The Black Casket Hardcover – January 2, 2026

Mauro is an Italian architect living in Texas.Since childhood his Nonno has told him about something dangerous for his family tied to a mysterious back wooden casket hanging high on a wall of the Basilica of Santa Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice.How can it be that in a church filled with amazing tombs and celebrated works of art there is a simple wooden casket?For centuries the Venetians have been speculating and gossiping on who is buried inside. Many are convinced it is the body of The Count of Carmagnola, a celebrated General of the Venetian army, suddenly accused and executed for treason.His body buried in a simple wooden box to remind everyone how the Republic treats traitors.As Mauro becomes more and more obsessed and agitated by the mystery, his niece Costanza travels with him to Venice with her girlfriend Mia.They hope to help him figure something out so he can calm down.But the deeper they dig the more unsettling things become.The story moves continuously from Venice in the 1400s to Venice today.Time and space become one at the end, as Mauro finally fulfills his destiny. Read more