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The Violin Conspiracy cover art

The Violin Conspiracy

Written by: Brendan Slocumb
Narrated by: JD Jackson, Brendan Slocumb
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Publisher's Summary

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

What the critics say

“Utterly original and downright gripping, The Violin Conspiracy is more than a mystery - it’s an unflinching peek into the heart and soul of a gifted Black violinist striving to pursue his passion in the face of adversity. Brendan Slocumb’s debut is an essential lesson in artistry, prejudice, and persistence.” (Zakiya Dalila Harris, New York Times best-selling author of The Other Black Girl)

“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. I devoured this fine novel: every page and every word. And that ending? Never saw it coming.” (Chris Bohjalian, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Flight Attendant and Hour of the Witch

“Finally, classical music gets the complex treatment it deserves. A wide-eyed look at the art form and its discontents." (Gary Shteyngart, New York Times best-selling author of Little Failure and Lake Success

What listeners say about The Violin Conspiracy

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Really enjoyable!

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I was very pleasantly surprised. If you love a whodunit and/or classical music this book is a sure bet. it was very interesting and informative to hear the struggles of the main character as he faces racism and persecution even as he ascends the ladder of fame as a musician. Sad the book is over.

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Excellent read

This well written mystery where the main character, a black classical musician, who has a passion for classical music for which he has a real gift, faces racism and persecution but continues his career without giving up, even if his mother does not support him. I was interested in what happened to his violin.

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Loved this!

Loved the story and how real life experiences of classical musicians of colour today were woven into it without making the story disjointed or choppy. The story flowed well; characters were well drawn.

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This was a fanominal book

I have loved classical music since I was a young teenager and opera. This book had my guessing who had taken the violin and the way the story was written was exceptional. I can't believe this was the author's first book. I didn't want it to end.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting story but ...

I love stories about music and musicians, especially about violins and violin players. This story is very interesting, but a little bit unbelievable (the Stradivarius violin stolen by a viola player?). However, the struggle of an unprivileged black kid trying to play a violin, racism on every level through his life, unsupported family, and the music competitions are very well described. You can feel that the book was written by a violin player who had a such experience.

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Binge style whodunit

Educating and revealing of the racism that still goes on around us. A good weekend read.

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Interesting story, very mediocre storytelling…

The story is interesting enough, but the plot is full of holes and the writing often cliched and awkward. Oprah’s book club selection says more about “affirmative action” than the quality of this work. Shame on her!

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Couldn’t continue

It was disappointing. He said she said very annoying. Slow in developing the characters and the plot. Had to return the title

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