"Eighth book in this medieval mystery series keeps you on the edge of your seat."

The year is 1355, and spring has come to Girona, Spain. Isaac the physician is facing many changes. He's become a father again; his daughter, Raquel, who's been his assistant, is getting married; and his student, Yusuf, a young Muslim boy, will be returning to his home in Granada.

Suffering from nightmares that leave him exhausted and ill during the light of day, Raimon Foraster comes to Isaac seeking medical care, but nothing seems to help. Raimon becomes more ill with each passing day, and when he dies suddenly, it's up to Isaac to discover what really happened to him. Meanwhile, in Granada, Yusuf is struggling to fit in the court of his cousin, the Emir. When two attempts are made on his life, Yusuf flees Granada and returns to Girona.

Rich in historical detail, this eighth book in the mystery series about Isaac the physician will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are fleshed out well enough that even if you haven't read the previous entries, you can still keep up with what is going on. A detailed list of the characters, included at the beginning of the book, helps a lot in this area, too. I can't wait for the next installment and am off to find the earlier books.

Reviewed by Tish Glasson
Posted October 20, 2004

Summary

The spring of 1355 brings unexpected changes in Girona. For Isaac the physician, it is time to bid farewell to his student Yusuf, who has become a well-loved member of the family. Yusuf heads to Grenada to meet his real family after they thought him dead for years. Leaving Girona and its problems behind, Yusuf faces challenges of his own as he tries to acquit himself appropriately at the court of his cousin in Grenada. Though he is overjoyed to see his family, two narrow escapes from danger lead him to believe that someone within the castle walls is less than happy about his return. Fleeing for his life, the boy heads for the only truly safe haven he knows. As political, religious, and familial intrigue once again converge on Girona, Isaac copes with the sudden passing of a patient. Now, Isaac must use all his skills and every clue at his disposal to untangle an elaborate web of lies, secrets, and ambition-before another victim is claimed.