Crescendo: A Novel

A 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.

“Crescendo is the psychologically gripping story of two siblings, the music that moves them, and the love they so desperately seek. The writing is sexy and layered - I fell under Healey's spell from the very first chapter until its moving and bittersweet end.” -Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics, The House Girl, and Community Board

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.

"A heady and intoxicating tale of rivalry and obsession, talent and envy, desire and destruction – Crescendo set me ablaze." -Kat Dunn, author of Hungerstone