SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE AUTHOR
1. Why did you write Murder In The Pit?
2. What is so unique about the novel’s setting?
3. Why do you think so many opera lovers and musicians will identify with the book?
4. What was the inspiration for the book?
5. How would you describe the process of turning this book into a screenplay?
INTERVIEW REPRINTS
https://fiddlershop.com/fiddlershop-blog/violinist-author-erica-miner - Sept. 14, 2017
I was interviewed on the @FiddlerShop.com blog about my life as a musician and transition to becoming a writer.
MY ARTICLES ON-LINE
Ludovic Morlot, Part 2: The Next Chapter
I just felt it was the right timing
BWW Review: Seattle Creates Magic in Opening Night MADAME BUTTERFLY
A number of key company debuts marked Seattle Opera's 2017-18 season
Melia Watras Reveals The Power of '26' Strings
The much-neglected viola finally gets its due
BWW Previews: San Diego Opera Announces 2017-18 Season
ompany debuts, enduring classics and bold innovation
BWW Interview: Oliver von Dohnányi Leads the Way to a New Seattle KATYA
Equally versatile in both the operatic and symphonic repertoire
Mezzo-Soprano Marianne Cornetti Swings for the Fences
as an artist she is thoroughly international
BWW Review: Pacific Northwest Ballet Shows Sophistication and Flair
PNB's dancers expressed panoplies of deep emotion
Peter Marsh: Villains, Oscar Wilde and the Colors of Life in Opera
Which witch, male or female?
Villains, Oscar Wilde and the Colors of Life in Opera
Which witch, male or female?
BWW Interview: Aidan Lang and Seattle Opera Form a Perfect 'Marriage'- Part 1
How many opera directors have directed Wagner's first Ring cycle in Brazil?
BWW Interview: Alexandra Ncube Shows Youthful Advantage in MORMON
Alexandra is so young that one might think she is very green
Composer Jake Heggie Roots for the Home Team
Jake Heggie has a unique background
BWW Interview: Mercury Soul's Mason Bates Merges Classical with Electronic Music
Combines the talents of top local Indie classical musicians with electronic music
Boston Landmarks Orchestra Serves Up Italian Favorites
Boston loves Italian opera
Holy Shakespeare: Old Globe San Diego Turns 80
Edelstein can hardly contain his excitement
San Diego Symphony Season Finale a Burst of Sunshine
Closing the season on an optimistic, sunlit note
Bryan Hymel on French Opera, Physiology, and Stamina
Praised by NPR as the “new king of the high C’s”
Composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich Has Found Her Bliss
Her unique style is instantly recognizable
BWW Reviews: Jewish Film Fest Celebrates Older Women - With 'Style'
A paean to older women living life to the fullest
San Diego Opera Captures Hearts with Season-Opening La Bohème
Puccini outdid himself with his wildly successful La bohème
San Diego Jewish Film Festival Promises Something for Everyone
Craig Prater brings an abundance of experience to his role
Malcolm MacKenzie Dishes about Opera, Voice Acting and Benedict Cumberbatch
MacKenzie is a familiar presence to SDO fans.
Gidon Kremer Pairs the Fantastic with the Contemporary
Gidon Kremer's name is instantly recognizable
Gidon Kremer Pairs the Fantastic with the Contemporary
Gidon Kremer’s name is instantly recognizable
Lortie glistens in Saint-Saëns’ “Egyptian” Concerto
There’s always a reason to celebrate Sibelius.
An Interview with Ed Harris
From Pollock to Beethoven
Lola Astanova's meticulous Rachmaninov a tour de force in San Diego gala
Supporting the Arts: La Costa Film Festival Splashes into Its Second Year
Michael and Ruby Callihan are on a mission.
'Wait, Wait' Marathon Leaves San Diego Howling
A panoply of laughs, hoots, howls and giggles
Triumphal March to Brilliance: Verdi’s 'Requiem' at San Diego Opera
Otello. Aida. Don Carlo. The comparisons are irresistible.
Catharsis, Raw Emotion And Tears: San Diego Opera Director Andrew Sinclair Talks Opera (Part 1)
Veteran opera director Andrew Sinclair knows what makes opera tick.
