erinz's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
reallyintoreading's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
elzasbokhylla's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
language_loving_amateur's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The tension was higher than I expected, but very good and the book kept me on my toes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Torture, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Emotional abuse
nixbix_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This was a true delight to read! I immediately felt pulled into the story & could feel how distraught he was when he discovered that his precious violin had been stolen.
I loved the backstory to this - seeing Ray go from learning how to play the violin to him being where he was in the present day. We also see the struggles that Ray experiences over these years, from an unsupportive family (until there’s money involved) to racial inequality across the board, and both the casual & very deliberate racism that Ray faces as a Black man. Throughout the story, I admired Ray for his tenacity and his strength of character - he may be quiet but he had a resoluteness about him that draws people to him.
I thought it was expertly written and an intriguing mystery. The fact that the author is a violinist & has drawn upon his experiences, good & bad, gives an authenticity that cannot be matched. I thoroughly enjoyed this story & was cheering Ray on every step of the way.
I loved the backstory to this - seeing Ray go from learning how to play the violin to him being where he was in the present day. We also see the struggles that Ray experiences over these years, from an unsupportive family (until there’s money involved) to racial inequality across the board, and both the casual & very deliberate racism that Ray faces as a Black man. Throughout the story, I admired Ray for his tenacity and his strength of character - he may be quiet but he had a resoluteness about him that draws people to him.
I thought it was expertly written and an intriguing mystery. The fact that the author is a violinist & has drawn upon his experiences, good & bad, gives an authenticity that cannot be matched. I thoroughly enjoyed this story & was cheering Ray on every step of the way.
brunchisyum's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn't put this down! I wouldn't have thought a mystery about a stolen violin would be so tense!
leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
Please seek out a diverse set of reviews.
I’m going with 3 stars because I think it was mistakenly marketed as a mystery instead of a Black man coming of age story. As a mystery it’s a 2 star and I nearly DNF’d it several times.
The author’s note would have been better suited for readers at the start of the book so you understand why every interaction is horribly racists. This felt to me like two stories poorly smashed together. Had lots of promise but was a fail for me.
BookRiot recommendation, five months on library hold list.
I’m going with 3 stars because I think it was mistakenly marketed as a mystery instead of a Black man coming of age story. As a mystery it’s a 2 star and I nearly DNF’d it several times.
The author’s note would have been better suited for readers at the start of the book so you understand why every interaction is horribly racists. This felt to me like two stories poorly smashed together. Had lots of promise but was a fail for me.
BookRiot recommendation, five months on library hold list.