A Killing in Malta/Jonathan Gaunt

Read all the way through, but was a bit disappointed.
Hesitate to give anything a 1 star, but this is not one I would read again.
Read in 2005. ( )

This is the third in a set of three books set in the Metropolitan Opera in the "Golden Age," but you won't miss anything if you haven't read the prior two books--this can stand alone. The books aren't standouts stylistically nor are they a whodunnit with a jaw-dropping solution worthy of a Christie. In those respects the books are quite ordinary, and it wouldn't occur to me to list Paul's Opera Mysteries as the best of mystery fiction. But they are fun, and have a secure place on my bookshelves. I'm sure a great deal of the reason I love them is that I am an Opera fan, and can't help but be greatly entertained by a mystery set in the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in the early 20th century that so vividly renders its time and place. The first book, which I haven't read, was centered on Caruso as detective, and the second was told by American opera soprano Geraldine Farrar. In this mystery, where members of the Metropolitan Opera chorus are being murdered one by one, the young Rosa Ponselle is added to the mix of characters.

I liked this novel less than the previous book, which was told first person, while this is third person with multiple perspectives. Even though she's present and prominent as a character, I missed Farrar's gossipy voice which leant so much humor to Prima Donna at Large. This is also not as light-hearted as the previous book. Set in 1920, the first World War has been over for two years, but "resentments and hard feelings" from it still linger in the international company and the careers of Caruso and Farrar are close to their end--this outing has a more melancholy tone as a result. But this is still a very entertaining mystery, particularly if you're an opera fan. ( )

This takes place during the so-called "Golden Era" of the Metropolitan Opera House, when stars like Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Ferrar were singing. Tensions are running high among the multinational member of the cast after World War I. Members of the chorus die in apparent accidents and a suicide, which is upsetting enough, but then a death occurs that can only be a murder.

I find it fascinating as a look at the era, but somewhat mediocre as a mystery. It is intended as a rather comic mystery, with the opera stars earnestly bumbling around playing at being detectives, but I got a bit tired of them. It is quite well done as a historical novel, and I recommend it to those who would be interested in it for that reason, rather than as a mystery. ( )