Doing What He Wants To Do: Stephen Powell In San Diego Opera’s 'Pagliacci'
Stephen embodies the phrase, “multi-talented.”
Eva Podleś: A Strong Woman
A 'true contralto'
Domingo Charms Again in L.A. - 'I Due Foscari'
'Miraculous... Remarkable... Incomparable'
As Confusing as it is Beautiful: Strauss's 'Arabella'
Richard Strauss: 'Arabella'
'La Diva Renée' Charms San Diego
Renée Fleming recital review
San Diego's 'Wild Don Pasquale'
SD Opera's Wild West Bel Canto
Interview with SD Opera Maestro Karen Keltner
Breaking Traditions: Karen Keltner
The Dance in France: Romeo et Juliette – Gounod
Who said the Viennese invented the waltz?
'Carmen' Has Her Finger on Opera 'Pulse'
Just Your Average Night at the Opera?
REVIEWS
BookPleasures.com *****
I was immediately pulled in to the glamorous world of the Metropolitan Opera House. From the glitterati – the well-dressed patrons exchanging diamond-covered handshakes – to the large glass windows framing the picturesque fountain in Lincoln Plaza; to the Chagall murals decorating the lobby, everything about this world was wonderfully written by a true “insider.”
We begin with Julia Kogan, a very talented violinist who has worked her fingers to the bone to become the youngest member, at twenty-two, of the famous orchestra. Julia lost her father when she was quite young, and was literally taken under the wing of Abel Trudeau – the brilliant and famous conductor who took Julia’s insatiable appetite for music and became the ultimate mentor – guiding her to the “top” of their world. Beside her in the pit, sits Sidney Richter – an older member of the orchestra who is her absolute best friend. A man who, like Abel, has supported her and helped her to attain her goals.
When Julia walks through the revolving glass doors off Broadway and into the Opera House for her very first opening night, she meets up with all the wonderful characters that make up this cozy mystery. Before the show can commence, Abel gives to her a beautiful pin and oddly written sheet music that he wrote himself to commemorate this once in a lifetime event in Julia’s life. As the lights dim and the chandeliers ascend into the ceiling, the orchestra begins, and Abel offers his favorite student a wink and a smile.
As a gunshot suddenly rings out, the fabulously wealthy audience members cringe in their seats. And a confused Julia finds herself staring up at the man who’d raised her, watching him fall over…covered in blood. Soon everything that was completely sane and sensible becomes a labyrinth of lies and secrets. Sidney is hauled away by the police for a frame-up of monumental proportions. As his life hangs in the balance – accused of a crime he didn’t commit – Julia teams up with an investigator whose love of the operatic world equals her own.
Together they sift through the suspects that include a general manager who likes to ingest chemicals in order to keep her going; a cute stagehand who draws little hearts beside Julia’s name on the musicians’ sign-in sheet; a personnel manager who waves his baton in the air, wishing with his heart he could be a conductor; an understudy who’s not only gorgeous but extremely talented, and wants nothing more than to vault himself into super stardom; and, literally, a cavalcade of diva’s, managers, performers, musicians, and stagehands. Each rung of the societal ladder is discussed, as the author deftly sets up and delivers the inside world of colorful characters that make up the illustrious Met.
As a lover of classical music and a patron of Tanglewood when I was younger, I was extremely happy with all the in-depth knowledge that Ms. Miner has delivered. She was actually a violinist at the Met, so she certainly knows the world of which she speaks. Because of this background, as well as quick-witted writing, Ms. Miner has put together a very solid mystery with a cast of characters who were an absolute joy to read.
Readers Favorite Reviews
Rating: 5 Stars
Life was good until Julia Kogan witnessed the murder of her mentor, famous opera conductor Abel Trudeau. When her best friend Sidney is arrested and charged with the crime, Julia is traumatized but she's determined to prove Sidney innocent. Her search for answers brings danger.
There are many suspects in this suspenseful read, which has lots of twists and turns to keep you glued to the book. The author has cleverly placed rules throughout the book so that the reader can attempt to solve the crime just as Julia does.
