I feel a lot of regret awarding this only 3 stars. I adored The Violin Conspiracy and gave it 5 stars. I specifically requested this book and I guess I expected it to be similar in tone.

This is an entirely different type of novel. At first I was interested as we are introduced to Curtis who is a young boy from a poor neighborhood who is a cello prodigy and is able to obtain success and prosperity.

Then it got less interesting for me and diverged into comic book themes which I just didn't get.

Thank you Doubleday Books for giving me an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of appeal here for readers who love to delve into a good, contemporary story that has a lot going on -- keeps you turning the pages. Curtis is a young music prodigy. After a challenging childhood with poverty and racism, he emerges as a very successful cellist, and is on the brink of a brilliant career when everything abruptly crashes. His dad, a low level drug dealer, cooperates with the FBI to bring down a shadowy criminal organization. Because of this, Curtis and his family must enter a witness protection program. Curtis has to give up performing, and seeks a new creative outlet. He creates a comic book hero, The Dark Maestro. When the FBI cannot seem to bring the criminals to justice, Curtis and his family take matters into their own hands and hatch a complicated, daring plot to do it themselves.

I have greatly enjoyed Brendan Slocumb's previous books, and I was excited to read the newest one.

The story revolves around Curtis, a Black cello prodigy from a rough part of DC. His father, Zippy, as an ambitious drug dealer, wants to be successful and care for his family. He has moved up in the organization due to his affinity with numbers. But he gets picked up by the FBI and the family gets placed in Witness Protection.

Since the feds seem unable or unwilling to catch the bigger fish in the criminal organization, Curtis and family turn the tables and try to resolve matters themselves.

The story takes some unlikely turns, but knowing that Curtis's other love in life is comic books, viewing the tale as a sort of non-visual comic book, it works. And the strong characters pulls you through the unusual story. I recommend it as a twist on the unusual crime / mystery fiction.

I’ve read both of Brendan Slocum’s previous novels, The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets, and really enjoyed both. As a former music teacher, Slocum brings us back to the world of music in his latest novel, this time focusing on Curtis Wilson, a cello prodigy. The first part of the book explores Curtis’s difficult upbringing in a crack house in D.C., where music and comic books become his escape. The second part shifts to Curtis as an adult, forced into witness protection, where he and his father, Zippy, and stepmother, Larissa, team up to take back their lives in a gripping crime fiction narrative.

I really enjoyed this one, especially Zippy’s character and his determination to be a good father. The first half of the book really tugged at my heart as I watched young Curtis discover his extraordinary gift. I also loved how the family bonded over creating their comic book series, Dark Maestro—it’s so refreshing to see a family choosing to spend quality time together.

This is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it: a perfect mix of comic books, music, and crime. Slocumb is officially an auto-read author for me.

Much like his two previous novels with musical excellence and intense mystery, but this one brings in some new components to the crime with a smidge of comic world building. #stillafan

STORYLINE
An intense coming of age story for a musical prodigy living in DC’s drug and crime neighborhood. Curtis begins to play the cello at school and his talents promise to change his destiny. He has opportunities to get out, but his father’s choices take the family deeper into the crime world threatening his future.

THOUGHTS
I’m a Slocumb fan. His 2 earlier novels were both 5⭐️ reads for me. This story is more intense with crimes involved and mystery needing to be solved. It’s a page turner with worlds colliding (musical, comic books, murder). There were a few chapters I felt did nothing to add to the storyline and just felt unnecessary. So this one is only a 4⭐️ for me.

Brendan Slocumb! A writer. A masterful storyteller. You're immediately drawn with the intensity of the story. This is a book you simply don't want to put down. Bravo!

This is a tough review to write. The first half of the book revolves around Curtis Wilson a child prodigy on the cello and a lover of comic book heroes from an impoverished area of DC who achieves of performing with the New York Philarmonic at Lincoln Center.
In second half of the book he and his family are in witness protection and/ or on the run because of his father’s involvement in an illegal organ procurement program. The family creates the Dark Maestro as a comic book hero and succeed in tracking down those trying to kill them -a task at which the FBI failed. Frankly the second half might be of interest to graphic artists, video creators and lovers of classical music but strains credulity for the average reader. I’ve enjoyed his other reads immensely but I think this one misses the mark.

The Dark Maestro is another great read by Brendan Slocumb. A young cello prodigy escapes the reality of the DC. projects and a drug dealing father. However, his famous life comes crashing down. What comes next could have been a chaotic jumble. Instead, in Slocumb’s knowledgeable and skillful hands, it turns into an interesting and emotional symphony.

