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writingcaia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Probably one of the most candid, yet entertaining, books which the main theme is racism. It’s also exceptionally well written, engaging, and overall a gem! I’m being picky dropping that 0.25⭐️ just because I wanted a more romantic conclusion.
Being a classic violinist with aspirations of stardom seems impossible to our young MC, everything seems to be against him, he has no money for private lessons like his colleagues, his mother is selfish and just wants him to quit and start working to give her money, and one thing he soon realises, he is Black. Of course, he knew he was but it’s only when he fills in for a colleague in quartet at a wedding does so many things make sense to him, and he sees everything with open eyes, the prejudice that stood in his way all his life.
But, this is also a mystery, as he soon finds out the fiddle his grandmother gave him before she passed, that belonged to her grandfather, and with which he has practiced for 4 years is actually a 10 million dollar worth Stradivarius, and it has now been stolen. The culprits seem to be either his family who want the money of the violin for themselves, or the slave masters descendants who claim the violin is theirs and his grandmothers’ PopPop stole it, as both have sued him for it.
This book was absolute perfection, from the narrative, the writing, the plot and resolution - although I did guess the robber - to the tragic and real underbelly of the story which revolves around a supremely talented violinist descendant of a freed slave who earned and saved his own life with the same fiddle.
Being a classic violinist with aspirations of stardom seems impossible to our young MC, everything seems to be against him, he has no money for private lessons like his colleagues, his mother is selfish and just wants him to quit and start working to give her money, and one thing he soon realises, he is Black. Of course, he knew he was but it’s only when he fills in for a colleague in quartet at a wedding does so many things make sense to him, and he sees everything with open eyes, the prejudice that stood in his way all his life.
But, this is also a mystery, as he soon finds out the fiddle his grandmother gave him before she passed, that belonged to her grandfather, and with which he has practiced for 4 years is actually a 10 million dollar worth Stradivarius, and it has now been stolen. The culprits seem to be either his family who want the money of the violin for themselves, or the slave masters descendants who claim the violin is theirs and his grandmothers’ PopPop stole it, as both have sued him for it.
This book was absolute perfection, from the narrative, the writing, the plot and resolution - although I did guess the robber - to the tragic and real underbelly of the story which revolves around a supremely talented violinist descendant of a freed slave who earned and saved his own life with the same fiddle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Police brutality, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Murder
_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Police brutality
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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? No
5.0
Title: The Violin Conspiracy
Author: Brendan Slocumb
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Poignant • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd initially added The Violin Conspiracy to my TBR when it was selected as a GMA pick (I've had previous success with GMA picks in the past), yet what really solidified me wanting to pick it up was it being on the 2022 end-of-the-year favourites list of two trusted friends. All of this made it an easy choice to include as part of my 12 recommendations from 12 friends in 2023.
Quick take: I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the type of book that reminds me why I love reading to begin with. It combined so many elements I love (a heist, a mystery, a messy family, some history, an underdog story...) and evoked a whole range of emotions. Ray is one of those memorable characters that will stick with me. He knows what he wants, and despite facing so much adversity and many obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams.
Throughout the narrative, there was also the opportunity for me to learn and gain an understanding of the classism and racism in the classical music industry. I cannot say this is a topic I have thought about in the past, but this book certainly sparked a curiosity. Slocumb talks about his personal experience as a black musician in the classical music world in his author's note, and I think this is a valuable addition to the book. I would by no means considered myself a classical music fan, yet I was absolutely drawn into the history of the violin and Ray's world. Slocumb has interwoven so many moving passages about the power and beauty of music.
The audiobook, read by JD Jackson, is absolutely fantastic - I could easily listen to his voice all day long. There are also beautiful pieces of classical music interspersed between chapters, which really connected me to the story. It made for the perfect tandem read.
I had my suspicions as to whodunit early on, but it never detracted from my interest. With only three months left in the year, it is safe to say The Violin Conspiracy will be finding a way onto my 2023 favourites, and my copy will be finding a home on my favourites shelf. After his fantastic debut, I am really looking forward to reading his follow up, Symphony of Secrets.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• everyone!
• fans of the underdog
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Alone, we are a solitary violin, a lonely flute, a trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony."
"He would tell you that music is truly a universal language, and that we, the listeners, will always impose our own fears and biases, our own hopes and hungers, on whatever we hear. He would tell you that the rhythm that spurred Tchaikovsky is the same rhythm that a kid in a redneck North Carolina town would beat with a stick against a fallen tree. It is a rhythm in all of us. Music is about communication - a way of touching your fellow man beyond and above and below language; it is a language all its own."
Author: Brendan Slocumb
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Poignant • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.
When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd initially added The Violin Conspiracy to my TBR when it was selected as a GMA pick (I've had previous success with GMA picks in the past), yet what really solidified me wanting to pick it up was it being on the 2022 end-of-the-year favourites list of two trusted friends. All of this made it an easy choice to include as part of my 12 recommendations from 12 friends in 2023.
