This takes such an ordinary life and turns it completely on its head, and it made me wonder how I would respond in similar circumstances. I really enjoyed seeing the protagonist’s responses to previously uncontemplated scenarios and the author did it really well with credible dialogue and reactions.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC

The Music Teacher by David Cato-Evans is a riveting tale that delves into the complexities of a seemingly ordinary life entangled in the undercurrents of crime and deceit. The protagonist, Juliette, is a young mother of two who juggles her responsibilities as a music teacher and a participant in the family antique business. However, her life takes a perilous turn when she is drawn into a dangerous money laundering operation.

Cato-Evans masterfully crafts a narrative that is as much about the music of life as it is about the discordant notes of the criminal underworld. Juliette’s character is beautifully developed; her love for music and her family is juxtaposed against the dark allure of the criminal activities she becomes involved in. The tension escalates as Juliette’s father, a professional criminal, is pursued by a rival, putting her and her children in grave danger.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to weave a complex web of relationships and moral dilemmas. Juliette’s descent into the world of crime is not just a fight for survival but also a quest for justice—or perhaps revenge. Her mental health frays as she becomes more embroiled in the criminal network, leading to a crescendo of suspense that keeps the reader on edge.

Cato-Evans’ use of dialogue is particularly noteworthy. It brings the characters to life, allowing readers to hear the distinct voices of each individual, especially those with nefarious intentions. The conversations are authentic, and the prose is both elegant and accessible, making for a compelling read.

In The Music Teacher, the author has penned a thriller that entertains while posing questions about the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones. It’s a story that resonates with the struggles of balancing personal integrity with desperate circumstances. This book is a testament to Cato-Evans’ skill as a storyteller and his deep understanding of the human condition.

Overall, The Music Teacher is a symphony of suspense of suspense and emotion.

I have to be very honest here, I was unable to finish this book. The beginning was a good setup, it caught my interest. But story itself was at times hard to understand. The main character was dealing with trauma and there are probably content warnings needed here….but also, she seemed like a jerk. I had trouble caring about her and understanding her (and her family’s) proximity to someone who was clearly abusive. With that said, maybe it was just the wrong time in my life to read this or something.

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing and music teacher Juliette has more than enough knowledge to know that her dad is far from lilly white. That’s one thing but when a figure from the criminal underworld starts threatening Juliette in an attempt to flush her father out from hiding, something has to give.

I’m a big fan of dialogue in crime fiction, if done right it not only allows to you visualise the characters but brings the whole book to life. The dialogue here is spot on and none more so than from the mouths of those intent on doing harm. That’s not to say that this is a one sided affair. Juliette has a young family to protect and sitting back and hoping things will work out for the best simply isn’t her style. The narrative takes a little time to come to the boil but once it does, the action ignites the afterburners and doesn’t look back.

A high octane read with three dimensional characters and a taut and well contained storyline.

I’m off to get some piano lessons……

This was such an intense read, going from Juliette's more peaceful life into a life of danger, death and revenge - full of suspense.