Maddalena And The Dark by Julia Fine

At the Ospedale della Pieta in 1770's Venice young orphans are housed and educated in music hoping to be chosen to participate in the school's prestigious program. Luisa quietly yearns for the spotlight and attention of the master Vivaldi and puts all her energy into her violin. When a family of means sends Maddalena to the school Luisa's thoughts turn from the violin to this girl wrapped in an air of mystery and freedom until she can think of nothing else. At first it is Luisa who is obsessed with Maddalena but just like the changing of the tides it becomes Maddalena who hungers for Luisa. Maddalena and a mysterious gondolier have made a deal with the devil in the waters and Luisa's talent gets noticed which sets the dominos tumbling. This wish for her friend leaves Maddalena having to pay a high price. Dark gothic overtones set in the romantic setting of Venice make for a haunting story of obsession and dark desire. This will resonate with readers of PLAIN BAD HEROINES and BLOOD AND BEAUTY.  4 stars