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Crescendo
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26A piano virtuoso and his twin sister become rivals for a new spotlight—the adoration of a mysterious French patron—during the hot Parisian summer of 1957.
“An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire, and obsession.” —Layne Fargo, bestselling author of The Favorites and They Never Learn
Twins Natasha and Max Kitson have lived their lives on the road, together building Max's career as a world-renowned pianist, famous for bringing even the most stalwart audience members to tears. But when, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his remaining concerts and moves himself and his sister into the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.
In Paris, over the course of one summer, Natasha's long-simmering resentments and Max's deep insecurities drive the siblings apart as each vie for Henri's attentions. But neither twin can have their host entirely to themselves, because while, during the day, Henri woos Natasha with lavish gifts and trips to the ballet, it's Max's music that draws Henri from bed each night.
One part delicious family drama, and one part twisted love triangle, Crescendo is an altogether un-put-downable escape to the concert halls, ballet theaters, and bedrooms of 1950s France.
“An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire, and obsession.” —Layne Fargo, bestselling author of The Favorites and They Never Learn
Twins Natasha and Max Kitson have lived their lives on the road, together building Max's career as a world-renowned pianist, famous for bringing even the most stalwart audience members to tears. But when, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his remaining concerts and moves himself and his sister into the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.
In Paris, over the course of one summer, Natasha's long-simmering resentments and Max's deep insecurities drive the siblings apart as each vie for Henri's attentions. But neither twin can have their host entirely to themselves, because while, during the day, Henri woos Natasha with lavish gifts and trips to the ballet, it's Max's music that draws Henri from bed each night.
One part delicious family drama, and one part twisted love triangle, Crescendo is an altogether un-put-downable escape to the concert halls, ballet theaters, and bedrooms of 1950s France.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Jane Healey
3 books257 followersJane Healey studied English Literature at Warwick University and writing in the MFA program at CUNY Brooklyn College. Her short fiction has been shortlisted for the Bristol Short Story Prize, the Costa Short Story Award and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
The Ophelia Girls is her second novel. Her first, The Animals at Lockwood Manor, was published in 2020 and won the HWA Debut Crown Award.
She lives in Edinburgh.
The Ophelia Girls is her second novel. Her first, The Animals at Lockwood Manor, was published in 2020 and won the HWA Debut Crown Award.
She lives in Edinburgh.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I adored Crescendo. It saved me from a brutal reading slump.
It is a compulsive tale of sibling rivalry set un the world of classical music. The prose was at once a reminder of my favourite 20th century classics but with a modern edge. I read it a year ago and scenes come back to me often with such clarity. The ending was beautiful and had me almost crying.
It is a compulsive tale of sibling rivalry set un the world of classical music. The prose was at once a reminder of my favourite 20th century classics but with a modern edge. I read it a year ago and scenes come back to me often with such clarity. The ending was beautiful and had me almost crying.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Creepy and pretentious. Rounded up because maybe it’s just not my cup of tea
April 9, 2026
Received this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. This book is well written. Family drama with suspense that makes it a page turner. Honestly not my cup of tea near the end with the plot twist (that was somewhat predictable). Definitely made me think about relationships, both familial and romantic. Also has a theme of obsession regarding art as work.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews