‘Symphony of Secrets’ by Brendan Slocumb

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Rating: 4 out of 5.

Bern Hendricks is a university professor who has dedicated his life to the works of a famous composer and has become an expert hired by the Delaney Foundation to authenticate and prepare for performance a newly discovered piece of music. In order to meet the deadline, Bern enlists the help of his old friend and computer genius Eboni.

Together they begin work on the project, but soon make some shocking discoveries and uncover some secrets. Their investigation is discovered and the two find themselves in the crosshairs of a powerful organisation that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden–Fred Delaney may have had help from a silent partner with his composition, yet taken all the credit. The real composer’s brilliance was never acknowledged. Bern and Eboni will have to fight hard to right history’s wrongs.

This second page-turner from musician and music teacher (and now author) Brendan Slocumb, was just as good as the first, although if I had to choose, The Violin Conspiracy is still my favourite of the two.

I really appreciate how Slocumb brings some important issues of Black experience in the music industry to the fore in both books. His novels are important, as well as being engaging and fun to read.

‘The Violin Conspiracy’ by Brendan Slocumb

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Wow, I loved this page-turner debut novel by a Black music teacher. It’s a compelling mystery/thriller about a stolen violin, but it’s more. It’s a bildungsroman. It’s also an inspirational underdog story that I just couldn’t put down. The only thing it lacked was a playlist of all of the gorgeous violin pieces mentioned in the book. I did listen to some of them while reading and found it a marvellous accompaniment.

Rayquan McMillian loves playing the violin more than anything, and nothing will stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician. Not his mother, who thinks he should get a real job and thinks what he plays on his ‘fiddle’ is just ‘noise.’ Not the fact that he can’t afford a high-caliber violin. And not the racism inherent in the classical music world. Ray’s journey is not an easy one, but his devotion and passion for music and the love of a special person see him through. Ray reminds us that it’s important to do what you love, stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to do the hard work.

Slocumb has a new novel coming out in April 2023 called Symphony of Secrets. Can’t wait! For a nice bio of the author, click here.