This author delves into the dark corners of the classical music world, a realm intimately known through a career as a violinist and conductor. His compelling mysteries blend sharp deduction with a profound understanding of this unique milieu. Beyond his fiction, his eclectic short stories and essays showcase a broad literary scope, gracing various prestigious publications. He continues to explore new narrative territory with contemporary Western mysteries and audiobooks, often featuring his own musical performances, seamlessly merging his dual passions.
When an anxious phone call from obscure violinmaker Amadeo Borlotti disturbs Daniel Jacobus's Christmas Eve festivities, he and his friends Nathaniel and Yumi make light of it. Borlotti preferred the quiet life in the country away from the limelight, but his larceny grew incessantly. Now it's up to Jacobus to find out why.
After the Carnegie Hall debut of nine-year old Grimsley Competition winner Kamryn Vander, the priceless "Piccolino" is stolen with Daniel Jacobus at the scene of the crime.
When reclusive, blind violin pedagogue Daniel Jacobus is invited to speak at a seemingly innocuous symposium on Baroque music at a prestigious music conservatory, he has no idea he is about to become enmeshed in an entrenched culture of sexual harassment and its cover-up at the highest levels.And when a renowned faculty member dies of apparent natural causes, only the curious behaviour of a violin student at Jacobus’s master class is an indication to him that something may be terribly amiss.
Set against the backdrop of an annual festival celebrating a beloved TV series, the story explores the tension between traditional and progressive values in a Western town. Acting sheriff Jefferson Dance faces a whirlwind of crises, including a kidnapping, hostage situation, arson, and murder within a single day. As he navigates these challenges, he grapples with the public's perception of him as a heroic figure, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality while uncovering the town's hidden secrets.
Exploring a chilling scenario, the narrative delves into the consequences of an inexperienced political outsider ascending to the presidency, grappling with mental instability. As the plot unfolds, the president's paranoia leads to the systematic elimination of political opponents, raising questions about power, governance, and the fragility of democracy. This provocative tale challenges readers to confront the potential dangers of unchecked authority and the impact of a leader's psyche on the nation.