Crescendo

CRESCENDO is a taut, sultry novel about rivalry, obsession, and how far we are willing to go to get what we really desire. Max is a piano prodigy, and his beautiful twin sister, Natasha, serves as his manager and minder. While Max basks in the spotlight of his talents, it is truly Natasha—meticulously tracking his every move—who has ensured his renown. It’s the summer of 1958 and Max is on a sold-out concert tour, performing in 100 venues around the world. But despite Natasha’s careful planning, he begins, for the first time in his career, to make mistakes on stage. Upending his schedule to seek a cure in Paris, Max sets the pair up in the sprawling chateau of a handsome and wealthy count. But Henri is more than just a patron of the arts, he has also been – unknown to her brother – Natasha’s lover. Freed from the familiar dynamic of talent and manager, Natasha’s simmering resentment and Max’s deep insecurity turns into a rivalry, as the two vie for Henri’s attention. While Henri woos Natasha in galleries and cafes during the day, it is Max’s playing that draws him from bed each night. As the twins compete, the fractures in their already vulnerable relationship start to show, to crack, to break, with devastating consequences for them both.