What do you think?
Rate this book
Vatican Archaeology Thrillers #02
The Devil's Symphony
In the shadowed depths of the Vatican’s Secret Archives, archaeologist Marcus Russo, Father Michael Dominic, and investigative journalist Hana Sinclair uncover a chilling artifact—a centuries-old music box intricately crafted and bound with symbols of forgotten rites of alchemy. What begins as an academic curiosity quickly turns into a dire warning, as whispers of its sinister origins surface. The box, linked to an enigmatic 18th-century composer, Vincenzo Malvagio, holds within it a melody unlike any other—a composition rumored to have the power to summon forces beyond human comprehension. When the music is played, reality itself begins to shift, and darkness awakens from its long slumber.
As the trio dig deeper, they trace Malvagio’s legacy through the abandoned monasteries of Switzerland, secretive alchemical guilds, and a Vatican conspiracy that sought to bury his work forever. Their search reveals an unsettling the symphony was never meant to be merely heard—it was designed as a ritual, a key to unlocking something buried beneath the veil of history. Each note played draws them closer to an inevitable reckoning, as unexplainable phenomena spread from the Vatican to cathedrals across Europe. The music is no longer contained; it is spreading, imprinting itself onto those who hear it, bending minds and warping reality in ways neither faith nor reason can fully explain.
With time running out and the fabric of the known world unraveling, the team must find a way to silence the music before it reaches its final, apocalyptic crescendo. The melody’s influence is growing, seeping beyond the walls of the Vatican and into the minds of those who hear even a fragment of its haunting refrain. As they race to uncover the final pieces of Malvagio’s lost composition, they realize that the symphony itself is a force of its own—a vessel for something ancient and insidious, waiting to be unleashed. But can they stop a song that refuses to be forgotten, or has the Devil’s Symphony already begun its final performance?
As the trio dig deeper, they trace Malvagio’s legacy through the abandoned monasteries of Switzerland, secretive alchemical guilds, and a Vatican conspiracy that sought to bury his work forever. Their search reveals an unsettling the symphony was never meant to be merely heard—it was designed as a ritual, a key to unlocking something buried beneath the veil of history. Each note played draws them closer to an inevitable reckoning, as unexplainable phenomena spread from the Vatican to cathedrals across Europe. The music is no longer contained; it is spreading, imprinting itself onto those who hear it, bending minds and warping reality in ways neither faith nor reason can fully explain.
With time running out and the fabric of the known world unraveling, the team must find a way to silence the music before it reaches its final, apocalyptic crescendo. The melody’s influence is growing, seeping beyond the walls of the Vatican and into the minds of those who hear even a fragment of its haunting refrain. As they race to uncover the final pieces of Malvagio’s lost composition, they realize that the symphony itself is a force of its own—a vessel for something ancient and insidious, waiting to be unleashed. But can they stop a song that refuses to be forgotten, or has the Devil’s Symphony already begun its final performance?
- GenresThriller
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
470 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Gary McAvoy
38 books479 followersGary McAvoy is an American novelist known for internationally bestselling thrillers that blend historical intrigue, religious scholarship, and modern suspense. A lifelong researcher of rare manuscripts and Church history, he draws on extensive archival study to craft narratives rooted in authentic detail. His work includes the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers, the Magdalene Chronicles, and the Vatican Archaeology Thrillers. Before turning to fiction, McAvoy built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, technology consultant, and collector of historical documents. He now writes full time from the Pacific Northwest, where he continues to explore the shadowed crossroads of faith, power, and history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 12, 2025
A fun read!
An 18th-century composer, Vincenzo Malvagio, produces a musical symphony of such dark power that it could destroy all humanity. He finds himself excommunicated from the Catholic Church and his musical work locked away forever within the Vatican's Secret Archives.
Step forward into the 21st century, and a group of satanic cultists are determined to recover the hidden music and create mayhem in the world by forging an opening into another dimension.
Opposing the cultists are three individuals, a Vatican archaeologist, a priest and an investigative journalist, plus a group of ceremonial Swiss Guard.
Gun battles within the Vatican, frantic chases across Europe, and full-on violent confrontations all happen at breathtaking speed. At the same time, no one, outside the combatants, appears to have noticed anything is amiss in the world. The story would appear to have strayed into Scooby Doo territory.
Still, it was an enjoyable and riveting tale, just as long as you remember to suspend belief.
