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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
This was definitely an easy-to-read page-turner about a Columbia-educated university professor of music tasked with bringing to life Red, a lost and just recovered highly anticipated opera of Delany, who was the most popular and prolific American composer who died tragically to suicide. He tag teams with Ebony, a cybersecurity expert to track down the background of what was going on with Delany at the time to understand how to decode/transcribe the opera from the damaged music sheets as authentic to the original as possible. And through this exploration they discover, ofc, a history of musical genius, murder, and mayhem.
I love how easy it was to root for the 2 main leads in the story. And in the 1st half of the book, it was lovely to see the portrayal of minorities (2 black people) in a light of excellence, rather than of just solely existing to point out oppression and victimization. Ebony's personality was a riot.
Drawbacks to the story is that Slocumb really exaggerated the racism of the villains in the latter half. I can forgive the extreme overt racism detailed portrayed in the storyline of the early 20th century, however when we got to the present-day storyline, where they're mentioning modern likes such as Bezos and Musk, it got way too unidemensional in the story's portrayal of how racism and how board of directors power plays take place today. Seriously, the villains in present day started spewing stuff like don't mess with me, the likes of you should be intimidated by my power, boy. Mustache twirling. Like what? I nearly took off another star because of it, but abstained, because even with such exaggerated portrayals, the story itself can stand on its own as an enjoyable, fast-paced story.
I'm trying to diversify my reading this year while also reading less (i.e. probably not 132 books like last year), and can say I'm glad this is in my "read" pile.
I love how easy it was to root for the 2 main leads in the story. And in the 1st half of the book, it was lovely to see the portrayal of minorities (2 black people) in a light of excellence, rather than of just solely existing to point out oppression and victimization. Ebony's personality was a riot.
Drawbacks to the story is that Slocumb really exaggerated the racism of the villains in the latter half. I can forgive the extreme overt racism detailed portrayed in the storyline of the early 20th century, however when we got to the present-day storyline, where they're mentioning modern likes such as Bezos and Musk, it got way too unidemensional in the story's portrayal of how racism and how board of directors power plays take place today. Seriously, the villains in present day started spewing stuff like don't mess with me, the likes of you should be intimidated by my power, boy. Mustache twirling. Like what? I nearly took off another star because of it, but abstained, because even with such exaggerated portrayals, the story itself can stand on its own as an enjoyable, fast-paced story.
I'm trying to diversify my reading this year while also reading less (i.e. probably not 132 books like last year), and can say I'm glad this is in my "read" pile.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book, could not put it down. I see Mr Slocumb didn’t suffer from the « sophomore slump »
This is where we really see that he knows his stuff because the description of the music never feels cheesy and overdone.
It kept my right in the middle of hating and having empathy for frederic which is a place a loathe to be in what looking at a character like this (but it’s what keeps me reading so jk I like it).
I love that it’s never explicitly explained in the pages that Josephine is neurodivergent but we just understand it, and it makes Frederic seem more horrible than he already is.
Also, it was jarring to see segregation written as casually as it was here. Because yes, sometimes, the explanation of everyone’s action at the time is just : racism.
I found the end to be a bit melodramatic and I didn’t really feel the vindication, which dropped my grade down to a 4.75 but again: very very nice book
This is where we really see that he knows his stuff because the description of the music never feels cheesy and overdone.
It kept my right in the middle of hating and having empathy for frederic which is a place a loathe to be in what looking at a character like this (but it’s what keeps me reading so jk I like it).
I love that it’s never explicitly explained in the pages that Josephine is neurodivergent but we just understand it, and it makes Frederic seem more horrible than he already is.
Also, it was jarring to see segregation written as casually as it was here. Because yes, sometimes, the explanation of everyone’s action at the time is just : racism.
I found the end to be a bit melodramatic and I didn’t really feel the vindication, which dropped my grade down to a 4.75 but again: very very nice book
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I’m now 2 for 2 with Brendan Slocumb’s books, and he writes the best musical stories. Symphony of Secrets is a masterful blend of present-day mystery and historical fiction, weaving between two timelines that had me equally invested. This novel tells an important story about appropriation. Some parts of it broke my heart and brought me to tears.
