake department specializing in the occult. However, Frey's new boss, Detective 'Nine-Nails' McGray, actually believes in the supernatural. Even Frey must admit that this case seems beyond reason. And once someone loses all reason, who knows what they will lose next....… (more)
Media reviews
Music and the Savage Beast.
It’s hard to believe now but the Waltz was once perceived as being a shocking, evil dance, and the interval known as “the flatted fifth” was banned by the Catholic Church. Musicians of unusual virtuosity, such as Niccolo Paganini were rumored to have sold their
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souls to the devil in exchange for their gifts. I mention all of this because The Strings of Murder is not only a thriller, but it is also a book that is steeped in music and musical lore. It’s no surprise to find out that the Author, Oscar de Muriel is a violinist.
By 1888 most beliefs were dismissed as superstitious claptrap, but when a virtuoso violinist is found brutally murdered inside of his locked practice room, his blood splashed everywhere and mystic symbols scrawled on the walls, it’s no wonder that the authorities are stumped. Afraid that the nation will fear another Jack the Ripper is on the loose Scotland Yard dispatches one of their best, Inspector Ian Frey, to investigate under the pretense of joining a fake department that specializes in investigating the occult. The department’s leader, and Frey’s new boss, Adolphus “Nine-Nails” McGrey believes in the mission of his department. Somehow he and Frey must find a way to work together to solve this crime. They have barely started before bodies start dropping like flies, in more and more mysterious circumstances, and the only link seems to be music and violins. The tension only increases when Frey’s younger brother, Elgie, a violinist suddenly appears in Edinboro, with no place to stay.
After a fairly slow beginning this novel’s pace picks up, and for the most part doesn't slow down until the last twist is revealed. The plot isn’t always the most clever, and a few time I figured things out before the detectives did, but there are enough red herrings scattered about that I was kept off balance. Mr. de Muriel makes up for the occasional plot gaffe with a relentless pace and plenty of narrative drive. The main character’s are solid, if nothing special, and they bicker and insult each other to no end, but like the leads in any buddy novel they come to share a grudging respect. Where Mr. de Muriel shines is in his creation of this world. The smaller characters all are well rounded, and the author clearly did his research, as he brings the time and place to life with well-placed details. I could feel the difference between the fog of metropolitan London and the smoky coal-filled air of Edinboro. Each locale, from the most grimey pub to the stately homes of the rich felt real. Mr. de Muriel’s love of Victorian fiction also comes through as he uses several tropes of the genre to solid effect. More impressively, Mr de Muriel accomplished this without burying me in details.
Equally evident was the author’s love of music, and musical lore and traditions. The life of musicians, and the people who make their instruments and all detailed with care and grace. Without giving away too much I can say that music plays a key role in every facet of how and why these crimes were committed, as well as providing the detectives with several key clues that keep their investigation from failing. It’s refreshing to see an author grasp and utilize a facet of a novel to such effect, and makes The Strings of Murder worth your time.
Review by: Mark Palm
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User reviews
LibraryThing member jtck121166
After an uncertain start, eventually this does gain traction and an enjoyable romp ensues. In the end, I did enjoy it, but …
We begin in the London of Queen Victoria; the literary register seems uncertain, the diction, frankly, all over the place. One notices that the author is Oscar de Muriel,
The protagonist, Inspector Ian Frey, serving also as the narrator, is conceited, vain and arrogant; he is snobbish and condescending. He migrates to Edinburgh, where he joins the pantomime-Scot Inspector ‘Nine Nails’ McGray, there to investigate a series of gruesome murders committed it seems, by a haunted violin.
Inspectors Frey & McGray? Silly phonetic-dialect-speak? Supernatural goings-on? Absurd.
And then (at last!) the penny drops: this is a joke! It’s meant to be funny! Or if not, apologies, but that’s certainly how I prefer to see it. Suddenly the anachronisms become ironic, the characterisations satirical, and, yes, now I see this as comic writing, I do enjoy it. It’s just that the signals are for too long unclear and, at the risk of sounding like the Elector to Mozart, at 400 pages, there are simply too many words : this novel is about a third too long. Soon, one begins to find it difficult to be bothered.