An 18th-century composer, Vincenzo Malvagio, produces a musical symphony of such dark power that it could destroy all humanity. He finds himself excommunicated from the Catholic Church and his musical work locked away forever within the Vatican's Secret Archives.
Step forward into the 21st century, and a group of satanic cultists are determined to recover the hidden music and create mayhem in the world by forging an opening into another dimension.
Opposing the cultists are three individuals, a Vatican archaeologist, a priest and an investigative journalist, plus a group of ceremonial Swiss Guard.
Gun battles within the Vatican, frantic chases across Europe, and full-on violent confrontations all happen at breathtaking speed. At the same time, no one, outside the combatants, appears to have noticed anything is amiss in the world. The story would appear to have strayed into Scooby Doo territory.
Still, it was an enjoyable and riveting tale, just as long as you remember to suspend belief.
May 10, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Gary McAvoy for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always a fan of Gary McAvoy and his work, I jumped at the chance to read the second novel in the Vatican Archaeology Thriller series. McAvoy uses his talents to highlight some great ideas and lesser-known finds, spinning them into a great story with much action and historical references. When a music box from centuries ago is found within the Vatican Secret Archives, its provenance and details are known to few. However, there is one man who is itching to get his hands on it, less for his melodious tunes and more to create havoc for many. It is up to a few dedicated individuals to keep the peace and prevent the winds of the supernatural from causing mayhem. McAvoy's ideas pull the reader in once again with this piece.
While the Vatican Secret Archives are home to a number of interesting items, archaeologist Marcus Russo, and archivist Father Michael Dominic are aware of a chamber that has been sealed for over two centuries. It is said to contain some highly troubling and sinister items, though it is baffling why they were not destroyed and simply left to gather dust. Alongside investigative reporter, Hana Sinclair, the others become aware of an old music box covered in ancient symbols tied to the art of alchemy. This box is said to trace its roots back to composer Vincenzo Malvagio and the tune it plays is a composition that is not only chilling, but is said to summon forces of a darker and more sinister nature. No wonder it was locked away and kept from view.
Hana and Marcus lead an investigation into the music box, as it is seen to cause much illness and trouble around the grounds of the Vatican. The search leads them to old Swiss monasteries, where the symphonic piece Malvagio had playing from the music box i more than simply a tune to captivate the ear, but part of a dark and troubling ritual that can summon supernatural beings. The tune can unlock terrifying ghosts and help fuel dark magic in ways that few in modern times could fathom. Minds are transfixed and people begin to act in ways that are highly troubling, even in front of Hana and Marcus.
The Vatican is soon not the only area infected with supernatural presences, but all across Europe, the phenomena continues. Malvagio's composition has a missing part and there is a man dedicated to locating it for his own benefit. How will Hana and Marcus handle Adrian Baumann, who will stop at nothing to secure all aspects of Malvagio's music? As the world tilts towards chaos, Hana and Marcus fight not only against time, but the swelling musical power the supernatural has, now that it is released from its confines. This is no piece of music to share with the world, but the Devil's Symphony, meant to summon demonic clouds to cover the world! McAvoy uses new and intriguing techniques to lure the reader in once more!
While I have been enjoying the work of Gary McAvoy for a number of years, he never becomes too repetitive. The ideas are always building off one another, while never getting stale or too simplistic. The narrative pushes the reader to feel a part of the entire process, enveloping them as they journey deeper into what is going on. Chapters speed by and leave the reader needing to know more, as they uncover truths and fictions one could not have predicted. Characters flavour the story well and keep the reader on edge as they seek to comprehend how everyone fits together. The plot, while subtle to start, soon gains momentum and the reader finds themselves surrounded by great surprises and a thoroughly entertaining set of events. McAvoy has a knack for delivering a well-paced novel that never sheds too much light on fact and fiction until the final pages.
Kudos, Mr. McAvoy, for another gem in your collection of addictive novels!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always a fan of Gary McAvoy and his work, I jumped at the chance to read the second novel in the Vatican Archaeology Thriller series. McAvoy uses his talents to highlight some great ideas and lesser-known finds, spinning them into a great story with much action and historical references. When a music box from centuries ago is found within the Vatican Secret Archives, its provenance and details are known to few. However, there is one man who is itching to get his hands on it, less for his melodious tunes and more to create havoc for many. It is up to a few dedicated individuals to keep the peace and prevent the winds of the supernatural from causing mayhem. McAvoy's ideas pull the reader in once again with this piece.
