Crescendo

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publish date: 2 June 2026
Pages: 232
Language: English

Subjects: Fiction, Historical, 20th Century, Post-World War II, Literary, Family Life, Siblings, Performing Arts, Music

A taut, sultry novel about rivalry, obsession and how far we are willing to go to get what we truly desire.

'I couldn't tear myself away' ERIN KELLY
'A riveting study in pressure - artistic, romantic and familial' LARA PRESCOTT
'An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire and obsession' LAYNE FARGO

It's the summer of 1957 and Max, a piano prodigy, is on a sold-out concert tour.

His beautiful twin sister, Natasha, serves as his manager and minder. 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 up the pair in the sprawling mansion of a handsome and wealthy count. But Henri is more than just a patron of the arts; he has also been - unknown to Max - Natasha's lover.
Freed from the familiar dynamic of manager and talent, Natasha's simmering resentment and Max's deep insecurity turn into a rivalry, as the two vie for Henri's attention. While Henri woos Natasha in galleries and cafés 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, with devastating consequences for both.

'I devoured it' ANNA BAILEY

'Sumptuous and intoxicating. . . a perfect summer read' RACHEL BLACKMORE

'Heady and intoxicating' KAT DUNN