Most of the main characters in this novel are the down-on-their-luck types with like-able personalities. From the beginning when a child cello protege grows up with a good intentioned, low-level criminal father and his big-hearted, save-the-world girlfriend, the plot moves forward swiftly. All too soon, the narrative changes to involve the protective custody marshals, an inept group of FBI, and really bad rich guys involved in multi-country crimes. In the midst of this, a super hero online comic book is born.

I really have mixed feelings about this story. I loved the way the author tells a story and enjoyed the music parts a lot. Even the “good” guys vs bad guys portion was entertaining. It was simply difficult for me to grasp why a grown man needed an alter superhero identity to feel good? important? whole? But then, I’ve never caught the comic book bug.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for the ARC to read and review.

I loved Slocumb's debut, was mid about his second, and was excited to see where I'd land with this one.

It started off strong - I was totally invested in how this was going to all pan out. But once Curtis and his friends figured they could find the kingpin that even the FBI couldn't track down, my interest started to wane.

I do love how Slocumb has found his niche with his music and instrument knowledge. It's fascinating how he has been able to take this little corner of the world and write such interesting books. I hope his next book is better for me.

This is a tale of two books. The beginning grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages. Curtis is a cello prodigy; a virtuoso with a brilliant future. His talent has allowed him to escape the rough neighborhood where he grew up and finds him playing with the elite New York Philharmonic. Curtis’s story should be a tale of success and endless opportunities if not for his father, Zippy, whose low level drug dealing lands him in the crosshairs of an international criminal cartel.

And this is where the book lost some of its momentum for me. Curtis and Zippy, along with Larissa, Zippy’s girlfriend, enter the witness protection program. There’s a steep price —Curtis is forced to abandon his burgeoning career and still they are not safe.

While much of the second half of the book seems implausible, Slocumb’s talent for crafting characters who come alive on the page kept me reading. He is a gifted writer and his narratives are propulsive and compelling. I just wish this one didn’t require as much head scratching for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

The musician turned writer is back with his newest musical thriller. This time we have a musician, a cello, a superhero and a dangerous mystery to be solved.

Curtis is being raised by his father, Zippy and his girlfriend, Larissa after his mother left. Born to teenage parents, Curtis asks to learn the how to play the cello as a young boy and is soon thought to be a local prodigy. Encouraged by Larissa, Curtis goes on to excel as a musician as his father continues to scrape a living bustling with drug dealers, hoping to make a better life for his son.

After a stint in prison, Zippy vows to make things right as Curtis is becoming well-known as a skilled black cellist. Unfortunately, Zippy gets tangled up again but this time, it’s gotten dangerous and the three of them have no choice but to flee DC, shattering Curtis’ dreams of playing with the NY Philharmonic.

But that’s not the end as the three put their heads together in attempt to solve the mystery that might just be able to hand them their lives back. But at what cost…?

I enjoyed this one and appreciated the level of detail that Slocumb always incorporates in his novels. I loved the eventual family dynamic between Zippy and Larissa and Curtis, despite their rocky beginnings. There were parts that dragged a bit for me, however. But overall, I do recommend this if you enjoyed his earlier novels.

Thank you to @doubledaybooks @netgalley for this #gifted early digital copy

When I first read the synopsis for The Dark Maestro, I was surprised because this seemed different from Brendan Slocumb's first two books (The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets). The story starts in Southeast DC. Curtis is a cello prodigy raised by his drug dealer father, Zippy, and his father's girlfriend, Larissa. After Curtis' concert, he and his family are taken into witness protection for their safety after Zippy tells the FBI information about his bosses. Over the years, they have to leave their old lives behind, change their identities, and move to different states. But after a while, they get tired of hiding.

I genuinely did not know what to expect when reading this book. There were so many unexpected twists and turns. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but the story was engaging. The ending was bittersweet. Without spoilers, Zippy's character irritated me. Larissa and Curtis were my favorites.

Brendan Slocumb hits a high note with heart and adrenaline in his latest, “The Dark Maestro” (Doubleday, $29), blending classical music, family drama and a dash of comic book flair.

