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Erica Miner


Author, Screenwriter, Journalist, Lecturer

Erica Miner has a passion for writing, in which music, poetry and journaling have reflected her own life's experiences. In a series of interviews and articles found in these web pages, her highly intuitive writing runs the gamut of genres: novels, screenplays, and articles for major arts websites.

She confesses to her readers that her first two novels are based on her journals - but only the author knows for sure what is fiction and what is not! Her main passion is now her series of JULIA KOGAN OPERA MYSTERIES. The entire 3-part series is being republished by Level Best Books, with new titles, covers, updates and enhancements, starting with ARIA FOR MURDER in Sept., 2022. The sequel, PRELUDE TO MURDER, was released in Sept., 2023. Book 3 is due for release in Oct., 2024.

"A cosy mystery at its very best...A fun read from cover to cover, 'Aria for Murder' (is) The stuff of which Hallmark TV mystery movies are made" - Midwest Book Review

PRELUDE TO MURDER: "Miner...presents an insider’s knowledge of operas and opera companies that enhances this delightful mystery. A skillfully written whodunit of operatic proportions" - Kirkus Reviews

This just in from Broadway World: 'congratulations are in order - because you've been deemed to be one of the most important and influential arts journalists/critics in your area! This is a huge achievement and a testament to the amazing work you've done supporting and contributing to local arts.'

Separated prematurely from her livelihood as a violinist with the Metropolitan Opera by a quirk of fate, Erica Miner turned to her lifelong love of writing as her creative outlet. Now an award-winning author and screenwriter and 'top-rated' lecturer, she is committed to inspiring her readers and fans to think creatively.

Latest news flash! The new, updated and enhanced version of Murder in the Pit, now titled ARIA FOR MURDER, released on October 28., 2022! The sequel, PRELUDE TO MURDER, released in Sept., 2023. Book 3 releases in Oct., 2024.

Erica is a featured author for the following arts websites:
BroadwayWorld BroadwayWorld Articles
Bachtrack Bachtrack Articles
LAOpus LAOpus Articles
OperaPulse.com OperaPulse.com Articles
Italian America Magazine

News flash! Erica's author page is now up at Amazon.com: Erica Miner Books


Testimonials

"Pamela Kuhn is a terrific interviewer, and you are a wonderful interviewee!!! Great work, both of you!"
Sieglinde Walse

"I was intrigued by the originality of Erica's award-winning mysteries, with murder and mayhem in the setting of a great opera house---the first being set in the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the second in the Santa Fe Opera. Her experience as a gifted violinist highlights the tremendous effort put into a production, emphasizing all that might go wrong, even without a murder! One charming feature is that each chapter in each of her mysteries begins with a quote from an opera in the original language followed by the English translation. "
Margaret Roche, writer

"Erica Miner, one of the best-prepared, most congenial interviewers with whom I have ever worked"
Daron Hagen, composer

"Thank you Erica for a wonderful talk today! What a gift to have this gem in the middle of the day."
Natalie Lecher, Program Director, OLLI UW

"I agree with Patricia; a WONDERFUL interview! You already know I’m big fan of your opera murder mysteries. Bravissima!!"
Richard Stilwell, international opera star

"In Erica Miner’s latest operatic crime story, "Staged for Murder"...Prepare yourself to be drawn inexorably into her engrossing account of deadly deeds behind the big gold curtain in the City by the Bay
"
Kip Cranna, Dramaturg Emeritus, San Francisco Opera

"‘Death by Opera is a peek behind the curtain of a world-renown opera company, with plenty of mayhem on the bill. Rich spirituality, sumptuous history, and metaphysical frights give Erica Miner’s new novel many layers to enjoy. But it’s the music that steals the show. Amateur sleuth Julia Kogan, now summer concertmaster at Santa Fe’s famous opera company, returns (after Murder in the Pit), and finds herself smack in the middle of a veritable killing spree backstage. An engaging, clever mystery set against bloody arias and deadly recitativo.’"
James Ziskin, Award-winning author

"Erica Miner is the Agatha Christie of the opera world. More than a romp for opera buffs, 'Death By Opera' is a wickedly wonderful, fast-paced thriller: a historically informative and illuminating ‘whodunit’ interweaving ancient legends, ghost stories, and present-day jealousies into a murder mystery of taut suspense playing out at Santa Fe’s world-renowned summer opera festival."
Richard Stilwell, Metropolitan Opera star

"The machinations of Death by Opera are skillfully conducted in a masterful story authored by Erica Miner...a fascinating glimpse into a world that few have the privilege to be a part of"
Wendy Kendall, Author

"I loved the interview! I was also thrilled, that you mentioned Donna Leon and her mystery books, that take place in Venice at La Fenice. Now, I am waiting to read your books."
Aurelia Kimmelmann

"WOW-You need to change your name to Erica Major! 'Death by Opera' is amazing, chilling, fascinating, inspiring, and reflects so much knowledge and research. Thank you, Erica. Keep writing!!"
Patricia Daly-Lipe, author