While the Vatican Secret Archives are home to a number of interesting items, archaeologist Marcus Russo, and archivist Father Michael Dominic are aware of a chamber that has been sealed for over two centuries. It is said to contain some highly troubling and sinister items, though it is baffling why they were not destroyed and simply left to gather dust. Alongside investigative reporter, Hana Sinclair, the others become aware of an old music box covered in ancient symbols tied to the art of alchemy. This box is said to trace its roots back to composer Vincenzo Malvagio and the tune it plays is a composition that is not only chilling, but is said to summon forces of a darker and more sinister nature. No wonder it was locked away and kept from view.
Hana and Marcus lead an investigation into the music box, as it is seen to cause much illness and trouble around the grounds of the Vatican. The search leads them to old Swiss monasteries, where the symphonic piece Malvagio had playing from the music box i more than simply a tune to captivate the ear, but part of a dark and troubling ritual that can summon supernatural beings. The tune can unlock terrifying ghosts and help fuel dark magic in ways that few in modern times could fathom. Minds are transfixed and people begin to act in ways that are highly troubling, even in front of Hana and Marcus.
The Vatican is soon not the only area infected with supernatural presences, but all across Europe, the phenomena continues. Malvagio's composition has a missing part and there is a man dedicated to locating it for his own benefit. How will Hana and Marcus handle Adrian Baumann, who will stop at nothing to secure all aspects of Malvagio's music? As the world tilts towards chaos, Hana and Marcus fight not only against time, but the swelling musical power the supernatural has, now that it is released from its confines. This is no piece of music to share with the world, but the Devil's Symphony, meant to summon demonic clouds to cover the world! McAvoy uses new and intriguing techniques to lure the reader in once more!
While I have been enjoying the work of Gary McAvoy for a number of years, he never becomes too repetitive. The ideas are always building off one another, while never getting stale or too simplistic. The narrative pushes the reader to feel a part of the entire process, enveloping them as they journey deeper into what is going on. Chapters speed by and leave the reader needing to know more, as they uncover truths and fictions one could not have predicted. Characters flavour the story well and keep the reader on edge as they seek to comprehend how everyone fits together. The plot, while subtle to start, soon gains momentum and the reader finds themselves surrounded by great surprises and a thoroughly entertaining set of events. McAvoy has a knack for delivering a well-paced novel that never sheds too much light on fact and fiction until the final pages.
Kudos, Mr. McAvoy, for another gem in your collection of addictive novels!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 29, 2025
A Melody for all Time
Author Gary McAvoy has greatly upped his game with his latest book, The Devil's Symphony. His newest character, Marcus Russo, the Head Vatican Archeologist, has found his niche alongside Father Michael Dominic of the Vatican Secret Archives, and Hana St. Clair, an Investigative Journalist for Le Mode.
An Artifact comes into Russo's possession, one with a dark, mystical, and dangerous past. Before Marcus checks it for safety, a malevolent presence is released and haunts the Vatican personnel.
McAvoy plunges Russo, Dominic, and Hana St. Clair into a deep and wide sweeping investigation. Dark and dangerous magic has been combined with majestic music for nefarious purposes, and they have traced its origins back before the middle of the 1700s.
As Marcus and Hana study the manuscripts left by Malvagio, the artifact's creator, they notice the layers of Alchemical signs have been combined with mathematical formulas and occult sigils. Working feverishly to 'crack the code' to determine an antidote to the effects of the music, they discover a cult has been planning a full performance of the music to control the population.
The Devil's Symphony is suspenseful: combining horror and devil cults with the Vatican's highest spiritual warriors makes for a tension-filled book. You'll have to stop to catch your breath or you'll turn blue.
Battling with such evil leaves our characters tired, defensive, and reflective. The author writes:
The Divine Symphony of Creation had silenced the echoes of the Devil’s Symphony. But the cost of that silence would stay with them forever.
And Marcus Russo says,
"But I think our purpose has changed. We can’t just be historians anymore. We have to be guardians. Not just of artifacts, but of the truth itself.”
"And that truth must be protected—not hidden, not destroyed, but safeguarded against those who would use it for the wrong reasons.”
Our Vatican Head of Archeology is realizing the responsibilities that come with working with sacred relics and their counterparts.