Curtis Wilson is a cello prodigy raised in Washington, D.C., by a drug-dealing father, Zippy, and his fiercely loyal partner, Larissa. Just as Curtis rises to Juilliard and the New York Philharmonic, his father’s criminal past catches up, forcing the family into witness protection and Curtis off the stage. What follows is a genre-bending thriller, as Curtis channels his grief into a homemade comic book hero, and ultimately leads a bold mission to take down an organ trafficking ring.

Slocumb’s storytelling remains emotionally resonant and fast-paced, with vibrant POVs and a deep love for music anchoring the narrative. A bold, unexpected pivot from his earlier works, “The Dark Maestro” is equal parts heartwarming, high-stakes and wildly original.

Best enjoyed without comparing this work to Mr. Slocumb's previous works, in part because it relies on a certain suspension of disbelief. That isn't inherently a bad thing!

A musical prodigy has to go into hiding after his dad’s shady business ventures go south. The beginning of this book was amazing, but somewhere along the way the story got a bit too wacky. I felt like we were doing too many things at once. I’m still a big fan of this author, I loved his first two novels.

Would I recommend this novel? Yes, I would.

The Dark Maestro is fun and suspenseful and full of twists and turns, though I didn’t like it as much as I wanted to. I really enjoyed Slocumb’s prior two novels (The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets), so I dove into it with optimism, despite being lukewarm on two of the main themes: organized crime and comic books. If those topics ring your bell, this will probably be a good one for you. The characters are complex and likable, and the story keeps you guessing. However, the pacing was hot and cold, and the plot sometimes felt implausible. Overall, I liked it: three stars, solid.

Thank you to Doubleday Books and netgalley for free access to this book. All opinions are my own.

The Dark Maestro started strong, and my initial reaction was I was going to be in for another 5 star read my Brendan Slocumb. This was a mix of the past coming back to bite you in the butt and a boys' dream to be a comic superhero comes true (to an extent). Told between three main characters and over the course of years, this is a story of family, music, and some shady behavior that leads to witness protection. The first half of the book was fantastic, I loved young Curtis and his story as a musical prodigy growing up in the ghetto. About midway, the book took a detour of sorts and went a bit off the rails for me. Overall, it's a very good novel. Still highly recommend to those that like complex and flawed characters, that like a hint of mystery mixed with a literary read.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.

This book was so good. The last half of the book had me mesmerized. I couldn’t put it down and I felt so stressed for these characters. What an amazing book.

In THE DARK MAESTRO, written by Brendan Slocumb, Curtis Wilson is a cello prodigy, who grows up in the projects in Southeast D.C. Each of the book’s chapters feature one of three perspectives—Curtis, Zippy (Curtis’s father), or Larissa (Zippy’s girlfriend). Zippy is a low-level drug dealer, and Larissa is a nurturing figure in Curtis’s life who also has a crew that provides escort and other services. I am interested in finding out more about Zippy and Larissa and how their lives intersect with Curtis’s. I want to know what happens and read on.
I like this book and enjoy gaining an insight into the life of a musician. I especially like Curtis’s early experiences (age five) with his quarter-sized cello. His love of comics brings another aspect to his character. When Curtis’s music abilities first explode, being on TV is not an option. Reading about the life of a cello prodigy may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I find it interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. While the change in the story’s direction surprises me a little, I have to keep reading to the end. I’m glad I get the experience of reading the author’s note following the conclusion of the novel. Thank you, Doubleday Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE DARK MAESTRO.

In Brendan Slocumb's The Dark Maestro, a comic book-loving cello virtuoso unravels a vicious criminal conspiracy that even the FBI can't crack.

When the story opens, Curtis is a young cello prodigy living in D.C. with his dad, Zippy, a low level drug dealer, and Zippy's girlfriend, Larissa, who also is involved in crime. Eventually, Zippy serves time for selling drugs, after which he pursues even riskier illegal schemes while Curtis, though dogged by his family's crime connections, advances in his musical studies and becomes a well known concert artist-- until Zippy's misdeeds land him, Larissa, and Curtis in the federal witness protection program. That ends Curtis's musical career but redirects his artistry into an online comic book series featuring a crime-busting super-hero and a musical soundtrack, with Larissa and Zippy collaborating in Curtis's fictional and real life crime fighting exploits.

This novel lost me when Curtis left the classical music world and entered the federal witness protection program. I was in it for the thriller's focus on Curtis's professional career and family entanglements. But once he and his family got into witness protection and became comic book creators and crime-busters, I just wasn't able to suspend my skepticism of the more fantastical aspects of the plot. I've enjoyed Slocumb's other novels. This one just wasn't for me.

Brendan Slocumb's books have been ones I've been meaning to get to, but I'm not mad at starting here with The Dark Maestro. It was a great combination of literary fiction and a touch of thriller, with comic book and music themes that really worked for me.

Brendan Slocumb has cemented his place as one of my 'must-read' authors, and after The Dark Maestro, I cannot wait to see what he writes next!

In his new novel, Curtis, a cello prodigy, is the recipient of a scholarship from the Delaney Foundation which readers will remember from Symphony of Secrets. He is truly a hardship case, as he is being raised by his father, a drug dealer who is looking forward to bringing Curtis into the family business, in a crime-riddled neighborhood. The novel does an excellent job of helping readers understand how difficult it is for children from underprivileged backgrounds to break free of their circumstances. Curtis is met with many obstacles, and just when he is poised to see major success, his world comes crashing down and he must give up everything he has achieved.

The author's notes explain where the inspiration for the novel came from, and it brought new light to the book's subject matter. The entire novel felt like a cross between S.A. Cosby's crime thrillers and Robin Cook's medical novels, both favorites of mine, as well. I also enjoyed the comic book/superhero angle which added a fun aspect to a grim story.

The suspense was pretty intense for much of the book, as I kept waiting for the family's actions to come back on them. The final scene was not completely unexpected, though how it evolved was a bit of a surprise.

Thank you to Netgalley and Doubleday Books for the digital ARC of The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb. The opinions in this review are my own.

Following Brendan Slocumb‘s first two books, he’s become one of my favorite authors, especially for his unique blend of music, discussions of race, and crime fiction. His newest book, The Dark Maestro, came out earlier this week. While it has his trademarks—here, a Black cellist from a low class background—this one focuses more on the gritty crimes happening and ultimately has a superhero arc.

When Curtis and his family are detained by the FBI for some unsavory business his dad, Zippy, got involved in, they’re forced to go into Witness Protection for their safety. But the bad guys continue to elude law enforcement and Curtis is getting impatient to get his life back. He and his family ultimately take matters into their own hands to track down the criminals and reclaim their lives.

What I Liked:
- Music as an escape. For Curtis, playing cello is the one thing that brings him joy and a sense of self outside the poverty, drugs, and crime he grows up around. From the age of five, he carves out a space for himself and becomes the glue that holds his small family together.
- Comic books as bonding and saving lives. Though Curtis has always loved comic books, it isn’t until he, his dad Zippy, and his step-mom Larissa are in Witness Protection that they start bonding over their own comic book creation, the Dark Maestro. But can comic book superheroes transcend the page and save lives in the real world?
- Blending classical music with rap. Zippy likes rap; Curtis plays classical music on his cello. Eventually, they come to appreciate each other’s music and even create their own blend of the two. Aww!
- Three POVs. Throughout the novel, we get to see what and why each of the main characters does what they do. Curtis, Larissa, and Zippy each have their own goals and setbacks to overcome.
- The low class background. This book doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities that many face. This family grows up in an area known for gangs and drugs. Zippy had few opportunities and ended up selling drugs; when he later started working on the black market, it was only with the intention of providing for his family. When Curtis sets his sights on becoming a concert cellist, the odds are against him due to his poor background.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Second half was a bit disjointed. While I loved the first 33% of this book, it then takes an abrupt turn and ends up becoming something different than I’d anticipated. The themes are interesting (and resonant, especially after reading the author’s note at the back!), but the way it all unfolds felt less immersive and cohesive than the first part. You also have to suspend disbelief quite a bit.
- More music please! Curtis’s focus on music and playing cello is so important at the beginning of the book, but it starts to fade away, too, as the story progresses.

