Scan barcode
lizzym126's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Classism, Racism, Suicide, and Bullying
Moderate: Suicide, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Alcohol, and Outing
mezzythedragon's review against another edition
4.0
I will say it starts kind of slow, but picks up halfway, especially when Bern runs afoul of the Delaney Foundation.
Overall, another hit from Brendan Slocumb. Do read the author’s note at the end.
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Violence, Ableism, and Police brutality
kaseycanread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Racism
lisas_bookshelf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Gaslighting, and Racism
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Murder and Violence
onmalsshelf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As is becoming a normal for me, I picked up Slocumb’s sophomore novel before picking up The Violin Conspiracy. Even though I haven’t read his first book, it’s clear to me that Slocumb hasn’t hit a sophomore slump.
I was intrigued by this dual timeline plot the entire time.
Present time, Dr Bern Hendricks is called on by the Delaney Foundation to look at the authenticity a piece by Frederick Delaney of what supposed to be his magnum opus song. He brings in his friend Ebonie to help, and as the two dig deeper, nothing is what it seems.
In the 1920s, song-writer, pianist, and salesman Frederick Delaney meets Josephine Reed, a neurodivergent woman living on the streets who a keen ear of music. As the two pair up, success comes quickly, but as we all know success comes at a price.
As Bern and Ebonie dig deeper, they come closer to revealing something that would ruin the Delaney’s and their perfect reputation.
I loved this mix of mystery and music (so much piano) and the twists and turns kept me hooked the entire time.
Highly recommend.
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
brunonadamas's review
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Racism, Gun violence, Violence, Alcoholism, and Death
leslie_overbookedsocialworker's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Racism, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Death, Confinement, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Gun violence, and Hate crime
evawondergem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Racial slurs
grubrednuf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Racism, Racial slurs, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Classism
Moderate: Confinement, Murder, and Ableism
Minor: Cultural appropriation
amandalorianxo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Racial slurs, Police brutality, Confinement, and Mental illness