Customer Reviews

Excellent Medieval mystery - By: , 03 Aug 1999
Two years ago, Edgar lost his hand due to the eventsin Scotland. He currently residesin Paris with his wife Catherine, their children, & her father. However, things are not peaceful for Jewsin Western Europein 1146. They make fine targets as inferior beings. Catherine's sister Agnes disowned her family because she knows that Hubert may act like a Christian, but his heart remains Jewish. Her grandfather arranges a marriage with a German lord so she can flee as far from her relatives as she possibly can.

Agnes leaves without saying good-bye. She takes her dowry & a portion of her mother's jewelry with her. No one hears another word about Agnes until one of her retainees informs her family that her spouse is dead & she is detained as the perpetrator. In the same area as the incarcerated Agnes, a monk preaches total annihilation of the Jews. That does not stop the deVendeur family from going to Germany to try to free Agnes by uncovering the identity of the real culprit. However, they better be extra careful because the local do not trust foreigners, & especially scorn & detest those tainted with Jewish blood.

Sharon Newman provides meticulous details of everyday life, religions, & culturesin twelfth century Europe. This information is cleverly blended into a flowing Medieval who-done-it that demonstrates Ms. Newman is a wonderful talent. A one handed Max remains a powerful person & Catherine makes his ideal mate as she constantly challenges yet fully loves him. THE DIFFICULT SAINT is must reading for historical mystery lovers as it will move Ms. Newman to the ranks of Gellis & Penman.

Harriet Klausner