REVIEWS AND RESPONSES
From Stringendo, Journal of the Australian Strings Association, vol. 33, no. 1, April 2011, p. 59
By
Mary Nemet
" 'Facts, Watson, facts; they are indispensable'.
Step again into Edwardian England and into the world of the celebrated detective as seen by Emanuel Garcia. Standing head and shoulders above the usual pastiches of the Conan Doyle novels, his elegantly written story will delight crime fiction fans as well as musicians.
As fans of Sherlock Holmes will already know, the great detective played a Stradivarius, 'felicitously acquired for 55 shillings' and desribed in The Adventure of the Cardboard Box. All the more reason then for Holmes to pursue this violin mystery with the greatest zeal.
In the style of Conan Doyle but adding his own distinctive charm, the author follows the original format in which Dr. Watson is the narrator. Pressed into action once more following the demise of his arch rival Moriarty, Holmes embarks on investigating the theft of the famous Medici Strad from celebrated violinist Donato del Nero. In a captivating story we are made privy to the secrets of violin-making, famous copyists (Vuillaume), dealers (the Hill brothers) and the rigours of the violin virtuoso's touring life.
Extensive end-notes and a selected bibliography are a bonus. Here beside more serious matters, we learn that Sarasate dyed his moustache, Kreisler used only the middle of the bow when playing, and Joachim owned at least eight Strads.
You will be compelled to read this charming, witty and erudite story in one sitting."
From Ineffable Twaddle, a monthly publication of The Sound of the Baskervilles, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 2011
By
Charlie Cook
"Mr. Garcia clearly knows and loves much about music, spins a fascinating tale, more informative than mystery, but one that should appeal to most Sherlockians."
From
Sherry Kloss
Renowned violinist, student of the great Jascha Heifetz, and author of Jascha Heifetz: Through My Eyes. Sherry Kloss plays the Tononi violin which Heifetz bequeathed to her, the very instrument on which the incomparable master made his 1917 Carnegie Hall debut.
5 October 2010
"I have finished the book and been thinking how best to express to you my thoughts:
Simply put, I adored every word. You kept me on the edge of my seat, the tension which you created made my heart flutter. Never would I have expected the thesis behind the mystery. YET: the story which you have conceived is built around the very same principles which I espouse. Your insight and depth into each character bespeak your love and mastery of your profession and love and devotion to music. You have educated many who focus on the exterior of our mission and validated those who seek the illusive gift of the art.I smiled reading of the HUMAN(ity) of the wood, the soul of man, the expression of the art. I could continue and continue. Bravo, Bravo...."
From
Joseph Nagyvary
Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University
www.nagyvaryviolins.com
12 May 2010
5 stars from Amazon.com:
Holmes has got to be proud, April 15, 2010
By Tyler R. Evans
"Dr. Emanuel Garcia is a true linguistic craftsman, an author whose style and skill weave smoothly together the worlds of detective mystery, psychoanalysis and art. Having previously read a work by Dr. Garcia on the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, I was impressed by the author's ability to craft his language so perfectly to a completely different style, and to emulate - in an original way - the feel of another author.
In "The Case of the Missing Stradivarius," Garcia captures elements of the performance of music, and the mental anguish and love that an artist feels for his/her instrument, craft, and self, with startling accuracy. I am not aware of other works, outside of books devoted to the subject by musicians and music scholars, which penetrate so accurately the depths of artistic motivation. In fact, I would not have been surprised if this had been written by a musician. And while paying homage to the style of Doyle, the engaging tone throughout is distinctly the author's own.
We have here a unique juxtaposition of enlightened, inspiring artistic discourse with a faithful effigy of the classic mystery.
It gets better. There is a most efficient, perhaps utilitarian molding of content to the point that every detail, no matter how seemingly small, is vital to the full structure. There are no superfluous elements - at any given moment, the story is being told.
Garcia also spares the reader a feature that can often hinder writings involving music: he never leaves the non-musician behind. There is (thankfully) no heavy music theory terminology. Presented with clarity, wit and grace, "The Case of the Missing Stradivarius" is an invigorating read for anyone who enjoys mysteries, music, or a damn good story."
