Praise for

THE WONDER SINGER

By George Rabasa

"The Wonder Singer" was selected by Mary Ann Grossmann of the Pioneer Press as one of "37 page-turners by our favorite Minnesota authors."

"A veritable caper. Mark Lockwood takes on the task of ghostwriting Mercè Casals's autobiography, and it seems that the winds of fortune have finally shifted for the hack writer. But when his diva dies in her bathtub, Lockwood must pen her story on the lam, evading his agent's ploys to retrieve his tapes and notes, and out-writing his competitor. Rabasa artfully intertwines the stories of both the author and his subject to create a charming narrative."-City Pages

"A gem....Sophisticated structurally and thematically, "The Wonder Singer" is also somehow humble, a quick read that, with its clear prose and impeccable pacing, seduces us into plot... like a great aria, it stays with you."-The Cleveland Plain-Dealer

"His descriptions are astute and often humorous...And Rabasa aptly captures the tension in a disintegrating couple. ...Through it all, the Wonder Singer holds her fans, and readers, in thrall with a tale that incorporates all of life's notes, the high and the low."-Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"Mesmerizing...Lyrical and funny, this is the perfect book for a rainy, fall day."-Christy's Book Blog

"Rabasa's prose is lyrical, enchanting, and absorbing, drawing readers into the vivid scenes full of emotion. The Wonder Singer is a character-driven novel examining the impact of early abandonment by a father on a gifted, young singer, her triumph as an opera star, and the drive and fear writers feel when they are faced with a project they would do almost anything to complete even if they feel outmatched and inexperienced."-savvy verse & wit

"Rabasa (Floating Kingdom) utilizes the story-within-a-story technique, effectively giving a historical feel to a contemporary novel. Readers not only learn about the Spanish civil war and the training regimen of the operatic voice but are also offered a glimpse into the soul of a writer honing his craft."-Library Journal

"A lovely cliché-bending crime novel with the pacing and plot of Elmore Leonard and the heart and scope of Russell Banks...The Wonder Singer is a sweet story of stagnant situations made vibrant through love, art, passion, and the pursuit of absolute and unconditional happiness, at all cost."-newpages.com

"An engaging exploration of the power of art."-Booklist

"The Wonder Singer is a song in itself, bringing readers from low notes to high notes and back again. It is a wonderfully complex character-driven story that shines in the hands of a talented writer. I definitely plan to read more of Rabasa's work in the future."-diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com

"I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I especially enjoyed the characters... was a great deal of fun to read. It did have some serious parts, but the majority of this book was fast-paced, action-filled, and very funny."-bookingmama.blogspot.com

"A storytelling beauty perfect for a relaxing weekend...a pure joy for the reader's senses."-Metro Spirit (GA)

"Worth the read."-book-blog.com

"A wonder... highly recommended."- Kingman Daily Miner (AZ)

"The #1 fan, the devoted housekeeper, and the hired ghostwriter provide real chemistry and often funny scenes throughout the book. And by the time you reach the last chapter, you may find yourself rooting for the good guys, booing the bad guys, and mourning the loss of a great voice in opera."-bn.com

"A funny literary caper, Lockwood moves around, writing the book as fast as he can. The reader is treated to a look at world of writing for a living, the glamour world of real stars, and the possibility of romance if one has the courage to grasp it. This one is a winner! "-bookviews.com

"Gorgeously written...poignant."-curledup.com

"A fascinating look inside the world of opera and the acclaim that comes with being a diva. Bravo!"-IjustFinished.com

"An enjoyable journey ...atmospheric and sensual."

Lauretta, Constellation Books

"A fun romp...entertaining."-dreyslibrary.blogspot.com

"Recommended for those ready for a good, sink-into-and-forget-the-world experience."-Booksie's Blog

"Rabasa is an impeccable writer with a talent for making characters that are believable and complicated. The all too human experiences endured by the characters give the story a sublime and impossible to escape from charm. Arias rise and fall, suffused with a catalog of emotions, which capture the heart. This is, of course, the life of Mercè Casals- a grand aria told in spoken language."-morbidromantic.com

"A fabulous work of fiction that hooks the audience from the onset."-Harriet Klausner

"I very much enjoyed reading this, and would definitely pick up another book by George Rabasa."-Medieval Bookworm