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The Music is Murder Saga #1
The Ties That Bind
Grab your backstage pass for an exclusive glimpse behind fame and fortune into the heart of rock 'n roll. Explore the complex lives and loves of three musical families connected by secrets one man will kill to protect.
Farin O’Conner is making her dreams—well, her father’s dreams—come true. Driven by his memory as much as the nightmares over his mysterious death fifteen years ago, Farin is desperate to overcome her tragic childhood with a new contract, a new relationship, and a new life. Despite friends and family warning her of the pitfalls ahead, she soldiers on, determined to succeed at all costs. But will her past make demands her future can’t meet?
Jordan Grant is pop music’s biggest sensation and teen heartthrob. He has the looks, the talent, and the desire for a conventional life in an unconventional profession. With a young son whose existence is omitted from his public bio, a failed relationship with Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the pressure of his oldest brother to leave LA for good, he has difficult decisions to make. When he meets Farin, he believes he can have it all. And he does…but not for long.
Jameson Lockhardt, mega-mogul and career maker, has created an empire other record labels envy. An empire built on a foundation of blood, and fortified by manipulation and greed. A distant father and merciless businessman, those around him are shocked when he takes an instant—if unnatural—interest in Farin’s career. Under his care, Farin gets everything she ever wanted…and much more than she bargained for.
Music is murder. Long live rock ‘n roll.
Farin O’Conner is making her dreams—well, her father’s dreams—come true. Driven by his memory as much as the nightmares over his mysterious death fifteen years ago, Farin is desperate to overcome her tragic childhood with a new contract, a new relationship, and a new life. Despite friends and family warning her of the pitfalls ahead, she soldiers on, determined to succeed at all costs. But will her past make demands her future can’t meet?
Jordan Grant is pop music’s biggest sensation and teen heartthrob. He has the looks, the talent, and the desire for a conventional life in an unconventional profession. With a young son whose existence is omitted from his public bio, a failed relationship with Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the pressure of his oldest brother to leave LA for good, he has difficult decisions to make. When he meets Farin, he believes he can have it all. And he does…but not for long.
Jameson Lockhardt, mega-mogul and career maker, has created an empire other record labels envy. An empire built on a foundation of blood, and fortified by manipulation and greed. A distant father and merciless businessman, those around him are shocked when he takes an instant—if unnatural—interest in Farin’s career. Under his care, Farin gets everything she ever wanted…and much more than she bargained for.
Music is murder. Long live rock ‘n roll.
424 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2001
About the author
Heather O'Brien
4 books16 followersHeather O’Brien is a novelist and no stranger to the creative arts. The great-great-granddaughter of world-renowned cellist Bruno Steindel of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, she can trace back her creative roots to five generations of notable musicians, artists, and toy makers. Her family tree contains the branches of many disciplines of the finer arts.
A seeker of what motivates the heart, she has a certain knack for drawing complex characters who explore the sometimes painful dynamics of life and love, choice and consequence, regret and reconciliation. Though many of her stories take place in the entertainment industry, she infuses intense humanity into an industry perceived as lacking the very things that connect us. She describes her writing style primarily as that of a “reformed pantser,” explaining that the intricacies of the saga forced her to become a hybrid, and then eventually a plotter, for the remainder of its telling.
Like all human drama, the overarching plotline for the Music is Murder saga is multiplex and surpasses the confines of a single novel. Over time, the story grew from a sequel (A Fate Worse Than Fame) to a trilogy (Ballad of Someday), and eventually into to a 7-book series. The overall foundation remains the story that found her at age eleven.
Over her career, she has dabbled in other areas of entertainment, including music and film. Most notably, she worked as a documentary film producer with an indie director from the Bay Area from 2002-2004. Her contributions included the investigation of a gruesome, multiple homicide that took place in the mid-’80s, in the small town she had lived in as a child.
Heather is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Professional Women and the Alliance of Independent Authors. When hanging out with friends, she loves to talk story, writing, music, and movies. She is a wife, a mother/step-mother of six, and a grandmother of nine. Some of her hobbies include music, amateur video editing, travel, and research. She spends most her spare time with family.
For more information, visit: www.booksbyheather.com.
A seeker of what motivates the heart, she has a certain knack for drawing complex characters who explore the sometimes painful dynamics of life and love, choice and consequence, regret and reconciliation. Though many of her stories take place in the entertainment industry, she infuses intense humanity into an industry perceived as lacking the very things that connect us. She describes her writing style primarily as that of a “reformed pantser,” explaining that the intricacies of the saga forced her to become a hybrid, and then eventually a plotter, for the remainder of its telling.
Like all human drama, the overarching plotline for the Music is Murder saga is multiplex and surpasses the confines of a single novel. Over time, the story grew from a sequel (A Fate Worse Than Fame) to a trilogy (Ballad of Someday), and eventually into to a 7-book series. The overall foundation remains the story that found her at age eleven.
Over her career, she has dabbled in other areas of entertainment, including music and film. Most notably, she worked as a documentary film producer with an indie director from the Bay Area from 2002-2004. Her contributions included the investigation of a gruesome, multiple homicide that took place in the mid-’80s, in the small town she had lived in as a child.
Heather is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Professional Women and the Alliance of Independent Authors. When hanging out with friends, she loves to talk story, writing, music, and movies. She is a wife, a mother/step-mother of six, and a grandmother of nine. Some of her hobbies include music, amateur video editing, travel, and research. She spends most her spare time with family.
