The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

 

First Line: The flash of the FBI badge would wipe away, forever, his identity.

Growing up in the Southeast Washington, D.C., projects with a drug dealer for a father usually doesn't promise a bright future. But Curtis Wilson has prevailed through talent, sheer determination, and the loving support of his father's girlfriend, Larissa. Now at unimagined heights in the classical music world, Curtis has even soloed with the New York Philharmonic. He is on the brink of a phenomenal career. 

Then everything falls to pieces. His father, Zippy, turns state's evidence on his old bosses, and the family must enter the witness protection program if they want to survive. This means Curtis must give up the very thing he loves most: sharing his music with the world. 

When Zippy's old bosses prove too elusive for law enforcement, Curtis, Zippy, and Larissa realize that their only chance for survival lies in taking on the criminals themselves. But will it be enough to save Curtis and his family?

~

I loved Brendan Slocumb's first two novels, The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets, and although I did have a few problems with this latest, I still found The Dark Maestro an enjoyable read. Slocumb's love of music shines through the pages of all three books. He can actually make me feel the music as Curtis Wilson plays his cello. I feel Curtis's passion and dedication, and I want him to achieve his dreams. 

The three main characters-- Curtis, his father Zippy, and Zippy's girlfriend, Larissa-- are vivid. As a single father, all Zippy has ever wanted is to do what's best for the son he loves so much. It almost breaks your heart when almost every single thing Zippy does is wrong. Fortunately, Zippy's girlfriend, Larissa, is loving, smart, and supportive. If not for her, Curtis and Zippy wouldn't have a chance. 

I have to admit that I did become exasperated with Curtis as he continually fought against his life in witness protection. His choices were almost always the exact opposite of what law enforcement told him, and the consequences were never pleasant. Then I put myself in Curtis's shoes. What if I were put in witness protection? What if law enforcement told me I could never pick up another book, enter another bookstore, review another book on my blog? I had to be honest. Like Curtis, I would be trying to find ways around those rules. There's no way I could completely divorce myself from books. Once I realized that, Curtis and I got along much better.

When the three get tired of law enforcement being unable to bring down Zippy's old bosses, they decide they're going to have to do it themselves, and how they do it is quite inventive. Of course, their plans unravel a bit, and I couldn't buy in completely to the ending, but I did enjoy the journey. And-- if you're the type of reader who skips the Author's Note at the back of the books you read, I'd advise against it this time. I highly recommend Brendan Slocumb's music-drenched thrillers.

The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

eISBN: 9780593687628

Knopf Doubleday © 2025

eBook, 416 pages

Standalone Thriller

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley

A Single-Minded Weekly Link Round-Up

 

Everything is hunky dory here at Casa Kittling, so I thought I would share a little nature tale with you.

Water is precious here in the desert. Denis and I have several birdbaths and two large solar fountains here that we keep filled with water. Every day, we take turns going out with the hose to fill them, and sometimes the birds don't wait for us to leave before they dive right into their favorite to drink and take cooling baths. During the worst heat of summer, those birdbaths need to be filled twice a day. 

Sunday, when I was out with the garden hose filling those birdbaths, I got to watch a very single-minded male black-chinned hummingbird courting a female. What was so special about it was the fact that I was only four feet away with the hose sending a large stream of water in his direction, and he didn't care one bit. It was all about his dance to impress the female. 

I found a short video of a black-chinned hummingbird doing his courtship dance in case you wanted to see what it looked like. You'll also be able to hear the buzzing of his wings as he dances. Just click on the link to the video on YouTube.

Black-chinned Hummingbird Courtship

Enjoy the links!

►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄

• Why is having a good time called "painting the town red"?
• Why lawyers love Jane Austen.
• Amazon now has a "Get Book" button in its iOS Kindle app.
• A new publisher will focus on books by men, Are male writers and readers under threat?
• Why even try if you have A.I.? Now that machines can think for us, we have to choose whether to be the passengers or pilots of our lives.
• A UK survey suggests that most parents don't enjoy reading to their children.
• How libraries are faring under the Trump administration amid detrimental funding cuts.

