The Stradivari Formula is a well written mystery thriller/espionage novel by luthier Grit Laskin. Due out 1st June 2024 by indie Canadian publisher Fitzhenry & Whiteside, it's 334 pages and will be available in paperback format.

Engaging, very much action driven plot which features a well known fictitious luthier tasked with repairing a Stradivarius guitar (yes, his studio apparently made some). It's a little bit of wish fulfillment, the author's a talented luthier himself, and why not? Although it's not derivative in any way, there's a definite "Da Vinci Code" vibe, with a medieval/renaissance mystery come down to the protagonists almost accidentally from the past, full of secret agents and ruthless bad guys.

It's a fun romp, and very theatrical. It would make a good action movie. Being deeply personally knowledgeable about stringed instruments and the high-end world of luthiers and their customers has definitely helped with the verisimilitude. It's full of really interesting (otherwise hidden to regular people) facts and minutiae on guitars, wood, music, crafting processes, and musicians.

There is some violence, though not egregious. The opening scene is painful to read (destruction of personal property on a catastrophic scale), but the book resolves satisfyingly.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition and home collections. Since it's from an indie publisher, it might not be on the general ALA radar lists. Worth the effort to acquire.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This was an interesting thriller complete with stolen property, international intrigue, and MI6 agents - all of which was elevated by a search for the lost Stradivari technique of violin making. I enjoyed the intrigue, was enraptured by the Stradivari aspects, and really enjoyed the deep friendships of the characters.

The concept for this book was intriguing and I found the plot intriguing and well-paced. But, the dialogue felt lifeless to me and the characters never really came to life for me.

It would make a great movie, but the novel itself needs more polish to really sparkle as the concept deserves .

The Stradivari Formula The Rise of Oceania by Grit Laskin

Stradivari is famous for making the best violins. Did you know he also made some guitars? Many wonder how the craftsman achieved his extraordinary results. Any secret methods or techniques that may have been employed. Here a luthier stumbles upon some evidence of such but others are also very interested. A fun experience.