A Circle of Quiet

Barnard is extremely knowledgeable about opera as he proves in describing a British regional company rehearsing "Rigoletto." The cast of characters he has assembled are fascinating especially Gaylene Ffrench (with two f's) a brassy, bigger than life Australian contralto who loves to toot her own horn, sleep around, and stir up trouble. Barnard's comic and ironic impulses lead him in the direction of caricature, but that adds... Read Full Review

Robert Barnard is amazing in the way he takes social commentary, disguises it as page-turning fiction, then adds a murder mystery to give it a little extra zing. He's done it in every one of his books that I've read. Death on the High C's is a sly look at the workings of a provincial opera company preparing to stage Rigoletto while a murder investigation takes place in their midst, but you don't have to be an opera buff... Read Full Review

Sure the action gets a bit silly. But what fun. No need to be an opera fan. Only an appreciation of the difficulties likely to crop up among high-strung, theatrical characters is required. Sit back, enjoy the story and have a good time. Expect a few giggles. Excellent vacation reading.

Robert Barnard once again mixes an intriguing mystery with gently satirical portrait of a budding Manchester opera company with its "prime donne", dictatorial director, even a ex-military stage-door keeper! Highly recommended for those who love (or hate) opera. Even the detective is knowledgeable on the subject. And Barnard works his plot in nicely with production of "Rigoletto" that the company is rehearsing.