Dark Side of the Balcony

"Marcus Danby, a disillusioned member of a religious order, is commissioned to research the lives and works of Stradivarius and his contemporaries -- the Italian instrument makers of the 18th century." "But the project is shrouded in mystery. The terms are generous, there is no lack of funds; yet for whom is this research being conducted and why?" "Marcus's only contact is the sinister and elusive Messenger. He, or his principals, have considerable influence, for Marcus finds any impediment to his work quickly removed. One such obstacle -- the feisty musicologist, Lisa Robards -- becomes a valuable ally. Together they discover more than they bargained for, placing their very lives in danger." "As the pieces of the jigsaw come together, the couple realise that if long-held confidences come to light, they could undermine many respected institutions -- reaching to the very heart of the Vatican. Not surprisingly, there are those who will stop at nothing to keep such secrets hidden." --BOOK JACKET.