I really liked this book, but I felt that there were lulls in the story that needed some help.. However I found this to be really enjoyable and entertaining and would recommend.

"Icarus Flies Home" by Debbie Burke is a captivating and multifaceted novel that intertwines themes of music, family legacy, and the pursuit of truth. Through the journey of jazz bassist Beauregard ("Bo") Sonski-Abbott, readers are taken on a compelling exploration of stolen artistry, personal relationships, and the weight of one's heritage.

Bo's world is upended when he discovers that an aging Broadway producer may have stolen a song written by his distant relative—an enslaved great-great uncle who lived on a plantation in Georgia. Determined to uncover the truth and restore his family's legacy, Bo embarks on a quest that takes him from the vibrant music scene of New York to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. However, his path becomes entangled with a younger woman who threatens to jeopardize his marriage and his career.

Debbie Burke skillfully weaves together the threads of music, history, and personal turmoil to create a rich and engaging narrative. The exploration of stolen artistry and the consequences of such actions adds depth and intrigue to the story. Burke's evocative descriptions bring the worlds of jazz and the plantation era to life, immersing readers in both the vibrant energy of New York's music scene and the haunting echoes of a painful past.

Bo's character is well-developed, and readers will find themselves invested in his journey of self-discovery and redemption. His passion for music, combined with his determination to uncover the truth, creates a compelling narrative arc that drives the story forward. The conflicts he faces, both internal and external, are relatable and add layers of complexity to his character.

The exploration of personal relationships is another strength of the novel. Burke deftly examines the complexities of marriage and the temptations that can test its boundaries. The introduction of a younger woman who disrupts Bo's life adds tension and emotional depth to the story, forcing him to confront his desires and make difficult choices.

While the plot is engaging and filled with twists and turns, there are moments when the pacing feels uneven. Some sections may feel slow, particularly during Bo's time in Washington, D.C., which slightly affects the overall momentum of the story. Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts feels slightly rushed and could have been given more depth.

"Icarus Flies Home" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of identity, artistic integrity, and the enduring power of music. Debbie Burke's lyrical prose and her ability to evoke both the jazz scene and the painful legacy of slavery make for a compelling reading experience.

In conclusion, "Icarus Flies Home" is a rich and resonant novel that seamlessly blends music, history, and personal turmoil. Despite minor pacing issues and rushed resolutions, Debbie Burke's storytelling prowess shines through, offering a poignant exploration of family legacy, the pursuit of truth, and the redemptive power of self-discovery. Fans of music-infused narratives and stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships will find much to appreciate in this captivating tale.

I really wanted to like this book, the characters seemed interesting enough, but I felt that it took a long time for me to get to the main plot - and unfortunately I did not finish this book.

The swing, sway and blues of a musicians life saunter through the pages of this enjoyable novel.
Bo Sonski-Abbott is staggered to find that a Broadway producer may have taken a song written by his great great uncle. Bo treks from New York to Washington D.C. as he searches for the truth as he encounters what it is to be a musician. This novel has it all ... twists, turns, stolen moments and a younger woman that threatens all that he knows, his career and especially his marriage.
You don’t have to be a jazz lover to find the ‘groove’ of this novel.
Thank you NetGalley, Debbie Burke and Queen Esther Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

I should preface this review by saying that I am a classically trained musician and I absolutely love jazz. So a lot of this book appealed to me in its content, its references, its descriptions of music-playing, etc. I was excited to give it a try. I didn't end up loving it, though. I just couldn't get into the characters' stories and I had trouble relating to them. That being said, I really enjoyed the music (obviously) and the settings of the book. Overall, this was an okay read for me but not my favorite.