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"More a Thriller Than a Mystery"
Reviewed by Christine Jeffords
Posted October 2, 2002

This is the sixth volume in the Chronicles of Isaac of Girona, a recently-established (1998) series in the ever- burgeoning subgenre of historical mystery, which scarcely existed before the introduction of Brother Cadfael 25 years ago. Isaac, a blind Jewish physician, and his daughter and assistant, Raquel, are residents of Girona, in Read more...

"Insight into the fourteenth century"
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 15, 2002

In 1354, a group of investors led by Don Aranu Marca of Perpignan chartered a ship loaded with high quality goods to sell along various ports in the Mediterranean. Some of the investors wanted to sell arms to Aragon's enemies, but Don Marea refused so the conspirators arranged for Read more...

Summary

Blind Jewish physician Isaac of Girona travels to northern Catalonia to heal an injured man. But the real cure requires uncovering the danger that surrounds him. Isaac has been invited to Perpignan for two reasons: to attend a wedding of his friend Davi's son and to heal Arnau Marça, a Christian knight and patient of Davi's who was badly injured during an attack. But as Arnau struggles to identify his enemy, an innocent apprentice is murdered. Now, Isaac's uncanny ability to discern foul from fair, and Arnau's relentless will to survive, are their only armor against the possibility of more tragedy...