⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)
I was really looking forward to The Dark Maestro. Brendan Slocumb’s first two books were fresh and original, blending music and mystery in a way that worked beautifully. But this one? It veers way off-key.
The plot centers on Curtis Wilson, a classical music prodigy whose career gets derailed when his dad—who happens to be a drug dealer—ticks off a ruthless cartel. The family goes into witness protection, but when law enforcement fails to deliver, Curtis and crew decide to take down the cartel themselves. Sure, why not?
The premise was already shaky, but then came the comic book storyline. It was supposed to be metaphorical or clever, I think—but instead, it was just plain insipid. It felt like a bad distraction from an already implausible plot. The idea that a cellist, his dad, and his dad’s girlfriend could do what the FBI couldn’t? That’s asking a lot.
Slocumb’s writing still has rhythm, and there are moments of insight about family and identity. But this genre mashup—part musical thriller, part crime saga, part…graphic novel?—never found its footing.
Here’s hoping the next one ditches the gimmicks and goes back to what Slocumb does best. I’m afraid, however, that he may have lost me as a reader.
** Thanks to NetGalley and DoubleDay for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.