FAN CLUB/QUOTES/KUDOS
"Erica, I just finished reading "Murder in the Pit" and followed you EVERYWHERE throughout your book; every hallway, cafeteria, pit, stage door. So exciting. I used to play the violin for most of my life, not professionally but as a good amateur, so I was also with you as you carried your violin around. Thanks for the great, fun mystery. Keep up the great work!!!!"
Carolyn Glenn Sielski, Męt Opera former chorister
"I read until I finished it at bedtime. I couldn’t put it down. Thoroughly enjoyed! I loved the details of how an opera house works. Although having been around opera for 50 years, I pretty well know much of the details, but it was enjoyable to read about it through your eyes. You tell a wonderful and interesting story. I found all the characters engaging.. A very interesting plot twist at the end. I look forward to the next book in Santa Fe."
Jack Firestone
" Just got off the roller coaster...finished your book and it was great!!!!"
Tom Donnell, former violinist Atlanta Symphony
"'just finished reading Erica Miner's riveting murder mystery, MURDER IN THE PIT; replete with Erica's real-life and research-inspired flavor of life at the Metropolitan Opera House and informed NYPD procedures: plotted like a whipcrack, and conveys the sense of NYC as the center of the universe, artistically and maliciously. a virtuoso page-turner.'"
Christopher O'Riley, pianist
" I just ordered Murder in the Pit. I am working myself back to the beginning with Julia. She is a great character Erica. Good Job!!!"
Joel Hagedorn
"Many thanks again Erica for sharing Murder in the Pit! I Really enjoyed it! You really made the characters and environment come alive from only someone who knows the details of the setting of the Met! Very cool!! "
Mike Hall, Hollywood composer
"I recently started Murder in the Pit and am about halfway through it. I’m really puzzled about who done it. So many folks with motives. I really like how you tie in lines from opera at the start of each chapter. I feel sorry for the heroine. So wounded."
Rosina Bell-Games
"MURDER IN THE PIT is a story that captures all the intrigue, malevolence, and vindictiveness of the opera world by someone who knows it so well. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or newcomer, she is the very best at what she does."
Ron Della Chiesa, broadcaster, Boston Symphony Orch.
"A must read and be prepared to grip your seat and stay with it until the end!"
Patricia Daly-Lipe, author
"Busy as I am, I managed to keep reading "Murder in the Pit" because I couldn't put it down! So last night I finished it. I loved it! I thought the characters were well-drawn and interesting and the milieu, of course, couldn't have been more authentic!. And the story provided more than it's share of nail-biting moments! So -- congratulations! I do hope it's made into a film. It's a movie I'd be eager to see! Margie couldn't put "Murder in the Pit" down and so she finished it in no time. As you can see, she really enjoyed it!"
Sheldon Harnick, award-winning Broadway lyricist
"'Murder in the Pit' was very entertaining...you certainly know how to create a cliffhanger! I could easily imagine your novel as a movie...it is like the opera equivalent of the movie 'Black Swan.' The music world is more cut-throat than Wall Street!"
Susan Bolton
"Am loving "Murder in the Pit," recalling every single nook and cranny you depict! I have Death by Opera and will jump to it next!! You're fabulous!"
Judith Goldberg Apy, Metropolitan Opera Chorister
"Just finished your first opera murder mystery. It was great fun to read, especially your descriptions of all the places familiar to me (ladies locker room, etc.) at the MET. Loved the ending coinciding with Tosca's leap! Great job!"
Mary Ann Archer, Met Opera flutist
"Just started “Murder in the Pit”! Great fun and I love the way you bring the ‘behind the scenes’ to life!"
Preston Trombly, composer
"I just finished Murder in the Pit. I just loved it...lots of twists and turns. Also, I liked how you included so much info about what goes on when staging an opera. I love operas so I am very excited to read you new mystery, Death by Opera."
Anne Hunnewell, musician
"I finished reading your engaging novel and congratulate you on creating a story that kept me guessing until the villains were unmasked!"
George Shirley, international opera star
" I love the quotes from i libretti... I'll bet most musicians don't study the text of the operas they play.""
David Aurelius, pianist-conductor
""I was so swept away by the masterful writing and brilliant characters in Murder in the Pit! Brava to Ms. Miner! Not many people write about music with the knowledge and depth that she does and achieve just the right tone and level of suspense. I recommend this mystery novel to anyone who loves backstage workings and great mysteries ala Agatha Christie.""
