Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller
Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

'The Violin Conspiracy' is a musical who-done-it with deep notes

Brendan Slocumb and his book “The Violin Conspiracy”
Brendan Slocumb is a musician, music educator, guest conductor and a first-time novelist.
Author image by Glenn Fry | Book cover courtesy of publisher

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Like the protagonist of his new, breakaway novel, author Brendan Slocumb is a Black violinist. He knows the monotony of daily practice punctuated by the occasional thrill of performance. He’s experienced the racism that’s often inherent in the classical world. But unlike Ray McMillian, the lead character of “The Violin Conspiracy,” Slocumb does not own a Stradivarius.

The fact that McMillian’s passed-down, family fiddle turns out to be a priceless Stradivarius is at the center of Slocumb’s debut novel. The discovery catapults McMillian into superstardom in the world of classical music. Then, just before he goes to the Tchaikovsky Competition, the Olympics of classical music, the Stradivarius is stolen. Who took it? Will he get it back?

Slocumb talked to host Kerri Miller guest for this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas show.

Guest:

  • Brendan Slocumb is a musician, music educator, guest conductor and first-time novelist. His new book is “The Violin Conspiracy.”

Use the audio player above to listen to the conversation.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or RSS.

Subscribe to the Thread newsletter for the latest book and author news and must-read recommendations.