►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄

• An 1,800-year-old warhorse cemetery held the remains of a beloved horse-- and a man considered an "outsider" to Roman society. More from Smithsonian Magazine.
• Archaeologists unearthed a 2,300-year-old sword decorated with two small swastikas in a Celtic necropolis.
• Ancient Egyptians drew the Milky Way on coffins and tombs, linking them to the sky goddess, Nut.
• A 2,300-year-old Spartan hound-shaped cup was likely used at boozy bashes.
• Hikers in the Czech Republic stumbled upon gold coins and treasures that could be worth $340,000.
• Archaeologists thought they'd found a piece of old farm equipment. It turned out to be a rare Iron Age chariot tire.

►Channeling My Inner Elly May Clampett◄

• When Reggie, the world's tallest dog, met Pearl, the world's shortest dog.
• Watch cuttlefish "waving" at each other in what scientists think might be communication.
• The invasive Chinese mitten crab has been detected for the first time in the Pacific Northwest.
• See Eastern quolls get released on mainland Australia in a new bid to re-establish the "magic little animal."
• Captive-bred axolotls can survive in the wild, offering hope for the critically endangered amphibians.
• Do animals have regional accents?

 

►The Wanderer◄

• What the voyage of a single container ship reveals about the world economy.
• Crime and the City: Crime fiction in Perth and Western Australia.
• Bookstores' latest release? Beer, wine, dinner, coffee, and a unique aesthetic.
• A white-knuckle drive with breathtaking views: The Apache Trail reopens to adventure seekers. This is a trail Denis and I know well.
• Giant sequoias are taking root in an unexpected place: Detroit.
• La Niña is dead-- what that means for this year's hurricanes and weather.

►Fascinating Folk◄

• Bestselling author Fredrik Backman says My Friends could be his last book.
• The short life and long legacy of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish cavalry officer who became an American Revolutionary War hero.
• Hobbyist diver Dom Robinson "always fancied" owning a shipwreck, so he bought one on Facebook Marketplace for $400.
• The only Black, all-female unit (the Six Triple Eight-- watch the movie on Netflix) to serve overseas in World War II receives the Congressional Gold Medal. (Took Congress long enough!!!)
• How a person counts to ten on their fingers reveals where they are from.
• When a historian saw this haunting photograph of a nameless native girl, she decided she had to identify her.

►I ♥ Lists◄

• 17 new historical novels based on real people.
• 15 new mysteries and thrillers from your favorite authors.
• 25 books by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors you need to read.
• 20 of the best places to visit through books.
• 14 books about deception.
• 16 long non-fiction books that are worth the time.

That's all for this week! No matter how busy you may be, don't forget that quality Me Time curled up with a good book!

The Phoenix Art Museum with Karen

As I've mentioned in the recent past, Karen and I did manage to get out and about while she was here. I wasn't about to let her come all the way from England for hospital visits only, and Denis felt the same way, bless 'im.

One of the places we visited was the Phoenix Art Museum. I did have an ulterior motive. The last time Denis and I had been there, I didn't manage to take a look at the Fashion exhibits wing. I've been interested in fashion since I was a teenager. I'm not quite sure why because I've very seldom ever wanted to wear any of it, and I even think that most of it is silly. But... fashion does have its place in history, and I think that's the reason for my interest. Visiting with Karen made more sense this time because I know that Denis would not have the slightest interest in fashion!

The Phoenix Art Museum has expanded over the years. The main branch of the Phoenix Public Library used to be right next-door, but when it moved further down Central Avenue to a spiffy new building, the art museum could expand. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of the building. The layout is confusing even with a map, but Karen and I muddled through and saw everything that we wanted to see. Come join us!

"Landscape" 1986, found and prepared weathered wood. Artist: George Morrison

Detail. This piece fascinated me.

Karen and I really liked this. Too bad I couldn't find the name of it anywhere!

Detail

One area I'd missed on a previous trip was Fashion in the Katz Wing of the museum. This is a court gown made in 1765.

