OK. Is this a good book? Particularly in audio? Yes..... if you REALLY enjoy getting into the details of music and like going back to the beginning to figure out what a violin means to a professional musician. I really just wanted to find out who stole the instrument, so I kept going. And going and going.

The reveal was infuriatingly slow and, to me, anti-climactic. I just needed to know WHO and WHY. If you feel like getting angry at unsupportive, jealous, greedy family and love the ins and outs of a Black musician rising to fame, this is a great novel. The audio is read by JD Jackson, who made the plodding story more enjoyable.

“Until then, he’s been a solitary, lonely kid — and then a solitary, lonely man — who had had one special person in his life, dressed in a pink housecoat and smelling of lavender and bluing solution in her hair. She had gone, but she had given him music, and music had filled his world, that allowed him to connect with people in a way that he sometimes could not believe could ever be real. But now she was gone, and the violin had gone, and the music had gone, and he felt so lonely and guilty now that he often thought the misery would paralyze him and he would simply, suddenly, stop breathing under the weight of it.”

Ray McMillian has to play a crappy school-issued violin, and he loves to play. His family can’t afford private lessons, but even if the money had been available his mother would have never paid for the lessons or a better violin. To say that she was unsupportive would be an understatement. Fortunately, there are 2 women who change his life forever. His Grandma Nora gives him a decrepit old violin that had been given to her grandfather by Marks, the man who owned him. Janice is a college professor who recognizes and nourishes Ray’s drive and talent as she mentors him. One other event that shapes Ray’s life is the discovery that the old fiddle was actually made by Antonio Stradivari and is worth $10 million.

The book begins with the theft of Ray’s violin accompanied by a $5 million ransom demand (despite the enormous care he took to protect it), and then goes back a few years to Ray’s early experiences with the violin and his family. Once the value of the violin is discovered, his family demands their share. The Marks family also comes out of the woodworks and claims the violin. Ray refuses to either sell or return the violin. One of the best parts of this book is the way the author (a music teacher and violinist) makes the reader feel Ray’s love of music and the joy he takes in playing the violin, especially this particular violin. “The opening adagio starts out rich and full, slightly mournful, announcing its presence with passion and wistfulness; and then it lightens, begins to dance, bob along in the current of life: excitement and great joy competing, soaring, grateful, and alive. The violin took over: he wasn’t playing notes he was making music the way Ravel intended, the way Antonio Stradivari intended, the way he always dreamed he could play. He poured out into the air what he was unable to put into words: his gratitude — for this violin, for Janice, for Grandma Nora, for Mischa Roland’s assessment — a few words transforming his life utterly. Thank you.”

Ray faces racism from employers, orchestras stereotype him and assume that a Black violinist can’t play classical music. Fortunately, Ray is strong, and not cowed by this. To an orchestra that assumes he can play only Gershwin, he says: “I need you to understand something. I am a musician. I happen to be Black. That doesn’t mean that I am any less skilled or knowledgeable than any musician of any other race. You might want to invest in some diversity training, rather than paying for a soloist. Get your act together and I may come and play for you one day. Best of luck.”

At the time the violin is stolen Ray is preparing for the Tchaikovsky Competition, held every 4 years and judged by classical musicians and conductors. Art crime experts try to track the violin, but as Ray sees it there are only 3 possible suspects for the theft - his family, the Marks family or his chief rival in the competition. The mystery continues as Ray participates in the competition.

The story of Ray and his violin was really excellent. This was the author’s first book and he was clearly writing about subjects that he knows well.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

I thought this was an interesting story. Even though there is a mystery at it's heart the novel addresses so much more, including issues of race, equity, opportunity and family. I appreciated the author's knowledge of music and string instruments (the violin, in particular). There are several scenes related to Ray's treatment as a black American male, which I think would resonate with anyone who has had similar experiences. Fiction provides a place to tell these stories which can educate and enlighten readers from all different backgrounds.

Ray is a likeable and realistic character. For me, the mystery around the violin theft was a way to move the story forward, but the story of Ray's life and family are what made this novel compelling.

A semi-autobiographical story of a black musician in love with classical music who is gifted an invaluable violin. It is a story of being underestimated and dismissed because of the dearth of others of his race in the field. But it is also the story of his violin, it’s provenance, and competing claims for its ownership, of its loss by theft, and betrayal by the woman he trusts. It is likewise a tale of mentorship and growth. A taut story of venality and racism and overcoming adversity. Highly recommend. My only misgiving was a jolt early on when he adopts a pejorative to use against himself but it is a momentary lapse that reflects individual truth — he is one with a world of individuals who unconsciously adopt the worst unjustified criticisms as if they are true when they merely reflect the external society rather than our individual value..

“How do you remember to keep breathing when the most important piece of your life—a violin-shaped marvel that defines who you are, that organizes your day, that completes you as a human being—is stolen?“

THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY is a debut novel about a new star in the classical music scene who discovers his family heirloom violin was stolen right before his most important competition. The book alternates between Ray’s desperate attempts to recover his violin and his remarkable rise to musical fame. I really appreciated how this book highlights the underrepresentarion of musicians of color in the classical music world, a world in which author @brendanslocumb is familiar. If you’re wanting a deep dive into the music world and are ready to cheer for someone who everyone else seems to be cheering against, pick up this one!

