num_pages: 384
description: In 1788 Vienna Court Poet Lorenzo Da Ponte is putting some finishing touches on the libretto for the premiere of his new opera with Mozart Don Giovanni. A huge success when it debuted in Prague the Emperor has decreed that it shall be performed in Vienna. But Joseph II is off prosecuting a less-than-popular war against the Turks and the city itself is in a bit of turmoil. There are voices protesting the war others who see Turks around every corner.Da Ponte however just wants to do his work and enjoy life. Alas these simple desires aren't to be easily fulfilled. First he's been getting a series of mysterious coded notes from unknown hands notes that make no sense to him. Then his old friend Alois a retired priest and academic is viciously murdered and strange symbols carved into his forehead. Summoned to the police bureau Da Ponte learns that Alois's murder was not the first. Determined to help find his friend's killer Da Ponte agrees to help with the secret investigation.Caught in a crossfire of intrigue both in the world of opera and politics Da Ponte must find the answer to a riddle and expose a killer before he becomes the next victim.
language: English
title: Sent to the Devil
publisher: Minotaur Books