How does it feel to conduct magnificent music with a symphony orchestra? What does a composer experience as a passionate new piece of music comes to life? In the Wil Walker Mysteries, I hope to give readers some insights into the wonderful world of music making, its beauty and power, but also its struggles, fears, and some of the nitty-gritty details that make it work. Along the way, I have come to love the people in the books. They live in a small town with a glorious backdrop, the stunning beauty of Lake Michigan, and they encounter the joys, sorrows, challenges and dreams that give all of our lives rich meaning.
Wil, the central character, has given his life to writing music as well as he possibly can. Then a horrifying murder thrusts him into a role he never expected. He becomes the conductor of the symphony, and that challenge would be difficult enough without the murders that threaten to destroy the orchestra, and him along with it.
Thankfully, he has friends who care about him, a kind-hearted cop, a beautiful violinist born in Russia and many others, people that embody the wonderful human qualities I encounter time and time again. There are a few oddballs and scoundrels too, of course.
I hope you enjoy reading about Wil, his friends, and the music they love to play.
DISSONANCE (Book 1) Kindle
DISSONANCE (Book 1) Paperback
DISTRACTION (Book 2) Kindle
DISTRACTION (Book 2) Paperback
In the second Wil Walker Mystery, DISTRACTION, Wil has become the conductor of the orchestra, but he is struggling to overcome crippling trauma after a savage attempt on his life (in the first book DISSONANCE, discussed below). In his darkest moments, Wil is afraid his gift for writing music has abandoned him. The symphony’s faith in him is eroding fast when mysterious poisoning deaths begin to wreak even more havoc. Wil joins forces with Police Chief Peter Jones to look for the murderer, but things go from bad to worse when a devious, would-be tycoon threatens to seize the orchestra’s assets and put it out of business. Wil races desperately against time to find the inner resources he needs to gain the trust of his musicians, save the symphony and help prevent a final, devastating murder.
An Excerpt from DISTRACTION
He started the rehearsal with Beethoven’s famous 3rd symphony, the Eroica, or “Heroic,” symphony. Wil loved this passionate music that marked Beethoven’s triumphant decision to fight on despite his tragic deafness. Beethoven’s great masterwork had seemed like an ideal closer for the upcoming concert, but Wil felt close to panic as the orchestra plodded through the music. Everything just seemed out of sync, lifeless and pedantic.
Wil couldn’t seem to inspire the musicians to play with any fire or conviction, no matter how emphatic and energetic he made his gestures. He stopped the orchestra and pleaded with them to play with more dynamic intensity and precision, but the dark looks on several of their faces showed clearly that they had little faith in his ability to bring this music to life. He knew a time of crisis had come. He had to find a way to win them over, to establish himself as the leader who could take them successfully into the future, or they would sack him and find another conductor.
He was about to try again when a piercing scream filled the air. Pru ran out into the room with tears streaming down her face. She looked shockingly pale.
“My God, somebody call an ambulance!”
Everyone turned to stare at the same instant. No one said a word until Wil spoke. “What is it Pru? What’s happened?”
“I can’t believe it! It’s Greta. She’s … she’s …”
Wil just stared at her, as disbelief lanced through his body.
Pru couldn’t seem to force herself to say the words.
“I think she’s dead!”
Some Early Reader Comments About DISTRACTION
From the first page the reader is consumed by the “distractions” Will, the conductor faces. The crescendo builds through to the last page making it impossible for me to put this book down! I can’t wait for the next book. This is a great read.
Musicians, murder and mayhem in the state of Michigan. For those who like a good mystery, it’s a combination sure to please. Jonathan Bruce Brown’s new series – The Wil Walker Mysteries – has it all: complex characters, picturesque settings, historical and psychological grounding … and plots that will keep you guessing until the very end. Volume 1–Dissonance–will whet your appetite; and Volume 2–Distraction–will kill it. (You’ll have to read to find out why.) Highly recommended!
Even if you don’t know the first thing about music, DISTRACTION makes you feel like an active member of the orchestra. The author puts you in the number one chair, trying to navigate the twists and turns surrounding the mystery of unsolved deaths. A great read. Can’t wait for the next installment. Chocolate donuts are no longer on my snack list!!
“With a title like “Distraction”, author Jonathan Bruce Brown is hinting at his readers’ experience to come. I was unable to shake this mystery from my mind until I reached the final pages, when answers were finally revealed. Part ‘whodunit’ thriller, and part astute examination of a man struggling to heal from past trauma while juggling a growing list of new stressors – Distraction is a master class in suspense. Familiar characters introduced to us in Brown’s first feature, Dissonance, evolve delightfully here within this second release in the Wil Walker Mysteries series. Trusty Police Chief Peter Jones and loyal friend Helen Rubinstein are central players, while new names also come into play as the deadly plot twists and turns within the dual settings of Wil’s orchestral community and beautiful, remote northern Michigan. An undercurrent of tension and suspicion will grip you from page one and keep you hooked until Distraction crescendos into its stunning, intense conclusion.”
I was particularly impressed with the focus on the main character’s mental health… It was awesome to see Wil fleshed out as a real person dealing with some very real effects of his past experiences, rather than ignoring them and making him a ‘tough guy’.
The pace of this book was fantastic… I was sucked in, literally on page one. Then, the slow burn of the final chapters made it impossible to put down until the very end!
Fun read! St. Cecile sure hasn’t ended up being a sleepy town after all. I enjoyed the humor in the exchanges between the characters in the book, the glimpses into the inner workings of the characters’ minds, and the excitement of the final sequence, which neatly tied up all the loose ends in ways I didn’t expect. I thought you did a wonderful job weaving in the material about PTSD treatment, and it was apparent to me that you’d done your research regarding those elements of the tale.