"Egg" minaudiere with coin purse, comb, and mirror. Made by Judith Leiber in 1988.

Detail. I want one!

Fashions from the late 19th century

The Roaring Twenties

I don't know why I've always been fascinated by fashion; I've certainly never wanted to wear it. Well... maybe a Fortuny gown or something by Worth when I was skinny! Karen and I both had our eyes on the Fortuny gown.

Fortuny gown. Custom-dyed silk velvet jacket made in 1934. The "Delphos" gown made of crystal pleated silk satin with Murano glass beads and a belt of silk satin stenciled with metallic "flowers" from the 1920s. Those pleats were revolutionary.

Right: A silk chiffon dress made in 1973 by Halston. Left: a matte silk jersey hand-pleated and hand-stitched gown and stole by Madame Gres in the 1960s.

Halston detail. I wouldn't mind one of these to go along with the Fortuny.

A WOOL exercise suit, 1890s-1900. Makes me break out in a sweat just thinking about exercising in that thing here in Phoenix!

A "Tiffany Window" gown by Mary McFadden, 1992

Detail

Detail

As you can see, I focused on fashion more than art because many of the art pieces Karen and I saw I'd already shared in previous posts. (One. Two. Three. Four.) I made myself be circumspect with how many photos I shared from the Fashion wing. I wasn't sure how many of you would be interested.

I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit! Next time, you can come along with Karen and me on our visit to the Heard Museum.

The Beast of Littleton Woods by T.E. Kinsey

 

First Line: '... and then I said, "But that's what I wanted the parsnip for in the first place."'

After a week of torrential rain and ferocious winds, the inhabitants of Littleton Cotterill are eager to emerge from their homes-- only to discover that one of Sid Hyde's prize sheep has been mauled to death. In no time, rumors are flying about a vicious beast stalking the countryside. 

Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong, are sure there is a rational explanation, but when Sid Hyde himself is brutally killed, and another man is killed and yet another injured, it's plain to see that whatever is behind the attacks needs to be caught-- and fast. 

Lady Hardcastle and Flo have their work cut out for them.

~

After reading some very serious and depressing fiction and non-fiction, I was in dire need of something light and fun. The Beast of Littleton Woods was just what the doctor ordered! It's my favorite book in the series so far. 

For one thing, there is a marvelous cast, and I'm not just talking about the primary characters. The secondary characters, all the way down to individual villagers, add so much to the story. I grew up in a village, and T.E. Kinsey's characters remind me so much of some of the people I grew up with. He also firmly roots his stories at the turn of the twentieth century with Lady Hardcastle and Flo wondering if they should bring electricity to their house. In this twelfth book in the series, readers make the acquaintance of Sir Hector's older sister, Joyce Adaway and her little dog, Lady Araminta Fluffikins. (I know...) Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo know all these people so well that they remind me of another sleuth-- Bruno Courrèges in Martin Walker's excellent series. 

I loved the plot. Is there really a beast on the loose? If there is a beast, where did it come from? And who keeps resorting the mail in the post office? I had so much fun putting the clues together as I turned the pages.

One of the best ingredients in the Lady Hardcastle recipe is the wordplay. The banter between Lady Hardcastle and Flo is top-notch, and there are other elements. A butcher named Spratt. Lady Hardcastle's penchant for purposely mangling the names of people and objects (a law firm she refers to as Messrs Philtrum, Hallux, and Uvula). And then there's the threat of a bit of rhinobattery. If I wasn't smiling, I was laughing my way through the entire book.

If you're in the mood for some light-hearted fun and a good mystery to solve, look no further than The Beast of Littleton Woods. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

The Beast of Littleton Woods by T.E. Kinsey

eISBN: 9781662521614

Thomas & Mercer © 2025

eBook, 294 pages

Historical/Humorous Mystery, #12 Lady Hardcastle

Rating: A+

Source: Net Galley

A Back to Square One Weekly Link Round-Up

 

It's a glorious spring day here in Phoenix. My fairyduster, yellow bells, and bougainvillea are going ballistic, and I'm loving their bright splashes of color. Mama great-tailed grackle is showing her young'uns how to soften up pecans in the birdbath to make the shells easier to open. Denis and I are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. In fact, I'm as fine as freshly-minted $2 bills. (Yes, I'm speaking in code.)

