Deadly Adagio

Once again, Carole Howard introduces us to a woman determined to make her place in the world. In her first novel, "About Face", it was the business world that Ruth takes on, and now it's Emily in the world of diplomacy. "Deadly Adagio" is set in Dakar, Senegal and Emily is the "tag-along" wife of a U.S. Embassy officer. Back home she had a real career and fine sense of self worth, but in the small embassy community, she finds her life less fulfilling, her main occupation being her family and an amateur orchestra in which she plays violin. When her best friend and fellow fiddler, the wife of the local Peace Corps director, is murdered, Emily is determined to find out what really happened. The official investigation seems to be focused on international terrorism and as it seems to be going nowhere, she takes some matters into her own hands. The more she uncovers, the more her life appears to be threatened.We are taken on a rollicking ride through the villages and markets of Senegal, through the ins and outs of orchestral intrigue and the not so subtle hierarchy of "official American" life in a far off Embassy posting. The African sights and smells are truly authentic as are all the characters that we encounter. Some serious issues facing the local population are explored, namely female genital mutilation, but not to the extent that it weighs too heavily on the reader.This is certainly a good mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the final climactic scene! Buy it now!

I love a good mystery and this qualifies! And Carole Howard, once again, talks to readers as if she's sitting down to lunch with them. The characters are alive, Senegal is haunting and alluring, and if you've ever wondered what it was like to be a musician in an orchestra, and all that goes on behind the scenes, this will enlighten you!Most importantly, Carole Howard kept me guessing until the very end. I would recommend this book to everyone, whether they are mystery readers or not.

Emily, the main character, is smart, funny and engaging as she wrestles, not only with "who done it", but with issues of racism and feminism. The West African context adds color and interest as it educates the reader about important social/cultural concerns.The fact that some of the characters are musicians is of particular interest to me - a "wanna-be" musician.Deadly Adagio is an entertaining read with a lot more depth than many books of this genre. You will enjoy it and learn from it.

Deadly Adagio was made real by the author's personal experience with amateur orchestras, the power of music, the experience of being in Senegal and working with the Peace Corps (as well as other volunteer organizations), and her understanding of political issues within that world. Put all that together into a who-dun-it and you have a compelling read.

Deadly Adagio is a tightly plotted amateur-sleuth mystery with a strong sense of place and a great cast of characters. The colors, sounds and aromas of Senegal come alive as the plucky heroine makes her way around Dakar -- through markets, neighborhoods, a local library, the Peace Corps office, and the U.S. Embassy -- on a determined search for the killer of her best friend. Along the way, the reader is treated to lessons in orchestral music, the tension between local cultural practices and universal human rights, and the enduring search for the perfect balance between intimacy and independence. Sound ponderous? Not at all! It's an insightful and touching novel, and lots of fun besides.