Final Thoughts
The Dark Maestro is a bit of a departure for Brendan Slocumb. Although it certainly weaves in many themes that have already become his signature, this one leans more heavily on comic books, a superhero arc, and lives ruined by nefarious criminals. It actually plays out like a movie, so I could see an adaptation working. Even with the differences, I still enjoyed this novel and will be looking for the author’s next book.

The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb was a very good read. It tells the story of Curtis Wilson, a classical cellist, who rises above the worst part of DC to become a virtuoso. Even though his father Zippy is a drug dealer he loved his son. Zippy's girlfriend Larissa also truly loved him.
Curtis loses himself in comic books and super heroes and uses this interest to get his family out of trouble.
It was a little far fetched in the latter half of the book but still interesting

Cello prodigy Curtis Wilson has worked hard to get where he is, a famous soloist who came from the DC projects with a ex-con drug dealing father. Then one day he is forced to leave it all to enter the witness protection program because of crimes his father perpetrated. No longer permitted to play, Curtis has to come up with other outlets for his talent and energy, including creating the Dark Maestro character and eventually trying to solve the case that has them stuck in anonymity.

It pains me to say this because I loved Slocumb’s first two books (like really loved), but this one didn’t do it for me. Maybe my fault because I assumed it would be like his other novels (a mystery from the start) - but I didn’t really enjoy it until the mystery/thriller part started very far into the book. If you haven’t read the Violin Conspiracy or Symphony of Secrets - they are excellent; this one just didn’t grab me in the same way.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for the ARC to review

My third book by this author, I’ve enjoyed all of them. Who would’ve thought you can read a book about a Black cellist, crime, comic books with a splash of commentary on power and corruption? I never know where the author is going to go with his books and they’re a fun fun ride. Highly recommend his books!

A musical prodigy's rise is arrested by his father's dark past

Given the circumstances into which he was born, Curtis Wilson was an unlikely candidate to excel in performing classical music. His father Zippy, a man good with numbers whose dreams of studying to be an accountant ended when his girlfriend became pregnant and Zippy became a teenage father. Living in Southeast DC didn't present Zippy with many options to support his new family and he became a drug dealer. Curtis's birth mother quickly bailed on the idea of motherhood so it was Zippy and his new girlfriend Larissa who raised the boy: for Curtis, Larissa is his mother. When Curtis is given the opportunity through a school program to study a musical instrument he chooses the cello, and the combination of his innate musical abilities and his willingness to practice and learn reveals that he is a one in a million musician. While it should (and does) open doors for Curtis, it also puts an uncomfortable amount of focus on his family (a fact that doesn't sit well with Zippy). Larissa remains a strong supported of Curtis even after she and Zippy break up, and alongside his teacher Miss Daniela their encouragement and belief in him make Curtis soar. Then Zippy informs on his bosses and in doing so puts a target on the back of all of his family. The authorities think that putting them into a witness protection program. will keep them safe from the men who mean the Wilson family harm, but it becomes clear that it will be up to Zippy, Curtis and Larissa to stand up to the criminals. They pool their talents and efforts to expose the evil the men have been doing, but will it be enought to keep them alive?
Author Brendan Slocumb mixes elements of classical music and comic books into this fast-paced thriller, Curtis's passion for these two subjects infuse the whole story, as does the imperfect but strong father/son relationship between Zippy and Curtis. The main characters all come vividly to life within the pages, and the love they share is palpable. With its blend of action and emotions Dark Maestor is a compelling read likely to be enjoyed by readers of S. A. Crosby, Walter Mosley and Alex Segura as well as lovers of thrillers threaded with music. My thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for allowing me access to this well-crafter thriller in exchange for my honest review.