The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

This novel is a mystery 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?

My Verdict: I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't quite what I expected. Ray overcomes much in his life as he rises from a disadvantaged youth to global fame. Growing up, his mother referred to his playing as just noise, but he was encouraged by his grandmother. He once had little hope of college, much less a future in performance, and he has long suffered the casual indignities of racism in music and beyond. Reminded frequently that even his colleagues think he hasn't earned his way, but rather has had it given to him because of the color of his skin. Despite his incredible talent and hard work, he feels like a fraud as he walks through his career deep in the throws of "imposter syndrome". When his violin is stolen, he thinks: "He was bringing their words to life. He was exactly what they said he was. Incompetent. Irresponsible."

I loved that this book had more depth than the average thriller. The character development was strong -- at least in terms of Ray's character. I guess I was expecting more in the way of a thriller, though. While this is definitely a mystery, it seems like for large sections of the book, the focus on that mystery almost completely disappears. Perhaps the title plays a part in my confusion as well. There is no real "conspiracy" in this book as far as I can see. It is a good read, an interesting story, and there is a twist at the end. For these reasons, I give this book 4.5 stars. I am looking forward to reading Brendan Slocumb's newly released Symphony of Secrets.