A Remedy for Treason

Caroline Roe

6/13/2003

In 1353, Girona, Spain, was the home of Spanish Roman Catholics , Moors, and Jews. They had a healthy respect for each other, but lived separately within the city. Over half the citizens of Girona and Spain died five years earlier when the plague swept through. Isaac is a blind Jewish physician who has patients throughout the city. He has friends in all strata of the population.

One of Isaac's patients is in the nunnery. She is the illigimate daughter of the king, and is the owner of wealthy lands and money, and will be given as a bride price in politics. She has a deadly infection from a minor injury. Her fever has given her deliriums. Isaac has his daughter Raquel stay with her.

In other areas of the city, political turmoil is occurring. A kidnapping is being planned. Assassinations of royal family members are discussed. Mobs are causing trouble, attacking the Jewish quarter of the city. Then a nun is found dead in the city baths. She is unknown to the other sisters in the nunnery. She isn't a nun, but a member of the court hiding in the disguising habit. The Bishop calls in Isaac for help.

This is the first novel in a mystery series featuring Isaac the physician. I wasn't in the mood for a historical mystery when I picked this up. But it was the mystery of the month for our reading group at . It is a political mystery, with the royal intrigue of Spanish nobles. I have problems with Isaac's blindness and the background. He seems too positive and able, especially for the times. Yet I found myself entertained by this novel.

You can find more about this book that is out of print at .9