All three agree that their focus has fundamentally changed. They say,
"Then let us be the ones who stand guard over these truths. If history has shown us anything, it is that leaving dangerous knowledge buried only invites others to dig it up.”
"Malvagio’s symphony was a warning, not just about music but the power hidden in history. If we don’t take responsibility for these artifacts, someone else will.”
As they leave Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, they feel the renewed sacred environment now that all vestiges of The Devil's Symphony are gone. The author writes,
" The morning light filled the Archives, and the three stood together, ready for whatever lay ahead. They had closed one chapter, but a new one was just beginning."
Terrific book, it should be on your read now list. Gary McAvoy is on automatic pre-order for me. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Author Gary McAvoy has greatly upped his game with his latest book, The Devil's Symphony. His newest character, Marcus Russo, the Head Vatican Archeologist, has found his niche alongside Father Michael Dominic of the Vatican Secret Archives, and Hana St. Clair, an Investigative Journalist for Le Mode.
An Artifact comes into Russo's possession, one with a dark, mystical, and dangerous past. Before Marcus checks it for safety, a malevolent presence is released and haunts the Vatican personnel.
McAvoy plunges Russo, Dominic, and Hana St. Clair into a deep and wide sweeping investigation. Dark and dangerous magic has been combined with majestic music for nefarious purposes, and they have traced its origins back before the middle of the 1700s.
As Marcus and Hana study the manuscripts left by Malvagio, the artifact's creator, they notice the layers of Alchemical signs have been combined with mathematical formulas and occult sigils. Working feverishly to 'crack the code' to determine an antidote to the effects of the music, they discover a cult has been planning a full performance of the music to control the population.
The Devil's Symphony is suspenseful: combining horror and devil cults with the Vatican's highest spiritual warriors makes for a tension-filled book. You'll have to stop to catch your breath or you'll turn blue.
Battling with such evil leaves our characters tired, defensive, and reflective. The author writes:
The Divine Symphony of Creation had silenced the echoes of the Devil’s Symphony. But the cost of that silence would stay with them forever.
And Marcus Russo says,
"But I think our purpose has changed. We can’t just be historians anymore. We have to be guardians. Not just of artifacts, but of the truth itself.”
"And that truth must be protected—not hidden, not destroyed, but safeguarded against those who would use it for the wrong reasons.”
Our Vatican Head of Archeology is realizing the responsibilities that come with working with sacred relics and their counterparts.
All three agree that their focus has fundamentally changed. They say,
"Then let us be the ones who stand guard over these truths. If history has shown us anything, it is that leaving dangerous knowledge buried only invites others to dig it up.”
"Malvagio’s symphony was a warning, not just about music but the power hidden in history. If we don’t take responsibility for these artifacts, someone else will.”
As they leave Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, they feel the renewed sacred environment now that all vestiges of The Devil's Symphony are gone. The author writes,
" The morning light filled the Archives, and the three stood together, ready for whatever lay ahead. They had closed one chapter, but a new one was just beginning."
Terrific book, it should be on your read now list. Gary McAvoy is on automatic pre-order for me. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
August 5, 2025
Really fun to read but one must suspend their belief that things should make sense. Whenever our heroes hit a wall, suddenly a mysterious parchment lost decades appears and sets things right. the use of an archeologist instead of just an archivist has expanded McAvoy's source material into new and strange directions.
July 1, 2025
Great story
I thought the story of the 3characters was great how they kept going and all the twists and turns tried to make the quit but they kept going
I thought the story of the 3characters was great how they kept going and all the twists and turns tried to make the quit but they kept going
June 8, 2025
Nice twist
Having read the Vatican Archives and Magdalene books which I loved the thought of rescuing, preserving keeping out of the wrong hands relics is definitely a different way to go for Marcus. Although I'm sure Fr. Michael and Nana will keep him on the straight and narrow. Great job. Well worth your time to read. Thank you. Now on to book 3. Love your Fact or Fiction segment.
Having read the Vatican Archives and Magdalene books which I loved the thought of rescuing, preserving keeping out of the wrong hands relics is definitely a different way to go for Marcus. Although I'm sure Fr. Michael and Nana will keep him on the straight and narrow. Great job. Well worth your time to read. Thank you. Now on to book 3. Love your Fact or Fiction segment.
