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Playing with Fire    by Tess Gerritsen Amazon.com order for
Playing with Fire
by Tess Gerritsen
Order:  USA  Can
Ballantine, 2015 (2015)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* *   Reviewed by Bob Walch

The discovery of a wonderful piece of music in an Italian shop goes terribly wrong in this standalone thriller by Tess Gerritsen. Violinist Julia Ansdell discovers the mysterious piece of music called the Incendio Waltz in an antique shop in Rome and realizes it is truly something special.

It isn't until she returns to her Boston home that Julia realizes that something isn't quite right about the striking composition. Julia discovers that when she plays the piece it has a very negative effect on her three year old daughter, Lily. In fact, the music alters the child's behavior and makes her a serious threat to her mother's safety. When it triggers a series of violent actions in her daughter, Lily is determined to uncover the story behind this strange piece of music.

The search for answers will take the violinist back to Italy to investigate the past during the time when Mussolini controlled the country. As the story about two young musicians and life for the Jews in war torn Italy emerges, Julia will discover a tale that truly defies the imagination.

If you have enjoyed Gerritsen's Rizzoli & Isles series, you'll probably find this latest novel much to your liking. A total change of pace from her other stories, Playing with Fire is a fast paced and engaging read that will keep you spellbound from the opening chapter.

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