The Violin Thief - Magic Muriel 2nd Edition by Genie Higbee Paperback

About the Book

1941-1956. A foundling's infatuation with a sentient violin fuels a criminal's obsession and sparks a teen love triangle. A lyrical suspense mystery.

Book Synopsis

Coming of Age-Historical Music Fiction-Magical Realism unfolding with lyrical tenderness.

1941 Adirondacks, New York. A stern guardian and a kind nanny disagree about their sensitive orphan who claims to communicate with a mysterious violin. But when the town's Professor bamboozles that violin in exchange the boy's music lessons, emotions get tangled. The ambitious professor's son gains a blood-brother...and a rival. A piano student gets caught in a love triangle. Emotionally charged parents, mentors, and teens, seek to control the situation. Ultimately, ambition warps into obsession. Rash choices heighten suspenseful drama. Only the magical violin will predict the multi-generational tragedy...and the possibility of miracles.

The sixteen-year drama explores themes: connection, love, loss, forgiveness, the complexities of the heart, and the healing power of music.

Review Quotes

RATING: 5 (!!) stars (out of 5)

"THE VIOLIN THIEF is a beautifully-written, distinct novel that blends an interesting plot, vivid characterization, and thought-provoking prose into a delightful story about a young boy and his love for music. Those who read THE VIOLIN THIEF will be transported into a world of intense feelings caused by love, loss, determination, and devotion. Douglas' journey-the book's plot-is complicated, and Higbee's deep understanding of human emotions and what motivates people to do what they do is commendable. The manner in which plot and character are intricately woven, combined with how internal and external conflict work together, make THE VIOLIN THIEF a remarkable story."

INDIE READER

RECOMMENDED

"Higbee's prose evokes the works of Isabel Allende, Alice Hoffman, Gabriel Garcia Marques, Olga Tokarczuk, and Khaled Hosseini in a manner both adults and young adults can appreciate."

"The author's delightful, captivating, and unusual coming-of-age story set in the scenic Adirondacks in the violin's musically fertile era of the 1940s and 1950s more than fulfills her goal of realistically portraying nonfictional individuals. Her use of magic realism to do so shows enviable mastery. The planned sequels in the series will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated."

US REVIEW OF BOOKS

Awarded the (5 star) GOLD BADGE

THE VIOLIN THIEF

"A fabulous and believable story that centers around a Stradivarius, the 'ultimate musical instrument.' The story reveals what such an object means to different people and how they try to maintain possession as if their being the owner automatically awards them the power of playing music as no one else possibly can."

"Engrossing and well written, this book will pull you into the interwoven lives of its vivid characters, infecting you with their passions."

"I highly recommend it."

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF BOOKS