I truly enjoyed the musical elements, which are excellent. Great plot with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Picture-making descriptions of locations and characters, some of whom are beginning to feel like friends. Hints of future events that portend more stories. Plus – short chapters.
Wil is impossible not to root for. Good, bad and ugly, he is real – and every reader can relate to him in some way. I look forward to reading more of his story in future releases!
It is especially fun to read insights that seem to be what you feel as a composer and conductor. And the places in Michigan were fun to read about, too. Proud to call you “friend.
Order Distraction Here (If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read DISTRACTION free!)
DISTRACTION (Book 2) Kindle
DISTRACTION (Book 2) Paperback
The series of Wil Walker Mysteries began with DISSONANCE.
Aspiring orchestral composer Wil Walker fears his life and career are going nowhere. Then a bullet cuts down his friend, conductor Henri Falcano, in the middle of his finest performance. Detective Peter Jones uncovers a steady stream of evidence against Wil, but he begins to think all of it is bogus. Jones struggles to find the truth as Wil realizes he must fight to survive the vicious schemes of a ruthless, unseen enemy who is trying to frame him for murder.
An Excerpt from DISSONANCE
A shockingly loud sound exploded in the concert hall as the bullet sped to its target, taking just five hundredths of a second to travel 169 feet to the exact point marked by the crossed beams from the electric eyes.
The bullet slammed into the conductor’s back with cruel efficiency. Its unique design made it create a tiny entry wound and burst violently into pieces inside Falcano’s body, wreaking havoc on his heart and internal organs.
Falcano stood for a moment with a look of utter astonishment.
Then he fell abruptly into the small space between the assistant concertmaster and the principal second violinist.
The music continued raggedly for a couple of seconds until everyone realized what had happened.
A wild cacophony of screams and shouts replaced Mahler’s sublime music as people ducked for cover, ran toward an exit or sat numbly in their seats. Several peered up into the balcony area, fearing more shots might come.
A small group gathered quickly around the stricken musician to see if he could be helped.
It didn’t take them long to abandon hope.
Some Reader Comments About DISSONANCE
Amazing! It is truly hard to believe Dissonance is Bruce Brown’s first book. There would be little for an editor to do with this work, since it already has great plotting, atmosphere, and dialogue, and few weak areas. By the end of this suspenseful adventure, the main characters are vivid and as real as any neighbor. Both Wil Walker, the composer who claims to being framed in the murder, and Peter Jones, the detective who wants to believe Wil despite all the evidence, are finely drawn and sympathetic individuals. This mystery is neither gritty nor cozy: it is just right. And halfway through I commented that I had no idea who the killer was–a sure sign of a great mystery! Rich with music and creativity, the book reflects the author’s own musical life. The descriptions of the symphony members’ lives give authenticity and originality to the book’s bones. The scenes are saturated with glowing images and rhythmic impressions, and the gorgeous Lake Michigan scenery doesn’t take a back seat to anything. It is as much a character in the book as any of the humans. If you love our state’s green places, this book won’t disappoint. Overall I am delighted give this gripping debut a well-earned four stars. It built in intensity throughout and had me rushing to the final breath-taking chapters. I hope he’ll write more! Encore! Bravo!
I had a great time reading the first six chapters of your book and will continue. I love that poor composer who hates to think about insurance and his non-existent retirement plan — even those who have some of each don’t have enough! Along those lines, I thought you represented orchestra musicians really well through the various personalities I’ve met so far. The first chapter felt like Mahler, it was so generous and detailed, down to the audience involvement. The method used to kill the conductor fascinated me. Perhaps it is a common technology, but I’m very unsophisticated in those matters and it really grabbed my attention. Yes, who would have set up that kind of weapon, in so public a death? The Maestro could have been poisoned or shot in some back room. But on the podium? Someone wanted to orchestrate the event for everyone to witness. So, whodunnit? I’ll have to keep reading.
I decided I should listen to the Resurrection Symphony.
I just read the portion of your book where Wil gets invited to speak to the Elderhostel Class and in defending modern compositions rediscovers his own lost passion for music. Without preaching, you’ve penned a good sermon there, my friend! I am enjoying the many musical references, the orchestra organization’s relationships, the Michigan setting, and the different quirky characters and how they interact with one another. Great job!
Order DISSONANCE Here:
DISSONANCE (Book 1) Kindle
DISSONANCE (Book 1) Paperback
Music Excerpts Cited in DISSONANCE
In the first chapter Henri, Falcano, the soon-to-be murder victim, is conducting a performance of Gustav Mahler’s powerful second symphony. The following link will take you to a stunning video of this symphony, performed at the famous Promenade Concerts in London on August 17, 2011 by the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela under the direction of conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
You can go to these timings to find some of the highlights mentioned in the chapter:
1:01:13 Beginning of the Finale
1:20:40 The “Great Call”
1:23:40 Choir’s Entrance
In Chapter 15, Wil wants “to lose himself in a world of sound that [can] carry him far away from this shabby house and all his aggravating problems.” He listens to an organ sonata full of “sinewy, twisting lines” and “dark, dissonant energy” that oddly enough, helps him release nervous tension and relax. This link will take you to a recording of that music, German composer Paul Hindemith’s Organ Sonata #2 played by organist Piet Kee.
Hindemith Organ Sonata #2, Movement 1
In the book’s climactic final scenes, the murderer plays a wildly-distorted version of Richard Wagner’s famous Ride of the Valkyries. You may recognize this music from Francis Ford Coppola’s famous film Apocalypse Now. Follow these links to hear Ride of the Valkyries performed by Daniel Barenboim and the Berlin Philharmonic or a clip from the movie. The psychedelic version in the book, for better or worse, is imaginary.