I appreciated the present-day timeline for balancing some of my emotions. Things do get real at a certain point, and I was stressed. But I absolutely loved Bern’s relationship with his friend Eboni.
This was truly an exceptional book. Looking forward to Slocumb’s next book!
I appreciated the present-day timeline for balancing some of my emotions. Things do get real at a certain point, and I was stressed. But I absolutely loved Bern’s relationship with his friend Eboni.
This was truly an exceptional book. Looking forward to Slocumb’s next book!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
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
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
With his background as a music educator and performer, Brendan Slocumb brings a unique authenticity to his storytelling that shines through in this novel.
Bern Hendricks, a musicology professor, is asked to authenticate a newly discovered piece by Frederick Delaney, a renowned 20th-century composer. Little does he know; this assignment will lead him down a rabbit hole of secrets and lies. With the help of a computer whiz, he uncovers evidence suggesting Delaney may have stolen his most famous work from a young Black composer named Josephine Reed. Determined to right this wrong, Bern finds himself in the crosshairs of a powerful organization that will stop at nothing to protect their secret—even if it means resorting to murder.
The narrative skillfully alternates between the 1920s and 1930s and the present day, weaving together a tale of race, power, and the world of modern music. While some parts might seem improbable, the mystery remains fascinating, kept me hooked until the conclusion.
One highlight of the novel is Slocumb’s vivid portrayal of 1920s New York City. Slocumb’s attention to detail brings the era to life—the music scene, the food, and the cultural mix that defined the city. It’s particularly intriguing to learn that both Black and White audiences frequented many music venues—a testament to the complex history of race relations in America.
However, I have to dock a star for the author’s note, which left me with a sour taste. Despite this, Symphony of Secrets is a great read that music enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike will enjoy. So, if you’re ready for a journey through the world of music, power, and intrigue, give this one a go. Four stars from me.
Author Brendan Slocumb has found his writing niche. For over twenty years, he has been a public and private school music educator and has performed with several orchestras. So it was natural for him to have music be the backdrop of his two novels, The Violin Conspiracy, and Symphony of Secrets.
I would have given Symphony of Secrets 5 stars were it not for the author’s note. It rubbed me the wrong way. 4 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions are my own.
Bern Hendricks, a musicology professor, is asked to authenticate a newly discovered piece by Frederick Delaney, a renowned 20th-century composer. Little does he know; this assignment will lead him down a rabbit hole of secrets and lies. With the help of a computer whiz, he uncovers evidence suggesting Delaney may have stolen his most famous work from a young Black composer named Josephine Reed. Determined to right this wrong, Bern finds himself in the crosshairs of a powerful organization that will stop at nothing to protect their secret—even if it means resorting to murder.
The narrative skillfully alternates between the 1920s and 1930s and the present day, weaving together a tale of race, power, and the world of modern music. While some parts might seem improbable, the mystery remains fascinating, kept me hooked until the conclusion.
One highlight of the novel is Slocumb’s vivid portrayal of 1920s New York City. Slocumb’s attention to detail brings the era to life—the music scene, the food, and the cultural mix that defined the city. It’s particularly intriguing to learn that both Black and White audiences frequented many music venues—a testament to the complex history of race relations in America.
However, I have to dock a star for the author’s note, which left me with a sour taste. Despite this, Symphony of Secrets is a great read that music enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike will enjoy. So, if you’re ready for a journey through the world of music, power, and intrigue, give this one a go. Four stars from me.
Author Brendan Slocumb has found his writing niche. For over twenty years, he has been a public and private school music educator and has performed with several orchestras. So it was natural for him to have music be the backdrop of his two novels, The Violin Conspiracy, and Symphony of Secrets.
I would have given Symphony of Secrets 5 stars were it not for the author’s note. It rubbed me the wrong way. 4 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions are my own.
Symphony of Secrets is a great blend of mystery and social commentary past and present with a unique storyline. I enjoyed every minute of this book.
It kind of drags in the middle. Maybe because there isn't really a mystery in this one?
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Gaslighting
Minor: Murder