Beth Levin, pianist
""I'm looking forward to the sequel very much. I was riveted by Murder in the Pit.""
Jill V. Easton, writer
""I just finished your book and loved it!! Couldn't put it down. Appreciated the "peek" into the workings behind the stage that make the operas happen!!!""
Darlene Murphy
""A very accomplished writer, Erica's fine novel, Murder In The Pit, captures all the intrigues, malevolence and vindictiveness of the opera world by someone who knows it so well.""
Ron Della Chiesa, Boston Symphony Orchestra Broadcast Host
""I highly recommend Erica's book 'Murder In The Pit'. It is a great mystery with lots of interesting plot twists and turns, and if you know anything about the Met, you will enjoy it even more because you will find yourself picturing the various locations in your mind.""
Rebecca Seiglar, singer
""Fascinating! Toward the end, I just couldn't put it down.""
Ellen Pope, writer
""I really enjoyed reading "Murder in the Pit". I loved all the characters, especially Sidney, and I have met a few Patricia's in my time!""
Josephine Cumming
""What an informative conversation you shared with La Jolla Pen Women and friends. We all learned so much and will be pursuing more by going to your Web site. Thank you so very much for a wonderful afternoon with you. You are a dynamite speaker and teacher!""
Anne Hoiberg, president, La Jolla Pen Women
""I just finished MURDER IN THE PIT with great pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was actually very sorry to finish the last page. Don't Julia and Larry deserve a sequel? "
Benton Hess, opera conductor
"'Am reading "Murder in the Pit," it is bliss, pure bliss'...Finished the book. Loved it. I think you should do a sequel.'"
Arthur Makar
"Thanks to Ron Della Chiesa, host of Boston Symphony broadcasts on Classical 99.5 for his kind praise of 'Murder In The Pit': Not only is it a real "Who done It" page turner but also a marvelous insight into what goes on behind the scenes. All your characters have interesting personalities that integrate in a unique way to keep the story line moving. Your experience playing in the orchestra makes it all the more vivid.
I especially enjoyed your "Opera Quotes" at the beginning of each chapter bringing to mind that life on stage imitates what goes on in real life. As I've always said...." There's Opera and then the rest of the World!" "Murder in the Pit" offers the reader a chance to become a part of this fascinating world unlike no other art form we know of."
Ron Della Chiesa, Boston Symphony Orchestra broadcaster
"Erica, I really loved your novel! It's brilliant and I am very impressed! Of course I knew who some if the characters are! For those of us who work there it is is quite vivid. I am impressed with your handling of form and suspense. The ending is entirely surprising which is not easy to do. Brava to you!!"
Sam Magill, Metropolitan Opera cellist
""This is a great tale about the intrigue inside a major opera house.""
Henry Mollicone, composer
"A great spell binding read!!"
Tom Booth, Metropolitan Opera singer
"Tis a cracking read!"
Tracey West, Author
"If folks haven't already read it, they might like to read your book MURDER IN THE PIT, which I thoroughly enjoyed!"
Aaron Paul Lazar, award winning author
"Finished it last night and really enjoyed it. I had such a vision of all of the places in the Met and it was a fun read. I'll certainly recommend it to others!"
David Holloway, Met Opera singer
"Ah! A wonderful book! I'm still reading and loving it!!! Highly recommended!"
Tracey West, author and UK TV personality
"I just finished Murder in the Pit. Loved it. Hopefully, there will be another book forthcoming, soon."
Tanya Jones, author
"What CAN I say...we are HOOKED! Erica Miner is a GRIPPING thriller writer. From the opening lines, I could feel the author walking through the doors she knew so well and holding my hand as we walked in with her! We read the book out loud, a chapter a piece and stopped at Chapter 8 last night...then when we awoke, read another 3!"
Tracey West, writer
"Very entertaining. You certainly know how to create a cliffhanger!... I could easily imagine your novel as a movie... It reminded me of "Black Swan" - your novel is like the opera equivalent... the marvels and more sociopathic characteristics of the music world... more cutthroat than Wall Street!"