I hope this week's link edition finds you well, too.

I may be addicted to knitting, but I make myself finish one project before I begin another. While Karen was here, I bought some yarn that I was itching to start work on, but... that yellow scarf had to be done first. Once it was, I started stitching up a storm with the new yarn. Here's a photo.

It's a lovely shade of coral with some sparkle. However, the more I knitted, the less satisfied I was. The border wouldn't lay flat, and its "ruffled" look didn't suit the body of the shawl. Last night, after knitting almost a foot of the shawl, I made the decision to tear it all down and start over using a smaller size needles for the border. That should make the border flat. In some ways, I wish I'd made up my mind sooner, but at least I'll be happy with the finished product.

I need to get to work on the links because I want to get back to the book I'm reading-- Michael Connelly's Nightshade set on Catalina Island. It's typical high-quality Connelly, so be on the lookout for it at the end of May.

Enjoy the links!

►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄

• What would these iconic movies look like as book covers?
• Why the world of influencers is perfect for a mystery.
• Detective novels and the "middlebrow."
• Federal cuts threaten a program that allows suburban libraries to share books.
• Texas moves to punish bookstores that sell "obscene" books.
• The UK government has proposed a collective license to ensure UK authors get paid for their works that are used to train AI.
• The Digital Packrat Manifesto.
• A PEN America report finds the jailing of writers hit a new high in 2024.
• R.I.P. mass market paperbacks.

►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄

• Bite marks on an ancient skeleton reveal the first physical evidence of Roman gladiators fighting lions.
• Archaeologists in Peru have discovered the graves of men, women, and children who were killed in battle, then buried with honor.
• Why was a 1940s car discovered in the wreck of an American naval ship that sank during World War II?
• Archaeologists unearthed an intricately decorated altar that may have been used for ancient sacrifices in Guatemala.
• Some "hairy" medieval books were covered in sealskin, and researchers don't know exactly why.
• Two centuries ago, batteaumen on Virginia's James River ended long work days with a taste of freedom.

►Channeling My Inner Elly May Clampett◄

• Scientists have discovered two new species of crocodile hiding in plain sight.
• Valerie the miniature dachshund has been rescued after surviving for 529 days on a rugged Australian island.
• The plains viscacha: a rodent that builds vast underground cities and ovulates more than any other mammal.
• Humpback whale song shares a key pattern with human language that might make it easier for the animals to learn.
• Authorities in helicopters snipe hundreds of koalas in a controversial "aerial cull" in Australia.
• Pet personalities revealed through side-by-side photos of dogs and their favorite things.

►The Wanderer◄

• Chattanooga just became North America's first National Park City. Here's what that means.
• Scientists have found a "breathing" magma cap inside the Yellowstone supervolcano.
• Actors Miriam Margolyes and Brian Cox join calls to save Wordsworth's home.
• The Corryvreckan whirlpool: Scotland's "raging cauldron" that is named after a Norse king and said to house a witch.
• See 15 serene scenes of the English countryside.
• The worst bleaching event on record is hitting most of the world's coral reefs.

►Fascinating Folk◄

• The many myths of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the 19th-century royal whose beauty and tragic death transformed her into a legend.
• The female gladiators of ancient Rome.
• The trailblazing Merze Tate.
• A Gold Rush of witnesses.
• Mary MacLane, the wild woman from Butte.
• 46-year-old Matt Trevelyan walked 53 miles across the English countryside wearing a giant, handmade bird costume. Here's why he did it.

►I ♥ Lists◄

• Eleven legal thrillers for fans of John Grisham.
• The best crime fiction of 2025 so far.
• Twelve mystery and thriller series that you might not know about.
• Royal Danish Library treasures.
• Fifteen books set at finishing schools.
• Eighteen twisty new thrillers.
• Top-notch t-shirts to celebrate libraries.

