*Sun Sentinel review on author, Brendan Slocumb*

Brendan Slocumb hits all the right notes in his engrossing debut about a young Black man whose natural talent for music has become the only way to secure his future. “The Violin Conspiracy” works as a well-plotted heist novel, a look at racism, the music world and a coming-of-age tale.

Growing up in Charlotte, N.C., Ray McMillian discovered his musical talent early, although he received little support for his gift. His single mother demanded he quit high school and get a job to help support her and his twin siblings. His high school music teacher refused to acknowledge his talent, forcing him to use the school’s most beat-up violin. When he landed a few jobs playing for weddings and other functions, he often was humiliated by the racists who hired him without knowing he was Black.

To read the full article, click here.