Sue Bolton, reader
"It's a really good read!!!"
Sam Ramey, international opera star
"This was a great read- I recommend it to opera folks and anyone else who likes a good murder mystery."
Henry Mollicone, composer
"It's a fantastic book!!"
Amy Suznovich
"Just a wonderful page turning read and such a surprise twist ending."
Tom Booth, Met Opera tenor
"Really enjoyed that novel of yours!"
Kevin M. Smith
"Erica, I read Murder in the Pit and enjoyed it very much!"
Barbara Pitt Ginsberg
"Loved it! :)"
Jane Wells, screenwriter
"Whew, such intensity at the end...I'll have to take a blood pressure pill to settle down after that ending...It was exciting and colorful...the final section just wraps itself around your head, grips you. Interesting how the real reasons for the story line reach into a past that is never mentioned until the very end, and that past drove the whole story. I really couldn't figure out why the murders happened until then...Fascinating too about the suggestions of passions and other connections between people, left mostly to imagination and never interupting the drama, but definitely adding flavor and interest...the phrases from opera librettos at the beginning of each chapter...(were) brilliant and authentic touch to introduce each chapter... Certainly a wonderful read.
"
Tom Booth, Met Opera tenor
"I loved your Murder In The Pit. I want MORE...I know all the operas you referred to in the book and I love that. So few mysteries for us classical musicians. You write in such a way that your character Julia was well developed. I felt like I knew her. Do Larry and Julia get together...I hope so. Remington Steele and Laura Holt (did). Please give us more mysteries!"
June Barber, voice teacher
"...from the first lines I was in the world of opera... carried by your masterful and enchanting narration, feeling almost indentified having experianced similar scenarios. My warmest congratulations for the writer and the person... *** A MUST BEST SELLER *** Strongly Recommended !!!"
Konstantinos Paliatsaras, Greek National Opera
"Thank you for sending me your fine book. It is wonderful so far. You are A REAL WRITER AND THAT'S ALL THAT COUNTS!!!"
David Amram, leading composer and 'Renaissance Man of American Music'
"Don't listen to Erica, she's biased. Listen to me...you must read the book! It's Amazing. And I'm not biased, just a fan."
Kevin Smith, reader
"It is a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed it"
Sara Sant'Ambrogio, concert cellist
"Thank you Alexia Melocchi for suggesting ['Murder In The Pit'] to our fans and congratulations Erica Miner - it is a fantastic book!"
Dimitra Iconomou, Iconreviews Fan Page, Facebook
"I'm reading your mystery ('Murder In The Pit') on my Kindle. Such talent!"
Philip Morehead, musician
"Started "Murder in the Pit" last Thursday; continued it as I traveled last Friday; thought I'd put it aside at bedtime; ended up turning the light back on and staying up to finish it. Definitely a fun read!"
Lucinda Allen Mosher, musician
"I just finished your wonderful novel, MURDER IN THE PIT, which kept me up until 1 am this morning. Very exciting book, filled with nice surprises in the plot...the ending was fabulous... Very "operatic" in the best sense, and dramatic! Brava, and congratulations to you! I think I'll send a copy to Maestro Rudel..."
Henry Mollicone, composer
"Read your 'Murder in the Pit,' in one sitting. Loved it!!!!! Congrats Erica. Hope to read some more of your writings."
Juli McSorley, Met Opera chorus member
"I find your writing descriptive, comfortable and inviting me into the story...I hate putting it down to go to bed or to work."
Tom Booth, international opera singer
"I’ve never been an opera buff, but I do love a good murder mystery–and this is it! Not only is it well-written and entertaining, but I actually learned that behind the opera’s persona as a centuries-old form of chic, somewhat untouchable entertainment–its members are human, too. Great job, Erica!"
LinDee Rochelle, author
"I just finished Murder and loved it - you are so talented. I felt like I knew the characters myself."
Carol Thornton, reader
"I picked it up again while working and finished it, smiling all the while. Love it... I thought the Tosca parallel (in the) ending was such fun."
Richard Levin, opera aficionado
"I love the book and all the wonderful details that only a musician at the Met would probably recognize! You have a great gift, not only in novels, but screenplays, poetry. . .and I can hardly wait to see the screenplay any day now!!"
