The Mastersinger from Minsk: An Inspector Hermann Preiss Mystery

Composer Richard Wagner takes center stage in Canadian author Torgov’s appealing second historical featuring Munich’s Chief Insp. Hermann Preiss (after 2008’s Murder in A-Major). In April 1868, Wagner is hard at work on Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. The day after he sets the date for the opera’s premiere, he receives a threatening message: “June 21 will be the day of your ruination.” Since only a few people involved with the production knew this date, Preiss assumes it will be simple to discover who wishes to sabotage the overbearing Wagner’s next masterpiece. Suspicion at first falls on singer Wolfgang Grilling, spurned for the lead role given to a virtual unknown, until someone cuts Grilling’s throat. As more murders follow, the diplomatic, diligent Preiss realizes that catching the culprit will be far from simple. You don’t have to be a classical music lover to enjoy this one. Agent: Beverley Slopen, Beverley Slopen Literary Agency. (June)