Quick take: I absolutely loved this book! It was exactly the type of book that reminds me why I love reading to begin with. It combined so many elements I love (a heist, a mystery, a messy family, some history, an underdog story...) and evoked a whole range of emotions. Ray is one of those memorable characters that will stick with me. He knows what he wants, and despite facing so much adversity and many obstacles, he remains determined to pursue his dreams.
Throughout the narrative, there was also the opportunity for me to learn and gain an understanding of the classism and racism in the classical music industry. I cannot say this is a topic I have thought about in the past, but this book certainly sparked a curiosity. Slocumb talks about his personal experience as a black musician in the classical music world in his author's note, and I think this is a valuable addition to the book. I would by no means considered myself a classical music fan, yet I was absolutely drawn into the history of the violin and Ray's world. Slocumb has interwoven so many moving passages about the power and beauty of music.
The audiobook, read by JD Jackson, is absolutely fantastic - I could easily listen to his voice all day long. There are also beautiful pieces of classical music interspersed between chapters, which really connected me to the story. It made for the perfect tandem read.
I had my suspicions as to whodunit early on, but it never detracted from my interest. With only three months left in the year, it is safe to say The Violin Conspiracy will be finding a way onto my 2023 favourites, and my copy will be finding a home on my favourites shelf. After his fantastic debut, I am really looking forward to reading his follow up, Symphony of Secrets.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• everyone!
• fans of the underdog
• book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Alone, we are a solitary violin, a lonely flute, a trumpet singing in the dark. Together, we are a symphony."
"He would tell you that music is truly a universal language, and that we, the listeners, will always impose our own fears and biases, our own hopes and hungers, on whatever we hear. He would tell you that the rhythm that spurred Tchaikovsky is the same rhythm that a kid in a redneck North Carolina town would beat with a stick against a fallen tree. It is a rhythm in all of us. Music is about communication - a way of touching your fellow man beyond and above and below language; it is a language all its own."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, and Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Colonisation
Minor: Rape
povertyonegalonelife27's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the most intriguing mystery! We’re taking step by step of what happened on the day a ten million dollar gets stolen and one’s man journey to not just discovering this violin, but trying to reclaim it back.
Most of the book takes place in the past, building up Ray’s circumstances-his early start, discovery of the violin’s worth, the forces trying to take it away from him before the theft, adding real emotion to not only the violin’s loss but Ray’s struggle to get it back. It also makes you want to root for Ray, as you follow his struggles in trying to follow his passions. Also slap all the racists that he faced.
I have to admit I don’t understand some of the characters’ motivations. I often found myself going “Why…why are you like this? Why are you doing this?” Even after finishing, I still couldn’t understand why some characters did what they did. Yet I suppose that constant questioning did make it seem like anyone could have stolen the violin. Though maybe some more concrete backstory may have helped understand them a bit better.
I found myself just sitting the last two hours to hear the conclusion of this great piece. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a different kind of mystery! Also left me with a craving for classical music.
Most of the book takes place in the past, building up Ray’s circumstances-his early start, discovery of the violin’s worth, the forces trying to take it away from him before the theft, adding real emotion to not only the violin’s loss but Ray’s struggle to get it back. It also makes you want to root for Ray, as you follow his struggles in trying to follow his passions. Also slap all the racists that he faced.
I have to admit I don’t understand some of the characters’ motivations. I often found myself going “Why…why are you like this? Why are you doing this?” Even after finishing, I still couldn’t understand why some characters did what they did. Yet I suppose that constant questioning did make it seem like anyone could have stolen the violin. Though maybe some more concrete backstory may have helped understand them a bit better.
I found myself just sitting the last two hours to hear the conclusion of this great piece. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a different kind of mystery! Also left me with a craving for classical music.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Police brutality and Stalking
takeaim's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Violin Conspiracy is an emotional story about a Black violinist in the (almost exclusively white) classical music world. That aspect is the novel's strongest point as Ray McMillian faces pressure from his mostly unsupportive family, and confronts racism not only in concert halls, but in everyday life. When his precious and priceless Stradivarius violin is stolen and held for ransom, the drama intensifies. But the whodunit component could have been stronger. Even with that tiny personal dissatisfaction, The Violin Conspiracy is worth it. I highly recommend the audio version because there are samples of violin music, which adds another layer of enjoyment for the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
fizzy_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
relaxing
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Police brutality
author2223's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, Police brutality, and Gaslighting
alisonfaith426's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Police brutality, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual assault
chloemakesbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Fairly trite mystery revolving around a talented black violinist. I liked the writing style, which moved along at a great clip, and I wanted to like the characters, but they all felt fairly two-dimensional and often were used to manipulate the reader's emotions (eg, Grandma Nora and the epilogue with Janice). I never like to figure out the mystery ahead of time if I can help it, but this one I saw coming fairly early - no real twist. Loved the descriptions of classical music and performance art, and of course, the book makes important points about promoting diversity in classical music and racism in America. I wish the author had done a better job of framing the racist incidents in particular; Ray seems utterly blindsided by every single one, which seems strange.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Violence, Police brutality, and Classism
kerrcas's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0
This book has everything: a mystery, a competition, familial drama, love, betrayal, and painful, blatant racism. The story captivated me immediately and held my attention throughout. I greatly enjoyed this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism