Brendan Slocumb’s third classical music thriller. This is the story of a musical prodigy, Curtis, who grew up in Washington DC. His father, Zippy, who became a parent as a teenager, wants to do best for his son but doesn’t know how and his sometimes-girlfriend, Larissa, who prioritizes Curtis even when not with Zippy. Zippy finds himself moving from drug dealing to much darker illegal business while trying to provide for Curtis and the increasing needs of a prodigy, and all wind up in witness protection.

But you can’t be a famous cellist undercover and the case is not moving closer to being solved.

Is this book completely realistic? No, but I’d argue that is never this case for this type of book. The classical music side of Slocumb’s books always bring a fresh perspective to his books that puts them on my must-read list. A thoroughly enjoyable read with well-rounded characters.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story follows Zippy, Curtis and Larissa as Curtis grows older. Larissa has taken the role of Curtis's mother since his real mother walked out on the family. Curtis's story begins when he is the age of five and because of donations, Curtis is given a musical instrument, a cello. It then follows Curtis's development to become a true prodigy. While he is still in grade schol, Zippy, his father has been sent to prison. Curtis then starts slacking off on his grades until he receives a note from his father which makes Curtis feel better. Once Zippy gets out of prison, he gets a new assignment which improves the family's lifestyle. Years go by and Cutis has now progressed and is now a famous performer. All of sudden things change when Zippy is approached by the FBI and as a result they wind up in the Witness Protection because Zippy turns as a witness for the State. Curtis now has to set his ambition aside because they had to go into hiding.

Years go by and there doesn't seem to be any way to solve their problem. They decide that if anything is going to be done, then it is up to them. Follow along as the trio chases down the individuals who the FBI couldn't find. Read the exciting conclusion to learn what happened.

When I first started, I wasn't sure whether I would like it. I can definitely tell you it is well worth reading. Don't miss out!

I did not see that ending coming! This story had me hooked from start to finish—every character, every twist, I was all in. I couldn’t stop trying to piece together how the whole operation worked and who was really pulling the strings. The musical vibes were spot on, and the father-son relationship? Absolutely stole my heart. Brendan Slocumb nailed it with The Dark Maestro!

I am a musician and have really enjoyed Brendan Slocum’s other music themed books. This book was quite different from the last two, and if you read the author’s note at the end I think you will find out why. In this story we have Curtis, a cello prodigy, living in the projects with his drug dealing father. Curtis loves music and is working hard to make a name for himself and get out of the life, but so many issues keep holding him back. Once his dad’s boss takes an interest in him and starts to help fund his journey, he takes off and starts to make a name for himself. But then the FBI shows up at a concert forcing him into witness protection because his dad’s choices have caught up with the family. At that point in the book, things start to focus less on music and more on comic books and a superhero they create- The Dark Maestro. Then life start to imitate their art. This was an unbelievable, but interesting story. Definitely read the author’s note at the end. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

**Thank you to Doubleday Books for this free digital review copy.**

"The Dark Maestro" was a quick and engaging read, but it was my least favorite of Slocumb's novels so far. While the writing was excellent as always and the creativity of describing comic book panels within the story felt novel, the characters and the story itself didn't compel me as much as I hoped.

Curtis's life is a mess — though it isn't his fault at all — and that ate at me throughout the whole book. The direction that things ended up going for him made me sad and frustrated, and then I think it was supposed to be a happy ending but it felt strangely unfinished.

I did really enjoy the comic book element and the character of the Dark Maestro. I thought the descriptions of the panels were very well done, and it was easy to picture what the comic book would look like, even without having illustrations.

Curtis is a cello prodigy from the bad part of town. All he wants to do is play the cello but, as the son of his loving but criminal father, he has enemies through no fault of his own. When his life spirals out of control, Curtis must cope by looking to his comic book alter ego, Dark Maestro.

This is my third novel by Brendan Slocumb and I was thrilled to get an early galley. It was so easy to sympathize with Curtis through his trials and tribulations. In spite of his disadvantage, he had just enough support to turn his incredible raw talent into success in the symphony world. But his plans were derailed by his father’s mistakes. I was so frustrated on Curtis’ behalf at one point that I had to walk away from the book for a day to cool off. But I was rooting for Curtis throughout his story

Told in first person via multiple perspectives, Slocumb did a great job creating this compelling story. My main complaint is that the secret activities undertaken by Curtis and his parents in the second half of the novel felt ridiculously unbelievable. However, despite this, I really enjoyed this novel. I love the way Slocumb’s novels feature music and his abundant creativity.

Thank you to NetGalley, Brendan Slocumb, and Doubleday Books for giving me the opportunity to read Dark Maestro before its release date

I’ve been a fan of Brendan Slocumb’s work since I read The Violin Conspiracy two years ago. He writes with such passion and heart which makes his latest book, The Dark Maestro, a special story. Brendon’s love for music and superheroes is in full force in this adventurous novel showcasing the life of a family caught up in illicit crimes.