For more information, visit: www.booksbyheather.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 26, 2023
I'd assume most authors set out to make their readers laugh, cry, and swoon, but few authors succeed. Heather O'Brien in one of the few. I was so mad at Farin during the story that I nearly tossed it across the room. I felt so sad for her at other times i wanted to dive into the pages and hug her and comfort her.
She is the kind of generational talent as a singer and musician that the media pounces all over, and her rise to fame has profound impacts on her life. She is a flawed woman, but a champion and a hero. Her struggle to embrace life and to love with abandon will ignite in you a yearning to live in ways you've never lived.
Sure, Lockhardt Sound is a novel, but you could easily read it as a book of inspiration on how to get the most out of life and how not to. I can't wait to read the next book in the saga. I was blown away and you will be too!
She is the kind of generational talent as a singer and musician that the media pounces all over, and her rise to fame has profound impacts on her life. She is a flawed woman, but a champion and a hero. Her struggle to embrace life and to love with abandon will ignite in you a yearning to live in ways you've never lived.
Sure, Lockhardt Sound is a novel, but you could easily read it as a book of inspiration on how to get the most out of life and how not to. I can't wait to read the next book in the saga. I was blown away and you will be too!
April 24, 2023
Lockhardt Sound was a really fun, fast paced read that's full of secrets, romance, drama, mystery and so much more. The pacing was good, plot amazing, and characters unique.I would definitely recommend this book.
April 21, 2023
This book is filled with family drama, tragedies, secrets, romance and murder. It made me want to keep reading to find out the truth. Buckle up for a wild ride! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 28, 2017
This book sucked me in and took over my life. I could not put it down. It's a page turner, and turner. This author did her work, hands down. She didn't just throw a story together, but she created something real. At times, I forgot this was a book and not real life. Jordan is such a sweet guy. You can't help but love him. Then there's Chris. You'll hate him, but you still love him. You can't help it. And Farin, I want to be Farin in my next life. I envied her. I followed this story to the end of the book, feeling as though I had stepped into their life. It was real, emotional, and so captivating. Each character is so well developed. Her style is like no other. If you want a really good book, then look no further. It took me four days to let go of this story once I finished. Great job. Your hard work speaks for itself.
March 1, 2013
Smart, stylish, sexy and compelling! Couldn't put it down. At last, a novel thoroughly researched with fresh writing and intriguing characters. I could visualize and feel every subtle nuance. But wait! There are twists of fate and bold choices that make you wonder what's coming in the next chapter. This is adult writing at its best. An insider's look at fame, family and reversals of fortune. Plus a healthy dose of contemporary humor and excitement. I just bought the second in the Ties That Bind saga and it is even more seductive in revealing passion, betrayal and heart-wrenching loyalties. All I can say is "More, give me more.".
March 30, 2018
A beautiful and sometimes tragic tale of love, passion, and remorse, all entangled against the backdrop of the music industry "ways." The creative pacing is spot-on for this romantic suspense novel; the characters are well-developed--you often feel both love and hate for a few of them at the same time! Really gets your heart involved. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from Heather O'Brien.
October 9, 2018
A heartbreaking story of a girl who cannot let go of the past of any past. Farin holds onto heartbreak and it swallows her whole. As a reader you cheer for her to win against all the emotional battles and dangerous situations. The writing is descriptive and pulls you in, I stayed up late to finish the book. I had to know what was going to happen next!
July 9, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. It was epic and I can’t wait for the next book. I was completely enthralled from the beginning to the end. I hate cliffhangers, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This book was heartbreaking and beautiful. It was epic and I can’t wait for the next book. I was completely enthralled from the beginning to the end. I hate cliffhangers, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be worth it.
September 18, 2018
An absolutely entertaining read that kept me gripped to each and every page. I was engrossed in the relationships between the characters. I felt immediately pulled into the storyline and couldn't put it down. An absolute must read
February 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I don't normally read this type or genre, but I read this when it was first published, and it left me anxious for the next one.
Great job Ms. O'Brien.
Great job Ms. O'Brien.
May 21, 2023
Oh my gosh, this book blew me away. I'm telling you, this author did her work. She didn't just slap the words onto pages. I wasn't sure the book was my thing, but boy was I wrong. I got sucked in to the point I ignored life and only wanted to read what happened next. I literally put my life on hold until I read this amazing story and when I did, it took me a few days to walk away from it and pick back up with life. I don't want to spoil anything but I could write a book alone on how good this one is. I've only had 3 books to ever captivate me and this is one of them and it ranks number one. No other book has left me in awe the way this one did. Again, don't want to spoil it but these characters are going to feel so real. You're going to want to feed your mouth with pop corn and sit on the edge of your seat. It will pull at every emotion you have and leave you wanting to read book two. If you pass up this book, you're really passing up a gem. I rarely (and this is the honest truth) make it past the first chapter of a book because it takes a lot to hook me. You'll be hooked too.
November 12, 2020
One thing is for sure, another aspiring writer has written a book. But this book is both good and original. Unfortunately the parts that are original are not good and the parts that are good are not original. Even during this covid19 outbreak, some books are just not worth time nor the paper they're printed on. Even when they were reduced for just pennies at your local Goodwill.
September 23, 2023
this book is amazing. gut-wrenching and and breathtaking with the scenes. i cannot wait to read book 2 to find out what is going on!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews