“Mirron Willis gives a virtuoso performance…[and] never strikes a false note in Karp’s well-researched period mystery. He fashions living human beings of all colors, textures, and dispositions with only his smooth, sultry voice. A rich listen. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

“The rich and immensely expressive voice and narration of actor Mirron Willis place the listener fully in the world of Joplin and Berlin. His ease with dialects and gender render all characters real and immediate. The tragedy of Joplin’s quest to express his great gifts, and Willis’ skill with prose and personalities, will stay with the listener.”

“An impressive account of [Scott Joplin’s] final months, the murder mystery made all the more real by the recognizable names associated with it.”

“An extensively researched and eminently readable historical mystery, this is a must for ragtime fans.”

“Well-crafted…Karp’s meticulous research helps create a vivid picture of the time and locale. Memorable, authentic characters are another plus.”

“Impressively researched, with a substantial bibliography, Karp’s second Joplin mystery paints a full-bodied portrait of Harlem back in the day.”