Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at the Royal Albert is the 8th Daniel Jacobus mystery by Gerald Elias. Released 1st Jan 2023 by Level Best Books, it's 234 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a well written series with a relatable curmudgeonly protagonist and very well constructed mysteries. The consensus is for authors to write what they know and the formula certainly works to great effect here; the author is an experienced professional musician who clearly knows his way around classical music and the life of an orchestral musician.
Although Jacobus shines as main protagonist, the author has built up a wonderful ensemble cast and seeing them interact with one another is a delight. The addition of classical music knowledge and history elevates the book delightfully.
Although it's the 8th book in the series, the mystery is self contained in this volume and it works perfectly well as a standalone. With so many books extant, it's also a good candidate for a long binge or buddy read.
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 18 June, 2023: Started reading
- 18 June, 2023: Finished reading
- 18 June, 2023: Reviewed