Playing with Fire: A Novel

I recommend Playing With Fire, but it is certainly not a Rizzoli and Isles buddy book or one of Gerritsen's medical thrillers. Odd mix between psychic thriller, traditional mystery and history lesson. I enjoyed the story. It seemed a little choppy, probably because it is only 271 pages, but not sure I could stand it being longer. Some of the material will cause discomfort. Mother fearing her own child, the fear that a family's mental instability runs to either the mother or the daughter, the realistic depiction of Jews being deported to the work camps in Poland. The story revolves around Julia, a professional violinist, finding a old and mysterious original copy of a waltz in a antique shop in Rome and the story of the waltz's composer. Julia's daughter has a strange reaction when hearing the music. There is a family history of mental instability. Julia fears her daughter is suffering from mental instability while the rest of the family believes Julia is the problem. There is also a hint of the paranormal in her daughter's response. All is finally explained in the end, then Gerritsen finishes with a hint of the paranormal.

Tess remains as amazing as ever. I think her non-serial stories are her best. While parts of this book are so painful that they are to be endured as much as enjoyed, in the end she does not disappoint. I got to spend some time in Cape Cod with her and with Michael Palmer about 7 years ago, before he died. I was touched to see her dedicate this to him.

I love Tess Gerritsen. She is an automatic buy for me. This book did not disappoint. I started it yesterday and finished it this morning. I didn't want to put it down! Thanks for another great one, Tess!!

My husband and I listened to the audiobook which was very well read. I sent a hardback copy to my sister who was laid up with an injury.
It is an engaging story told from several perspectives, and from the vantage point of two different time periods.There is a great deal of historical detail as part of the narrative.The intertwining stories centered around a piece of violin music are well balanced and intriguing.
The contemporary story suffers in comparison to the historical one because it is somewhat melodramatic and contrived. Very enjoyable non-the-less.

Normally, I really like Tess Gerritsen's books but this one just didn't do it for me. I wish she had stayed in the past and just told Lorenzo and Laura's story. I think Julia and her family just got in the way of the story. I felt like we went down a rabbit hole with Julia, Rob and Lily that wasn't necessary. The book could have been a 5 star just focusing on Lorenzo and his family. I feel like we were left with a lot of lose ends.

As usual, Tess Gerritsen does not disappoint. Playing with fire is yet another thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and won't let you put the book down until you turn the last page. Wonderful read!