Bill Moody (1) (1941–2018)

The story of Chet Baker's fatal fall in 1988 from an Amsterdam hotel windowledge is well-known so there was not much else to be detected or discovered by jazz pianist and occasional detective Evan Horne. What he found himself looking for was his academic friend Ace Buffington, who went missing while researching a book he was writing about Chet Baker's demise. Ace had asked Horne to accompany him on a research trip to Amsterdam, a request that was declined, although Horne was going to be playing in the same city. Miffed at the rebuff Ace got out of a tight spot by mentioning Horne's name before taking off back to California, thus putting his friend in a dangerous jam with Baker's Amsterdam drug dealers.

The mystery in Moody's novels, especially this one, is not the main attraction, but the talk about jazz and jazz musicians is a big draw and is what I find most interesting and appealing. Moody is a jazz musician and music critic so knows his subject thoroughly making this series a pleasure to read.… (meer)

After enjoying one of Moody's mystery series last year I went back to the first in the series. This one takes place as world-class jazz pianist Evan Horne is recovering from an injury to his right hand leaving him unable to play but allowing him plenty of time to investigate a case of blackmail against his friend and fellow jazz musician. There is much name-dropping and casual references to familiar names in the jazz world. It's obvious Moody knows his stuff where the recording business is concerned when a royalties scam is uncovered. Evan Horne, aided by his flight attendant neighbour, Cindy, make a fine pair of investigators.… (meer)