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Crescendo
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26A thrilling, sultry novel about rivalry and obsession for readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Kristin Hannah.
Max Kitson is a world-renowned pianist, and his twin sister, Natasha, is his manager and minder. But when, in 1957, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his latest world tour. Without consulting Natasha, Max arranges to stay in the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.
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.
Gorgeously and grippingly written, Crescendo is an unforgettable escape with the pacing of a thriller and the depths of a family saga.
Max Kitson is a world-renowned pianist, and his twin sister, Natasha, is his manager and minder. But when, in 1957, at age 20, the former prodigy begins making uncharacteristic mistakes, he abruptly cancels his latest world tour. Without consulting Natasha, Max arranges to stay in the home of an enigmatic French patron, never realizing that Henri has been his sister's lover.
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.
Gorgeously and grippingly written, Crescendo is an unforgettable escape with the pacing of a thriller and the depths of a family saga.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Jane Healey
3 books284 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It is 1957. Max is a piano virtuoso, a consummate performer in constant demand, but he has his insecurities. Natasha is his twin sister, less musically talented but a ruthlessly efficient manager and no-one knows Max better. In return for Natasha being there for him, every day, every concert, Max has pledged to give his twin half of all his earnings. Their bond, forged in the womb, trumps all other relationships. But Natasha is forever the unnoticed one in the long shadow cast by her brilliant brother.
Henri, Comte de Montaigu, has wealth, privilege and the resources to seemingly make anything happen that he chooses. So when Max makes some inexplicable if minor errors mid-performance, it is Henri who is on hand to offer to host the twins in his Paris mansion while Max takes time away from touring to reset. Henri has designs on each of them. As Max’s patron and as Natasha’s lover.
No-one has come between the siblings before quite like this. And it’s an interposition that will have profound and far-reaching consequences all the way to the final chapter, which I thought was an artful conclusion.
Crescendo is a tale of wants, needs and desires, what makes and breaks relationships and how jealousy, resentment, the fear of losing what you have and never gaining what you want, clouds judgement and causes insidious fractures in the strongest of foundations. It engagingly explores themes of identity, exclusivity, ambition and obsession.
The propulsive writing creates absorbing storytelling embodying the ebb and flow of emotions, the tautening and slackening of tensions. There are passages of soaring intensity and breathlessness, others of quiet reflection and introspection plagued by a sense of impermanence and fragility.
I think this page-turner of a read will make quite a noise when it is published in the UK on 4th June. Bravo Jane Healey.
Thank you so much to Vintage Books and Jane Healey for the opportunity to read an early copy of Crescendo.
Henri, Comte de Montaigu, has wealth, privilege and the resources to seemingly make anything happen that he chooses. So when Max makes some inexplicable if minor errors mid-performance, it is Henri who is on hand to offer to host the twins in his Paris mansion while Max takes time away from touring to reset. Henri has designs on each of them. As Max’s patron and as Natasha’s lover.
No-one has come between the siblings before quite like this. And it’s an interposition that will have profound and far-reaching consequences all the way to the final chapter, which I thought was an artful conclusion.
Crescendo is a tale of wants, needs and desires, what makes and breaks relationships and how jealousy, resentment, the fear of losing what you have and never gaining what you want, clouds judgement and causes insidious fractures in the strongest of foundations. It engagingly explores themes of identity, exclusivity, ambition and obsession.
The propulsive writing creates absorbing storytelling embodying the ebb and flow of emotions, the tautening and slackening of tensions. There are passages of soaring intensity and breathlessness, others of quiet reflection and introspection plagued by a sense of impermanence and fragility.
I think this page-turner of a read will make quite a noise when it is published in the UK on 4th June. Bravo Jane Healey.
Thank you so much to Vintage Books and Jane Healey for the opportunity to read an early copy of Crescendo.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Celebrated pianist Maxim finds himself making unheard of errors during his latest tour. He flees to Paris to take time out for a teacher, and is reluctantly accompanied by his twin sister Natasha. For the last 10 years she has put her life on hold, acting as his manager and making sure he eats. Jealousy eats away at her. Max is feted by fans and admiring socialites wherever he goes. In Paris they stay at the luxurious home of patron Henri. Henri is fascinated by Max's talent and Natasha decides to make him hers. During the summer a cauldron of tension and emotions simmers and must eventually explode, with devastating results. Healey does a great job in prolonging the resentment and tension between the siblings, and Henri's role in it. I gained further enjoyment by accompanying my reading with some of the great piano concertos mentioned.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance digital copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Historical Fiction-1950's Adult
Twins Max and Natasha have traveled most of their lives and are inseperable. Max is a famous pianist and Natasha is his manager. When Max uncharacteristically missing a few notes at a performance, he decides to take a break with some lessons in Paris. The twins are staying with Henri, who has generously offered his home to stay and pay for anything that they may need. Max begins to feel jealous when Henri spends more time woo-ing his sister instead of listening to him practice the piano. Is he more mad at the possibility of losing his sister or losing a love interest in Henri. It's a love triangle that can't possibly end well.
The anger and jealousy that is throughout this book between a brother and sister just wasn't enjoyable to read. In fact, I found none of the characters very well developed at all. The ending chapter was the only redeeming part of this book where I found a trace of love and forgiveness.
Twins Max and Natasha have traveled most of their lives and are inseperable. Max is a famous pianist and Natasha is his manager. When Max uncharacteristically missing a few notes at a performance, he decides to take a break with some lessons in Paris. The twins are staying with Henri, who has generously offered his home to stay and pay for anything that they may need. Max begins to feel jealous when Henri spends more time woo-ing his sister instead of listening to him practice the piano. Is he more mad at the possibility of losing his sister or losing a love interest in Henri. It's a love triangle that can't possibly end well.
The anger and jealousy that is throughout this book between a brother and sister just wasn't enjoyable to read. In fact, I found none of the characters very well developed at all. The ending chapter was the only redeeming part of this book where I found a trace of love and forgiveness.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an absolute page turner. Loved the setting and premise. A musical genius who needs to reinvent after an error. A strong sibling relationship with undecurrents of rivalry that keeps magnifying. The impact of a sibling living under the shadows while taking care of their sibling's every need. A complete recipe of for a pending disaster.
Loved how the narrative is created and the leads. The siblings competing for attention while for different reasons was absolutely gripping and interesting. I was quite hooked by how the locations were fleshed out. The locations with its richness and characters were well scripted. Especially the complexities. Loved the music angle and the underlying themes of passion, family, love and self. Absolutely recommend!
Thank you Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
Loved how the narrative is created and the leads. The siblings competing for attention while for different reasons was absolutely gripping and interesting. I was quite hooked by how the locations were fleshed out. The locations with its richness and characters were well scripted. Especially the complexities. Loved the music angle and the underlying themes of passion, family, love and self. Absolutely recommend!
Thank you Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
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 Netgalley
Unfortunately I was not able to connect with or even find any of the characters remotely likeable. I was hoping to see more inside an artists mind then just being egotistical and/or self-loathing. I did think the descriptions of places and architecture were beautiful and vivid. The ending raised a lot of concerns and I am still thinking about them.
Thank you Netgalley for the Arc opportunity.
Thank you Netgalley for the Arc opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Enjoyed this one. Who doesn't love a story which involves insane wealth, insane talent and a twisted, co-dependent sibling rivalry? Oh, and a hot French count. This absolutely simmered with tension on all fronts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished this book in one day! The characters were all complex, and not wholly likeable which added to the 'totured artist' theme throughout. Once I realized what was to come of certain relationships, I couldn't put this down. This book is jealousy and perfectionism bound in a cover.
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 - 10 of 10 reviews