Crescendo: An addictive, unputdownable novel about sibling rivalry and obsession

How far are you willing to go to get what you truly desire?

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.

'An enthralling literary symphony of ambition, desire and obsession' LAYNE FARGO
'I couldn’t tear myself away' ERIN KELLY
'Thrilling, claustrophobic, passionate' BRIDGET COLLINS
'A riveting study in pressure - artistic, romantic and familial' LARA PRESCOTT
'I devoured it' ANNA BAILEY
'Sumptuous and intoxicating. . . a perfect summer read' RACHEL BLACKMORE
‘Heady and intoxicating' KAT DUNN

© Jane Healey 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026