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

Dodge and Burn by Ellen Crosby

 

First Line: When Monica Yablonski asked me if I'd drive out to Dulles Airport on what we both knew might be a wild goose chase, I said I'd go because she didn't ask me that often these days, and when she did, it was because she knew the story would be right up my alley: edgy, a bit risky, a challenge.

 

Thinking it's going to be a simple photography job, Sophie Medina agrees to work for billionaire philanthropist and art collector Robson Blake. However, when she goes to his house, she finds an open door, a state-of-the-art security system turned off... and her client dead. At first glance, it would appear to be a burglary gone wrong except for the fact that the alarm system was off. And why-- in a house filled with priceless Old Masters-- is the only thing missing a beautiful but insignificant Ukrainian religious icon?

 

Sophie soon finds herself to be the prime suspect, and as she works to clear her name, the plot thickens. She learns that she has a half-brother who might also be an international art thief... and he's very interested in Blake's collection.

 

~

 

I always enjoy Ellen Crosby's books for their strong female lead characters, their mysteries, and their intelligent writing. In Dodge and Burn, the characters shine once again. From Sophie herself to her newfound half-brother to her basketcase of a mother to the friends in her circle, I enjoy the time I spend with each and every one. (Well, maybe not so much Sophie's mother...)  

I don't know why, but I've always enjoyed plots that revolve around jewelry and art thefts, so I was wired to like this book from the start. The information Crosby shares on stolen art is fascinating. I rely on this author to teach me many new things without making me feel as though I'm sitting in a classroom, and she does it once again in Dodge and Burn.

As strong as the characters are and as fascinating as the world of stolen art is, I did feel as though the plotting in this latest book in the Sophie Medina series was a bit of a letdown, and I found the ending to be predictable. Is this going to stop me from reading future books in the series? Absolutely not, and it shouldn't stop you from becoming acquainted with Sophie. I suggest you begin with the first book in the series, Multiple Exposure.

Dodge and Burn by Ellen Crosby

eISBN: 9781448311606

Severn House © 2024

eBook, 299 pages

 

Investigative Journalist, #4 Sophie Medina

Rating: B+

Source: Net Galley

Dangerous Women by Mark de Castrique

 

 

 

First Line: Chief Justice Clarissa Baxter meticulously cleared the surface of her desk.

 

The stakes are high in a case deciding the future of clean energy, and people want to know how the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is going to vote. Not only do they want to know, they will do anything to get this information. 

An attack on two law clerks leaves one dead and the other in a coma. The ensuing coverup is only the beginning of a trail of bodies and too many people at cross purposes. Only one thing is clear: Chief Justice Clarissa Baxter has a target on her back. Extraordinary measures will have to be taken in order to protect her. 

What is needed is an off-the-grid hero with friends in high places. Enter 76-year-old Ethel Fiona Crestwater, retired FBI agent-turned-boardinghouse-landlady and Jesse Cooper, her young double-first-cousin-twice-removed. Jesse brings tech savvy, enthusiasm, and a talent for intrigue to the table to be joined by Ethel's razor-sharp instincts and Bond-worthy skills. Together, they stand against anyone who wants to harm the Chief Justice.

~

 

I have never been disappointed by a book written by Mark de Castrique, and this continues to hold true for the second book in his new Secret Lives series, Dangerous Women. This is a fast-paced, intelligent political thriller filled with wit and a cast that makes me smile.

 

76-year-old Ethel Fiona Crestwater is the landlady of young FBI agents, and she has fierce maternal instincts when it comes to each and every one of her boarders. She swears by Ruth Bader Ginsberg's workout, and there's no end to the high-level contacts she's made over the years. In truth, she's a legend to people in the know. I'd say that Ethel's forgotten more than most of the current FBI agents will ever know... except that I don't think she's ever forgotten one single thing. Watching her work, and watching young Jesse learn from her, is a delight.

 

The environmental conundrum behind Dangerous Women is thought-provoking. "What environmental price do we pay to save the environment? What people do we harm in the process?" It is a question we inhabitants of Planet Earth will be forced to answer over and over again.

 

If you're in the mood for fast-paced excitement spear-headed by a brilliant mind, pick up Dangerous Women. I recommend reading the first book in the series, Secret Lives, because of the characters, but it's not strictly necessary in order for you to enjoy this second book.

Dangerous Women by Mark de Castrique

eISBN: 9781728258348

Poisoned Pen Press © 2023

eBook, 320 pages

 

Thriller, #2 Secret Lives mystery

Rating: A

Source: Net Galley