Something is terribly wrong at Symphony Hall.
Luigi Spadafini, the symphony's star conductor, has been murdered—and the entire orchestra has confessed to the crime. This is the mess that Detective Lieutenant Pratt walks into one Saturday morning. Overworked and tired, he's also saddled with Detective Ellis, the newest member of the homicide squad and still very wet behind the ears. With both the mayor and several big shots from the symphony's board of directors demanding a speedy resolution of the crisis, Pratt is pushed to the limit. The trouble is, he also faces a seemingly endless list of suspects with good reasons to want the philandering Spadafini dead. With the clock ticking, Pratt is forced to use both his wits and the computer skills of Detective Ellis to solve the mystery.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
"A vibrant closed-room police procedural sure to resonate with readers."
– Library Journal
"A finely-tuned gem of a story built on the powerfully-political dynamics of today's highly-strung orchestras...Orchestrated Murder is a tangled little mess with a satisfying conclusion."
– Hamilton Spectator
"The pace is lively, and would easily draw the reluctant reader along."
– NMRLS Youth Services Book Review
"Rick Blechta has wound a murder mystery with twists, turns and on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. The storyline moves quickly...A good, fast-paced read. Highly Recommended."
– CM Magazine
Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year | 2012 | Commended
Download the Orchestrated Murder Reading Guide.
