Piano tuner Frank Ryan is paid in kind by an aging music teacher with an old manuscript that turns out to be Beethoven’s Tenth Symphony.

Launched into a world of intrigue and violence, Ryan, an unlikely sleuth, realizes he must use his wits to conquer his enemies and solve the mystery of the manuscript. In the process Ryan discovers whom he can trust and what he is made of. The first in a series featuring Frank Ryan, Beethoven’s Tenth is a smart page-turner.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Brian Harvey's profile page

• Short-listed, The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Novella

Brian Harvey is a scientist and writer. He holds a PhD in marine biology and specializes in conservation of aquatic biodiversity. He founded and ran a successful nonprofit fisheries organization between 1995 and 2005, then resigned in order to devote more time to writing. Brian began his writing career in the mid-1990s with Against the Current, a travel column for the Victoria Times Colonist newspaper. He followed that with another column, Reality Check, for Waters magazine, as well as science-travel articles for Escape and Westworld. His first nonfiction book for a general audience, The End of the River, was chosen as a Globe and Mail Best 100 Book for 2008. He is currently finishing a second nonfiction book about sailing around Vancouver Island and is working on several fiction projects. Brian lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

"An entertaining novella featuring an unlikely hero...It's amazing how much is packed into this slim volume. It's told in first person and Frank is a charming narrator. His chatty and humorous voice will have you laughing and cringing, often at the same time, as he relates his story. The characters are well developed and distinct. It's an easy, fast-paced read with a couple of nice little twists I didn't see coming."

Escape from the ER blog

"Simple vocabulary, a relatable male character, and a fast-paced plot line that hooks the reader immediately...Ideal for adults who have difficulty reading or for anyone who simply enjoys a quick read with nonstop action and adventure...Those who work with high school-aged English language learners may find titles in this series useful recommendations as well."

VOYA

"A tiny paperback with a surprisingly appealing content. A mystery with a fabulous, fresh sense of humor...There is a certain charm in a self-deprecating, a little goofy, but definitely smart and decent protagonist. I shall certainly look forward to the next Frank Ryan mystery."

Clara, LibraryThing Early Reviewer

"The perfect gift for mystery fans."

Kirkus Reviews

"Harvey has created a believable character in Frank Ryan. The circumstances that he finds himself in become very complicated very quickly. As an unlikely detective, Ryan escapes his attacker and manages to outsmart everyone, even the detectives. Rather than create a simple plot, Harvey writes a story that has many twists and turns. Beethoven's Tenth is not a simple story, but a page-turner that requires close attention to detail. A quick read."

CM Magazine