And it’s been better done: for the bumptious anti-hero, see M.R.C. Kasasian (The Mangle Street Murders); for pratfalls and farcical plotting, M.J. Trow (The Adventures of Inspector Lestrade).
I would recommend Oscar de Muriel as an author to look out for, next time round.
We begin in the London of Queen Victoria; the literary register seems uncertain, the diction, frankly, all over the place. One notices that the author is Oscar de Muriel,
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originally from Mexico City; one makes allowances.The protagonist, Inspector Ian Frey, serving also as the narrator, is conceited, vain and arrogant; he is snobbish and condescending. He migrates to Edinburgh, where he joins the pantomime-Scot Inspector ‘Nine Nails’ McGray, there to investigate a series of gruesome murders committed it seems, by a haunted violin.
Inspectors Frey & McGray? Silly phonetic-dialect-speak? Supernatural goings-on? Absurd.
And then (at last!) the penny drops: this is a joke! It’s meant to be funny! Or if not, apologies, but that’s certainly how I prefer to see it. Suddenly the anachronisms become ironic, the characterisations satirical, and, yes, now I see this as comic writing, I do enjoy it. It’s just that the signals are for too long unclear and, at the risk of sounding like the Elector to Mozart, at 400 pages, there are simply too many words : this novel is about a third too long. Soon, one begins to find it difficult to be bothered.
And it’s been better done: for the bumptious anti-hero, see M.R.C. Kasasian (The Mangle Street Murders); for pratfalls and farcical plotting, M.J. Trow (The Adventures of Inspector Lestrade).
I would recommend Oscar de Muriel as an author to look out for, next time round.
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LibraryThing member shizz
The Strings of Murder - Oscar De Muriel
If you enjoy historical fiction, read this book. If you like crime novels, read this book. If you like horror stories read this book. If you like the occult and the supernatural, read this book. If you can stomach gruesome, read this book. If you like
Oh, you’ve done it again Real Readers! Given me a debut novel that lifts my heart. And I see that it may be just the first in a series with Nine Nails McGray and Inspector Frey. Oh Mr. De Muriel please write them quickly. I want more!!
Imagine Mulder and Scully in Victorian Edinburgh, remember Eugene Tooms from episode 3 in the first series of the X Files? (geek? moi?) And you’re part way to the flavour of this new novel.
The plot is so tight you can’t second guess, it unravels so skilfully you’re carried along desperate to know what’s going on because there are several strands to the crime itself, very clever ideas and no shortage of wit. And the dynamic between the characters are delightful. I loved it when McGray calls Frey ‘the Archbishop of Fussminster’!!!
I can visualise this on the screen big or little, there’s an element of Ripper Street but it is more substantial than that.
It took guts to write a novel like this. Insert the wink emoticon here. The writer wasn’t just fiddling about. Insert another wink emoticon here. And I’m not saying why as I try not to do spoilers.
If you would like to know what I mean, read this book!
If you enjoy historical fiction, read this book. If you like crime novels, read this book. If you like horror stories read this book. If you like the occult and the supernatural, read this book. If you can stomach gruesome, read this book. If you like
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detective tales with two dysfunctional, diametrically opposed policemen read this book. If you love a debut novel, read this book. If you relish a well written, plot driven, atmospheric, knowledgeable story, read this book. Oh, you’ve done it again Real Readers! Given me a debut novel that lifts my heart. And I see that it may be just the first in a series with Nine Nails McGray and Inspector Frey. Oh Mr. De Muriel please write them quickly. I want more!!
Imagine Mulder and Scully in Victorian Edinburgh, remember Eugene Tooms from episode 3 in the first series of the X Files? (geek? moi?) And you’re part way to the flavour of this new novel.
