I don't think it was just the pleasure of spending a cozy day inside with fluffy white snow falling outside as a backdrop that made Mephisto Aria such a terrific read. With a storyline steeped in opera and history, Justine Saracen's novel offers up suspense, romance, sincerity and wonderful writing. I am not well-versed in opera, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the world our main character Katherina Marov lives in; if anything it made me want to learn more about Faust and other operas referenced throughout Mephisto.

Mephisto Aria centers around Katherina's successful career as a singer and how she struggles in the aftermath of her father's sudden death. When she discovers a hidden journal among the things he left behind, her life is rocked when everything she thought she knew about her family history comes undone. As she does her best to move on with life and her agent keeps getting her new and bigger roles, she meets people bent on destroying her and people who want to help.

Katherina also falls in love along the way, possibly for the very first time ever, and not knowing what to do in the face of seemingly being rejected, gives herself even more passionately to the music that has always been such a huge part of her life.

One thing that surprised me about Mephisto Aria is how clever and original it is. By having the background focus so strongly on opera the forefront plot (with its diabolical elements) gains a palpable plausibility. Drama is saved from becoming melodrama because Justine Saracen is an amazing writer and because opera is the perfect set-up for everything that goes on. With Faust coming into play how can anything else seem ridiculous? It works beautifully.

Another plus: the novel contains an afterword from the author explaining the history behind her work, making this is a perfect treat for any day, snowy or not! ( )