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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 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