pick5 Stars • "Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb is a novel that explores the hidden history behind a famous American composer, suggesting his work might have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy named Josephine Reed. The story alternates between the present, where Bern Hendricks uncovers these secrets, and the 1920s, detailing the relationship between composer Frederic Delaney and Josephine.
bailedHow do you deal when a book “ruins” the plot on the book jacket blurb, and then you‘re just waiting what feels like forever to get the characters up to speed?? For me, it‘s a bail, sadly. I really enjoyed the audiobook narrator and the writing style, but I hate when I‘m just sitting there thinking the characters are so ignorant to what I knew before cracking open the book.
Have you ever felt that way?? It happens to me a lot!
pickThis book was a slow burn at first, but it was fabulous. It was unique and creative. I don't know if there is anything else out there quite like it. The characters were rich and the details intricate. It made me feel like I could compose music myself. There were two very captivating storylines from different time periods.
pickI didn‘t like this one as much as the first, but still enjoyed it. Hooray for a woman cybersecurity expert! I like how Slocumb tells the stories of people who don‘t fit the stereotypical molds we usually hear about.
pickThis book was enjoyable. The way that Slocumb describes the impact of music and its importance on the characters, it‘s what kept me drawn in. It‘s was looks I could also feel the rhythms in the story. There were good twist to the story. I would have liked a little bit more discovery/ or a deeper dive behind the motives of some of the folks as to a why —or perhaps I would have liked to have it spelled out rather than insinuated.
A great read for me
pickI really enjoy the details about musicians and the musical world that Brendon Slocum gives us in his novels. In this novel, we‘re introduced to a world famous composer, who actually stole his music from a neurodivergent woman, ostensibly a friend. Revealing this cultural appropriation almost ruins Bern Hendricks and Eboni Washington‘s lives, pitting them against a foundation founded to honor the composers‘ life. I agree, not as good as his first.
pickAnother 5 star read for me. I love the time slip format and being transported back and forth 100+ years. Definitely got my heart racing a few times. Plus historic neurodivergent representation.
so-soWhile I really enjoyed Slocumb‘s debut novel, Violin Conspiracy this one didn‘t quite hit the same high notes. I appreciate how the author highlights & brings attention to black musicians who are often overlooked & marginalized but this book was just a bit dull. Written in dual timelines, I much preferred the story of Josephine & Fred 2 struggling artists living in 1920‘s Harlem to present day Eboni & Bern, a computer wiz & professor tasked👇🏽
pickI didn‘t like this musical mystery quite as much as The Violin Conspiracy, but still enjoyed. An entertaining listen while cleaning and baking. Slocumb is so good at making me angry about the injustices his characters face.
Symphony of Secrets | 
