The Musician's Daughter

Set in eighteenth-century Vienna, a time of court life and chamber music, Susanne Dunlap’s The Musician’s Daughter is a story that blends music and politics. When heroine Theresa’s father is found dead the night before Christmas with no sign of his murderers or his valuable violin, the only clue Theresa has to go by is the medallion found on his body. With the help of her godfather, Franz Joseph Haydn, Zoltan, and a few Gypsies, Theresa sets out to discover the truth of her father’s death, learning along the way that her father was involved in more dangerous activity than she ever expected.

Susanne Dunlap created a very likeable, though quite stubborn, heroine in Theresa. The Musician’s Daughter depended on her vivacity, wit, and boldness and the reader could connect to Theresa primarily because she was so genuine. Still, despite the inside cover’s claim that, “The Musician’s Daughter is an engrossing tale of murder, romance, and music,” this story seemed to lack in romantic content. Theresa’s interest in Zoltan is barely mentioned throughout the novel, and though positive, the ending was slightly disappointing. Though full of potential, their relationship is rarely addressed, and because of this the novel falls flat at times

Dunlap’s degree in music history is evident when reading The Musician’s Daughter. Dunlap admits that the story is truly a work of fiction, but each time music is mentioned, whether it is the comparison of violins and violas or the works of Haydn, it is portrayed with accuracy and true interest. The Musician’s Daughter is a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially for music lovers. If you are interested only because of romance, I would pass as that aspect is a bit lackluster, but otherwise this is a new work with an independent heroine that shouldn’t be missed. 8 out of 10.