This book was the “One Book One Community” pick from my local library, wherein they pick a book, all of the book clubs read it, and they bring the author in to give a talk. They have a pretty good track record with me, picking something that I enjoy, and this year was no different.
This debut novel walks a delicate line where it covers a lot of groud, but does so evenly which makes for a balanced and interesting novel. It’s a compelling mystery but it’s also about systemic racism and grounded in the world of classical music. Ray McMillian is a classically trained violinist gearing up for the biggest competition of his life when his nearly priceless violin goes missing. He is devestated, and we follow the action leading up to the competition, as well as jump back to learn about his childhood, where only his grandmother encouraged his aspirations. Will he find the violin time? Is his family to blame? Or are other parties involved? I for one was hooked and did not spot the ending coming, so that is the mark of a good mystery.
Also, getting to see Slocumb talk added a lot of depth to both the novel, and the character of Ray. Slocumb is a (pun-intended) ray of sunshine, during his talk joy basically excuded from his pores. He was funny, honest and over-the-moon that this story is resonating with people and that his second career (his first being that of a music educator) as an author is taking off. He wants to be the “Stephen King of the musical mystery thriller” and I’m here for it. Also, I learned that the novel is heavily influenced by his own life experiences. He is a violinist, though not in a possession of a priceless one, but as a black musician he was told he wasn’t fit for classical music and came upon many hurdles along the way, some of which were captured in the story.
He’s got a second and third novel out, and I’m going to read them both. Highly recommend this compelling debut, and wish Slocumb all the success.