May 14, 2025
Disappointing
Never ending story with a never ending villain, a never ending trail of clues and a full on fantasy conclusion.
I'm a Gary McAvoy fan but this one was annoying with its endless trails, incomplete storyline gaps. Might have well as talked about a Magic Flute. Too commercial.
Never ending story with a never ending villain, a never ending trail of clues and a full on fantasy conclusion.
I'm a Gary McAvoy fan but this one was annoying with its endless trails, incomplete storyline gaps. Might have well as talked about a Magic Flute. Too commercial.
June 2, 2025
As usual Gary McAvoy keeps us in suspense with his wonderful list of characters!! I have read most of his books & can’t put them down!!
June 20, 2025
When you need a high note...!
Once again Marcus Russo, Haha Sinclair and Father Dominic are faced with an unimaginable dark force! Where to begin the battle?
Once again Marcus Russo, Haha Sinclair and Father Dominic are faced with an unimaginable dark force! Where to begin the battle?
May 21, 2025
Powerful Forces vs. Powerful Characters
Marcus Russo and our favorite Vatican characters take on their greatest evil foe. The non stop action is extremely riveting. The attention to detail, while not drowning out the story, is simply amazing.
This author is a force in this genre.
This latest adventure kept me hanging on and hard to put down.
Awesome is an understatement.
Marcus Russo and our favorite Vatican characters take on their greatest evil foe. The non stop action is extremely riveting. The attention to detail, while not drowning out the story, is simply amazing.
This author is a force in this genre.
This latest adventure kept me hanging on and hard to put down.
Awesome is an understatement.
May 21, 2025
Spooky
A wonderful tale across countries plus heights and depths. Just when an ending seems to be next-a roller coaster shows up. Hang on for the pitch!
A wonderful tale across countries plus heights and depths. Just when an ending seems to be next-a roller coaster shows up. Hang on for the pitch!
May 15, 2025
The Devil's Symphony
Author: Gary McAvoy
Once again Gary has hit it out of the park with this book. A definite departure from the Vatican Achieves series but a great read. It is a bit dark but always full of suspense. There are twists and turns in every country and around every corner. All handled by familiar characters who we have learned to love and respect through his other books. And for new readers to get an idea of whom they are dealing with as they turn each page. Gary made it to the top of my author's list early on and he has not moved from there ever since.
Author: Gary McAvoy
Once again Gary has hit it out of the park with this book. A definite departure from the Vatican Achieves series but a great read. It is a bit dark but always full of suspense. There are twists and turns in every country and around every corner. All handled by familiar characters who we have learned to love and respect through his other books. And for new readers to get an idea of whom they are dealing with as they turn each page. Gary made it to the top of my author's list early on and he has not moved from there ever since.
May 10, 2025
Author Gary McAvoy writes exciting thrillers with a vivid sense of place and engaging characters. If you have read and enjoyed his previous books from the Magdalene Chronicle series, the Vatican Secret Archives, and now the Vatican Archaeology Thrillers, you are ready for a gripping new book, 'The Devil's Symphony' is now available. If you have missed his previous books, I urge you to give some of them a try.
This is the second book in the Vatican Archaeology series. It follows 'the Covenant of the Iron Cross' with our group searching for a Nazi train containing looted treasures, rumoured to be hidden under a mountain.
The Devil's Symphony reunites Father Michael Dominic, head of the Vatican Archives, journalist Hana, and the new investigator, Marcus Russo, a Vatican archaeologist. Each has a unique voice and feels alive on the pages. I am concerned that Hana is exceeding the men in importance. A mysterious artifact has been found hidden deep in the Archives. It is an elaborately decorated, ancient music box with symbols of alchemy. It was probably a part of secret rituals. This time, the investigation is not an object, but music and its supernatural effects. The three argue about the best approach. Marcus and Hana are reckless in their approach, but Father Michael is more cautious. The two Swiss guards are always there for protection.
The group of three try to trace the origins of the music box and interpret its symbols. After a snippet of its music is played, they are alarmed by the disturbing effect it has on members of the Vatican who hear it. They suffer seizures and trances when the music seeps into their minds. This spreads to cathedrals across Europe, imprinting itself and bending minds. The melody has the power to summon malicious metaphysical forces. The team realize they must find the entire symphony and silence it before it has apocalyptic results.
