<p><strong>When Monteverdi&#39;s lost operas surface, so does a killer desperate to possess them. . .</strong><br />
Preoccupied with preparations for the opera season at Eszterh&aacute;za, Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn receives a curious request from a friend in Vienna. Kaspar, an impoverished violinist with an ailing wife, wishes Haydn to evaluate a collection of scores reputed to be the lost operas of Monteverdi.</p><p>Haydn is intrigued until Her Majesty, Empress Maria Theresa, summons him with a similar request. Skeptical of the value of Kaspar&#39;s bequest, Haydn nevertheless offers to help. But before he can examine the works, Kaspar is murdered-beaten and left to die in front of a wine tavern.</p><p>The police are quick to dismiss the death as a robbery gone wrong. But Haydn is not so sure. Kaspar&#39;s keys were stolen and his house broken into. Could his bequest be genuine after all? And can Haydn find the true operas-and the man willing to kill for them?</p><p><br />
<strong>Advance Praise</strong></p><p>'Vivid historical descriptions, intricate details, and a fascinating central character kept me turning the pages. Bravo!'<br />
<strong>Amanda Carmack</strong>, award-winning author of The Elizabethan Mystery Series</p><p>'A standout in the genre of historical mysteries. An encore is requested!'<br />
<strong><em>Midwest Book Review</em></strong></p><p>'Intricately researched and cleverly plotted. . .'<br />
<strong>Anna Lee Huber, Lady Darby Mysteries</strong></p>