"‘I adore your writing. I get so deliciously lost in it. Beautiful, easy flow. I didn’t want it to end. Operagoers from all around the world are sure to be thrilled with your books.’"
Sonette Bales, Giving Director, San Diego Opera

"A quick and absorbing read, for sure, especially when you’re quoting all the haunts of the Opera House I know so well, and of course Santa Fe itself and the mountains."
Edward Alley, conductor

"Wow, were you prepared! So clear, precise, and on point! Congratulations!"
Patricia Daly-Lipe, author

"Quite a fun trip through Santa Fe and backstage at the Opera with a sweet interlude and subplot at Radiance. Many cool moments to go with rich characters and clever dialogue. Wonderful. You deserve big success with Death by Opera and mysteries to come."
Rob Dean, Searchlight New Mexico

"Having just enjoyed 3 of your reviews and articles, I am enthralled with your expressive, catchy writing and your resource of in-depth musical knowledge. Very impressive, Erica!"
Carol Worthey, composer

"Erica's marvelous lectures on opera take us behind the famous Met 'Golden Curtain' for a look at what really goes on in this intriguing, mad and most demanding world of any art form. Erica leaves the audience always wanting to hear more. Don’t miss any chance to hear her lectures. Whether you’re a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer, she is the very best at what she does. Brava, Erica!"
Ron Della Chiesa, broadcast host, Boston Symphony Orchestra

"'Book signing with the illustrious Erica Miner. Delightful. Engaging. Intriguing. Now home to begin the book. Murder at the opera - perfect.'"
Risë Walter, San Diego Opera

"The best classical music journalist on the planet - Erica Miner."
Jim Boydston, San Diego Opera

"I appreciate reading music reviews from someone who actually knows music and can talk about something more than a missed note or two!"
Charlotte Donady Dinwiddie, musician

"Your informative and thoughtful presentation to the Wagner Society of Southern California in San Diego was simply outstanding. Your ability to stand in front of the attendees and deliver an extremely well organized and interesting presentation without notes held the audience glued to your every word. Your personal experiences as a first violinist in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra playing Wagner’s demanding operatic works, plus your humor and candor both in the presentation and in answering questions, added significantly to the personal connection you were able to establish with the Wagner aficionados, many of whom have in-depth knowledge of Wagner’s music and Wagner the man. Great job!!"
Larry Hunt, Wagner Society of Southern California

"Erica, I was so glad to get to hear you live – you were terrific! You are a beautiful and welcoming performer/lecturer. You have the ability to weave your knowledge/information into your interesting rich stories, which of course pulls the audience right into the palm of your hand. Your audience today was stimulated, engaged – and left as I did, knowing more about opera and its history."
Maggie Marshall, author and lecturer

"I want to thank you for the generosity of spirit shown Monday night... (you) presented a clear and content-rich message, and you were very well received, as I'm sure you know. I'm sure that you could tell that the audience was WITH you the whole time."
Gary Young, Director of Professional Development, IWOSC

"The Mystery panel was terrific! You did a great job in selecting the authors. Each one was delightful, clever, knowledgeable and very generous with information."
Flo Selfman, President, Independent Writers of Southern CA

"I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation today. You were most impressive, speaking fluently, without any notes. I enjoyed your theme of family chaos and the wonderful musical examples you used to support it. You also asked engaging questions of your listeners."
Eileen Wingard, violinist

"Thank you for giving us a GREAT show. I was very impressed!
"
John T. Wills, Blog Talk Radio talk show host

"Erica is compelling and honest. Her main objective is to help others bounce back after life's challenges and setbacks. Our audience was spellbound by her personal story and fascinating novel."
Monica Pierre, WQUE FM,
New Orleans


"Thanks for being my guest last night... I thought it was fun and an interesting subject for women. I would love to have you back on again!"
Lee Mirabal, WSRadio.com


"Erica invites those who don't know a lot about the opera world (I'm guilty as charged, LOL) into it with accessible characters, intriguing situations and a sense of delight. You don't have to be an opera expert to love her books" -- Mary Beth Magee, podcast interviewer




















Prelude to Murder

"Her scene-setting in the opera world, replete with detestable divas, wannabe stars, and snarky stagehands, makes for a delicious read" -- Lynn Slaughter, award-winning author

Buy it Now, at:
Barnesandnoble.com
Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

In the Mercer Island, WA area,
Prelude to Murder
is available at:
Island Books
3014 78th Ave. SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
206-232-6920
https://www.islandbooks.com/search/site/erica%20miner


In the Lynnwood, WA area,
Prelude to Murder
is available at:
Barnes & Noble
19401 Alderwood Mall Pkwy
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 771-2220


In the Lake Forest Park, WA area,
Prelude to Murder
is available at:
Third Place Books Lake Forest Park
17171 Bothell Way NE, #A101
Lake Forest Park WA 98155
(206) 366-3333



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