A review by bethreadsandnaps
The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

4.25

 

4.25 ⭐️

THE DARK MAESTRO by Brendan Slocumb

This novel had a really intriguing, and taken-from-real-life, premise. Curtis is a young, accomplished cellist with a father named Zippy who is earning a living working for a Bad Guy. After a prison stint, Zippy gets involved in an *interesting* business proposition that has the whole family fearing for their lives.

➕ This had a really engaging plot with some unique aspects. Was it a little *too* much in terms of being a little far-fetched? Maybe, but it was still really interesting and I kept wanting to read it. 

➕ It was easy to empathize with Curtis.

➕ I really liked how the family collaborated on its project.

➖ There was a lot in this novel in terms of subjects brought up and themes. When I thought about what I wanted more of and less of, I thought the author gave a balanced lens to each item. Maybe it’s more than I can’t wholeheartedly give this novel more than 4.25 stars because of the suspension of disbelief and the sheer quantity of areas brought up. 

If you’re a fan of Brendan Slocumb, this one definitely has more plot than THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY. Actually, at many points when I was reading this, I thought I was reading an S.A. Cosby action-packed novel. (That’s quite a compliment!) I thought it was a strong novel, yet more unique. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review. 

It publishes May 13, 2025.