Jake Kella, musician and professor
"f you are a music lover, rejoice! This book is a gift for those who know and love opera. Erica Miner takes the reader into the pit and behind the scenes at the Metropolitan Opera and no detail is spared... Her years as a violinist at the Met inject reality into a story, characters and plot that would not be attainable by any other author. If you are an Met insider you will recognize the accuracy in the novel - if not, you will soon find yourself enveloped within the fascinating and little known backstage life of the most acclaimed opera company in the world.
"Murder in the Pit" gripped me instantly and I could not stop reading it... a pretty quick read, it doesn't take long to reach the satisfying conclusion (the explanation of which I did not see coming.) This book would make a great gift for lovers of mystery and/or lovers of music... Encore, encore!"
Cynthia Cammarota Vega, opera aficionado
"I just finished reading Murder In The Pit, and I thought it was great! There was so much nostalgia for me with your marvelous descriptions of 'our living area', including our locker rooms, the pit, cafeteria, etc., and the whole Lincoln Center area in general... For us it's an inside story, but for other readers it should be an amazing revelation of lives that were shared. The story was 'riveting', and very well conceived. You have a real talent for this kind of writing. Please continue your good work, and know that it's well appreciated by your former colleague."
Paul Cammarota, former Met Opera bassoonist
"Erica kicks butt no matter what she does! Her violin playing could bring you to tears with its expressiveness, and she writes with the same kind of innate sensitivity!"
Essie Dube, reader
"Well done, Erica. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. You write so well - I wish you every success."
John Wion, flutist, Met and New York City Operas
"Loved the book!"
Kris Kelly, Community Affairs Manager, CW TV, Detroit
"Murder in the Pit by a very smart lady, Erica Miner, has all I could ever want - opera, suspense, a cop who knows and loves his opera, a quietly strong female protagonist (and violinist!) and a fierce female director of the world's largest opera company with a very cool secret. Did I mention opera? Don't want it to end, but it's going to. Tonight. Now go get your copy."
Sonette Bales, San Diego Opera
"I found all of the backstage detail in your book absolutely fascinating and I recommended it to my opera freak chums."
Mike Reed, opera artist
"Whew! It should make quite an exciting movie. The last 20 pages or so were very gripping. I have to tell you I don't generally read mysteries but I was so intrigued by this one, I didn't want to put it down."
Marty Bloom, opera aficionado
"...as I approached the front fountain for the evening performance of Don Carlo, I was looking at couples trying to find Julia and Larry hand by hand, eager to go back to the crime scene...In the intermission I felt the presence of Patricia hosting patrons. 'Murder' in my memory that evening made my opera experience more enjoyable."
Mauricio Monroy-Rojas, opera aficionado
"...so happy for your newest success! Way to rock them!!!
Am waiting for your screenplay to hit the big screens next!"
Cynthia Brian, Founder, Be the Star You Are!®
"Compulsively readable! I have a feeling this could be the beginning of a series...!"
Peter Kazaras, Opera Director, head of opera at UCLA
"...You did a great job synthesizing your insider’s knowledge of the Met with a very lively story... your characterizations were very entertaining and would be familiar to those in the business...(I) especially like the covert touches of humor that would only be caught by people in the music world."
Leon Botstein, President, Bard College
"Loved your book...can't wait to watch the movie!"
Selen Sozeri Ozel, reader
"Just finished reading Erica Miner's riveting murder mystery, MURDER IN THE PIT; replete with Erica's real-life and research-inspired flavor of life at the Metropolitan Opera House and informed NYPD procedures: murdering a conductor is a criminal offense? (who knew?)... plotted like a whipcrack, and conveys the sense of NYC as the center of the universe, artistically and maliciously. A virtuoso page-turner."
Christopher O'Riley, concert pianist and NPR host
"I savored every word. You sure do know how to tell a riveting story! it's wonderful!! On so many levels, so smart and intelligently written, a real page turner and I love that you let the reader know about music without being condescending. A terrific mystery!!! And a charming love story... congratulations on this major feat of writing!"