That's all for this week! No matter how busy you may be, don't forget that quality Me Time curled up with a good book!

Past Lying by Val McDermid

 

First Lines: He really believed it was a madcap game. A joke. A dare, played out between old friends. Why would anyone imagine otherwise?

It's April 2020, and Edinburgh is in lockdown. You'd think crime-- especially cold cases-- would take a holiday. Still, when a source at the National Library contacts DCI Karen Pirie's team about some archived documents of a recently deceased crime novelist, Karen welcomes the chance to investigate. 

At the center of the investigation is a novel: two crime novelists playing a game of chess, but it soon becomes clear that their real-life competition is deadly serious. Bit by bit, Karen and her team uncover a very twisted game of betrayal and revenge, made even more complicated by the pandemic.

~

When anyone asks about my favorite mystery series, Val McDermid's Karen Pirie books are right up at the top of the list. With its lovely twisty plot, Past Lying is an excellent addition. The story is made even more engrossing by showing readers policing in the time of Covid. There are rules that must be obeyed, or there will be consequences, and Karen and her team have to be very careful (and quick-witted) about how they conduct themselves.

Speaking of Karen and her team, there is a lot in Past Lying to further the lives of the main characters. There's Karen's relationship with Hamish, the entrepreneur, which is complicated by the fact that he's miles away while Karen is in his apartment in Edinburgh with team member, Daisy, during the lockdown. And Daisy? She shows a lot of talent as a police officer, but I'm not sure how much I can trust her. After all, Daisy herself says, it's "... always handy to have something on your boss."  This doubt makes the back of my mind itch as I watch Karen work hard to make both Daisy and Jason stronger members of the team. 

There's even more going on in the characters' lives, which makes sense due to the personal nature of lockdown; however, there is also an insider's look at the craft of writing, manuscripts, publishing, author events, and workshops, as well as the plight of refugees. Past Lying is a densely layered, completely satisfying mystery, and I don't want to wait until December for the next book in the series. 

Past Lying by Val McDermid

eISBN: 9780802161505

Atlantic Monthly Press © 2023

eBook, 412 pages

Police Procedural, #7 Karen Pirie

Rating: A+

Source: Purchased from Amazon.

With Karen at the Desert Botanical Garden

In between visits to Denis at the hospital and rehab, Karen and I did manage to get out and about. We did some shopping as well as visiting a couple of my favorite places. You know that the Desert Botanical Garden had to be one of those places! Come along with us on a very busy day.

Once inside, the first thing that caught my eye (after the hordes of people) was one of my favorite wildflowers, the desert bluebell.

The Desert Wildflower Trail is one of the most popular parts of the garden, and it certainly didn't disappoint this year.

I love owl clover!

Karen and I found this little mourning dove at the side of the trail. It had a run-in with a cholla and had two big pieces stuck to it. The bird picked one piece, and when it flew away, the other chunk fell off. (Just one way the cholla extends its range.)

On the other hand, this curve-billed thrasher didn't have any problems with the cholla it was sitting it. The bird serenaded us for quite some time before we moved on.

I told you Karen was with me! Here she is enjoying one of the many water features in the garden.

We didn't arrive in time to watch this egret catch its lizard lunch, but the bird didn't move on until its lunch had gone all the way down that long throat!

Karen at the Toward 2050 exhibit. From the website: "Explore an engaging exhibit led by textile-based artist Ann Morton, centered on community and environment. TOWARD 2050 invites the public to craft handmade artworks that express their views on the environment. These unique creations will come together in a captivating labyrinth installation at the Garden that encourages visitors to take steps towards addressing climate change."

Toward 2050 exhibit

Karen and I loved this Twisted Cactus.

Red Wing Hopbush

Kalanchoe

Agave blossom

Karen and I had a wonderful time. I hope you enjoyed your virtual visit, too!

An Enjoying Spring Weekly Link Round-Up

 

Things have been rather sedate here at Casa Kittling, which is nice for a change. Denis did have a couple of medical appointments, and his surgeon wants him to concentrate on his physiotherapy then come back in six to eight weeks. Obviously, there seems to be no hurry to perform that second surgery. 

