Brendan Slocumb's Symphony of Secrets captivates with its thrilling blend of music and mystery, exploring the dark facets of genius and creative theft. Praised for its intricate plot and rich character development, some readers find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's an engaging and thought-provoking read perfect for music and mystery enthusiasts alike.

A reader who would enjoy Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb is likely an enthusiast of music-themed mystery novels, blending historical and contemporary narratives. Fans of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova will appreciate the intricate plot and the exploration of musical heritage intertwined with suspense.

Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb explores two intertwined time periods: the 1920s and the 2020s. The story follows a white musician who steals the original compositions of a Black, neurodivergent woman in the 1920s, passing them off as his own. A century later, a dedicated music professor strives to uncover the truth and grant her the recognition she deserves, navigating institutional racism, intellectual property issues, and the enduring emotional impact of music. Descriptions of domestic abuse, racism, and institutionalized racist violence appear in the book.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Emotional / Challenging / Inspirational

**Kevin Bernard "Bern" Hendricks**  
A passionate musician from Milwaukee, whose life changes after receiving a French horn from the Delaney Foundation, leading him to a career in music. He becomes deeply involved with Delaney's lost opera and its historical implications.

**Josephine Reed**  
A talented Black musician from the 1920s with synesthesia, which enhances her musical abilities. Her relationship with Delaney is complex, marked by both her reverence and experiences of exploitation.

**Frederick "Fred" Delaney**  
An ambitious white musician from Indiana who rises to fame as a composer. His identity and reputation are pivotal to the novel's unfolding mystery.

**Eboni Michelle Washington**  
A computer expert and friend of Bern from Columbia, known for her intelligence and supportive nature. She teams up with Bern to uncover the truth behind Delaney's legacy.

**Mallory Delaney Roberts**  
A descendant of Frederick Delaney who initially supports the preservation of his reputation. Her interactions with Bern bring pivotal changes to her stance.

**Kurt Delaney**  
A descendant of Frederick Delaney and an antagonistic character, whose actions against Bern and Eboni reflect his resistance to change and darker motivations.

**Earlene Hill**  
Josephine's cousin who provides Bern and Eboni with crucial insights into her past. She maintains a connection to Josephine's legacy through her family.

**John Ditmars**  
Owner of a music publishing house where Delaney first gains recognition. His interactions with Josephine and Delaney impact the trajectory of their musical careers.

**Miles Turpin**  
A composer at Ditmars & Ross involved in the music publishing scene of the time. His perceptions of Josephine influence a pivotal turn of events.

**Eunice**  
The receptionist at Ditmars & Ross, noted for her supportive and relatively open-minded attitude during interactions with Josephine.

Brendan Slocumb

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Novel

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Background

Symphony of Secrets Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Act 1: “Bern”

Prologue-Act 1

Symphony of Secrets Prologue-Act 1 Summary & Analysis

Act 2: “1918”

Act 2

Symphony of Secrets Act 2 Summary & Analysis

Act 3: “Bern & Freddy”

Act 3

Symphony of Secrets Act 3 Summary & Analysis

Act 4: “Josephine”

Act 4

Symphony of Secrets Act 4 Summary & Analysis

Act 5: “Ensemble”

Act 5-Epilogue

Symphony of Secrets Act 5-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Symphony of Secrets Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Symphony of Secrets

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