They trace its origins to a sinister 18th-century composer, Malvagio. A corrupt and malicious villain is now on their trail, seeking the music for his own nefarious purposes. He plans to use the symphony to summon supernatural forces, placing minds worldwide under his power and control. He will use lethal force to gain what the group of three has discovered. The group travels to Switzerland to investigate secret alchemical guilds and abandoned monasteries, hoping to stop the villain. The villain catches up with them, resulting in frenzied action. How will it all end?
This is the second book in the Vatican Archaeology series. It follows 'the Covenant of the Iron Cross' with our group searching for a Nazi train containing looted treasures, rumoured to be hidden under a mountain.
The Devil's Symphony reunites Father Michael Dominic, head of the Vatican Archives, journalist Hana, and the new investigator, Marcus Russo, a Vatican archaeologist. Each has a unique voice and feels alive on the pages. I am concerned that Hana is exceeding the men in importance. A mysterious artifact has been found hidden deep in the Archives. It is an elaborately decorated, ancient music box with symbols of alchemy. It was probably a part of secret rituals. This time, the investigation is not an object, but music and its supernatural effects. The three argue about the best approach. Marcus and Hana are reckless in their approach, but Father Michael is more cautious. The two Swiss guards are always there for protection.
The group of three try to trace the origins of the music box and interpret its symbols. After a snippet of its music is played, they are alarmed by the disturbing effect it has on members of the Vatican who hear it. They suffer seizures and trances when the music seeps into their minds. This spreads to cathedrals across Europe, imprinting itself and bending minds. The melody has the power to summon malicious metaphysical forces. The team realize they must find the entire symphony and silence it before it has apocalyptic results.
They trace its origins to a sinister 18th-century composer, Malvagio. A corrupt and malicious villain is now on their trail, seeking the music for his own nefarious purposes. He plans to use the symphony to summon supernatural forces, placing minds worldwide under his power and control. He will use lethal force to gain what the group of three has discovered. The group travels to Switzerland to investigate secret alchemical guilds and abandoned monasteries, hoping to stop the villain. The villain catches up with them, resulting in frenzied action. How will it all end?
September 12, 2025
SPINE-TINGLING FROM START TO FINISH
Oh wow! What a mind-blowing thriller! This one is truly mesmerizing!
Vatican archaeologist Marcus and our favourite cast of characters have become embroiled in an uncanny mission to foil the dangerous actions of a group of occultists and their leader Baumann. The latter has gotten hold of a mysterious 18th century composer’s musical creation, which had hitherto been sealed in a chamber deep within the Vatican vaults. The symphony produced by this object is divinely irreverent, hazardous and mind-altering. There are signs of alchemy, philosophy and theology in every cryptic note. The cult leader intends to control its sonic tones for the purposes of what he considers to be the cleansing and purification of our rotting humanity. This, without giving thought to the possibility that the consequences of his actions might be deadly.
The team is definitely not prepared for such an onslaught and the inexplicable warping of reality caused by the sound frequencies emanating from this musical box, which are already causing chaos and hysteria in Rome and around the globe. They are trying to comprehend the purpose and the intricate physics of this artifact and other associated items in order to discover a way of resisting and reversing their dark and demonic forces. Will they be successful in preventing a disastrous outcome?
Throughout this gripping read we become enraptured by the haunting melodies and experience the eerie sensations of the supernatural phenomena occurring in the basilica and elsewhere. We are whisked away on an awe-inspiring expedition to ancient monasteries and abbeys from Rome to Sicily, Austria, Prague, France and the Swiss Alps, in search of clues left by the original composer all around Europe. We feel the tension and anxiety of the team as they try to put all the pieces of the puzzle together fast and furiously, all the while dealing with Baumann and his followers who seem to be ahead of the challenge every step of the way.
The action is baffling and exciting! Spine-tingling from start to finish!
Get set for an extraordinary and suspenseful story provided to us by the one and only Gary McAvoy.
Oh wow! What a mind-blowing thriller! This one is truly mesmerizing!
Vatican archaeologist Marcus and our favourite cast of characters have become embroiled in an uncanny mission to foil the dangerous actions of a group of occultists and their leader Baumann. The latter has gotten hold of a mysterious 18th century composer’s musical creation, which had hitherto been sealed in a chamber deep within the Vatican vaults. The symphony produced by this object is divinely irreverent, hazardous and mind-altering. There are signs of alchemy, philosophy and theology in every cryptic note. The cult leader intends to control its sonic tones for the purposes of what he considers to be the cleansing and purification of our rotting humanity. This, without giving thought to the possibility that the consequences of his actions might be deadly.