The plot is so tight you can’t second guess, it unravels so skilfully you’re carried along desperate to know what’s going on because there are several strands to the crime itself, very clever ideas and no shortage of wit. And the dynamic between the characters are delightful. I loved it when McGray calls Frey ‘the Archbishop of Fussminster’!!!
I can visualise this on the screen big or little, there’s an element of Ripper Street but it is more substantial than that.
It took guts to write a novel like this. Insert the wink emoticon here. The writer wasn’t just fiddling about. Insert another wink emoticon here. And I’m not saying why as I try not to do spoilers.
If you would like to know what I mean, read this book!
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LibraryThing member atticusfinch1048
The Strings of Murder – A Great Read
The Strings of Murder is the brilliant crime debut of Oscar De Muriel who has written a brilliant mixture of crime historical noir mixed with a touch of horror. It would be easy to say this is for a particular fan of historical crime fiction but it offers fans
Inspector Ian Frey is summoned to meet the Metropolitan Police Commissioner in St Paul’s Cathedral where he is told they are both about to be dismissed from the force because of their lack of progress in the Jack the Ripper case that is tearing the east end of London to pieces.
Frey is given hope of staying in the Police when he is sent to Edinburgh to assist in the investigation of a murdered violinist that looked similar to the murders of Jack the Ripper. He is not happy to be sent to Scotland a country he regards as backward at best, and even worse when he meets his colleague and new boss ‘Nine Nails’ McGray. It is all too much for Frey especially when he finds that Frey does not go by the ‘book’ and believes in supernatural and occult nonsense.
As the body counts increases the pressure on McGray and Frey doubles especially when there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why the murders are taking place and their intestines being removed. The only seeming connection are that all the murdered people happen to be violinists who happen to know each other, including a possible victim, Frey’s own younger brother.
They are so desperate for clues so that they are able to catch the murderer they strike up a hopeful plan which seems rather macabre to Frey but knows he needs to go with it. Somehow even though both detectives are close it does not stop the murders and they do not know where to look either above or below ground. If Frey can protect his brother he and McGray may just be able to solve the case and he can go home for Christmas.
Oscar De Muriel has written a spellbinding fast paced crime thriller that takes you crashing through Victorian Edinburgh. Through the use of prose De Muriel is able to recreate the city and the smells of the period as his imagery is so strong and wonderful. This is an excellent crime debut which may be the first in a series which I really hope does happen.
The Strings of Murder is the brilliant crime debut of Oscar De Muriel who has written a brilliant mixture of crime historical noir mixed with a touch of horror. It would be easy to say this is for a particular fan of historical crime fiction but it offers fans
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of all crime fiction a great mixture of noir and horror while being firmly set in Victorian Edinburgh.Inspector Ian Frey is summoned to meet the Metropolitan Police Commissioner in St Paul’s Cathedral where he is told they are both about to be dismissed from the force because of their lack of progress in the Jack the Ripper case that is tearing the east end of London to pieces.
Frey is given hope of staying in the Police when he is sent to Edinburgh to assist in the investigation of a murdered violinist that looked similar to the murders of Jack the Ripper. He is not happy to be sent to Scotland a country he regards as backward at best, and even worse when he meets his colleague and new boss ‘Nine Nails’ McGray. It is all too much for Frey especially when he finds that Frey does not go by the ‘book’ and believes in supernatural and occult nonsense.
As the body counts increases the pressure on McGray and Frey doubles especially when there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why the murders are taking place and their intestines being removed. The only seeming connection are that all the murdered people happen to be violinists who happen to know each other, including a possible victim, Frey’s own younger brother.
They are so desperate for clues so that they are able to catch the murderer they strike up a hopeful plan which seems rather macabre to Frey but knows he needs to go with it. Somehow even though both detectives are close it does not stop the murders and they do not know where to look either above or below ground. If Frey can protect his brother he and McGray may just be able to solve the case and he can go home for Christmas.
Oscar De Muriel has written a spellbinding fast paced crime thriller that takes you crashing through Victorian Edinburgh. Through the use of prose De Muriel is able to recreate the city and the smells of the period as his imagery is so strong and wonderful. This is an excellent crime debut which may be the first in a series which I really hope does happen.
