The Violin Conspiracy

A Novel (Good Morning America Book Club)

By: Brendan Slocumb

Narrated by: JD Jackson, Brendan Slocumb

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! • Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise—undeterred by the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world—when a shocking theft sends him on a desperate quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world.

“I loved The Violin Conspiracy for exactly the same reasons I loved The Queen’s Gambit: a surprising, beautifully rendered underdog hero I cared about deeply and a fascinating, cutthroat world I knew nothing about—in this case, classical music.”—Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and Hour of the Witch

Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.

When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.

©2022 Brendan Slocumb (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

A Good Morning America GMA Book Club Pick! • ONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST'S BEST MYSTERY BOOKS OF THE YEAR • A Best Book of the Year: NPR, GOODREADS, Air Mail, Book Riot • A CrimeReads Best Mystery Book of the Year

A MOST ANTICPIATED BOOK OF THE YEAR: The Seattle Times, Goodreads, The Millions

A Medium Most Exciting Book Releases of the Year • Pop Sugar: 35 Must-Read Thrillers and Mystery Books to Keep You Chasing Clues • A Publishers Weekly Top Ten Mystery/Thriller

"Slocumb imbues his character's life with so much authenticity in the details, details that anyone who has played a stringed instrument, or played in a professional ensemble, will recognize. . . . Where Slocumb shines ... is in the passages where he shows Ray's grit. . . . [Brendan Slocumb] has plenty of brio to share with readers as well as listeners."—NPR

“Such a page-turner . . . a musical bildungsroman cleverly contained within a literary thriller. . . . Slocumb isn’t too different from his protagonist: a natural. He easily conjures the thrill of mastering a tough musical passage and the tinnitus-like torture of everyday racism.”—The New York Times

“When I opened Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy, I was immediately transported to a place I’d never been, surrounded by characters I’d never met. In the crowded world of fiction, that’s no small accomplishment. . . . Slocumb has orchestrated an engaging and suspenseful story about an aspiring musician and his great-great-grandfather’s violin. . . . The Violin Conspiracy is so wonderfully written, especially its descriptions of music, that at times I questioned whether I was reading or listening to a concert. . . . Slocumb is equally adept at suspense, whether he’s conveying the ticktock of the main mystery or the heart-pounding, fist-clenching realities Ray has to face as a young Black man in America. This novel, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page, is sure to be a favorite in 2022.”—The Washington Post

inspiring

Loved it. It was an easy listen even though it dealt with a heavy topic. Draws you into the mystery.

Wonderful

I truly enjoyed reading and listening to this book. I loved the way you described Jay’s love for music and his relationships. I learned a lot about continuous persecution and loved how he responded. It was one of the best books I listened to this year. Thank you.

Powerful piece of art

This was so very good! Beautifully written and so very real. If people don't understand race and racism in this country and world, this story depicts it in the most authentic way. Oh, and there's a super thrilling mystery that will have you guessing to the very end. So many emotions ran through me as I listened to the wonderful narrator guide us through this tale... Anger at so many things, but especially at Ray's evil mother. That one detail is never addressed and left me wondering why this woman was so very hateful, despite her own mother being a living breathing saint. That kind of hatred of one's own offspring isn't natural! Overall, this was both delightful and depressing, a glimpse of the very worst in people but also a reminder of the amazing beauty in this world. I found myself intrigued by the music and often paused the story to google the various musical pieces that were mentioned. What an amazing story! Kudos to the author for his heartfelt thoughts in the epilogue. Don't be surprised if you fall in love with this book! I certainly did.

highly recommend

The best read I have experienced in a long time. i was so excited to continue reading and did not want the book to end.

Loved

I loved this book so much because it is a wonderful story. The narrarator is amazing!

Great story. Great narrator. Great message.

I loved everything about this book. Although I guessed the “whodunnit” pretty early on, there were lots of interesting characters and story lines to keep things interesting. I am a violinist who loves all things classical music and it was fun to “geek out” to all the details about the history and beauty of violins as well as so many specific works that are close to my heart. I grew so fond of the main character - his passion for music, his humanity towards his difficult family, his tenacity and hard work. Which made me even more saddened about the discriminations that must still exist today. The way the main character was treated in many situations made the book often feel like it took place in a different era. It made my heart hurt to think this is still the reality today in some places. I hope this book helps to bring awareness and change to our society. Despite the darkness of so many themes including greed and prejudice and crime, the book manages to be upbeat and optimistic. The themes of redemption and overcoming trials prevail throughout. I came away uplifted. Lastly, I appreciate that although the romance was both sweet and sexy, the author kept it clean.

Awesome, needed and enjoyed!

What a book! Something refreshing! It ended with a few loose ends but I was still satiated, full of the meaty plot line and robust characters! I am so glad that I stumbled on this one! Well worth the time. I can’t wait to see what the author chooses to explore next! Bravo!

Music for the Soul

Such a great story. I love music and a good mystery. I thrive on perseverance.
A heartbreaking, gut wrenching, eye opening view of the struggles that challenge many creative people overtime. I loved the musical transitions throughout. I strongly suspected the reality of the struggles. Excellent! Thank you.

A Unique and Interesting Story! Loved It!!

I could not pause or stop listening to this unique story. It peaked my interest from the first word.
The impecable performance reading coupled with the story's characters and plot flawlessly and swiftly glided like a violin concerto. A great read!

Wonderful story!

I truly enjoyed this book! The story resonates across so many themes. It was very inspiring.