Music is Murder: A Musical Murder Mystery by B.J. Bowen | Guest Post

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Music is Murder: A Musical Murder Mystery

by B.J. Bowen

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Music is Murder: A Musical Murder Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Camel Press (June 8, 2021)
Paperback: 242 pages

When a symphony musician is murdered—bashed with her own bassoon—flute player Emily Wilson becomes the prime suspect. To save herself and secure justice for her murdered friend, she must find the killer.

In the close-knit, unforgiving environment of the symphony orchestra Emily makes her way through the tender egos and warped relationships of her fellow musicians to find tantalizing clues. Blackmail, the victim’s abusive ex-boyfriend, an angry neighbor, and a shifty Symphony Board member all lead her to feel she is on the right track.

With the dogged Lieutenant Gordon on her trail, she must flee from the police so she can continue her search. She unexpectedly finds a loyal female friend and the possibility of a new man in her life. But she must learn to trust again after her failed and abusive marriage. With time running out, will she be able to evade the lieutenant, face her personal demons, and clear her name?

Guest post: Many Musings, Mostly Musical: Risks by B.J. Bowen

The first novel in the Musical Murders series is Music is Murder. It’s a title with a double meaning. Of course, there is the murder which forms the plot of the novel. But it also refers to the risks a musician takes. Although not at the level of parachute jumping, hazards are well-recognized.

Let’s first look at the emotional risks. Most players take years of lessons, and then must play and win an audition to join a symphony orchestra. If there are 200 people at the audition, there are 199 “losers” and only one “winner.” How you accept the “loss” if you don’t get the job governs your emotional health. Did you waste all those years? Or does it spur your musical development and preparation?

Playing live music exposes you to judgment. You are revealing yourself to an audience. The performance will never be perfect, and it’s possible the audience, or members of it, or your colleagues may be extremely critical. More likely, the criticism will be in your head, using the audience’s voice, or that of past teachers, or colleagues, or music critics, or the conductor. It’s an interesting problem. Any of these people may be fault-finding nit-pickers. But it’s also their job to praise. Sometimes it seems it is easier for criticism to wound the player than for praise to register.

There are also physical challenges to playing, from blisters to career ending injuries. String players risk shoulder injuries from holding the instrument up and guiding the bow, and repetitive motion injuries from finger movement. The most common are carpal tunnel, pinched nerves, and bone spurs. Wind players also risk repetitive motion injuries, and flute players are subject to shoulder injuries as well. Reed players risk knife cuts, and various types of gouges and scrapes making their reeds. Brass players can get muscular difficulties from continual excessive pressure on their lips which leads to lack of endurance, loss of technical control, difficulty playing in the high range, general playing disability, and lip pain, swelling, and weakness. Arthritis, a common disease, threatens players with not only lack of range

of motion and pain, but with a loss of livelihood since fingers don’t move as fast or with as much control. And all players risk hearing loss. Special ear plugs are made for musicians which block the volume of sound, but not quality and dynamic range.

Given these risks, is it worth it? Absolutely. Music connects to the finer part of all of us. Yes, like all human endeavors, it has its risks, but the rewards so far outweigh whatever disadvantages there are that musicians have been following this career path for hundreds of years. Emily Wilson, the flutist protagonist of Music is Murder, and her colleagues know this.

Do you engage in activities that are risky or can have adverse effects? Emotional or physical, or both? What are they? Why do you do it? Answer in the comments. I’m eager to hear your responses.

About B.J. Bowen

Barbara Bowen is a freelance writer. She was a finalist and Honorable Mention in the 2018 Focus: Eddy Awards for her article, “Letting Go with Grace,” published in Unity Magazine. Ms. Bowen is also an accomplished professional oboist who played with the Colorado Springs Symphony for nineteen years.

Drawing on her quirky fellow musicians and orchestral experiences, she created the mystery series, “Musical Murders.” The first is “Music is Murder” (Release date, 6-9-21). The second is “Ballistics at the Ballet” (Release date TBA) The third is “Fireworks on the Fourth” (Release date TBA).

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, lives in Colorado with two canine friends, and has a stock of musical puns and a song for any occasion. Contact Barbara at: www.barbarabowenauthor.com or www.bookbub.com/authors/b-j-bowen

Author Links

Website – www.barbarabowenauthor.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/barbara.bowen.5055

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/86942163

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Bookshop  – Target 

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July 14

Cassidy’s Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

July 15

Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

Thoughts in Progress – SPOTLIGHT

July 16

Novels Alive – GUEST POST

Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

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Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

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Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – GUEST POST

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I Read What You Write – REVIEW, GUEST POST

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