From Robert Steven Koffler, artist and Professor of Graphic Design, 4 April 2010
"Dr. Garcia's Sherlock Holmes will be an asset to anyone who enjoys Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's many classic books which codified the "mystery novel." In his capable hands Garcia has caught the essence of the great detective and produced a page turner. I read "Stradivarious" in an afternoon - I couldn't put it down."
From The Antipodean Holmesian Society Newsletter, 03/10, April 2010
"This is a pastiche of a Holmes story which has a renowned violinist virtuoso, Donato del Nero (somewhat in the mould of Paganini) who has his priceless instrument stolen while on a visit to London The instrument, called here the Medici has, it would seem, an impeccable pedigree from the Stradivarius atelier and its loss places its owner, and his beautiful fiancée into the Holmes/Watson orbit as, with only days to spare before a concert, the mystery is probed. As our readers will recall Holmes himself was the owner of a real Strad and del Nero is obliged to borrow Holmes' instrument to play in a much acclaimed concert at Queen's Hall in London.
The narrative is a source of much musical scholarship, particularly in the field of the craft of violin making and Garcia obviously draws on his own expert knowledge which takes the reader into unfamiliar territory but is essential for the final denouement when the missing instrument is restored and all ends happily. The final twist depends on a profound knowledge of 18C calligraphy! Emanuel Garcia is a physician with areas of expertise in psychotherapy and has previously also published in the field of musicology."
ERN
5 stars from Amazon.com:
All you could ask for in a book, March 25, 2010
By Henry "evereader" in Rock Hill
"Every once in awhile a book comes along and it both captures your imagination, captivates you with its story and leaves you completely satisfied with what you bring away from the reading as far as what you have actually just learned. Mr. Garcia's latest endeavor, "The Case of the Missing Stradivarius" succeeds with flying colors in all three. I loved this book!
Garcia has an amazing breath of knowledge, humor and an incredible sense of history and historical detail. The tightrope act he performs though is to step back and let you the reader share with him the amazing details of this world he has created. And the background intricately involved he is only too eager and happy to share with us. He is both a generous author - generous to the reader and generous to his subject - and deft and tight in his writing.
I had my own feelings and theory about what was going on with the missing famous violin. The delight came in realizing that, well, I was somewhat on the right path but not quite. There was fun enough in musing on things said earlier, hints I'd remembered all along that made everything fit like a perfectly elegant jigsaw puzzle of perhaps a scene of a Medieval Italian villa. About my only complaint is - I wanted more! I didn't want this world to end. The curtain had been pulled back. I felt like I was there in Edwardian England as content, engaged and ready for the next challenge as Watson and Holmes relaxing with cigar and pipe beside a glowing fireplace.
I am looking forward to more great writing from Mr. Garcia. Based on his first two works I'm ready for his magnum opus - no - many of these at this talented hand. Turn off your cell phone, quit your texting or Face-book and read a good book. Besides Sherlock Holmes for one did just fine without all that stuff."
Sherlock Holmes Lives!, March 25, 2010
By Andy Fite, jazz guitarist and songwriter
"I've read this book twice now, and while, obviously enough with a mystery, there's something about that first time, for me it was an even richer experience the second time through. Garcia's prose in the Doyle style is such a pleasure to read, and, even more, there is so much information-- historical, philosophical and technical-- on music and the violin's place in it, that I expect to read it one more time this year.
For me, his complex depiction of Dr. Watson is a major highpoint. He seems all at once a buffoon and a man to admire. Which is consistent with the way we see him in the original stories, but there is something so touching about him in this one.
Small historicisms drop here and there, most enjoyably: medical practice and opinion of the day, national and sexual prejudices, always given so casually and self-evidently, and this too is a major joy of the book.
The novel is followed by many pages of notes which constitute a very enjoyable read in themselves.
I was surprised when I saw a new Sherlock Holmes mystery had been published, skeptical in fact, but I'm convinced now and I do hope Emanuel E. Garcia will give us more of these, and that they catch on!"
From Connie Crothers, jazz piano virtuoso, New York City,
19 March 2010
"I don't know where to begin. This book is great. I loved it.
I love the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. (Everyone does!) This one successfully meets the level of suspense, description and logic in Conan Doyle's original stories. This book goes further; it is more than a Sherlock Holmes mystery. It is a wonderful dissertation on violins in particular, the culture of the time and the function of music in society.