The Violin Conspiracy is a wonderful first novel. I was riveted from the minute I picked it up and couldn't put the book down. Part mystery, part social commentary, and all music, the novel tells the story of Ray an up and coming black classical musician. When the violin he's inherited from his grandmother is stolen on the eve of an international music competition, Ray is determined to find it. Oh,, and the violin is a Stradivarius. Mr. Slocumb tells the unvarnished truth of the racism his character deals with while pursuing his musical career. His love is music is so clear, you can hear it coming off the page.

Wow! I devoured this book about a Black violinist and his beloved violin. As a music educator and lover of classical music, I hope that Ray’s inspiring story about breaking barriers in the classical music world, and the discrimination that he faced, will shine a light on these issues in the music world and maybe inspire a student or two.

The Violin Conspiracy

By: Brendan Slocumb

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Anchor

Publish Date 1 February 2022

#TheViolinConspiracy#NetGalley

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to first thank both NetGalley and Anchor for allowing me to read and review this book.

Good Reads Synopsis:

A riveting tale about a Black classical musician whose family heirloom violin is stolen on the eve of the most prestigious classical music competition in the world.

Ray McMillian loves playing the violin more than anything, and nothing will stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician. Not his mother, who thinks he should get a real job, not the fact that he can’t afford a high-caliber violin, not the racism inherent in the classical music world. And when he makes the startling discovery that his great-grandfather’s fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, his star begins to rise. Then with the international Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—fast approaching, his prized family heirloom is stolen. Ray is determined to get it back. But now his family and the descendants of the man who once enslaved Ray’s great-grandfather are each claiming that the violin belongs to them. With the odds stacked against him and the pressure mounting, will Ray ever see his beloved violin again?

Book Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book. I gave it 4 stars. I was able to figure out who done it at the very beginning. The book did make me think that I was wrong several times, so I really liked that it made me rethink my opinion. The other thing was how our main character was treated. I get that these things still happen, and I feel sad. I also can’t believe that his own family would do this to him. I know it is a story and the author did a great for me to have these feelings.

I am so glad that the book will inspire young people to keep their dreams and continue on even though times will get tough. The main character learned a lot about people and himself in this book. I don’t know much about classical music but really enjoy listening to violin players who are having a great time with their instrument in whatever music they prefer to play.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy!
What a powerful debut novel! I flew through this novel, wanting to know more of Ray's struggles, successes, and of course to solve the mystery. As a Black man growing up in North Carolina, Ray finds passion in playing violin, yet struggles with less opportunity than his orchestral peers. In a sense, that changes when it is discovered that the old fiddle from PopPop is actually a Stradivarius, one of the most beautiful and rare instruments in the world. When it is taken for a ransom, several people become suspects...who is it?
Truly hard to believe this is a debut novel, and I would highly recommend it! Just the right amount of heartbreak, intrigue, and teachable moments from the perspective of a Black man.

The Violin Conspiracy is a wonderful book! It’s a mystery, yes (Who stole Ray’s valuable violin?), but it’s more a coming-of-age story that takes you on a deep dive into the world of classical music and classical music competitions, seen through the eyes of a young Black man from North Carolina. You could really feel the author’s love for and deep knowledge of classical music and the world of classical music performance - everything you have to give up so that you can devote hours and hours to practice, travel and so forth, all while dealing with the subtle and not-so-subtle racism in the classical music world and in the world at large. Adding to this is the non-supportive attitude of most of Ray’s extended family, with the exception of his Grandma Nora and Aunt Rochelle. Even when he was just playing on a school-supplied violin, Ray’s mother discouraged him, telling him to give it up and get a “real job” at Popeye’s! I had a hard time fathoming this attitude, to be honest, having been born into a family who prized both educational and cultural pursuits. I realize they needed the money, but even when Ray earned good money by playing at weddings and other gigs, his mother’s attitude never changed. She called his music “noise”.

While reading this book, I really wished for an accompanying soundtrack so I could hear what Slocumb so eloquently described. In fact, I wish the book had an appendix with the names of all the pieces highlighted in the book. (I read an advance reader copy so perhaps this is available in the published version? I hope so.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Anchor Books / Knopf Doubleday for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

this book had it all- mystery, history, love, music. Well written and so very readable I just loved it. I will look forward to more from this author.

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.

This will be an eye opener for a few of us. I never thought about race playing (no pun intended) into the experience of classical musicians. The indignity that Ray is subjected to (even from his own family) throughout his journey, from a teen playing a rented a violin was staggering. When his grandmother gives him an old violin that he can call his own, Ray begins to flourish as a musician. The elitism he continues to be confronted with from the music store where he goes for a repair, the police and societal prejudices; well suffice it to say I certainly felt outrage on behalf of Ray.

I did figure out who took the violin pretty early but that part of the story became secondary. While theft of the violin was a plot device that helps to move the story along the violin theft is not as compelling as the depictions of the pressure Ray feels when he performs. I was on the edge of my seat during the Tchaikovsky competition. The narrative offers a insightful glimpse of the classical music world which, sadly, has its own prejudices and privilege.

