The Rainaldi Quartet is a thriller that follows Gianni Castiglione and policeman Antonio Guastafeste as they attempt to solve the murder of their friend. Set in Italy, the case can only be solved by following their friend Rainaldi's mysterious search for "The Messiah's Sister", a lost violin made, they believe, by Stadivari himself.
How intriguing can a story of luthiers, violins and grandfathers be, you ask? Very, I answer.
Mr. Adam weaves a tale of history, mystery and myth that adds up to a satisfying story. I liked the characters, the descriptions of places and the use of historical personages and violin history the author blended so well. As a bonus, Mr. Adam used foreign spelling and word usage to enhance the feeling of foreign people in foreign places. (Think "tyre", "kerb" and "windscreen".)
Favorite Quotes:
"That is the romantic view, of course, a guidebook description of St. Mark's. In fact, when you get to the square you find it brimming over with braying foreigners, unscrupulous street sellers and overfed pigeons which spatter droppings on your head as you fight your way through the throng."
"There was a flurry among the cooing carpet of pigeons in the centre of the Piazza."
"She was caked in orange make-up and around her shoulders-despite the warm evening- she was wearing what appeared to be the last surviving North American buffalo."
"...I am aware that the years are ticking away. In my more morbid moments I feel the darkness drawing nearer. Perhaps He does not have me in his sights just yet, but I am acutely conscious that I am within range."
"...insignificant settlements that are almost too small to be flattered with the title "village"- a one-horse town where the nag has long since keeled over and been consigned to the dogmeat factory."
Overall Opinion:
I hope there are more Paul Adam books on the shelves.
Rating:
A Thrilla You Don't Want To Milla (Alright, I know it makes no sense, but "miss" doesn't rhyme with "thrilla")
