From the tender age of three, Leila has known that she was destined to be pianist.  Born to wealthy and influential parents she is guided every step of the way toward what she feels is her hard sought for destiny – to be a star solo pianist. Practicing eight hours per day she feels she deserves everything she has attained.   A recent graduate of the infamous Juilliard School of Music and in a three year relationship with Carlo, a star Italian conductor, Leila’s life is a bed of roses… or is it?  When she learns of Carlo’s unfaithfulness, she goes to confront him only to find his dead body on the stage where he once reigned a star.  Subsequently, she is under suspicion for his murder.

The investigation into Carlo’s murder brings Leila into contact with a young homicide detective, Orion Frazier.  He seems to believe in her innocence and is working with her to bring the truth to light.

But what if everything she believed is not true?  If her whole life has been orchestrated like the music she plays?  Are focus, dedication, and practice not enough?  It is time for Leila to face some hard truths and become independent in both body and spirit.

In this prequel novella to Emma Raveling’s novel “A Woven Silence“, the author introduces us to concert pianist Leila Cates and homicide detective Orion Frazier and gives us the background we need to enjoy the series in which these characters feature.  That being said, this novella can be read with equal enjoyment as a stand-alone.  A suspense story that will be especially appreciated by those who enjoy the world of classical music, but is written in such a way that it can be relished by all.

I enjoyed this story.  It was a fast read and I liked the atmosphere.  However, I wasn’t invested in the characters enough to continue on with the series.

Thanks to Mandorla Publishing via NetGalley for furnishing me with a digital copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review.

Emma Raveling writes a wide variety of fiction for teens and adults. She is the author of the bestselling young adult urban / contemporary fantasy series, the Ondine Quartet, and the adult suspense thrillers, Breaking Measures and A Woven Silence. Her works have been translated into multiple languages.

Born in Japan and raised in Honolulu, she attended Columbia University and the Juilliard School of Music. A former concert pianist and an avid traveler, she currently resides in Hawaii with her husband and German shepherd.