Scan barcode
kateburstein31's review against another edition
5.0
This was an excellent book that kept my attention throughout. I appreciated learning about the main character’s journey to becoming a famous classical violinist, horrified by the endless racism he experienced along the way and amazed by his sense of humor and strength.
kaiazania's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jocielu's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
popgoesbitty's review against another edition
5.0
CWs: racism, emotional abuse
4.5 rounded up to a 5
The Violin Conspiracy was one of the more readable novels I've read this year. Something about the writing flowed and I absolutely couldn't put it down. I read the majority of it in one sitting. Though a mystery by definition, this read way more like a thriller. The pace never slowed.
This is a very character driven yet nicely paced novel that spent a good number of pages in literary territory. Similar to another mystery I just finished (The Maid), the majority of the novel is spent diving into richly written context, rather than plot focusing on the crime itself. It's got an intriguing split near-past timeline that elegantly gives context to the irresistibly written opening of the book.
I loved The Violin Conspiracy for its uniqueness. It's really hard to find a mystery not about murder, let alone one that keeps up this nice of a pace on every single page. The protagonist is infinitely likable, and the supporting characters are incredibly intriguing. I truly loved so much about it.
Despite all the greatness, there was one thing that bothered me in the latter half of the novel--hence the 4.5 stars. The author is a classical musician. And dang, does he want you to know it. What starts as instances of impressive musical knowledge (that really do add to the scenes!) quickly becomes gratuitous, way-too-frequent digressions into composers and musical theory. They're never longer than a paragraph, but it becomes a bit exhausting by the end. Though impressive, I found myself skimming these sections once the action started picking up. They really bogged down the energy in the climax of the novel.
This was just a tiny flaw within a truly enjoyable read. I highly recommend fiction lovers adding this to their list.
4.5 rounded up to a 5
The Violin Conspiracy was one of the more readable novels I've read this year. Something about the writing flowed and I absolutely couldn't put it down. I read the majority of it in one sitting. Though a mystery by definition, this read way more like a thriller. The pace never slowed.
This is a very character driven yet nicely paced novel that spent a good number of pages in literary territory. Similar to another mystery I just finished (The Maid), the majority of the novel is spent diving into richly written context, rather than plot focusing on the crime itself. It's got an intriguing split near-past timeline that elegantly gives context to the irresistibly written opening of the book.
I loved The Violin Conspiracy for its uniqueness. It's really hard to find a mystery not about murder, let alone one that keeps up this nice of a pace on every single page. The protagonist is infinitely likable, and the supporting characters are incredibly intriguing. I truly loved so much about it.
Despite all the greatness, there was one thing that bothered me in the latter half of the novel--hence the 4.5 stars. The author is a classical musician. And dang, does he want you to know it. What starts as instances of impressive musical knowledge (that really do add to the scenes!) quickly becomes gratuitous, way-too-frequent digressions into composers and musical theory. They're never longer than a paragraph, but it becomes a bit exhausting by the end. Though impressive, I found myself skimming these sections once the action started picking up. They really bogged down the energy in the climax of the novel.
This was just a tiny flaw within a truly enjoyable read. I highly recommend fiction lovers adding this to their list.
shacara_shacara's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
kristicuse's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.25
orangesandberries's review against another edition
5.0
this book was so good. i wanted to dip my feet into thrillers/mystery and this book was perfect. i already had an idea of who stole ray's violin and the story was about ray's experience as a young black man in the classical music scene, struggling with impostor syndrome, and dealing with 2 separate legal cases between his family and the people who owned his great grandfather all while preparing for the biggest classical music competition in the world. i have not read a novel in so long and i went through this book so fast.
whysomoody's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
theantisocialslibrary's review against another edition
2.75
liked the story but this is definitely not a mystery. but the story and learning about Ray was interesting enough- but i did find myself bored throughout a lot of middle.