Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

Katarina, an orphan raised by nuns during the Renaissance, has won a
place in a music school for orphaned girls in Venice. One of the
instructors is none other than the famous musician/composer Antonio
Vivaldi. Katarina becomes involved in solving a mystery, orchestrated by
Vivaldi, surrounding a violin created by the master Stradivarius. The
denouement has positive personal repercussions for Katarina.

The magical city of Venice becomes part of the story. It is Carnival
time, and the people in the streets are masked. An atmosphere of
excitement pervades the city. The reader is introduced to the exotic
customs and traditions of Carnival in Venice. A gondolier—that most
Venetian of characters—helps Katarina solve the mystery.

This is an excellent story. The mystery is clever and well written. A
love and passion for music and what it can accomplish informs the plot.
The illustrations, which were painted in oils on canvas, are equally
well done. They absolutely capture the flavour of the Queen of the Sea
during this era: the rich primary hues and the use of light and shadow,
the harsh white glare representing the beating, merciless sun of high
summer—all proclaim Venice at the height of her beauty, power, and
influence.

This is a must-have purchase for all young readers on several levels:
exciting plot, evocation of a time and place rich with historical and
cultural interest, and the magical illustrative form. Highly
recommended.