Bellweather Rhapsody

By: Kate Racculia

Narrated by: Jessica Almasy

Fifteen years ago, a murder/suicide in room 712 rocked the grand old Bellweather Hotel and the young bridesmaid who witnessed it. Now hundreds of high school musicians, including quiet bassoonist Rabbit Hatmaker and his brassy diva twin, Alice, have gathered in its cavernous, crumbling halls for the annual Statewide festival; the grown-up bridesmaid has returned to face her demons; and a snowstorm is forecast that will trap everyone on the grounds. Then one of the orchestra’s stars disappears—from room 712. Is it a prank, or has murder struck the Bellweather once again?

The search for answers entwines a hilariously eccentric cast of characters—conductors and caretakers, failures and stars, teenagers on the verge and adults trapped in memories. For everyone has come to the Bellweather with a secret, and everyone is haunted.

Full of knowing nods to the shivery pleasures of suspense and the transporting power of music, this is a wholly winning new novel from a writer lauded as “charming” (Los Angeles Times), “witty” (O, The Oprah Magazine), and “whimsical” (People).

©2014 Kate Racculia (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"For its darkness and its glee, I loved this novel." (Robin Sloan, author of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore)

Mixed review

On the one hand, a very entertaining plot. On the other hand, whenever a skinny person writes about a fat character or an able-bodied person writes about disability, it ends up being cringe-y. That brought the book down a lot. I would definitely listen to another book by this author, but ideally with a different narrator... this one seemed kind of manic? It was like listening to a middle school student try to read slam poetry for the first time - emphasis on random words, lots of drama, slightly overwhelming. I had to take breaks from the book just because of the narration.

What A Ride!

This book reminded me why I love the mystery genre! The characters and setting are so vivid, and the story pulled me in right from the start. I binged the whole thing in a few days. Highly recommend and will definitely be checking out more from this author!

Not for me

The narrator gave me anxiety. Way too manic to be enjoyable. Just very difficult to follow.

Fun and Perceptive Musical Mystery

As a professional musician, I enjoyed reading a story, and a mystery, that was centered in my universe. The writing is energetic, character-driven, and well-constructed, with believable dialogue and internal subtexts. My high school age musician nephew will especially love it! Kate Racculia captures the spirit of a subject that is obviously hard to write about but that fires us up and even drives our actions. Jessica Almasy's performance delineates the various characters very well (she modulates her voice to sound like a high schooler one moment and an older man the next) and was brightly paced. I highly recommend this entertaining book.

Ultimately Disappointing

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There were good moments and some plot twists that really were surprising, but there were also long passages of character rumination that diluted any suspense. It seemed like the author wasn't sure if this were a thriller/suspense novel or a character drama. It felt like an uneasy mix of both.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A little bit anti climatic.

What aspect of Jessica Almasy’s performance would you have changed?

She was a little bit strident with the character of Alice, but she absolutely NAILED the wicked Viola.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It could be a good movie if the suspense aspect of the story was the focus.