Praise

Better than binge watching on a screen
Reviewed in the United States on 5 January 2025
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I really enjoyed this book. Reading feels so much more rewarding than binge watching. The characters are interesting and believable. There are lots of dynamic relationships - both professional and personal as the characters navigate life in and outside of the university. It's a great behind the scenes reveal of the world of professional musicians and the tensions between classical and more modern genres. I finished reading this a few weeks ago and the characters are still with me. Great book!!

I read this book twice. This is rare for me.
Reviewed in Australia on 8 November 2024
As usual, I read this fiction book quickly to find out what happens in the story. I am not a musician and I have rarely attended live performances but it was a good story with lots of relatable descriptions for a resident of Brisbane who simply enjoys music without knowing much about it. Then I found out that the book had its own Spotify playlist that includes all the music mentioned in the story so I read it again more slowly, using the playlist to add an extra dimension. I learnt so much more about what it takes to be a professional musician from the second reading; I enjoyed the descriptions of the Brisbane wildlife and I was quietly proud that I recognised so much of the music.

Great book!
Reviewed in Australia on 27 October 2024
Beat (Beatrice) is suddenly promoted to be director of a troubled music college which trains rock and classical musicians. She stops at nothing to restore the college’s reputation but there are many obstacles including economic pressures, sexism, staff rivalry and a baffling boss.

I found Beat’s world fascinating and couldn’t stop turning the pages. I was glad she had her small farm on the edge of town, her safe place with her horses. There are surprising twists and turns to the story, including an unlikely romance and an appearance by Beethoven’s ghost. This is a great read!