This was an incredible book.
I loved the opening of the novel with the mystery of who stole the violin. Immediately, we were taken in on the action and invested in the plot.
The majority of the story actually showed Ray's history with music, his struggles with his family and how he came into possession of the rare violin.
The only piece of the story I had a complaint about was the letter hidden in the old alligator skin case. I felt that piece of the puzzle was a little to convenient and should have been "discovered" differently. Also the letter was quite confusing because it was written by his grandmother, Nora, but recapped the horrors her father (his grandfather) faced as a child living on a plantation. It seemed odd a man would tell a nine-year old those stories and it was unclear as to why Nora was writing down all those details at such a young age for no reason.

Anyway, that was the only piece of the book that left me scratching my head. I would love to hear how music lover and players of the violin react to this story. The music is a large feature of the book and I feel like a neat element if you are versed in classical music.
Overall this story was unique, had a surprising ending that I enjoyed and shone a light on social injustice that is such a hot topic in books these days.

This debut novel from Brendan Slocomb is so much more than the sum of its parts. On the surface, the novel is a mystery about who stole the Stradivarius belonging to Rayquan McMilllian, a black concert violinist. But the book also paints a vivid insider's' portrait of the world of professional classical musicians, focusing on the race discrimination that exists within the profession from childhood on, and the origins of this disparity in the horrors of slavery. I look forward to reading more from this author and appreciate how he has shed a light on racial injustice in this forum. 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Anchor Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.

I adored this book from beginning to end. The music, the gentle teaching about racism in classical music, the central mystery and the way Slocumb spools it out. The entire thing was just incredible. I loved it!

This book has it all; family drama, suspense, and mystery with racism as a backdrop. I was not surprised by the ending but that did not spoil my view of the book. Very compelling storyline and relatable characters. I enjoyed it very much.

I struggled with this b book because it was very predictable. From almost the very beginning, I knew who was responsible. The pacing was very slow as well.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

Ray McMillian, a Black musician, inherits an old violin from his grandmother Nora who loves to hear him play “PopPop’s fiddle.”
The rest of his family, especially his mother, just mocks and criticizes him.

Ray continues practicing, getting better and setting new goals. It’s not easy being Black in the music world; from boyhood to adulthood, the same degrading references are used to demean him, but Ray knows that success is the best way to avenge any naysayers.

Eventually, Ray is encouraged to follow his dream by a Black female mentor. When he discovers that his ratty hand-me-down violin is actually a rare Stradivarius, his life changes. The greedy and needy all want a share of it, and then, it disappears before the performance of a lifetime.

A somewhat far-fetched yet engaging story, you’ll root for Rayquan (“please call me Ray”) McMillian. A special nod to the author, who is very well versed in music himself, as is evident in this story.

#PenguinRandomHouse#NetGalley

Wow. Thank you Knopf and Netgalley for the chance to read this advance copy of this novel.

I loved this book and I could not put it down! The premise was unique and fascinating, the plot moved quickly and was full of tension, and the protagonist was one I couldn't stop rooting for.

Ray's grandma gave him her grandfather's fiddle when he was in high school, and it turns out to be a rare Stradivarius from the 1700s. From there he deals with family and strangers trying to get the violin or money out of him, being skyrocketed into the public eye, and all while also dealing with being one of the very few professional Black classical musicians in the United States. Oh and all the whole he's trying to prepare for being in the biggest classical music solo competition in the world.

The book starts off with the violin being stolen and a ransom note left in its place for $5 million. The story them interweaves past and present to give the full story of his life as a musician and with the infamous violin.

The stories of microaggressions and outright racism that Ray goes through are fraught with tension and made me so angry.

It's a great read and I definitely recommend it.

A Talented Boy, a Priceless Violin, and a Mystery

Ray McMillan is an unlikely candidate to become a world famous violinist. Growing up in rural North Carolina, his mother thought music was a waste of time. Luckily he had a wonderful grandmother who supported his talent and even gave him an old violin, a family heirloom handed down from the days when his family were slaves.

Ray blossoms as a musician and when he discovers that the violin he loves is really a Stradivarius his career takes off. However, not all the people in Ray’s circle are good. On the eve of the most important competition of his life, the Tchaikovsky Competition, the violin is stolen. The thief asks for a ransom of five million dollars. Now with the competition hanging over his head, Ray must discover who is responsible and get his violin back.

This is a wonderful story. Ray is determined, talented and kind. His character makes the story. His grandmother is also a delightful character. Her belief and support of Ray is inspirational. However, not all the other characters are as appealing. There are plenty of bad actors including his mother.

The music background of the story is well done. The author is a musician and it is evident in his ability to portray the classical music world. He highlights the prejudice faced by a black classical musician. There is plenty of jealousy and competitiveness in the music world. The author clearly knows what he is writing about.

This book is more than a mystery. It is the portrait or a talented young man fighting against the odds to succeed in a career he loves.

I received this book from Vintage Books and Anchor Books for this review.