From the author of The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets comes a mesmerizing page-turner about a musical virtuoso who’s forced into hiding when his family runs afoul of a ruthless criminal organization—and how he uses music to bring his enemies to justice

Curtis Wilson is a cello prodigy, growing up in the Southeast D.C. projects with a drug dealer for a father. But through determination and talent, and the loving support of his father’s girlfriend, Larissa, Curtis claws his way out of his challenging circumstances and rises to unimagined heights in the classical music world—even soloing with the New York Philharmonic.

And then, suddenly, his life disintegrates. His father, Zippy, turns state evidence, implicating his old bosses to the FBI. Now the family—Curtis included—must enter the witness protection program if they want to survive. This means Curtis must give up the very thing he loves most: sharing his extraordinary musical talents with the world. When Zippy’s bosses prove too elusive for law enforcement to convict them, Curtis, Zippy, and Larissa realize that their only chance of survival is to take on the cartel themselves. They must create new identities and draw on their unique talents, including Curtis’s musical ability, to go after the people who want them dead. But will it be enough to keep Curtis and his family alive?

A propulsive and moving story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, The Dark Maestro is Slocumb at the height of his powers.

My Take:
The summary addresses the "who" and hints at the "where," "how," and "why," though the "when" is irrelevant in this contemporary story. If the summary intrigues you, this book fulfills its promise. I appreciate that Slocumb has a distinct writing style: a mystery thriller set in the symphonic world, with fresh insights into that realm. Additionally, it acknowledges a foundation from a previous book. For those who have read his prior works, this easter egg is a delightful addition. If this is your first book by him, it serves as an excellent introduction to his world. Here, readers are invited to ponder the "what ifs" of life: What if I lived outside of Southeast D.C.? What if your loyalty is tested? What if you fully tapped into your creativity? What if you took matters into your own hands? While some answers may be far-fetched, taking the time to imagine is worthwhile. I did, and I loved it. Slocumb has become an automatic purchase for me and is now a regular recommendation in my book club.

I love how all of Brendan Slocumb's books are revolved around musical instruments. They are very detailed. I have read all three of his books now, and do have to admit that while I liked this one, I liked the first two better.
The Dark Maestro is about Curtis, who becomes a prodigy from a very young age regarding playing the cello. He is being raised by his single father, Zippy along with his girlfriend Larissa. Just as Curtis' career is seeming to take off, the family has to go into a witness protection program due to work Zippy is doing that is being investigated by the FBI. This part of the book is where I found it to be drawn out. Curtis is of course, aggravated that his career is stalled and the family is frustrated with what they can and can't do and keep breaking witsec rules.
They are afraid of being found and end up trying to take things into their own hands when it seems that the FBI isn't making any progress on their behalf. Overall, I still enjoyed the book and finished it withing two days. I would still recommend this to anyone that is a fan of the author's work. Thank you to #netgalley for this #arc.

The mix of music and a drug empire was honestly hilarious. This was such a fun read!!

It was a bit cringy at times, but it was a hilarious cringy. Plus, it was perfectly balanced with more serious themes that had me sat!

The Dark Maestro is a phenomenal book and continues Brendan Slocumb creating fantastic stories about music and family. This book adds two new elements: Comic books and crime. The story blends the pulp superhero stories with a crime thriller and allows Slocumb to craft a beautiful story about a family dealing with choices that shatter everyone’s life but especially their music prodigy son.

The cello. Black market organ harvesting. Witness protection program. Super heroes. Was this book written specifically for me??? I think yes!!

Brendan Slocumb has become one of my very favorite authors, and this book helps solidify his place. Like his previous books, music is a focal point, but this time the main instrument just happens to be my favorite: the cello!This book seemed to have more action scenes than the author’s previous books. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat at times, and I couldn’t stop reading.

Please be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book, as it provides interesting insights as to what he was going through as he was writing the book.

I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next, as Slocumb is officially an auto-read author for me.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

Brendan Slocumb's The Dark Maestro is an entertaining book following a musical prodigy, his father, and his father's girlfriend as they attempt to find out about the mysterious criminal organization that is hunting them. While I find the book engaging, it doesn't compare to Slocumb's earlier work, The Violin Conspiracy or Symphony of Secrets. I thought it needed another few drafts, and that the conclusion was rushed. I'm still a fan of Slocumb's, and I'm sure readers of his previous works will enjoy this novel, but, to me, this one fell flat.

