Swing

A Novel

By: Rupert Holmes

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Two-time Edgar Award-winner Rupert Holmes, author of the critically acclaimed Where the Truth Lies and creator of the Tony Award-winning musical whodunit The Mystery of Edwin Drood, now fuses gripping suspense and evocative music in an innovative novel of intrigue set in 1940, during the very heart of the Big Band era.

Jazz saxophonist and arranger Ray Sherwood, touring with the Jack Donovan Orchestra, is haunted by personal tragedy. But when a beautiful and talented Berkeley student named Gail Prentice seeks his help in orchestrating a highly original composition called "Swing Around the Sun", which is slated to premiere at the Golden Gate Exposition on the newly created Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, Ray finds himself powerfully drawn to the beguiling coed. Within moments of first setting eyes on her, Ray also witnesses a horrifying sight: a young woman plunging to her death from the island's emblematic Tower of the Sun.

As the captivated Ray learns more about Gail and her unusual family, he finds himself trapped in a tightening coil of spiraling secrets, some personally devastating, all dangerous and deadly, in which from moment to moment nothing is certain, including Gail's intentions toward him and her connection to the dead woman who made such a grisly impact upon the stunning island. As events speed toward a shocking climax, Ray must use all his physical daring and improvisational skills to unlock an ominous puzzle whose sinister implications stretch far beyond anything he could imagine.

Swing is a brilliant historical thriller.

©2005 Rupert Holmes (P)2005 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A clever, original mystery that's pure fun....A tour de force of style and erudition, Holmes's second novel will delight mystery readers of any sort." (Publishers Weekly)

Another hit from Rupert Holmes

I didn't enjoy this AS much as "Where The Truth Lies", but it was pretty close. Holmes has created another assortment of rich and real characters, and the witty dialogue keeps me running for a pencil to jot things down. This is a less-complicated, sometimes harrowing account of a troubled man in troubled times. There are some wild plot twists and some brow-furrowing action, but all beautifully told, and the accompanying original music is a terrific plus!

Slow at first but builds. Some good music and history to boot!

I enjoyed this book more than expected. The musical interludes were really nice, and if you don’t like them you can speed through. Narrator did a good job, even with the female voices. The mystery is a slow burn until the end, but I enjoyed all the character development. As a former San Franciscan, learning more about the history of Treasure Island was a plus! It all proved accurate when researched further. B+/A- listen.

Hardboiled San Francisco Noir Delight.

I enjoyed the story, the twists, the characterization and the swing music. it's a terrific, authentic hard boiled tale in a city I know well. Performance was also very well done!

History, mystery, and music

History, mystery, and music combined to make an entertaining story. I was totally unaware of the 1939 San Francisco World's Fair and the man-made island in the bay, so I found that part of the story intriguing. I loved the musical interludes which enhanced the plot and emphasized the 'swing' theme of the story. I enjoyed trying to put all the pieces of the plot together to solve the mystery. It is well worth the listening. Actually, the music alone was well worth the listen, the charming characters made it come to life.

Fantastic!

I hope he writes many more mysteries. And I still need a sequel to How to Murder Your Employer!