Symphony of Secrets is a gripping musical mystery by Brendan Slocumb. Published in 2023, Slocumb’s sophomore novel follows musicology professor Bern Hendricks as he embarks on the defining project of his career. Historic composer Frederic Delaney’s manuscript—missing since before his death in 1936—has just been found, and the Delaney Foundation has hired Bern to authenticate the score and bring the opera to the stage. Delighted by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Bern throws himself into the work, but he finds himself derailed when a mysterious marking leads him down a trail of secrets. In the midst of Bern’s discoveries, the novel takes us back to New York City of the 1920s, where a young Freddy Delaney is trying to break into the music scene. Despite his passion, Freddy doesn’t quite have the talent to make it as a pianist, and he’s just about to give up when he meets Josephine Reed, a young woman living on the streets with an unparalleled ear for music. As the two get to know each other, Josephine reveals the depths of her gift to Freddy, and he begins to think she might be the key to his success. Back in present day, Bern digs into Delaney’s history with the help of his tech-savvy friend Eboni, conducting a dangerous investigation that could ruin the Delaney Foundation with its findings… and restore a legacy to its rightful owner.

I hadn’t heard of Symphony of Secrets before a friend recently recommended it, and after reading, was dumbfounded that there hadn’t been more talk about this novel. So now, I want to shout its praises from the rooftops—this book is incredible. Slocumb writes with a propulsive pace, creating a compulsively readable and highly suspenseful mystery. And, impressively, both timelines are equally captivating. The chapters led by Bern, our ironed-khakis-wearing, modern-day Indiana Jones, fly by, and his playful partnership with Eboni adds levity to the novel. Through the story of Freddy and Josephine, we wander through the glittering music halls of the Jazz Age and witness the rampant racial inequity of the 1920s. As Slocumb weaves Bern’s and Josephine’s stories together, he unflinchingly demonstrates how those insidious beliefs and behaviors continue to show up in our present. Unsurprisingly, a major highlight of the book is the music—Slocumb's background as a musician shines through, and his descriptions of the music sing like melodies themselves. Symphony of Secrets is a wild ride, and I absolutely loved it.

I’d recommend this book to…

• Anyone interested in exploring race and power through the lens of history… it’s similar in theme to The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
• Anyone looking for a fast-paced, evocative mystery… it’s similar in style to The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
• Anyone who loves assertive, insightful writing… it’s similar in tone to Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus