A Measure of Murder summary

Investigating a Fatal Fall

In A Measure of Murder by Leslie Karst, we meet Sally Solari, who's juggling her family's Italian restaurant with helping Javier plan the fall menu for Gauguin, a restaurant she's recently inherited. Amidst this, she joins her ex-boyfriend Eric's chorus, which is performing a new version of her favorite composition, the Mozart Requiem. However, during the first rehearsal, a tenor falls to his death on the church courtyard, leaving his soprano girlfriend convinced it wasn't an accident.

As a result, Sally finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. She's determined to uncover the truth, especially when she discovers that the deceased, Tony, had been behaving strangely before his fall. Sally's investigation leads her to question the chorus members, all of whom seem to have their own secrets and motives. She also learns that Tony had been involved in a bitter legal fight over a valuable music score.

An Unsettling Discovery

In the midst of her sleuthing, Sally's personal life takes a hit when she discovers that her father, who's been showing signs of memory loss, has been hiding his condition from her. This revelation adds to Sally's stress and makes her more determined than ever to solve the mystery, especially when her own life is threatened.

As Sally digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and long-buried secrets. She learns that Tony was not the person everyone thought he was and that his relationships with the chorus members were far more complicated than they appeared. Sally also finds herself in danger when a fire breaks out at Gauguin, leading her to believe that the murderer is closer than she thought.

The Culprit Revealed

After narrowly escaping the fire, Sally's investigation reaches a climax when she uncovers the truth about Tony's death and the mysterious score. She realizes that the murder was a result of a complex love triangle, betrayal, and greed. The score, which was believed to be lost, turns out to be a significant factor in the whole affair.

In the end, Sally's persistence pays off, and she manages to bring the real killer to justice. The case solved, Sally can finally focus on her family and the future of her restaurants. She also comes to terms with her father's condition and resolves to support him in his battle with dementia. The book ends with a sense of closure and the hint of new beginnings for Sally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A Measure of Murder is a compelling mystery that combines the worlds of music and food with a thrilling murder investigation. Leslie Karst weaves a complex tale of betrayal, love, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Sally Solari is a relatable and determined protagonist, and her journey to uncover the truth is both suspenseful and heartwarming. The novel is a satisfying blend of murder mystery and personal growth, leaving readers eager for more of Sally's adventures.