The novel is by Caleb Carr.
I found a lute reference in a rather unexpected setting: the lap of
Sherlock Holmes! (The Italian Secretary, a new Sherlock Holmes mystery
taking place mainly in Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland.)
Dr. John Watson, as usual, narrates:
An ancient stringed instrument was perched across one of his [Holmes']
knees.
..
He continued to pluck and toy with the old musical instrument, forcing me
finally to inquire: "Holmes, what _is_ that thing?"
..
"It is a lute, Watson."
..
..satisfied that he had properly tuned the thing at last, Holmes began to
play...
Surely this last bit is proof that Holmes is the greatest of detectives!
Regards,
Leonard Williams
No portions of the plot have been revealed in the writing of this missive.
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