Jane Wells, author and screenwriter
"Your explanations on operas and other operatic insights transitioned seamlessly. They were informative, yet blended into the story line nicely. You deserve a wide audience!
"
Gayle Costanzo, reader
"Erica Miner has created a sense of place within NY's Metropolitan Opera as only an insider could. To the very personal and detailed backdrop of the Met Opera, she has added a strong plot--which keeps you guessing until the end--and a cast of well developed characters. A delight to read!"
Bonnie Louise Kuchler, author
"Murder in the Pit is a wonderful way to become familiar with the Met's history, facility, and the great cast of characters who work there - some full time, (others as) visiting artists - who enliven the scene. Erica Miner has managed to weave a great mystery around this milieu, which makes for the proverbial book one cannot put down until the end. (The protagonist's) gratitude to and love of her mentor steel her nerves and sharpen her wits to allow her to become the heroine of the tale.
I particularly was fascinated by the author's astute understanding of human frailties. Her compassionate approach to woundedness and the consequences thereof shines forth from page one. The insightful thoughts about professional jealousies are unfortunately too true. (The author's) closeness to the Met has given her a perspective that couldn't be obtained by imagination alone."
Shirley Weaver, violinist
"I LOVED it!"
Detective Rita Sanders
"Erica, I just finished your excellent book. I loved the way you took passages from the various operas to use as essentially mood setters and titles for each chapter. Further, you have a great way of changing scenes - your scripting talent really comes through here. As for intrigue and tempo - this was superb - a great blend of music and words. You made a mystery into a concerto."
James Beck, Filmmaker
"I just finished reading MIP and I cannot wait to write the review. To say it was excellent wouldn't do it justice. Everything was put on hold until I finished it. Including my Oreo's...love it, and anyone who doesn't, is missing one heck of a book! More twists than an Atlanta freeway. Erica, it's a winner. When's the next one? Bring it on!"
Georgia Richardson, NABBW reviewer
"Wow, Erica, I could not put that book down... amazing, real thriller. I don't usually read murder mysteries or anything violent, but this was different...I was all involved. Great ending. An amazing plot and mystery, unforgettable setting. A must read!! Congratulations!"
Susanne Hayase, reader
" I read all your blog entries. I appreciate your honesty and wit, and admire how you turned a potentially devastating event into a triumph of creativity. You are a wonderful writer and I can't wait to read 'Murder in the Pit.' "
Sara Anne Fox
"[Murder In The Pit] kept me guessing. I usually have the killer figured out way ahead of time, but not with your book."
Janice Forzano, author
"Loved the book! Your first hand knowledge of the MET really gives the story realism. Now on to the screenplay and a TV movie on HBO. "
John Wolf, author, Fox & Quill newsletter
"I literally could not put it down. Ms.Miner is a rare novelist who can switch the point of view from character to character without weakening the plot or narrative flow...an almost impossible literary device for novelists...her command of dialogue (and dialect) is perfectly suited to each character...preceding each chapter with an appropriate quote in the original foreign tongue worked flawlessly."
Leslie Dreyer, violinist and writer
"Murder in the Pit is an adventure of the imagination, a play within a play. ...[Miner] has recreated in a fascinating operatic world a tangle of plot twists whose intricacies ultimately unravel to reveal the prose of an author who is sure of her skills."
Valerio Massimo Manfredi, best selling author
"As a lover of classical music and a patron of Tanglewood when I was younger, I was extremely happy with all the in-depth knowledge that Ms. Miner has delivered. She was actually a violinist at the Met, so she certainly knows the world of which she speaks. Because of this background, as well as quick-witted writing, Ms. Miner has put together a very solid mystery with a cast of characters who were an absolute joy to read."
Amy Lignor for Bookpleasures.com
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES ON-LINE
San Diego Examiner - Jan. 26, 2011
Solving the Mystery of Writing
Big News Network.com - Jan. 26, 2011
Solving the Mystery of Writing
Belmont Patch - Jan. 18, 2011
Mystery at the Belmont Library
San Mateo County Library - Jan. 17, 2011
An Evening with Author Erica Miner
"M" Is For Mystery - Jan. 15, 2011
Author Events
North County Times (San Diego) - Nov. 28, 2010
Local authors pen novels, histories, memoirs
