Symphony of Secrets explores racism and neurodivergent prejudice both in the past and present.

Bern Hendricks who is and expert on the music of Frederick Delaney is hired by the Delaney Foundation to try to put together a piece of music that has been an integral part of the Delaney collection that has been missing from the very beginning. The foundation has come across some documents that may lead them to figure out the whole piece including why it's missing and where the missing pages may be. The foundation is extremely strict confiscating his cell phone before allowing Bern to view the documents found. Bern decides he could also use the help of a trusted colleague, Eboni, who is put through the ringer from the foundation as well.

The two of them soon discover that a woman named Josephine Reed was an integral part of Frederick's life and may have also had a lot to do with the music he is famous for composing. Delaney wins her trust, by taking care of her when she would not have been able to support herself being not only black, but a person that would fall on the spectrum. But what happened to Josephine and why wasn't she given any credit in the phenomena of Delaney's musical career?

I love how Slocumb brings to light issues that many may not realize and this one includes a woman behind the man story which I always appreciate. A definite must read and just as good as his debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy.

Wow! Brendan Slocumb has done it again with this awesome story. Symphony of Secrets is a highly compulsive read that I didn't want to put down. I would have rated this 4 1/2 stars rather than 4 if I was able to do so. I took off half a star due to the musical technicalities, but this is more on me than the author due to my not having a shred of musical knowledge. It's clear through the writing that Slocumb is a master musician, but, in some parts, it did hinder this reader's comprehension because I had no clue what he was talking about musically. Other than that, I would rate the story 5 stars. I can't see where he goes in his next book.

Quite a read . Set in the 1920s, the plot revolves around Bern Hendricks, a professor of music in Virginia who is invited by the Delaney Foundation to work on the final long lost work , newly discovered of his idol, Frederick Delaney the most famous composer of the early part of the century.
What follows becomes a thriller, a mystery, a look at racism and frank exploitation.It is captivating as historical fiction but frankly can be overwhelming in both the musical aspects and the computer investigative techniques, at least for this reader. All in all a good read.

Kevin Bernard Hendrix is a Delaney scholar . He was chosen in elementary to be given a musical instrument and taught music all funded by the Fred Delaunay foundation. He turned this into a PhD and spent his life studying and teaching classical music with a special love for Fred Delaney. Fred Delaney was one of the most celebrated composers of the early 20th century and was chosen to write the five operas to commemorate the Berlin Olympics in 36 he wrote an opera for each ring but The transcript for Red was lost and although 10 years later he would write a new one it was a flop and he died a broken Man and by his own hand. This didn’t stop burns from being a humongous fan and when the Dalline foundation contacted him to say not only had they found The transcript but wanted him to write the music for it he was beside himself with excitement through a friend of a friend he enlist the help of Albany a girl who is not only a computer genius but has great contacts. The story is told through dual timelines one is the investigation the second is Fred Delaney’s not so great start in New York City and his introduction to Josephine Reed an autistic black woman with musical abilities that eventually astound the struggling musician. The title Symphony Of Secrets is the perfect title for this book because once burns in Albany start investigating and researching the found opera what they uncover not only shakes the whole Delaney foundation but will also put Burns is it safety and freedom in jeopardy. This was such a great book I am definitely going to read the violin conspiracy because of this is what The author has to offer I definitely want to read more. He has a great grasp on music and a great talent for riding if you love historical fiction in world rocking secrets coming to light the new love symphony of secrets by Brendan Sloacum I definitely did this is a definite five star read and although it’s told in duel timelines boat will keep you on the edge of your seat. I received this book from NetGalley and The publisher but I’m leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

If you enjoyed The Violin Conspiracy, you definitely should read this book. The creation of a mystery revolving around musicians adds a new perspective to the genre. Brendan Slocumb is talented at crafting a unique story filled with observations about race and class in both past and present. This was such an interesting, but often heartbreaking, story. I knew the premise of the book, but there were unexpected turns along the way. This isn’t necessarily a thrilling mystery, but more of a historical mystery that captures your attention and keeps it throughout the book. Slocumb explores themes of racism, classism, privilege, greed, and collective memory in this book and gives the reader a lot to consider that relates to the reality of our society. I highly recommend this and it is a story I will think about for a long time!

CW: racism, classism, white saviorism, violence, emotional abuse, police brutality, suicide

Wow! What an excellent follow-up the violin conspiracy and a great way for slocumb to the deliver on the promise of that novel. The story follows a professor, bern, who is hired by the Delaney foundation to put together the composition to the final opera written by his hero and academic study, Fredric Delaney. Something feels amiss when he is hired by the Delaney Foundation board, though. After he and his colleague, eboni, start to analyze the notes left by Delaney it becomes clear that there was a mysterious woman, Josephine, who was connected to Delaney during his rise to fame. But who was she and how was she connected? And what is the truth behind the opera that Bern is tasked with rebuilding. Told in past and present and through alternative viewpoints of Bern, Delaney, and Josephine, this novel tackles themes of race, class, gender, obsession, ownership, and ambition. While those sound like heavy themes, the novel moves at a breakneck pace and is all consuming-one of those novels that you can’t stop reading but also that you want to slow down and savor. Unraveling the story of Josephine and Delaney will keep the pages turning! No criticisms of this novel-just an excellent, well-written outing!

Arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love these race-in-music-centered mysteries!! Can this be a new genre? I love the characters and the adventure. The love story was difficult to buy into but I loved everything else. I will recommend Slocumb until I die!

WOW, my second five star read in a row, nothing better. Now what? I must go back and read The Violin Conspiracy by the same author, Brendon Slocumb. I absolutely could not put this book down. This surprised me because a few weeks ago I tried to read The Violin Conspiracy and could not connect with it. When I saw that I received an ARC of Symphony of Secrets by the same author I wasn’t sure I would be able to get through it. Boy was I wrong.

I fell in love with Josephine, a neurodivergent women who is absolutely squishable. Bern and Eboni are my hero’s. Fredrick Delaney is a character you will love and hate. Symphony of Secrets is a unique story, the writing is fabulous and the characters are memorable. My only suggestion, if it is not to late, is do not read a synopsis of the book before starting or the authors note. Go into this one blind.

Thank you NetGalley and for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dazzling! The Symphony of Secrets kept me rapt. I didn’t want to put it down. The story was thrilling and engaging. I loved the use of the dual timelines.

What a book! I could not read this fast enough to find out the secrets.

Brendan Slocumb has written another masterpiece that keeps you reading late into the night and early morning. I absolutely loved The Violin Conspiracy and this book absolutely does not disappoint. I have never rooted so hard for some characters and rooted so hard against others.

Read.this.book!!!

Brendan Slocumb's first book, The Violin Conspiracy, was one of my favorite books of last year. He doesn't disappoint with his second book, Symphony of Secrets.

Dr. Bern Hendricks is a professor of music and a former Delaney Foundation Kid. He adores the music of Frederick Delaney, and feels he owes the Delaney Foundation so much for helping him and kids like him, from disadvantaged backgrounds, to experience music, take lessons, and be successful.

When the Delaney Foundation contacts Bern and asks him to work on a secret project, he jumps at the opportunity. He is given an office and access to the lost score to RED, the final opera in Delaney's Ring Quintet. He can't believe his luck. He recruits an old friend, Eboni, to handle the computer analysis of the scores. Bern and Eboni discover some Delaney Doodles on the score, and try to figure out why they appear. Soon, they're investigating Delaney and his relationship with a Josephine Reed, a colored woman who worked in his office and lived in the same townhouse as he did.

But the Foundation isn't happy when they find out about their research and the trunk of Doodles they found in North Carolina with Reed's descendants. Will the true story ever be told?

Like in his first book, Slocumb illuminates the mistreatment of black people both in the past, during Delaney's time, and in the present, in Bern's time. There are parts of this book that are hard to read, mostly because it is all too easy to believe that this is exactly what would happen in real life. But his characters live in hope, and find a way to persevere and succeed. Slocumb's musical background shines through in his descriptions of the music written and performed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

Ho.Ly. COW. This was magnificent. I loved every word, every page. There was representation for disabilities, romance, racial issues, hisfic. Oh. So much love. I read The Violin Conspiracy and enjoyed that a lot, but where I thought VC had dry spots, Symphony of Secrets had none. My favorite chapter was the very last. Watching the culmination of 100 years of history and mystery and lies come together and be outed and righted brought tears to my eyes. And the legal genius! Read this if you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah. It had all those vibes. Loved it.

Symphony of Secrets
By: Brendan Slocumb
Publish Date: April 18, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor Publishing and the author, Brendan Slocumb for the advanced copy of Symphony of Secrets.

I have to say, I really, really enjoyed The Violin Conspiracy and now also Symphony of Secrets. The secret sauce of mixing music and mystery is superb!! I am loving it!! I cant wait for the next one (hopefully!!)

Symphony of Secrets is the story of Bern, a Delany Foundation Kid, who recieves special assignment from The Delaney Foundation due to his advanced research as a music professor at UVA. Fredrick Delaney is a famous, world renowned music composer who Bern looks up to as an idol and inspiration...... Bern is called to help bring to life RED, which was lost and never performed. Along the way, Bern brings on his Technology superstar friend Eboni. Bern and Eboni have a natural, fun friendship which they always bring back to ....Pizza! While bribing Eboni to join his mission with Pizza, they find something strange in the music...unlike the typical Delaney doodles ....JOR .... what could that stand for?

The use of Dual Timeline(I love that!!) following, Fredrick Delaney(1919-1920's) and his musical "gift" Josephine Reed give us the back story while also providing us the present day.