The team is definitely not prepared for such an onslaught and the inexplicable warping of reality caused by the sound frequencies emanating from this musical box, which are already causing chaos and hysteria in Rome and around the globe. They are trying to comprehend the purpose and the intricate physics of this artifact and other associated items in order to discover a way of resisting and reversing their dark and demonic forces. Will they be successful in preventing a disastrous outcome?
Throughout this gripping read we become enraptured by the haunting melodies and experience the eerie sensations of the supernatural phenomena occurring in the basilica and elsewhere. We are whisked away on an awe-inspiring expedition to ancient monasteries and abbeys from Rome to Sicily, Austria, Prague, France and the Swiss Alps, in search of clues left by the original composer all around Europe. We feel the tension and anxiety of the team as they try to put all the pieces of the puzzle together fast and furiously, all the while dealing with Baumann and his followers who seem to be ahead of the challenge every step of the way.
The action is baffling and exciting! Spine-tingling from start to finish!
Get set for an extraordinary and suspenseful story provided to us by the one and only Gary McAvoy.
May 11, 2025
Enter a brilliant concept from the 18th Century: They were notorious for their experiments in combining music and high mysticism. They believed certain melodies could alter the natural world: invoking storms, healing wounds, and even summoning spirits. But it was all theory and superstition. Or was it? Can the combination alter reality, control masses of people, allow one to slip through the veil? How do the uses of a relic, a music box, a codex, a baton work as a harbinger of darkness? And again, do they? How is the madness and the madman stopped? Mankind has always wanted to bridge our world with others, will this work? What forces are at work? Enter the Vatican’s archeologist, the Perfect of the Secret Vatican Archives, an investigative reporter, some Swiss guards as they travel internationally so the mystery can be understood and resolved…maybe. And no fair reading ahead because the ending is a huge surprise. Enjoy!
September 18, 2025
If I hear the phrase " it's not just....its.....!" one more time I will scream! Both books in this series explain things over and over and over in the same way every few pages over 100's of pages. And the 3 characters preaching at each other about virtue, honesty and integrity every other page makes the book so hard to finish. Mr. McAvoy's Vatican series was stellar writing, but these books with Marcus, the archeologist are just excruciating hard to read without walking away. And I noticed some of this type of writing started to creep into the Voynich Codex also. I am all for authors trying something different , but this new style is definitely not working! Gary, bring back your old style of writing now or you will lose readers!
May 12, 2025
I love this series and Marcus as a main character. Gary McAvoy always surprises me with his subject, makes me think about moral and philosophical issues and never fails to end the story with “fireworks”. The second book is full of research ,actions, failure and questions. I did not believe in the Black magic and music and thought it won’t be interesting. I was wrong. The drama of the fanatic composer’ and evil villain’s plans and acts absolutely captivated me. I could not stop reading. The race to solve and stop the secret melody is absolutely fascinating. I love my favorite group of people. Wonderful new series. Bravo!
May 28, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Vatican Thrillers
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
The Devil's Symphony is the second installment in author Gary McAvoy's Vatican Archaeology Thriller series. Marcus Russo, a Swiss Guard with archaeological expertise, Father Michael Dominic, a Jesuit priest and archivist, and Hana Sinclair, a sharp-witted French journalist, are the three main characters. Other characters include Swiss Guards Karl Dengler and Lukas Bischoff, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Severino, and Dr. Adrian Beaumann, who leads a dangerous cult that aims to follow in Malvagio's footsteps and rewrite the world and history.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Vatican Thrillers
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
The Devil's Symphony is the second installment in author Gary McAvoy's Vatican Archaeology Thriller series. Marcus Russo, a Swiss Guard with archaeological expertise, Father Michael Dominic, a Jesuit priest and archivist, and Hana Sinclair, a sharp-witted French journalist, are the three main characters. Other characters include Swiss Guards Karl Dengler and Lukas Bischoff, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Severino, and Dr. Adrian Beaumann, who leads a dangerous cult that aims to follow in Malvagio's footsteps and rewrite the world and history.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
May 29, 2025
Trite, Repetitive and Shallow
What a painful pile of putrecence! At times it felt like I was reading a high school student's class paper, with him/ her reaching for words to fill the page and meet the minimum pages required! Locations created out of vapid hints, cities written about to enable the author to write off the costs of trips to Prague and Budapest: bald-faced manipulation. Throw in a little Dan Brown puzzle and voila, the formula yields another money-maker. Trash! Had to force myself to finish it out of a sense of respect for earlier, well drafted works. This, however, was nothing short of a sellout. SCHAMEN!
What a painful pile of putrecence! At times it felt like I was reading a high school student's class paper, with him/ her reaching for words to fill the page and meet the minimum pages required! Locations created out of vapid hints, cities written about to enable the author to write off the costs of trips to Prague and Budapest: bald-faced manipulation. Throw in a little Dan Brown puzzle and voila, the formula yields another money-maker. Trash! Had to force myself to finish it out of a sense of respect for earlier, well drafted works. This, however, was nothing short of a sellout. SCHAMEN!
June 25, 2025
Another fascinating read from Mr. McAvoy. I thought he wove a story that was very original and thought provoking. I am not catholic or very religious, but he allows me insights into both very religious and semi-religious characters that allows me to gain better insights into their motivations which enriches the story.
I am confused on why Karl and Luke did not join some of their excursions as they had in the past. Their lack of participation on these quests confuses me? I can’t imagine something else would have been more important use of their time?
Thanks for another fun read!
I am confused on why Karl and Luke did not join some of their excursions as they had in the past. Their lack of participation on these quests confuses me? I can’t imagine something else would have been more important use of their time?
Thanks for another fun read!
October 28, 2025
this was a pretty decent book this time around little social commentary thank God focus on the story and not BS social commentary I understand Gary where you're coming from but it's not really what people are interested in. but the story was quite well done and you both historical fact and fiction together and your explanation at the end is very well done and really a good idea because too many people will read the book and think it's real. it's sort of like the movie JFK that's how a lot of people got their facts about the assassination and the movies not true at all.
June 4, 2025
A lot of hocus pocus.
I’m sorry Gary but all of the 11 or 12 books I have read that you have authored, this is the one I liked the least. Playing a song and in seconds people all over the world are “relieved” of their “issues”.
People have been looking for music box, Prague Codex, Black Hymn the Devils Symphony for centuries but Marcus, Hanna and Michael fine everything on their first try.
It’s just way too much to accept everything.
I’m sorry Gary but all of the 11 or 12 books I have read that you have authored, this is the one I liked the least. Playing a song and in seconds people all over the world are “relieved” of their “issues”.
People have been looking for music box, Prague Codex, Black Hymn the Devils Symphony for centuries but Marcus, Hanna and Michael fine everything on their first try.
It’s just way too much to accept everything.
July 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book; however, it seemed to me that there was a lot of repetition in the writing of certain phrases. Even though this seemed to be so, and I'm sure it was necessary, the story was excellent, exciting and very adventurous. Several locations were used and, as is Mr. McAvoy's way of writing, he was very descriptive of items, people and locations. I'm looking forward to his next book!
August 5, 2025
Nice change of pace
An excellent read, and I enjoyed the significance change in the unfolding of the story. The story line was quite compelling and different. The story kept moving and the affect of the evil was quite telling. It is a bit of insight into the power and mysticism of music.
An excellent read, and I enjoyed the significance change in the unfolding of the story. The story line was quite compelling and different. The story kept moving and the affect of the evil was quite telling. It is a bit of insight into the power and mysticism of music.
June 22, 2025
Good Book, but liked every other book much more!
While I’ve given 5 stars to every Gary McAvoy book (and have read every single one), this one was a little too confusing for me to follow.
While I’ve given 5 stars to every Gary McAvoy book (and have read every single one), this one was a little too confusing for me to follow.
August 23, 2025
Chilling
Definitely dissonant. Could something like this really occur? Another page turner - but if you have a vivid imagination -- read it during the day. Still, recommended reading.
Definitely dissonant. Could something like this really occur? Another page turner - but if you have a vivid imagination -- read it during the day. Still, recommended reading.
August 4, 2025
Fascinating and fast moving. Love the comprehensive descriptions which always reflect time and place. Looking forward to more in this series.
October 11, 2025
Not my favorite of his novels. Not particularly fond of the Marcus character. There was too little of Michael, Lucas and Karl. I could help thinking why didn't they put the objects in a lead box and be done with it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews