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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Racism, Police brutality, Classism
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I almost couldn't put it down! The mystery wasn't strong (nothing surprised me) but the settings, emotions, and the musical evocations were stellar and compelling.
I almost stopped this book at the beginning because I just didn’t really care what happened. I continued reading because I enjoy reading stories that open my eyes to something new. I haven’t thought much about the classical music world and certainly haven’t thought about racism in it. Some of the things Ray did don’t seem very believable to me.
Did anyone else think Ray was going to get dna testing to prove he was part of the Marks family?
Did anyone else think Ray was going to get dna testing to prove he was part of the Marks family?
3.5 rounding up to 4. It took a while to get going; I almost quit after the first section, but it then got personal and finally started explaining who Ray was and why his violin was so personally important. Needed more character development and the mystery was pretty mediocre, but overall a good debut and I think Slocumb's writing and storytelling will get stronger. The audiobook included musical interludes. It was well read by JD Jackson, sped up to around a 1.4x.
Covering a super interesting topic, this thriller lacked a bit in the mystery category but made up for it in terms of its social justice angle. The novel’s strong suits were the main character’s backstory and its treatment of racism especially in relation to the world of prestigious music.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Brendan Slocumb’s "The Violin Conspiracy" is a gripping and emotional thriller that takes readers deep into the world of classical music, racial discrimination, and a high-stakes mystery surrounding a stolen Stradivarius violin. The story follows Ray McMillian, a Black violinist fighting against the odds to pursue his passion, only to have his most prized possession—the violin his grandmother left him—stolen just before a major competition.
From the beginning, Ray’s journey is frustrating yet inspiring. He simply wants to play, but people keep trying to take away what’s rightfully his. Whether it’s distant relatives suddenly claiming ownership of the violin or others downplaying his talent, he faces one obstacle after another. As a reader, I was rooting for him the entire time, hoping someone would come forward with the truth about the stolen instrument.
But the real shocker? His own girlfriend was in on the theft! That twist was wild! She manipulated him into believing the violin was taken for ransom, all while scheming with her side piece to cash in. The way they plotted it, making Ray look like a fool while he desperately searched for answers, was downright ruthless. Stashing the violin in a storage unit? That’s next-level betrayal.
Slocumb does an incredible job weaving together themes of perseverance, systemic racism in the classical music world, and the deep emotional connection musicians have with their instruments. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the mystery unravels in a way that makes it hard to put the book down.
If you’re looking for a novel packed with suspense, drama, and a protagonist worth cheering for, The Violin Conspiracy delivers. Just be prepared for some serious betrayal along the way!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, Gaslighting
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really liked this book. The author’s descriptive words of how music feels and what the music is telling you was beautiful. It was an intriguing, easy read which sparked a lot of emotions in me. I will admit it was a bit predictable but not enough for me to give it less stars. I think this book will stay with me for quite awhile.
Ever since its publication, I've been hearing recommendations for THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY. With me attempting to prioritize the reading of books I already own, and knowing I have an ARC of Slocumb's upcoming release, this seemed the time to move his other two titles to the top of my reading pile.
The book opens with the theft of a priceless violin, and then readers are taken back in time to learn how the violin came into Ray's possession. Additionally, we also get a better context for the two families thought to be the most likely culprits. Ray is a black man skilled at the violin and he's competing for a top prize, but he faces different barriers to his success. The ending comes about somewhat suddenly but tidily.
I loved this on audio, and the short musical interludes between the book sections was a welcome surprise. The author's note was also helpful in framing the story.
===================================
Read-from-my-own-library challenge: 4/25
The book opens with the theft of a priceless violin, and then readers are taken back in time to learn how the violin came into Ray's possession. Additionally, we also get a better context for the two families thought to be the most likely culprits. Ray is a black man skilled at the violin and he's competing for a top prize, but he faces different barriers to his success. The ending comes about somewhat suddenly but tidily.
I loved this on audio, and the short musical interludes between the book sections was a welcome surprise. The author's note was also helpful in framing the story.
===================================
Read-from-my-own-library challenge: 4/25