Curse of the Stradivarius

Journey through 19th-century England and Italy in a gothic mystery of music, obsession, and ghosts. Unearth the dark secrets of a cursed Stradivarius.

By: Nick Carl

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The riveting tale of the Curse of the Stradivarius, unfolds poignantly as a gothic mystery book, set in 19th-century England and Italy during the early to mid-1800s.

The narrative pivots around the extraordinary life of Franklin Ricketts, whose existence begins to take an eerie turn after inheriting his family estate in Worth. He forms a deeply rooted bond with fellow music enthusiast, William Bolton at Oxford University. Their shared admiration for the violin and piano intertwines their destinies, uncovering an ominous connection to the maddening suite "Areopagita" by Graziani. As Franklin delves deeper into the inherited supernatural elements enveloping his life, he stumbles upon the tragic history of Adrian Temple, a man infamous for his possession of a coveted Stradivarius violin and a disturbing connection to the very same piece of music. Each encounter with the melodious "Areopagita" escalates the paranormal activities, leaving Franklin tormented by spectral apparitions.

A journey into darkness

Franklin's quest for understanding transports him to Italy. He falls under the bewitching spell of Villa de Angelis, once home to Adrian Temple, and its arcane folklore. This marks a chilling, depressive spiral into insanity, hallucinations, dread, and the impassable grip of the cursed Stradivarius. The stringed instrument's haunted history, the ethereal Gagliarda, and supernatural interference lead to Franklin's untimely end, leaving an eternal question mark over his existence.

The quest for truth

In their pursuit of unraveling the truth surrounding Franklin's life and death, Sophia and Dr. William uncover Adrian Temple's connection to occult practices. They stumble upon a terrifying revelation in Temple's diaries – the Visio Malefica, visions powerful enough to fracture a human mind. Despite purging the doom-laden artifacts, their very existence continues to cast a pall of fear.The narrative concludes in the somber town of Worth, with friends struggling to come to terms with the harrowing consequences of Franklin's tryst with uncharted supernatural territories and forbidden lore.