Verdi Overtures

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: In his first work of fiction, opera-lover John R. Hauge writes about what he loves, and to wonderful effect. Not since _The Name of the Rose_ has any author so meticulously researched the setting for an intelligent, slick, tense murder mystery.

The story appeals particularly to opera buffs, who will recognize the places, people and works, while containing sufficient and appropriate non-condescending explanation to make the book accessible to opera neophytes. Action in Vienna, for example, is related with such care and insight that the reader can veritably smell the _tafelspitz_ wafting out of the book. Fans of _The Third Man_ will be no less pleased to recognize their city in the eyes of a latter-day Holly.

Early in the work, it emerges that a central question is whether Gluck's contribution to the world of opera rendered him "the" definitive precursor of Verdi. While the importance of this theme may seem to impose a heavy suspension-of-disbelief burden on the reader, it is handled artfully and with excellent aplomb by Mr. Hauge.

At under 80,000 words, the book is either a quick read or one to be savored in manageable bites over a few days; either way, the reader will not be disappointed.

Buy it now!

Rating:
Summary: Charming and alluring
Review: John Hauge gives the reader a classic murder mystery that is a gripping read, but the surprise is the extras you get along the way - lots of opera history and trivia, a charming travel book with incredible descriptions of places to visit in Europe, and a scrumptious presentation of dinners and quick lunches in off the beaten path bistros and restaurants across the Continent - what an alluring combination! The writer has to be one of the broader read and most well traveled authors producing today or has done an incredible job of research. Either way, the benefit accrues to the reader. You will enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Charming and alluring
Review: John Hauge knows his opera and he knows mysteries as well. Both of these facts are made clear in the first few pages of "Verdi Overtures". While it is not necessary to be completely conversant in the history of the opera to enjoy this finely crafted short novel, the reader will certainly finish with a new appreciation of the evolution of this art form. The carefully crafted plot line crosses history and intrigue and results in an illuminating page turner/teaser unique in the genre. A great read!

Rating:
Summary: Verdi Overtures
Review: John Hauge knows his opera and he knows mysteries as well. Both of these facts are made clear in the first few pages of "Verdi Overtures". While it is not necessary to be completely conversant in the history of the opera to enjoy this finely crafted short novel, the reader will certainly finish with a new appreciation of the evolution of this art form. The carefully crafted plot line crosses history and intrigue and results in an illuminating page turner/teaser unique in the genre. A great read!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: What a wonderful work! It tops "War and Peace", Plato's "Republic", "The Brothers Karamazov", and "In Search of Lost Time" combined! Read it!