I loved the way the story brought awareness to the darker side of organ donation while showing how the family worked together to find expressive outlets in light of their immense sacrifice. The addition of a super-hero element was an imaginative spin to the plot which allowed for an entertaining suspension of belief. Be sure to read the author’s note for inspirational insight! 4.5 rounded up

The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb is a gripping musical thriller that intertwines the world of classical music with high-stakes crime and family loyalty. I knew I would enjoy this novel as much as the Violin Conspiracy.

Set to be released on May 13, 2025, the novel follows Curtis Wilson, a cello prodigy from Southeast D.C., who rises from a challenging upbringing to perform with the New York Philharmonic. His life takes a dramatic turn when his father, Zippy, turns state's evidence against a dangerous criminal organization, forcing the family into witness protection. Stripped of his ability to perform, Curtis must find new ways to fight back against those who threaten his family.
The Dark Maestro promises to be a standout in Slocumb's repertoire, offering a compelling mix of music, crime, and personal redemption. With its anticipated release on May 13, 2025, it is poised to captivate readers seeking a novel that combines intellectual intrigue with heartfelt storytelling.

Terrific storytelling and incredibly likable characters make this a terrific read even when it becomes to be honest, quite implausible. Curtis is a genius on the cello. His father Zippy is a low level drug dealer who cycles through women after Larissa leaves him. It's Zippy that changes Curtis's life and Larissa, who comes back, who keeps him sane. She's his stalwart supporter, the one who introduces him to superheroes, and the one who helps him create the Dark Maestro at a time when the family has lost it all and is in Witsec. That Zippy and Larissa figure out how to nail the bad guys who upended their lives, that they identify and track an organ selling operation is surprising but it totally works. I liked this for the DC atmospherics, for Curtis, and most of all for Larissa, who is a force of nature. This sent me off to find the music Curtis played. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed but find hard to review without spoilers-and readers deserve to experience this without them. Highly recommend.

Another novel by Brendan Slocumb! Curtis is a cellist, child prodigy with a background he can’t escape. There are good people in his life, but he just can’t seem to get away from his dad‘s life as a gangster in Washington DC. This is a combination of a thriller and coming of age story. I love how Slocumb weaves music into all of his fiction. Thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for the advanced, digital copy. Definitely five stars!

Through phenomenal musical talent and sheer determination, Curtis overcame his childhood in the ghetto and became one of the handful of Black concert cellists in the country. No sooner does the prodigy's career begin than it comes to a screeching halt as his father's criminal past forces the whole family into witness protection. Slocum does a good job depicting a loving yet flawed family in the first third of the book. Then the witsec portion brings the plot to a halt. The thrilling vengeance promised by the blurb is a long time coming. Curtis's devoted and resilient mother figure Larissa is an absolute star.

Curtis Wilson is a child prodigy, playing the cello like a virtuoso. But his mother left him, and his dad is a drug dealer. Only Larissa, his dad's girlfriend brings structure and order to Curtis's days, and he loves her for it.
Curtis defies the statistics and makes his way from a DC slum, to Julliard, and eventually to the concert circuit. But one day, following a concert, two FBI agents escort him to a safe house use. Curtis's dad has turned states evidence, and given up his bosses, who also ran an organ harvesting scheme. Now all of their lives are in danger, and Curtis, his dad, Larissa, and even Curtis’s grandma enter the witness protection program. No more cello for Curtis, who turns to creating an online comic called Dark Maestro.
After the FBI fails to capture the bosses, Curtis and his family risk their lives to obtain the evidence needed to stop the human harvesting and reclaim their lives. And Dark Maestro helps them to do it.

First thank you to random house and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

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Synopsis: Curtis is a shy kid who gets the chance to learn an instrument and becomes a cello prodigy. However his dad zippy is a low level drug dealer and criminal, his dad does always have his back and keeps him safe. His girlfriend Larissa takes care of Curtis and lets him be a kid including introducing him to comic books his other passion. Things are going really well for Curtis when he finds out his dad and girlfriend Larissa are in trouble and he is needed. They enter into witness protection to keep them safe but the law doesn’t seem to be solving the crime, they take life into their own hands.

What I liked: I love all of Brandan slocumb and all of his previous books. This book is very good as well. It does take a turn from his previous books that might turn off some readers. The first half of the book focuses on Curtis’s raise as a prodigy. Given the authors real life experiences this part is pure gold. You understand how he comes to love the cello and what it gives him. You also get insight into his father and their relationship and his life in crime. I think it set up a good foundation for the next half of the book. The second half focuses on their life in witness protection. They as a family take on a side project/hobby to get through the time. I really like that part in that it continued their relationship and show how they always stick together. I also like the insight into Curtis and adjusting to how his life changed and the impact that has on him. They do grow impatient and decide to take things into their own hands. I enjoy this part as well however the ending did take another pretty big swing that I’m a little unsure about. Overall I really enjoyed this book and will continue to autobuy this author.