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LibraryThing member mexico24
Wow a fantastic great debut crime novel from Oscar De Muriel. I was intrigued as Edinburgh is home to me originally and Conan Doyle most noted for his fictional stories about the great Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes.
This book landed on my door mat from Real Readers and was taken straightaway
This book is the first in a new series following Inspector Frey and “nine-tails” McGray.
It all Jack the Ripper, the supernatural, crime, Victorian horror a good ripping read.
This book held my attention throughout. It is definitely Holmes and Sherlock meets Jonathan Creek.
I could imagine the sights and smells as this book is well written and I could imagine myself down the Royal Mile in the old town.
I can see this book amongst the top ten, when this is published in February 2015.
I for one am a fan from book one and know further books will be published by this talented new author. One to watch out for.
This book landed on my door mat from Real Readers and was taken straightaway
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to Victorian Edinburgh from the fascinating and strange cover. This book is the first in a new series following Inspector Frey and “nine-tails” McGray.
It all Jack the Ripper, the supernatural, crime, Victorian horror a good ripping read.
This book held my attention throughout. It is definitely Holmes and Sherlock meets Jonathan Creek.
I could imagine the sights and smells as this book is well written and I could imagine myself down the Royal Mile in the old town.
I can see this book amongst the top ten, when this is published in February 2015.
I for one am a fan from book one and know further books will be published by this talented new author. One to watch out for.
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LibraryThing member devenish
A most unusual and entertaining book with two unique lead characters. Set mainly in Edinburgh of the 1880's,it concerns violins and murder. The series of murders are particularly vile not to say most mysterious.This is one of those all too rare books which are different from the usual
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run-of-the-mill. Show Less
LibraryThing member mariananhi
There are conflicts, lots of conflicts, of how to rate this book...
I mean, yes, it's a well-executed murder mystery. Yes, I enjoy it. Yes, there are fast-paced, heart-gripping, complex action pack that leave you wanting more. The writing, for one, was amazing. And I especially love the character
So why did I give it a 3?
The book felt... flat to me. I found the characters quite irritated, despite the well-done development. There is something missing in this book that didn't really do a great job to trigger the reaction in me. I acknowledged the fact that yes, it is fast-paced. Yes, it is gripping. But I fail to feel it. And that's the downhill of this book for me.
However, I wouldn't disagree the fact that this book has the potential. and I'm looking forward to Oscar de Muriel's new works. It was a great start nonetheless.
**I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way can affect my opinion on the book and its content.
I mean, yes, it's a well-executed murder mystery. Yes, I enjoy it. Yes, there are fast-paced, heart-gripping, complex action pack that leave you wanting more. The writing, for one, was amazing. And I especially love the character
Show More
development.So why did I give it a 3?
The book felt... flat to me. I found the characters quite irritated, despite the well-done development. There is something missing in this book that didn't really do a great job to trigger the reaction in me. I acknowledged the fact that yes, it is fast-paced. Yes, it is gripping. But I fail to feel it. And that's the downhill of this book for me.
However, I wouldn't disagree the fact that this book has the potential. and I'm looking forward to Oscar de Muriel's new works. It was a great start nonetheless.
**I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way can affect my opinion on the book and its content.
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LibraryThing member Icewineanne
An assistant inspector at Scotland Yard, Ian Frey, who has close ties to the head of police, finds himself relegated to Edinburgh (or as the character's father calls it, "Edin-bloody-burgh!"), when the head is forced to resign.
He is asked to help solve a locked-room mystery involving the brutal
The book caputured me from the beginning, the mystery is intriguing, and as the author is a violinist, he taught me a few interesting things about violins. What detracted from the story was the continual disrespect Frey had for Scotland and its people. At first I found his comments humorous but as the story went on, Frey's superior attitude became increasingly grating.
This book appears to be the start of a series, and in spite of the rude comments about the Scottish, I did enjoy the actual story and will read the next book in this series.
