{"product_id":"the-dark-maestro-isbn-9798217070145","title":"The Dark Maestro","description":"\u003cb\u003eFrom the author of \u003ci\u003eThe Violin Conspiracy\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSymphony of Secrets\u003c\/i\u003e comes a mesmerizing page-turner about a young Black musical virtuoso at the peak of his career who’s forced into hiding when his family runs afoul of a ruthless international cartel—and uses his music to fight back\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCurtis Wilson is a classical music prodigy. Playing since the age of five, he is that rare performer who, through sheer force of will and phenomenal talent, has clawed his way out of inner-city DC and risen to the heights of the classical music world—soloing with the New York Philharmonic. Zippy, his father, is a midlevel drug dealer, and Larissa, his father’s girlfriend, is a loving mother figure to Curtis and the heart of the family. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThen, Zippy runs afoul of the kingpin who has provided his livelihood and nurtured his son’s talents, the family finds their lives in danger. With no choice but to run, they enter the witness protection program and abandon their former lives, including Curtis’s extraordinary career. When law enforcement seems unable to bring the cartel down, Curtis, Zippy, and Larissa realize that their only chance of returning to the way things were is to take on the cartel themselves—their own way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA propulsive and moving story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, \u003ci\u003eDark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e is Slocumb at the height of his powers.\u003cb\u003eONE OF KIRKUS'S BEST MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS OF THE YEAR • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY CRIMEREADS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Brendan Slocumb always brings his deep understanding and love of music to his novels. . . . In this perfectly crafted thriller, Slocumb acts as the master conductor, bringing together a twisty plot and gorgeously wrought characters.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eThe Boston Globe\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Slocumb’s gripping storytelling hits all the right notes, making this a standout performance.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eOprah Daily\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This thriller about a musical prodigy delivers a virtuoso performance. . . . It is about coming together as a family out of sheer love and appreciation for one another despite the chaos all around.”\u003cb\u003e —\u003ci\u003eChristian Science Monitor\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Slocumb hits a high note with heart and adrenaline. . . . Slocumb’s storytelling remains emotionally resonant and fast-paced, with vibrant POVs and a deep love for music anchoring the narrative. . . . Equal parts heartwarming, high-stakes and wildly original.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eThe Seattle Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Music lovers and thriller readers rejoice—\u003ci\u003eThe Dark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e, like Slocumb’s other novels, is in perfect harmony with both.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A virtuosic thriller. . . . This is an intricately plotted novel, paced perfectly by Slocumb, who keeps the book moving at a breakneck speed—but not at the expense of his beautifully drawn characters. Curtis, shy and sweet, is especially memorable; Slocumb paints a beautiful picture of the young man’s internal life. . . . This novel should catapult Slocumb into the upper echelon of thriller authors.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/i\u003e(starred)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A musical literary thriller. . . . The twists of the story keep coming, and the thread of superhero comics and the Dark Maestro brings readers along on a journey that comic book fans will appreciate.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e (starred)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Slocumb's gripping third novel, \u003ci\u003eThe Dark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e, takes readers on a breathless ride. . . . Propulsive and gritty, yet suffused with the fierce love of family, \u003ci\u003eThe Dark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e weaves together themes of ambition, justice, and stubborn hope\u003cb\u003e—\u003c\/b\u003ewith a side of fiendishly clever musical revenge.”\u003cb\u003e —\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e“As heartbreaking as it is triumphant. . . . Slocumb strikes every emotional chord in this gripping, music-infused thriller. \u003ci\u003eThe Dark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e is a story of resilience, loyalty, and found family—a bold symphony about what we’re willing to sacrifice for those we love, and how far we’ll go to reclaim the music that makes us whole.” \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e—Suspense Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Slocumb delivers another winning music-themed thriller.” \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e“Like the music he describes, Brendan Slocumb's prose lifts and soars, penetrating you with its emotional resonance, then propelling you forward with mystery. . . . Dazzles. . . . Paired with the meticulously plotted mystery, Slocumb’s characters come fully to life, propelling the book at breakneck speed until its shocking conclusion.” \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e—Bookreporter \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003ci\u003eThe Dark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e is my favorite kind of book—one that keeps you riveted in the moment, turning pages feverishly. But then, long after you’re done, the book creeps into your mind and lingers. Packed with a love of music, injected with the elements of the best kind of thrillers, and told through the prism of an unforgettable protagonist, \u003ci\u003eThe Dark Maestro\u003c\/i\u003e is a tour de force and a book unlike any other. I loved it.” \u003cb\u003e—Alex Segura, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eAlter Ego\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSecret Identity\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Move over Daredevil, step aside Dark Knight. Cellist by day, bringer of justice by night, the domino-mask wearing Curtis Wilson, his shady pops and the old man’s fearless girlfriend constitute a kind of Terrific Three for these tough times. That is if they manage to not get their heads blown off trying to get out from under. Great reading.” \u003cb\u003e—Gary Phillips, author of \u003ci\u003eAsh Dark as Night\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBRENDAN NICHOLAUS SLOCUMB was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and holds a degree in music education (with concentrations in violin and viola) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. For more than twenty years he has been a public and private school music educator and has performed with orchestras throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.","brand":"Random House Large Print","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46304414892261,"sku":"NP9798217070145","price":31.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9798217070145.jpg?v=1767738928","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-dark-maestro-isbn-9798217070145","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}