I couldn't put it down. I read it straight through, carrying it around with me. The story was riveting and the chapter notes equally riveting."
From The District Messenger, the Newsletter of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, no 301, 6th March 2010
By
Roger Johnson
"The real revelation is not who or how, but why, and the answer to that question is
intellectually and psychologically satisfying. As fascinating as the narrative is the information about music and musicians – but not all the ‘facts’ in the story are reliable, which is why the notes are essential to separate clearly the true from the false. Holmes’s violin is as integral to
his image as the pipe and the magnifying lens, so it’s rather surprising that this novel is the first Holmes fiction to concentrate on this aspect of his character. For that alone it would deserve our attention, but it’s a jolly good read as well!"
5 stars from Amazon.com:
Hitting the Right Notes, January 19, 2010
By E. A. Maxwell
"If you love Sherlock Holmes, then get The Case of the Missing Stradivarius.
Not only does Emanuel Garcia capture the voice, tone, and nuance of the great detective and his world, the author infuses the mystery with his own unique charm, glorious understanding of music, and in-depth comprehension of human psychology. And like with all works of literature, after reading it, you will learn something of value.
The case is in the fine details; and fortunately for us, the game is still afoot."
CHECK BACK FOR REVIEWS FROM MAJOR PUBLICATIONS AND OTHER MEDIA AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE
By
Mary Nemet
" 'Facts, Watson, facts; they are indispensable'.
Step again into Edwardian England and into the world of the celebrated detective as seen by Emanuel Garcia. Standing head and shoulders above the usual pastiches of the Conan Doyle novels, his elegantly written story will delight crime fiction fans as well as musicians.
As fans of Sherlock Holmes will already know, the great detective played a Stradivarius, 'felicitously acquired for 55 shillings' and desribed in The Adventure of the Cardboard Box. All the more reason then for Holmes to pursue this violin mystery with the greatest zeal.
In the style of Conan Doyle but adding his own distinctive charm, the author follows the original format in which Dr. Watson is the narrator. Pressed into action once more following the demise of his arch rival Moriarty, Holmes embarks on investigating the theft of the famous Medici Strad from celebrated violinist Donato del Nero. In a captivating story we are made privy to the secrets of violin-making, famous copyists (Vuillaume), dealers (the Hill brothers) and the rigours of the violin virtuoso's touring life.
Extensive end-notes and a selected bibliography are a bonus. Here beside more serious matters, we learn that Sarasate dyed his moustache, Kreisler used only the middle of the bow when playing, and Joachim owned at least eight Strads.
You will be compelled to read this charming, witty and erudite story in one sitting."
From Ineffable Twaddle, a monthly publication of The Sound of the Baskervilles, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 2011
By
Charlie Cook
"Mr. Garcia clearly knows and loves much about music, spins a fascinating tale, more informative than mystery, but one that should appeal to most Sherlockians."
From
Sherry Kloss
Renowned violinist, student of the great Jascha Heifetz, and author of Jascha Heifetz: Through My Eyes. Sherry Kloss plays the Tononi violin which Heifetz bequeathed to her, the very instrument on which the incomparable master made his 1917 Carnegie Hall debut.
5 October 2010
"I have finished the book and been thinking how best to express to you my thoughts:
Simply put, I adored every word. You kept me on the edge of my seat, the tension which you created made my heart flutter. Never would I have expected the thesis behind the mystery. YET: the story which you have conceived is built around the very same principles which I espouse. Your insight and depth into each character bespeak your love and mastery of your profession and love and devotion to music. You have educated many who focus on the exterior of our mission and validated those who seek the illusive gift of the art.I smiled reading of the HUMAN(ity) of the wood, the soul of man, the expression of the art. I could continue and continue. Bravo, Bravo...."
From
Joseph Nagyvary
Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University
www.nagyvaryviolins.com
12 May 2010
"This delightful little book has brought back some nostalgic memories of fifty years ago when I learned English on the stories of Sherlock Holmes. With his rich and poetic language, Dr. Garcia also sent me to the dictionary a couple of times. For a scientist who spent a good part of his career on analyzing Stradivari's wood and varnishes, the technical aspects of the Missing Stradivari were especially intriguing
with the protagonist's prescience of the modern scientific findings concerning the finishing materials.
