Summary
Tess Gerritsen's Playing with Fire is a gripping standalone thriller that masterfully blends historical mystery with contemporary suspense. Published in 2015, the novel follows violinist Julia Ansdell as she uncovers dark secrets linked to the Holocaust through an enigmatic musical composition. Gerritsen, best known for her Rizzoli & Isles series, showcases her versatility as an author with this haunting tale that intertwines music, family, and long-buried truths. The book's central musical piece, “Incendio Waltz,” was composed by Gerritsen herself, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
Plot
In Tess Gerritsen's Playing with Fire, violinist Julia Ansdell stumbles upon a mysterious piece of music called the “Incendio Waltz” in an antique shop in Rome. Intrigued by its unusual composition, Julia purchases the sheet music and brings it home. However, when she plays the piece, strange and violent events begin to unfold, centered around her young daughter.
Disturbed by these occurrences, Julia embarks on a journey to Venice to uncover the origins of the haunting melody. As she delves deeper into the music's history, she discovers a dark secret dating back to the Holocaust. This revelation puts her in the crosshairs of a powerful and dangerous family who will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
Julia's investigation leads her through a web of historical intrigue and present-day peril. As she races to unravel the mystery of the “Incendio Waltz,” she must confront the possibility that the music itself may hold a sinister power, while also protecting herself and her family from those who wish to silence her.
Themes
• Music as a catalyst for uncovering dark secrets
• The lingering impact of historical atrocities
• Maternal instinct and the protection of children
• The power of family legacies and hidden truths
• Pursuit of justice in the face of danger
• Blending of past and present through artistic expression
• The transformative nature of uncovering one's heritage
Setting
The novel Playing with Fire takes place across two distinct time periods. The primary setting is contemporary, spanning locations in the United States and Italy. Julia Ansdell's story unfolds in present-day Boston and Venice, providing a stark contrast to the historical backdrop.The secondary timeline transports readers to 1940s Italy during World War II. This era forms a crucial part of the narrative, delving into the dark history of the Holocaust and its impact on the characters. The juxtaposition of these two time periods creates a compelling tension throughout the novel.Within Italy, the story focuses on two iconic cities: Rome and Venice. Rome serves as the initial setting where Julia discovers the mysterious sheet music in an antique shop. Venice becomes the focal point of her investigation, its labyrinthine canals and rich history providing an atmospheric backdrop for uncovering long-buried secrets.
