The conductor of an orchestra is murdered. When the entire orchestra confesses, Detective Lt. Pratt knows he and the young detective sent with him have their work cut out for them. Using their own unique skills, they are able to determine the identity of the person who did the dastardly deed. This book is part of the Rapid Reads series designed for persons learning English as a second language or who are reluctant readers. I read the entire book in under an hour and enjoyed it immensely. This book did not suffer from many of the plotting issues that short stories and novellas do, although it could have been developed in greater detail and with richer words for more advanced readers. This is the first book I've read by Blechta, but I'll be looking for other books he has written. ( )

This is another selection of the Rapid Reads program, As with a previous story from them, it took me less than an hour, start to finish. This go round, I didn’t care as much for the story, perhaps because it felt like I was reading a script for a entertainment news re-enactment more than reading an actual short story.

As with my prior selection, as a tool for helping in adult literacy programs, this would be another good choice. I also think it would be great for someone that wanted a light ,quick read, something that could be finished in a waiting room. ( )

This was my first experience with a "Rapid Reads" book, and I was surprised when it arrived, at how small it was.

That said, this was a concise, interesting murder mystery that wrapped up in 122 pages. I enjoyed the details of behind the scenes of the orchestra as much as I did the who done it. ( )

When Detective Pratt arrives at Symphony Hall to see what all the brouhaha is about, he is told that Luigi Spadini, the orchestra leader is dead; not of natural causes judging by the cello wire wrapped around his neck. Detective Pratt and his rookie squad member, Ellis, start the investigation in the normal way but are flummoxed when they find out the entire orchestra has confessed to his murder. Really? Seriously? I can't get 5 people to agree on dinner, never mind getting a large crowd to lie about committing a major felony. A little implausible to say the least.

As it turns out, of course, everyone hated Spadini; admittedly a genius but he was a tough taskmaster, a womanizer and just a plain old SOB. It seems the orchestra members used to joke about the different methods of doing him in. I guess someone really meant it!

Even though Ellis is brand new in the department, he is skilled in technology while Detective Pratt is pretty much just putting in time until his retirement and thinks technology a waste of effort. Good old-fashioned police work should suffice. You guessed it! The rookie shows up the veteran detective. Quite the cliched plot we have here. No sense of place and with little character development along with a few weak plot points, this book was a "meh" read for me. The best thing is it was short. ( )

This book was a quick read and that is just what it was supposed to be. I usually read much longer novels because I want to know the characters and have a strong feeling for the setting. And yet, I was very satisfied with this "rapid read." The book did let you know about what goes on before and after an orchestra's performance (the personalities and politics). And it was a good police procedural too.

This is the second "Rapid Read" I have read and enjoyed them both. I see them serving an ever growing niche of people who are looking for a good read but don't what to commit to a long term investment of time and money. The book will fit easily in your purse or briefcase. ( )