From the age of 5 Curtis knew that he wanted to play the cello. Fast forward to his early adulthood, and he has become world renown as a master cellist at the height of his career. All of his good fortune and hard work come to an abrupt halt when he is taken into custody by FBI agents following a concert at Lincoln Center. It turns out that his father has been involved with serious criminals who want to kill him, before he can become a witness against them. Curtis, his mother, and grandmother have become pawns in this game and must go into hiding to save their lives. As a result, Curtis is no longer able to perform anywhere, and is even forbidden to contact the people from his musical life. As the years pass, Curtis finds some solace and satisfaction from creating online comic superheroes, and his mother and father join with him in his online success. Throughout this novel, there is the suspense from the danger lurking for Curtis and his family, plus the tension of his grieving for his cello passion. This becomes a page turner, with a race to a satisfying finish.

A solid 3.5 stars.

The story starts in a gritty part of Southeast D.C., focusing on young Curtis Wilson, a five-year-old cello prodigy, his father Zippy—a drug dealer working for TBlock—and Zippy’s girlfriend Larissa, who cares for Curtis like her own. Together, they try to balance their dangerous lifestyle with supporting Curtis's dreams, as he sets his sights on performing with the New York Philharmonic. We watch him as he sails through Juilliard and becomes one of the most coveted cellists in the world.

I loved the author's previous books. This one I found the plot to be a bit ambitious and unbelievable at times. The author's note at the end gives insight into why he wrote this particular story. It just isn't wasn't fully for me.

I had high hopes for this book as I loved the author's other books so much, but this one was a little bit of a miss for me. It wasn't very believable to me and drug on. I honestly would have DNFed if, but I did want to find out how the story ended which added a half star. I do think others will enjoy this story. 3 1/2 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

TBH 3.5 stars but this is probably due to my anticipation based on the author's other books. I absolutely loved The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets, and rated them both 5 stars. The Dark Maestro was an intriguing story on its own merit, just not what I was expecting.
I will continue to recommend Brendan Slocumb and all of his books!

Another great read from Brendan Slocumb, who just keeps getting better and better. This is, I think, his third novel, and like the first two, it incorporates music and features characters who have musicians' brains. Everything about Curtis Wilson is completely believable, as is his small-time gangster father. The character of Larissa was so lovely. Through all they went through, she loves Curtis as a mother and sticks with Zippy, who may not entirely deserve her loyalty. She shows incredible daring and bravery, both in all the various versions of their lives in Witness Protection and in the family's audacious plan to save themselves. A tiny example: Larissa finds she has a talent for helping women in trouble, and there seems to be no end of women who need her help. "Larissa had worked with women like these all her life, and she knew how to engage them. How a small act of kindness...handing them an already-peeled orange--could be the first step to circle out of whatever grim place they'd retreated into." For some reason that one detail really stayed with me. Handing someone an already-peeled orange is indeed a kindness. I don't want to spoil the plot, but wow. This story is both plot- and character-driven, so what's not to like? As the persona of the Dark Maestro slowly begins to take shape, first in their obscure and un-followed web comic and then later in real life, when the seriously evil villains are after them and they have to save themselves by their own wits, it is hard to put this book down. Highly recommended for pretty much any adult who likes a good story. May the Dark Maestro become "an icon for the poor and silenced" indeed. And somebody needs to make a playlist.

Review of Uncorrected eBook Proof

Curtis Wilson is playing Kabalevsky’s Cello Concerto no. 2, op. 77 with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. Reviews mention his “prodigious abilities,” calling him a “rising star.”

Yet this is Curtis Wilson’s final performance.

What happened to end the cello prodigy’s musical performances? Will he ever find a way to play again? And what will he do if he cannot play his music?

=========

Beginning with his early life, readers meet kindergartener Curtis when he is five years old and has his first opportunity to play a musical instrument. He chooses the cello. From the outset, it is clear that Curtis has a special musical talent, an exceptional gift.

But his father’s drug dealing puts the family in a precarious position. As the unfolding story reveals the obstacles in his life, readers are sure to sympathize with the little boy who wants nothing more than to make music with his cello. Curtis’s love for music and for his cello comes through on every page, a love that is sure to touch every reader’s heart.

Well-developed characters, a strong sense of place, and references to wonderful music all work together to keep those pages turning as fast as possible. Readers may find it difficult to set this book aside before reaching the final page.

Readers follow Curtis as his music talent continues to shine; family relationships play an integral part in the telling of this tale. When his father’s activities force Curtis to step away from music, readers may be surprised to discover the new road he chooses to follow as the story reaches its unexpected denouement.

Highly recommended.

Be sure to read the Author’s Note following the story . . . readers are sending you thoughts and prayers for a full recovery, Brendan.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Doubleday Books / Doubleday and NetGalley
#TheDarkMaestro #NetGalley