He is asked to help solve a locked-room mystery involving the brutal
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murder of violinist. Frey is forced to live with and work under a Scot who is the exact opposite of Frey and outside of trying to solve the case, they spend all of their time trading insults.The book caputured me from the beginning, the mystery is intriguing, and as the author is a violinist, he taught me a few interesting things about violins. What detracted from the story was the continual disrespect Frey had for Scotland and its people. At first I found his comments humorous but as the story went on, Frey's superior attitude became increasingly grating.
This book appears to be the start of a series, and in spite of the rude comments about the Scottish, I did enjoy the actual story and will read the next book in this series.
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LibraryThing member Ameise1
What a great way to get started with the A Case for Frey & McGray series. Inspector Ian Frey is no longer welcome at Scotland Yard. But since he comes from a well-known wealthy home, you can not just put him on the street. So he's relocated to Edinburgh to help his new boss, Inspector McGrey.
The story is very exciting and it captivated me from the first page to the last. I will definitely continue with this series.
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Having arrived in Edinburgh, Frey does not fit in and he's eager to get the case down as quickly as possible so he can go back to London. This is wishful thinking. McGrey picks him up at his house. The chemistry between the two is far from good. They argue like an old couple. While Frey strives for clear policing, McGrey is the one who also uses supernatural powers to help. In this case, a string of violinists are found dead and nobody knows how this could happen.The story is very exciting and it captivated me from the first page to the last. I will definitely continue with this series.
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LibraryThing member AVoraciousReader
3.5
Book source ~ Library
A closed room murder mystery in 1888 Scotland. The murder is similar to London’s Jack the Ripper and two detectives with opposite styles must solve the case before the public finds out and panic ensues.
Nine-Nails McGray is local and Ian Frey is an English dandy from
I was all in from the beginning of this book. The writing is not spectacular and Frey and McGray are a bit irritating, but overall this tale is gripping enough that it had me turning the pages quickly. Who doesn’t love a good locked room mystery? I was all set to give this book 4.5 or 5 and then the end happened. No. That is a bullshit way to finish a mystery. I will not say what exactly pissed me off because it would be a spoiler, but pissed off I was. Anyway, I know some mystery lovers will be cool with the ending, but I’m not one of them.
Book source ~ Library
A closed room murder mystery in 1888 Scotland. The murder is similar to London’s Jack the Ripper and two detectives with opposite styles must solve the case before the public finds out and panic ensues.
Nine-Nails McGray is local and Ian Frey is an English dandy from
Show More
London. McGray believes in the supernatural and Frey is the no nonsense guy who only believes in facts. So, kinda like Mulder and Scully only in 1888 Scotland. Except Frey’s beliefs start cracking the more they look into this case. Although he can’t quite let go of cold hard truths to dive into the supernatural, there just isn’t something right about this whole thing and it’s irritating him. He wants his orderly life back with all the good food, fine things, and lovely social conventions he had to leave behind in London. But he has to solve this case first. And it’s taking forever to break. In the meantime people start dropping like flies. Frey and McGray are stumped.I was all in from the beginning of this book. The writing is not spectacular and Frey and McGray are a bit irritating, but overall this tale is gripping enough that it had me turning the pages quickly. Who doesn’t love a good locked room mystery? I was all set to give this book 4.5 or 5 and then the end happened. No. That is a bullshit way to finish a mystery. I will not say what exactly pissed me off because it would be a spoiler, but pissed off I was. Anyway, I know some mystery lovers will be cool with the ending, but I’m not one of them.
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LibraryThing member Kindleifier
Not to my taste.
The narrator is skilled and effective, but I dislike the main character intensely - his accent, his arrogance, his bigotry. In fact, after two hours I haven’t yet come across a character that I care about. I am not going to waste any more time on it.
The narrator is skilled and effective, but I dislike the main character intensely - his accent, his arrogance, his bigotry. In fact, after two hours I haven’t yet come across a character that I care about. I am not going to waste any more time on it.
Language
Original publication date
2015-02-12