With a few masterful strokes the author has touched on several topics that could keep fascinating the students of history and musicians alike. Just how many fakes did Vuillaume and his cohorts make that can confuse even the consummate virtuoso? Probably, a large number. Is it a law governing human nature that a top violinist must be a
megalomaniac? Probably so. Does popular success for a violinist require the exhibitionistic style of "meretricious charades"? Well, compare Jasha Heifetz and Joshua Bell.
With a dearth of good books of both literary and historical value involving the violin, The Case of the Missing Stradivarius should be able to find more than a specialized readership. As with any good soap opera, the reader is now curious about the issues left hanging, and
the possibility of a sequel."
with the protagonist's prescience of the modern scientific findings concerning the finishing materials.
With a few masterful strokes the author has touched on several topics that could keep fascinating the students of history and musicians alike. Just how many fakes did Vuillaume and his cohorts make that can confuse even the consummate virtuoso? Probably, a large number. Is it a law governing human nature that a top violinist must be a
megalomaniac? Probably so. Does popular success for a violinist require the exhibitionistic style of "meretricious charades"? Well, compare Jasha Heifetz and Joshua Bell.
With a dearth of good books of both literary and historical value involving the violin, The Case of the Missing Stradivarius should be able to find more than a specialized readership. As with any good soap opera, the reader is now curious about the issues left hanging, and
the possibility of a sequel."
5 stars from Amazon.com:
Holmes has got to be proud, April 15, 2010
By Tyler R. Evans
"Dr. Emanuel Garcia is a true linguistic craftsman, an author whose style and skill weave smoothly together the worlds of detective mystery, psychoanalysis and art. Having previously read a work by Dr. Garcia on the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, I was impressed by the author's ability to craft his language so perfectly to a completely different style, and to emulate - in an original way - the feel of another author.
In "The Case of the Missing Stradivarius," Garcia captures elements of the performance of music, and the mental anguish and love that an artist feels for his/her instrument, craft, and self, with startling accuracy. I am not aware of other works, outside of books devoted to the subject by musicians and music scholars, which penetrate so accurately the depths of artistic motivation. In fact, I would not have been surprised if this had been written by a musician. And while paying homage to the style of Doyle, the engaging tone throughout is distinctly the author's own.
We have here a unique juxtaposition of enlightened, inspiring artistic discourse with a faithful effigy of the classic mystery.
It gets better. There is a most efficient, perhaps utilitarian molding of content to the point that every detail, no matter how seemingly small, is vital to the full structure. There are no superfluous elements - at any given moment, the story is being told.
Garcia also spares the reader a feature that can often hinder writings involving music: he never leaves the non-musician behind. There is (thankfully) no heavy music theory terminology. Presented with clarity, wit and grace, "The Case of the Missing Stradivarius" is an invigorating read for anyone who enjoys mysteries, music, or a damn good story."
From Robert Steven Koffler, artist and Professor of Graphic Design, 4 April 2010
"Dr. Garcia's Sherlock Holmes will be an asset to anyone who enjoys Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's many classic books which codified the "mystery novel." In his capable hands Garcia has caught the essence of the great detective and produced a page turner. I read "Stradivarious" in an afternoon - I couldn't put it down."
From The Antipodean Holmesian Society Newsletter, 03/10, April 2010
"This is a pastiche of a Holmes story which has a renowned violinist virtuoso, Donato del Nero (somewhat in the mould of Paganini) who has his priceless instrument stolen while on a visit to London The instrument, called here the Medici has, it would seem, an impeccable pedigree from the Stradivarius atelier and its loss places its owner, and his beautiful fiancée into the Holmes/Watson orbit as, with only days to spare before a concert, the mystery is probed. As our readers will recall Holmes himself was the owner of a real Strad and del Nero is obliged to borrow Holmes' instrument to play in a much acclaimed concert at Queen's Hall in London.
The narrative is a source of much musical scholarship, particularly in the field of the craft of violin making and Garcia obviously draws on his own expert knowledge which takes the reader into unfamiliar territory but is essential for the final denouement when the missing instrument is restored and all ends happily. The final twist depends on a profound knowledge of 18C calligraphy! Emanuel Garcia is a physician with areas of expertise in psychotherapy and has previously also published in the field of musicology."
