The Vivaldi Cipher

Vatican Secret Archives Thrillers, #1

by

Gary McAvoy

A centuries-old art theft and forgery operation is uncovered at the Vatican.

The Vivaldi Cipher is the first book in author Gary McAvoy’s riveting new series, the Vatican Secret Archives Thrillers, and reunites two sleuthing partners from his earlier Magdalene Chronicles, Father Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair. While on a working holiday in Venice with his good friend, investigative reporter Hana Sinclair, Jesuit priest Father Michael Dominic is consulted by his old seminary friend on a tricky matter regarding the sanctity of the confessional and the devastating information he received during a dying man’s last confession. 

Father Carol Rinaldi had been called to the bedside of the capo of the Veneta Camorra (Venetian Mafia), whose regular confessor was unavailable. With fear in his eyes, he revealed the details of a centuries-old art theft and forgery operation that had been swapping valuable works from the Vatican Museum’s collection for forgeries right under the nose of the Holy See. His last request is that his confessor put an end to it all. But if the man’s story is true, and how could it not, how could this have been going on undiscovered for so long… without insider help? The answers may come from an unexpected source, hidden within the musical works of the famed Venetian composer and priest, Antonio Vivaldi himself. But as Michael, Hana, and their friends begin to ask questions, they soon discover someone will do anything to keep this operation a secret, including committing murder. 

Father Michael and Hana are both such engaging characters, long-time friends who’ve been through a lot together, and it was interesting watching them navigate their “strictly friends” relationship amid the suspense and danger that ensued. A warning: the author is not afraid to sacrifice high-profile characters for his story, and that really ups the stakes in an already high-stakes affair. 

The plot escalates quickly, and the action keeps going nonstop. The author’s vivid descriptions of the iconic settings around Venice and during Carnival really brought the mental images I constructed to life (while also providing important tips for those considering a visit to the ancient city). As the reader knows from the start what the crime is, who at the Vatican is actually involved in this old, established scam becomes the important question. 

Although this book continues a partnership from an earlier trilogy, it works well as a standalone, and readers new to the characters should be able to read and enjoy this new adventure without having to hunt down the previous books first. However, it sure did make me want to when I was done! 

I recommend THE VIVALDI CIPHER to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories involving the clergy or the Catholic Church. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.