Brendan Slocumb perfectly captures your attention about his mystery, entrancing you by the music world, while including relevant injustices such as racism and treatment of others who are different.

#NetGalley #SymphonyofSecrets #BrendanSlocumb #AnotherWin!

A musical mystery of the past is uncovered by Bern, Professor of Music, and Eboni, tech guru, while Bern, deciphers a long lost opera by the famous composer Fred Delaney. Through a dual timeline dating back to the 1920s, twists and turns propel the story to its fitting conclusion.

Along the way, we root for our current heroes, while learning of the unfortunate relationship between Fred and his brilliant, neurodivergent companion, Josephine Reed.

Like his debut novel, Slocumb’s story penetrates a musical world tainted by racist attitudes both past and present.

I enjoyed the plot of this story but feel that the publisher’s description overstepped by revealing too much of the storyline, While the pacing of the story felt uneven, it was overall, an enjoyable read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

I loved this mystery, but especially for the characters. The point of view alternates between the 1920s and present, although not chapter-by-chapter and I found myself appreciating that I could sink into each chunk of the story before being taken back to the other perspective. There are some aspects of pacing that felt off to me, but overall the story was great and the message is excellent. I think a lot of readers will really enjoy this, especially as a follow-up from the author's art heist debut.

Listen, I'm not going to lie and say that I don't LOVE Brendan. We've become legitimate friends over the past year since his first book released, and I was so excited to read this one! I loved the different ways he pulled in the two timelines, and have become a JoReed fangirl for life even though she's a fictional character. Thanks for another GREAT story, Brendan!

Symphony of Secrets follows Bern Hendricks, a professor, who makes a shocking discovery about the most famous American composer of all time. Determined to right history's wrongs, Bern strives to give recognition to a young Black female composer whose music was stolen and whose story was silenced.

Told using dual timelines, Slocumb builds a story of today juxtaposed against a story set in the Tin Pan Alley era of Manhattan. While the first half of the book was fairly compelling, the pace of the story picked up during the second half and the narrative became more predictable. As I continued reading, I felt less inclined to pick it up and the inevitable nature of the story became clearer. Slocumb relied more and more on telling and using clipped sentences.

However, the character of Josephine Reed, the young Black composer whose music was stolen from her in the 1920s, was fascinating. Her character was thoughtfully crafted and delicately developed over the course of the book. And while there was still plenty of room for her to be more fully fleshed out, Slocumb's own talent with writing and music clearly shines through Reed and her connection to music. In fact, the depth of understanding the silencing of Black voices, and cultural appropriation in general, could've been more fully and deeply explored if the historical fiction story had solely been told from her perspective. Additionally, her language with expressing music involved a great deal of color association, and the intricacy Slocumb could've utilized to build a more emotionally nuanced foundation might have been more effectively delivered by experiencing her world through her lens.

I was so excited to be able to read Symphony of Secrets because I really enjoyed The Violin Conspiracy. I’ve also enjoyed hearing Brendan Slocumb interviewed several times. Well, this book exceeded my expectations. The dual time lines between present day and the 1920’s, the characters, and fast paced story kept me engaged and racing to the end to find out how he ties it all together. I went in not knowing much about the plot and that worked for me. I will read anything Brendan writes in the future. Thank you NetGalley.

Symphony of Secrets has interesting characters, is set in a great time period, and the author utilizes his knowledge throughout the story. The 1920s setting is perfect for the story’s historical backdrop and lends well to the mystery. The blending of music, greed, and power, told in a dual timeline format, makes for a story many will enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

I loved the Violin Conspiracy and was thrilled to be given the chance to review Brendan Slocumb’s new novel and it did not disappoint. Once I got into it I could not stop reading, I ignored my children, my job – everything and just read through and had to finish it in one sitting to find out what happened next.

I want to lay out the plot while not giving anything away (because I went in blind and I want other to as well) – the novel begins with Bern, a Black music scholar/professor being called to NYC to transcribe his musical hero’s lost work. Through his research of this lost last opera (found in the walls of his home) Bern learns that his hero, Fred Delaney, may not be all he seemed to be and learns that the Delaney Foundation, who gave Bern his start in life (his first musical instrument, his initial love of music) may be less altruistic that he had always thought.

There are flashbacks throughout the novel to the 1920s with Delaney and his mysterious Black sidekick, Josephine. Josephine sees music in color and hears the world in musical notes, she is a pure soul who love music in all forms. As Delaney gets more successful their relationship and his treatment of her becomes less kind, more transactional, and at some point simply cruel.

The story touches upon racism, genius, ownership, power and of course there is the addictive mystery that kept me from wanting to close the book at all.

This was a 4.5 star review – I absolutely loved the book and was upset when it was over. I will just have to wait for his next novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Anchor Books for the chance to review this novel