"Fascinating, factual, historical mystery that's hard to put down."

I thought there might be a possibility that this would be more a historical romance than a mystery, but a mystery it is. And a very good one. Roe writes in an easy historical language - you get the richness of the times (mid 1300s) without the difficulty of the language from that era.

This is the story of Isaac, a blind physician/healer and herbalist who uses the eyes of his daughter, Raquel, to guide him. When several people die of a similar sudden illness, Isaac suspects and confirms poison. The evidence points to a newcomer, Luca, who says he's related to Isaac's friend, Mordecai, and was apprenticed to an herbalist. Isaac doesn't believe Luca is responsible and fears that others are in danger, including the Bishop.

As Isaac uses the eyes and ears of his family to find the poisoner, the reader also gets caught up in the Jewish versus Christianity conflict that swept the Mediterranean during that time. Add the intrigue of pirates looting, burning and kidnapping at every coastal city, and this novel has much to offer. I read it in two sittings because I absolutely could not put it down, and after reading about the potions and herbs used to treat illnesses in those days, I have a whole new appreciation of modern medicine.

Reviewed by Lynnae Hornbarger
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted October 29, 2003

Summary

Isaac of Girona's daughter postpones her wedding after he's summoned to aid the Bishop during his time of illness. But he must also put his detective skills to use when a stranger arrives at the palace with an urgent message for the Bishop, and dies before he can deliver it...