Solace for a Sinner

Chronicles Of Isaac Of Girona #4

by Caroline Roe

In fourteenth-century Girona, Spain, Isaac of Girona, a blind Jewish physician, launches an investigation into the murder of a wealthy merchant, found dead after being robbed of a fortune in gold, but the case takes on a new urgency when Isaac discovers that the victim had been planning to purchase what he believed was the fabled Holy Grail. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Fiction, Spain, Historical

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

About the author

Caroline Medora Sale Roe AKA Medora Sale

As Medora Sale, Caroline Roe has written six police procedurals, including an Arthur Ellis Award winner. These books are set in and about Toronto and feature homicide detective John Sanders and architectural photographer Harriet Jeffries. As Caroline Roe, Medora used her PhD research on religious diversity in medieval times to re-create the character of the Bishop of Girona's Jewish physician, a 14th-century doctor with important patients and a nose for wrong-doing.

Medora is a past president of both Crime Writers of Canada and the international board of Sisters in Crime.

Series:
* Chronicles of Isaac of Girona

Reviews

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really have enjoyed this series, and agree with another reviewer that it is best to read the books in this series in order, especially because of character development.

I have been sick so finished this book in three days. It is not fast paced (except toward the end) but if one is looking for a fast-paced mystery, I would recommend a different series. The author has done a tremendous amount of research. The mail story line centers around (mostly) greedy interest in the Holy Grail, a cup purportedly used by Jesus. The end of the book has a good summary of what the Grail is and where many have thought it to be hidden/kept in what is now Spain. (One could read that in advance to get a better idea of what the item is.)

Again the author does an excellent job describing life in 14th century Spain, the superstitions and actions of people of the time, and the role of the church as well as lives of the Jews too. The main character continues to be the blind physician Isaac. His daughter comes across as more "human" toward the end of the book--showing the emotional feels of a young adult woman of the times. More is discussed and shown of Isaac's Muslim apprentice Yusuf.

I strongly recommend this series and would give the book a 4.5 if possible.

[Mary Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book while in Turkey. I found it in a hotel. It wasn't terrible. It was one of those mysteries that gets all solved and wrapped up in a bow in the end.

[Spuddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 Isaac of Girona historical mystery set in 1550’s Spain, featuring the blind Jewish physician and his family. In this installment, the Holy Grail has apparently come to Girona in the hands of a merchant who is trying to auction it off to the highest bidder. Rumors abound and then one of the hopeful buyers ends up dead, as does the merchant himself. Near-panic ensues in the marketplaces as the rumors escalate about the Grail and its powers. Isaac begins to investigate as one of the members of the Jewish community is suspect, and the Bishop, whom Isaac tends faithfully. is annoyed with Isaac for stirring up trouble and tries to stay out of the fracas.

While I didn’t dislike this book, I certainly didn’t like it as much as the previous ones in the series. It seemed rather blah and I had a hard time getting interested in the political/religious intrigue and in the main part of the story even though I enjoy Isaac, Raquel, Yusuf and the rest of the supporting cast very much.

[Roshni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Carolline Roe's books, and this one is no exception. The characters are unique and interesting and the mystery is complicated enough to keep your interest and keep you guessing, but not so complicated that you lose interest in the details. Overall, a perfect historical mystery with much of the ancient Spanish culture woven in throughout the book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting entry in a really good series, with a Holy Grail angle and a fine climax. Roe has done a good job with physician Isaac of Girona and his family in their medieval setting, as well as the Bishop of Girona and other characters. This series is best read in order. This book develops the characters even further than the earlier books, and has a good story.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very suspenseful. This is the 4th book in the Isaac of Girona series.
Rumor has it that the Holy Grail is in Girona and after the first man ends up dead things spiral out of control.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this series more than I've liked the actual execution of it. While I still like them I wish they were better.

[Ram Kaushik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable but not as good as the earlier books in the series. I really like Caroline Roe's prose and her attention to period detail.