The fire concerto

Landenwich makes her debut with a captivating novel centered on Clara Bishop, a pianist whose career was derailed by a tragic fire that left her scarred and unable to play. Now working as a bartender in Austin, Clara is drawn back into the world of music when she receives an invitation from her strict piano teacher, who has recently passed away. At the gathering, Clara reconnects with other former students and discovers that each has been bequeathed a gift. Clara receives an antique metronome, which she suspects may have belonged to volatile composer Aleksander Skarza, rumored to have been murdered by his talented student Constantia Pleyel. As Clara investigates the significance of the metronome and her teacher's past, she unravels secrets that could change music history and rekindle her passion for playing. The narrative is enriched with letters and notes from the past, providing a vibrant storytelling experience, with well-developed characters and a thrilling pace that leads to a dramatic conclusion. Perfect for those that like a little mystery with a classical-music tie-in, as in books by Brendan Slocumb.

" The Fire Concerto  is a mesmerizing story of passion, suspense, and heartbreak. In a remarkable feat of the imagination, debut novelist Sarah Landenwich portrays three women across time whose ardent pursuit of music brings them joy and devastation. Their stories have stayed with me long after I reached the final page." --Lauren Belfer, the New York Times bestselling author of And After the Fire  and Ashton Hall "With lyrical prose and rich period detail, Landenwich's intricately plotted novel blends music, madness and mystery into one gorgeous debut. The Fire Concerto reminds us of the passions and perils of those touched by genius, and the universal longing we all have to be loved." --Alyson Richman, bestselling author of The Time Keepers " The Fire Concerto  is a thrilling mystery, full of history, musicology, humor, and suspense . . . what emerges in these pages [has] so many layers . . . The generational forces that shape all of us are heightened here, as we see the music world's expectation and hierarchy of musical lineage. Landenwich lands this novel perfectly." --TaraShea Nesbit, bestselling author of The Wives of Los Alamos and Beheld "A lyrical and compelling meditation on the power of music,  The Fire Concerto  is a propulsive literary thriller and an impressive debut." --Silas House, New York Times bestselling author of  Southernmost  and  Lark Ascending "This is a brilliant debut, filled with remarkable and haunting characters, gorgeous scenes, and enthralling writing about music on par with James Baldwin's masterpiece  Sonny's Blues." --Paul Griner, author of The Book of Otto and Liam Excerpted from The Fire Concerto: A Novel by Sarah Landenwich All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.