The Soprano Wore Falsettos: A Liturgical Mystery by Mark Schweizer, is the fourth novel in this series about police chief and part-time Episcopal choirmaster Hayden Konig.
Konig is on leave from his religious responsibilities at St. Barnabas church. Although technically he resigned, the church appreciates him very much. It gave him some time to figure out what he is going to do next.
In the meantime, they have hired a new organist, Agnes Day, to take over. Oops! Now there is a bad decision. Not only does her experience leave something to be desired (Hayden has two music degrees), but she is known for not having her act completely together.
Unfortunately, one of the women at the church can testify to her incompetence. When Annette Passaglio's daughter, Misty, got married, Agnes played the organ since Hayden was not available. At the ceremony, the frantic sounds of rustling papers told people Agnes could not locate her music. To make matters worse, she fell in the orchestra pit while trying to retrieve the correct sheet music! Did I mention this wedding was being recorded?
But things are about to change. Somebody murdered Agnes by hitting her over the head with a handbell. Whoever it was managed to disappear before Hayden could make his way up to the choir loft.
There are several suspects, from an upset mother-of-the-bride to a developer who stood to lose millions to the "country gardener".
When Kenny Frazier needs a refill of his "legal" prescription for marijuana, Hayden discovers Agnes was asked first as she was a nurse. She declined, but suggested Frazier call the FBI and ask for assistance. He did, which resulted in a raid on his property. This was a problem, since he was growing acres of marijuana in his backyard.
Frazier is shot during Konig's investigation, which leads to a couple of unfortunate South Park references.
Add a problematic Easter service, a surprise engagement, a killer who is perhaps the last person you might suspect, and you have another book to enjoy!
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