THE VIOLIN THIEF

The Violin Thief, cozy mystery - violin heist -sweet romance-lyrical and bittersweet

1941. Over a magical Adirondack summer, Douglas Tryzyna, a lonely foundling, listens in wonderment as a Basque man makes his violin sing; its voice sparks kindness and joy. When a fire destroys the travelers' encampment and the man disappears, the boy finds that magical red violin-abandoned, like himself. Inexplicably, a six-year-old child and the violin claiming 200 years, are able to communicate. Douglas and "Magic Muriel" realize they share a destiny - they're meant to offer the healing grace of music.

Professor Peter Stoya accepts Douglas as a student, capitalizing on the child's ambition-and his desire for this seemingly rogue violin. But it's Willi, the Professor's firstborn, that the man is hell bent on showcasing as a virtuoso...and the Professor, an abusive mentor, knows just how to entrap Douglas as a spur for the time required.

Twelve years later, despite being bullied, deprived, betrayed, and helplessly trapped in a love triangle, Douglas has become a virtuoso. He's earned a grand opportunity to perform and prove himself-only to incite, yet again, the Professor's manipulation. But Douglas has had enough! He gambles all. In the aftermath Douglas disappears, an accused thief, presumed dead.
Heartbroken, his sweetheart sets out to find him and prove his innocence, praying that he's alive.

• This unique novel, crafted with both magical realism and speculative fiction,
  blurs the line between legend and reality.

• Love, Family-Dynamics, Inspiration, Courage, Forgiveness, Redemption

• For readers of Alice Hoffman, Erin Morgenstern, Eowan Ivey, Markus Zusak, Sofia Segovia

• Adults and Mature Teens.