I’m Emily Wilson, second flute of the Monroe (Colorado) Symphony. Please excuse me if I’m a little nervous. I’m used to a quiet life and I’m more comfortable playing music than talking about myself. Concerts, rehearsals, students, practicing. Excitement is supposed to be in the books I read—mysteries and thrillers. Now, though, my friend, second bassoonist Olive Patterson, has been murdered and it’s changed my life completely.

When Olive first joined the orchestra she was a delight. We shared books, visited bakeries, and walked my dog, Golden. She was honest to a fault, and she made me laugh with her perspectives on my divorce, our colleagues, men, and life.

But when she became obsessed with her section leader, Gardiner James, it stressed our friendship. Undoubtedly, he is handsome. But in my view, he is also self-obsessed, temperamental, and chauvinistic. Worst of all, he treated Olive badly. Really, I’d say he abused her, mentally. I was horrified and urged Olive to get out of the relationship.

She didn’t listen.

Now, she’s dead.

Because of our declining friendship and my lack of an alibi, the police focused their investigation on me. And there was the issue with her last will and testament. I became the prime suspect.

What could I do?

I went on the run. Now my days center on finding suspects, evaluating their alibis or lack thereof, and staying one step ahead of the police. My friend, KC, who has experience on the other side of the law, helps me. As it turns out, I have a talent for solving challenges as I go.

It’s hard to live like this, but it’s only temporary. I’ll find the true killer, and then I’ll be off the hook. Life will return to quiet normalcy soon—I hope.

Music Is Murder, A Musical Murder Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy
Release: June 2021
Purchase Link

When a symphony musician is murdered—bashed with her own bassoon—flute player Emily Wilson becomes the prime suspect. To save herself and secure justice for her murdered friend, she must find the killer.

In the close-knit, unforgiving environment of the symphony orchestra Emily makes her way through the tender egos and warped relationships of her fellow musicians to find tantalizing clues. Blackmail, the victim’s abusive ex-boyfriend, an angry neighbor, and a shifty Symphony Board member all lead her to feel she is on the right track.

With the dogged Lieutenant Gordon on her trail, she must flee from the police so she can continue her search. She unexpectedly finds a loyal female friend and the possibility of a new man in her life. But she must learn to trust again after her failed and abusive marriage. With time running out, will she be able to evade the lieutenant, face her personal demons, and clear her name?

Meet the author
Barbara Bowen is a freelance writer. She was a finalist and Honorable Mention in the 2018 Focus: Eddy Awards for her article, “Letting Go with Grace,” published in Unity Magazine. Ms. Bowen is also an accomplished professional oboist who played with the Colorado Springs Symphony for nineteen years.

Drawing on her quirky fellow musicians and orchestral experiences, she created the mystery series, Musical Murders. The first is Music is Murder (Release date, 6-9-21). The second is Ballistics at the Ballet (Release date TBA) The third is Fireworks on the Fourth (Release date TBA).

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, lives in Colorado with two canine friends, and has a stock of musical puns and a song for any occasion.  Contact her at barbarabowenauthor.com, or on Facebook at Barbara Bowen, Author. 

All comments are welcomed.