The Vivaldi Cipher

Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers

By: Gary McAvoy

Narrated by: Will Damron

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

During the election of a new Pope in the mid-18th century, famed violinist Antonio Vivaldi learns of a ring of art forgers who are replacing the Vatican’s priceless treasures with expertly-painted fakes. Desperate, the composer hides a message in a special melody, hoping someone, someday, will take down the culprits....

Nearly 300 years later, the confession of a dying Mafia Don alerts a Venetian priest to a wealth of forged paintings in the Vatican Museum, and the key to their identities lies hidden in a puzzling piece of music. Father Michael Dominic, prefect of the Secret Archives, investigates, and is mystified when he finds a cipher in an old composition from Vivaldi. Desperate to stop this centuries-long conspiracy, he calls on fellow sleuth Hana Sinclair and Dr. Livia Gallo, a music cryptologist, to help him crack the code and learn the truth.

But the Camorra, a centuries-old Italian Mafia clan, won’t stand by while some interfering priest ruins their most lucrative operation. Along with a French commando and two valiant Swiss Guards, Dominic explores the dark canals and grand palazzos of Venice to uncover the evidence he needs to stop the sinister plot. Can he unearth it in time, or will the Church’s most valuable artworks fall prey to this massive conspiracy?

If you love James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Lee Child, you may lose sleep over this impossible to put down thriller! Packed with historical events and non-stop action, listeners will be listening late into the night. McAvoy’s fans say his “attention to detail makes the story utterly believable, leaving the reader wondering what is real and what is fiction”.

©2021 Gary McAvoy (P)2021 Gary McAvoy

Very engaging

The next generation of Dan Brown. Or close. Will read more of his books, for sure.

Entertaining and enjoyable

The only regret is that i found this book after I visited Venice, Florence and Vatican last year ! However I am happy to have found another series worthy to follow. Highly recommended if you enjoy Daniel Silva, Dan Brown, Lee Child, John Sandford, Stephen Hunter, Baldacci. Page turning, not too heavy, not too light, just al dente.

Outstanding plot and characters and well read

I loved EVERYTHING except the fact after discussing never be alone and always protecting each other they still did things they were too smart to do. That was the only flaw of the entire book. If you know you're in danger you wouldn't realistically take those chances.

Vive’ Vivaldi!

A gripping adventure as usual from Gary McAvoy. I enjoyed this tale of life and death defending truth and sacred honor, devolving a long-term evil within the church. Couldn’t stop listening, except for a few hours of sleep. Paused my own compositions, immersed in the realistic fact-based intrigue of the Vatican and the dichotomy of holiness vs greed manifested in the hierarchy. Some rare insights into the sacred purity of the gifted renowned composer and musician Antonio Vivaldi supports the plot in a beautiful fabric comprising mystery and an astonishing revelation hidden in one of his compositions!

awesome

loved this book. and all the books by the author. they are light and fun

Fun and fast paced throughout, good narration as well.

Fun and fast paced throughout, good narration as well.
Would recommend without reservation. Would make a great movie!

A romp through a well-crafted storyline

This adventure offers readers a romp through a well-crafted storyline. The characters are both relatable and likable, adding depth to the narrative. While 'The Vivaldi Ciphers' may not deliver groundbreaking revelations, its blend of intrigue and entertainment makes for an engaging listen.

Fans of 'The Da Vinci Code' are sure to find similar enjoyment in this novel.

This is book one in a series. I am not sure I'll pick up book 2, but I might when I want something easy to digest that is enjoyable.

If you like the series…

It’s another hood story. Predictable but still an enjoyable listen. Especially if you like fiction steeped in history.

Novel or product placement?

I wanted to like this book—has art theft, Italy, mystery, all things I love in a novel. However, the plot was predictable, characters rather bland, and the entire story seemed full of product placement—brands and descriptions of them—which was jarring and distracting. Sadly, it doesn’t compare favorably with other authors and series in this genre.

Sort of Light

Light in the character development. The plot would be excellent if filled by better characters and less action.