Thank you to Net Galley and Doubleday Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Brendan Slocumb is one of my favorite authors. His stories grab my attention right from the beginning and keep me going right up to the end. He always adds some expected elements (like the comic book angle) to his writing. I really enjoyed this story, as well as his other two books. He is a "have to read" author for me. I also liked reading the notes at the end, and how it influenced the content of this story. I can't wait for his next book!

I have loved Brendan Slocum's previous books, but this one took a while to hook me.

Curtis is a musical prodigy with a drug dealing gang member for a father and an unofficial stepmother who runs a group of women criminals. When his father gets tangled up in an organ-harvesting racket, they have to go into the witness protection program, ruining his chance at a career in music.

There are some really great parts of this book, but there's also a lot of explanation, especially in the first part of the book, that felt tedious. It all comes together in the end, but there were times when I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading. As always, Slocum's love of classical music comes through. Give this book a chance, and you won't regret it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

Drugs and guns could kill, but the thing that killed more than anything was hopelessness. from The Dark Maestro

The premise is heartbreaking to consider. Curtis is growing up in the slums but finds purpose and joy in playing the cello. He is a prodigy, and just beginning a stellar career when his dad, Zippy, a low level drug dealer, is arrested. His dad turns state evidence to avoid a prison sentence. The FBI can’t peg his boss to the crimes and the boy and his family join Witness Protection.

The problem is that Curtis’s future as a solo cellist is over. His dad’s boss knew all about him and if he performed his family would be tracked down and murdered. When he decides to sell his $75,000 instrument, the buyer ends up dead, and the family is moved and given new identities.

Curtis has always loved superhero comic books and as a kid imagined an alter identity, The Dark Maestro. He starts creating online Dark Maestro comics.

The FBI can’t take down Zippy’s old boss. The family discovers a gruesome business behind their enemy and decide to take justice into their own hands, even if they are breaking their WitSec agreement.

A story of loss and vengeance, with a suspenseful climax, it is a dark page turner.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.

A young black cello virtuoso grows up in crime ridden DC, in a family who loved him but was a product of their neighborhood. When his father gets caught up in some terrible business and their family has to go into witness protection, Curtis can no longer play cello in public as his ability and style are too memorable. Instead, he and his parents fill their days with making online comics and dream of taking down the gangsters (and former bosses) so they can have their lives back. Somehow, they decide they can be superhero's and find evidence and take down these people on their own.

I loved Slocumb's first book, The Violin Conspiracy, and liked his second book Symphony of Secrets. This is very different, and the first 80% was much like The Violin Conspiracy in tone and pacing (which is a good thing.) It read like a crime/action novel that was really well written. However, the last 20% completely changed direction and went totally off the rails. I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't like it. I was so disjointed, unrealistic, and changed the solid book completely. This went from being a 4.5-star book to being a 2-star book, quickly.

This book is for action movie lovers and comic book superhero enthusiasts. It reminded me a bit of M. Night Shyamalan's movie Unbreakable. If you liked Hench, this book might be for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Although there were moments where I could recognize Slocumbs writing, I felt a disconnect throughout the book and it felt like a lot of holes were there and at the same too much. It was good, but definitely not what I was expecting after reading Symphony of Secrets.

4 stars. I am a huge Brendan Slocumb fan. I have read all three of his books, and this third one is his best yet. As a trained musician himself, he specializes in mysteries that take place in the world of classical music. I love how he has found his niche, and is sticking with it, yet continues to find new and creative stories that work within this theme. In this novel, we meet Curtis, who comes from the projects and was born to teenage parents. Through a grant initiative, he is able to participate in a music program and takes up the cello. He turns out to be a natural on the instrument and begins to thrive as a musical prodigy. He is destined for greatness, but life takes a very unexpected turn, and threatens his ability to continue to perform in the music world. This story has intrigue, suspense, and a well-crafted mystery. It also has a deep family story, and takes an honest look at the challenges faced by those who are in marginalized communities. The last 25% of the book had me on the edge of my seat. If I say much more, there will be spoilers, but this is definitely a story worth reading. Also, don’t miss the touching authors note at the end of the book. Highly recommend this novel- you will not be disappointed!

Dark Maestro is a bit of a different kind of story compared to Brendan Slocumb’s first two books. While I ended up liking it a little less, there’s still a lot to appreciate. Like other reviewers, I thought the first part—where Curtis is focused on reaching his goal—is much stronger than the second half set during witness protection. Even so, Slocumb’s talent for weaving music and suspense together shines through, and fans of his earlier work will still find plenty to enjoy.