The Dark Maestro

ONE OF KIRKUS’S BEST MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS OF THE YEAR • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY CRIMEREADS

“Brendan Slocumb always brings his deep understanding and love of music to his novels. . . . In this perfectly crafted thriller, Slocumb acts as the master conductor, bringing together a twisty plot and gorgeously wrought characters.” —The Boston Globe

“Slocumb’s gripping storytelling hits all the right notes, making this a standout performance.” —Oprah Daily

“This thriller about a musical prodigy delivers a virtuoso performance. . . . It is about coming together as a family out of sheer love and appreciation for one another despite the chaos all around.” —Christian Science Monitor

“Slocumb hits a high note with heart and adrenaline. . . . Slocumb’s storytelling remains emotionally resonant and fast-paced, with vibrant POVs and a deep love for music anchoring the narrative. . . . Equal parts heartwarming, high-stakes and wildly original.” —The Seattle Times

“Music lovers and thriller readers rejoice—The Dark Maestro, like Slocumb’s other novels, is in perfect harmony with both.” —USA Today

“A virtuosic thriller. . . . This is an intricately plotted novel, paced perfectly by Slocumb, who keeps the book moving at a breakneck speed—but not at the expense of his beautifully drawn characters. Curtis, shy and sweet, is especially memorable; Slocumb paints a beautiful picture of the young man’s internal life. . . . This novel should catapult Slocumb into the upper echelon of thriller authors.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“A musical literary thriller. . . . The twists of the story keep coming, and the thread of superhero comics and the Dark Maestro brings readers along on a journey that comic book fans will appreciate.” —Library Journal (starred)

“Slocumb’s gripping third novel, The Dark Maestro, takes readers on a breathless ride. . . . Propulsive and gritty, yet suffused with the fierce love of family, The Dark Maestro weaves together themes of ambition, justice, and stubborn hope—with a side of fiendishly clever musical revenge.” —Shelf Awareness

“As heartbreaking as it is triumphant. . . . Slocumb strikes every emotional chord in this gripping, music-infused thriller. The Dark Maestro is a story of resilience, loyalty, and found family—a bold symphony about what we’re willing to sacrifice for those we love, and how far we’ll go to reclaim the music that makes us whole.” —Suspense Magazine

“Slocumb delivers another winning music-themed thriller.” —Booklist

“Like the music he describes, Brendan Slocumb’s prose lifts and soars, penetrating you with its emotional resonance, then propelling you forward with mystery. . . . Dazzles. . . . Paired with the meticulously plotted mystery, Slocumb’s characters come fully to life, propelling the book at breakneck speed until its shocking conclusion.” —Bookreporter

“The Dark Maestro is my favorite kind of book—one that keeps you riveted in the moment, turning pages feverishly. But then, long after you’re done, the book creeps into your mind and lingers. Packed with a love of music, injected with the elements of the best kind of thrillers, and told through the prism of an unforgettable protagonist, The Dark Maestro is a tour de force and a book unlike any other. I loved it.” —Alex Segura, bestselling author of Alter Ego and Secret Identity

“Move over Daredevil, step aside Dark Knight. Cellist by day, bringer of justice by night, the domino-mask wearing Curtis Wilson, his shady pops and the old man’s fearless girlfriend constitute a kind of Terrific Three for these tough times. That is if they manage to not get their heads blown off trying to get out from under. Great reading.” —Gary Phillips, author of Ash Dark as Night