Meanwhile, I've been watching (and listening to) all the baby birds here on the property and keeping all the birdbaths and fountains filled. I've completed one knitting project and have started another, using some of the yarn that I bought while shopping with Karen when she was here. Ever since I first slapped eyes on it, I've been itching to get my needles out and start working with it. Am I an addict? Heavens, no!

Denis and I went to the Desert Botanical Garden last Thursday, and although the place was heaving with people (I heard over a dozen different languages while we were there), it was still a lovely afternoon to be there.

An April afternoon at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Time is running short, so I'd better get to work. I hope all of you are well and happy and enjoying the spring. Enjoy the links!

►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄

• Are future bestselling authors all going to be TikTok stars?
• Steve Thompson's new adaptation of Elizabeth George's books about an odd couple detective duo is betting on Britishness, universal themes, and chemistry.
• The American Library Association has sued Trump.
• Why we turn to detective fiction in times of upheaval.
• The first folding eReader is smaller than a paperback.
• A book bound in the skin of a 19th-century Suffolk murderer has gone on display.
• This is how Meta AI staffers deemed more than 7,000,000 books to have no "economic value."

►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄

• An ancient "military outpost" in North Macedonia might be the birthplace of Alexander the Great's grandmother.
• Archaeologists have unearthed rare trace of the first ancient factory dedicated to purple dye production.
• Archaeologists in Peru discovered the graves of men, women, and children killed in battle, then buried with honor. More from Live Science.
• The world's super rich are buying up T.rex fossils and it's hampering research. (They're probably trying to build their own Jurassic Park.)
• A long-lost "Merci Train" that was given to New Jersey after World War II has been found.
• Did every civilization have inequality? A new 10,000-year study reveals a surprising answer.

►Channeling My Inner Elly May Clampett◄

• How a mega freeze in Florida may have caused Burmese pythons to evolve at a blindingly fast speed.
• Biologists rejoice as extremely rare Guam kingfishers lay their first wild egg in nearly forty years.
• Watch gorgeous footage of a chameleon changing color multiple times in three minutes.
• The Dracula parrot: the goth bird whose piercing screams echo through New Guinea forests.
• Check out the first confirmed footage of the colossal squid, a rare and enigmatic deep-sea species.
• A study suggests that salmon are being exposed to our anti-anxiety medication, and it's making them take more risks.

►The Wanderer◄

• The "world's largest wildlife crossing" will help animals walk safely over eight lanes of California traffic.
• Redwood forest tree art in Australia.
• Residents of all ages in Chelsea, Michigan formed a human chain and helped a local bookshop move each of its 9,100 books-- one by one-- to a new storefront about a block away.
• A new study has found that tree rings bear witness to illegal gold mining operations in the Amazon.
• How the Bolivian capital of La Paz successfully implemented an aerial gondola public transit system.
• The Southwold (England) Sailors' Reading Room.

►Fascinating Folk◄

• J.K. Rowling's journey from Harry Potter creator to gender-critical campaigner.
• Why being the child of a crime writer made it inevitable Abbi Waxman would become one.
• On Eleanor Rigby as a product of the combined genius of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
• Students fighting book bans are the focus of the new documentary Banned Together.
• Anna Wintour: the Devil rarely wore Prada.
• The long, strange trip of the Titanic victims whose remains surfaced hundreds of miles away, weeks after the ship sank.
• Sixteen of the greatest painters of all time whose influences live on today.

►I ♥ Lists◄

• Five World War I mysteries written by women.
• Six mystery and thriller movies oozing with romance.
• Fourteen new bookish mysteries that will keep you guessing.
• Ten mysteries set in the bleak midwinter.
• Most Americans want to read more books. These accessories can help.
• New mystery and thriller movies and TV coming in Spring 2025.
• Criminal doctors in classic crime novels.

That's all for this week! No matter how busy you may be, don't forget that quality Me Time curled up with a good book!