ERN
5 stars from Amazon.com:
All you could ask for in a book, March 25, 2010
By Henry "evereader" in Rock Hill
"Every once in awhile a book comes along and it both captures your imagination, captivates you with its story and leaves you completely satisfied with what you bring away from the reading as far as what you have actually just learned. Mr. Garcia's latest endeavor, "The Case of the Missing Stradivarius" succeeds with flying colors in all three. I loved this book!
Garcia has an amazing breath of knowledge, humor and an incredible sense of history and historical detail. The tightrope act he performs though is to step back and let you the reader share with him the amazing details of this world he has created. And the background intricately involved he is only too eager and happy to share with us. He is both a generous author - generous to the reader and generous to his subject - and deft and tight in his writing.
I had my own feelings and theory about what was going on with the missing famous violin. The delight came in realizing that, well, I was somewhat on the right path but not quite. There was fun enough in musing on things said earlier, hints I'd remembered all along that made everything fit like a perfectly elegant jigsaw puzzle of perhaps a scene of a Medieval Italian villa. About my only complaint is - I wanted more! I didn't want this world to end. The curtain had been pulled back. I felt like I was there in Edwardian England as content, engaged and ready for the next challenge as Watson and Holmes relaxing with cigar and pipe beside a glowing fireplace.
I am looking forward to more great writing from Mr. Garcia. Based on his first two works I'm ready for his magnum opus - no - many of these at this talented hand. Turn off your cell phone, quit your texting or Face-book and read a good book. Besides Sherlock Holmes for one did just fine without all that stuff."
Sherlock Holmes Lives!, March 25, 2010
By Andy Fite, jazz guitarist and songwriter
"I've read this book twice now, and while, obviously enough with a mystery, there's something about that first time, for me it was an even richer experience the second time through. Garcia's prose in the Doyle style is such a pleasure to read, and, even more, there is so much information-- historical, philosophical and technical-- on music and the violin's place in it, that I expect to read it one more time this year.
For me, his complex depiction of Dr. Watson is a major highpoint. He seems all at once a buffoon and a man to admire. Which is consistent with the way we see him in the original stories, but there is something so touching about him in this one.
Small historicisms drop here and there, most enjoyably: medical practice and opinion of the day, national and sexual prejudices, always given so casually and self-evidently, and this too is a major joy of the book.
The novel is followed by many pages of notes which constitute a very enjoyable read in themselves.
I was surprised when I saw a new Sherlock Holmes mystery had been published, skeptical in fact, but I'm convinced now and I do hope Emanuel E. Garcia will give us more of these, and that they catch on!"
From Connie Crothers, jazz piano virtuoso, New York City,
19 March 2010
"I don't know where to begin. This book is great. I loved it.
I love the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. (Everyone does!) This one successfully meets the level of suspense, description and logic in Conan Doyle's original stories. This book goes further; it is more than a Sherlock Holmes mystery. It is a wonderful dissertation on violins in particular, the culture of the time and the function of music in society.
I couldn't put it down. I read it straight through, carrying it around with me. The story was riveting and the chapter notes equally riveting."
From The District Messenger, the Newsletter of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, no 301, 6th March 2010
By
Roger Johnson
"The real revelation is not who or how, but why, and the answer to that question is
intellectually and psychologically satisfying. As fascinating as the narrative is the information about music and musicians – but not all the ‘facts’ in the story are reliable, which is why the notes are essential to separate clearly the true from the false. Holmes’s violin is as integral to
his image as the pipe and the magnifying lens, so it’s rather surprising that this novel is the first Holmes fiction to concentrate on this aspect of his character. For that alone it would deserve our attention, but it’s a jolly good read as well!"
5 stars from Amazon.com:
Hitting the Right Notes, January 19, 2010
By E. A. Maxwell
"If you love Sherlock Holmes, then get The Case of the Missing Stradivarius.
Not only does Emanuel Garcia capture the voice, tone, and nuance of the great detective and his world, the author infuses the mystery with his own unique charm, glorious understanding of music, and in-depth comprehension of human psychology. And like with all works of literature, after reading it, you will learn something of value.
The case is in the fine details; and fortunately for us, the game is still afoot."
CHECK BACK FOR REVIEWS FROM MAJOR PUBLICATIONS AND OTHER MEDIA AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE