The Trumpeter of Krakow is set in fifteenth century Poland. The main characters are Pan Andrew, a Ukranian farmer, his son Joseph, and Elzibieka, the niece of a neighboring alchemist. Joseph and his parents flee to Krakow after their home and fields are mysteriously burnt. Joseph thought that they had left all their troubles behind them, but a villain named Button Peter continues to pursue them, trying to get something of great value from them. When they reach Krakow, Joseph's father surreptitiously changes their names, leaving behind all traces of their past.

The story focuses on two Polish legends: the story of a young trumpeter in the church of Our Lady Mary, who keeps his oath as trumpeter, even to the death. The second is the Great Tarnov Crystal – reputed to be a thing of great beauty and power. Joseph Charnetski and his family are bound by an ancient oath to protect this famous jewel from any who would try to take it.

The Trumpeter of Krakow was first published in 1928. The book has several villains and many twists and turns in the plot. It is fast-paced and exciting. My brothers and I give it a nine out of ten rating. We all enjoyed the style of writing and found the plot adventurous. I would recommend this for grade six and up or a great family read aloud.