The Prize Racket

This is my first reading of a book in the Stockwell Park Orchestra Series, and I'm definitely going back for more! I like reading an occasional light-hearted and fun book, and this checks those boxes.
The Stockwell Park Orchestra is a community/amateur orchestra comprised of an interesting cast of characters. In this entry in the series, they've been invited to participate in a televised competition, with multiple rounds leading to the finale. Other entrants include old friends, a youth ensemble of marching violinists (I can't get the image of their Bohemian Rhapsody performance out of my head), a passive-aggressive poet, and an ensemble of harpists suitably named "the Dark Harps." If for no other reason, read it for the description of these harpists.
Rogers is a skilled writer. She captures the rapport between the orchestra members perfectly, you can tell they like being around each other and it was great fun as a reader to feel included in this group. After reading this, I wish I knew more about music because she goes into some depth describing the conductor managing the orchestra through their pieces. But fear not, even without a detailed knowledge of music, I was able to follow along and while there were a few inside jokes I'm sure I missed, it was easy to understand the drama within each performance.
Great plot, fun characters, satisfying ending, quite a few laughs and excellent writing - what more could you want?
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reality TV programmes are still all the rage, so on the back of Strictly, Bake-off etc, why not write about a new fictional series ‘Pass The Baton’? This is a lovely book, the characters are so likeable, so humorous, I was on the verge of searching the internet to see how to apply for their orchestra. The author clearly has technical musical knowledge and draws the humour out of every chapter. An excellent concept, well executed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrago for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I liked this and her previous book. This is on the same caliber. I stayed engaged and like the MC. The connection with music is great as well.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

The Prize Racket by Isabel Rogers is a delightfully light and amusing story. I haven’t read any of the Stockwell Park Orchestra series before and after reading The Prize Racket I will certainly be looking to read more.
The musical setting is absolutely wonderful! Being a musician and having played in orchestras and bands it was unbelievable to read the intricacies of music being portrayed in this story. The characters were all incredible and so realistic. However, a small warning, if you aren’t musically inclined you might struggle with the musical descriptions of the playing of the musical pieces.
Highly recommended read if your are into music!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Farrago Books for a copy to read and review.

I'd not read the earlier books but that wasn't a problem- this is an engaging and entertaining tale of an orchestra which finds itself in the middle of a reality tv competition. The characters are delightful and the musical references had me zipping off to find some of the songs on the internet. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. it's charming and fun,

Quirky, Charming, Eccentric…
Book four in the Stockwell Park Orchestra series and another delightful instalment in the lives of the group. This time the Orchestra have been invited to take part in a television competition show and, with a big prize at stake, people can get devious. Quirky, charming and eccentric with some wonderfully drawn characters and laced throughout with dry humour this is another enjoyable romp and a fitting series addition.

A wonderful read ;I really enjoyed reading about the orchestra the.characters the reality tv competition.It is a quirky fun entertaining read. Part of a series but can be read alone a delightful series will be recommending.#netgalley #fargobooks.

This is funny and unusual. Who knew an orchestra could offer a setting for a book which would bring laughs and a bit of mystery in a fun and clever way? I really liked the effort made by the author to breathe life into the characters and their interplay throughout this really enjoyable book.

A delightful & hilarious romp full of dazzling dialogues, laughing out loud situations and lots joyful energy.

When the life of a very talented orchestra collides with the very egregious absurdities of reality TV.....

A absolute joy from start to finish blessed with an unforgettable cast of exquisitely drawn characters!
Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Farrago for this terrific ARC

Who doesn't love The Stockwell Park Orchestra, with their lovely players and tame policeman, not forgetting the tea urn and biscuits. This time they take part in a televised competition with friends old and new.