Death at the School of Translators: A Rebecca DeToledo Medieval Mystery

by Esther Knight

Ivanhoe meets Phryne Fisher in this medieval adventure of a woman sleuth.Toledo, 1193: A city of scholars, secrets, and simmering tensions. When Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine’s spy is found dead, whispers of treachery reach all the way to England.

Rebecca DeToledo, a gifted healer and wealthy Jewish heiress, arrives under royal orders to investigate at the School of Translators. Her mission quickly turns perilous as she faces threats to her life and a sudden battle over her inheritance.

Assigned to guard her is Sir John of Hampstead, a disillusioned crusader burdened with knowledge that could threaten King Richard’s release from captivity. Forced into this partnership, he must protect Rebecca while grappling with his own orejudices.

As they navigate Toledo’s complex alliances, where Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexist in fragile peace, they uncover a web of secrets reaching deep into the cathedral. Can Rebecca and John unearth the truth before they become the next targets?

For fans of historical sleuths, slow-burn tension, and secret missions cloaked in royal intrigue.

✔️ Enemies-to-allies

✔️ Reluctant partners

✔️ Hidden identities

✔️ Courtly espionage

✔️ Jewish heroine in a Christian world

✔️ Found family (developing in future books)

✔️ Strong female lead + brooding knight with a past

✔️ Medieval setting rich with political and religious tension

✔️ Library/secret manuscript subplot

✔️ Murder mystery meets royal conspiracy

Genres: Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2025

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read an ARC copy of the ebook yet to be published. I am a fan of historical fiction as it allows me to explore places and events I normally wouldn't have been exposed to. This book hits that spot. It is mostly set in 12th century Toledo where Rebecca DeToledo and Sir John of Hampstead are sent to Toledo by Eleanor of Aquitaine (who was Queen of England at the time due to the absence of King Richard the Lionheart) to investigate the death of one of Eleanor's spies who works at the Toledo School of Translators (a real institution). I was amazed at the fact that there was a place where three different faiths were actually working together to improve the world's knowledge by translating texts written in Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek into Castilian and Latin. The story revolves around Rebecca and John's efforts to solve the murder of the spy and keeps you guessing as to who committed the murder and why it occurred. Throw in some family squabbles between Rebecca and her aunt and this makes for a very enjoyable and entertaining book.

[Nadav freidlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

compelling historical mystery

An ex crusader, which in the middle ages I guess was like saying ex navy seal , is paired with a Jewish healer. At first he thinks she is a spoiled silly woman but of course he learns to repect her. Their interfaith, intercultural relationship is fascinating to follow. The mystery is intresting and the solution is satisfying. I'll definitely will be coming back for more.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful mystery

This was a fascinating mystery story to read. So different from other mysteries I have read. It is set an a time, a place and with information about the Jewish rites that make it very interesting and informative.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at the School of Translators is a story that happens in the past but has so many issues that are still present in society, such as women place in the world, what we can and cannot do, how we should accept the ruling made by men (not necessarily our fathers) to be truly accepted. There many places in the world where women still are not allowed to learn how to read and write or to speak up their truth. Rebecca DeToledo has to deal with all that prejudice in a patriarchal society and she is way ahead of her time. The story mixes historical facts and mystery designed by the author, making reading it really entertaining!
I thank the author for this ARC.

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at the School of Translators is a medieval mystery told from two points of view: Rebecca, our Jewish heiress, and John, our disillusioned knight. They are thrust together in England by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, in somewhat confusing circumstances, and quickly embark on their journey to Toledo, where the real investigation quickly gets underway.

The author endeavours to bring together the many cultures within Toledo and the many interested parties at play. There is no end to the intrigue, as the appearance of Rebecca and John stirs up problems for those living in Toledo, while others have things they wish to keep hidden.

There are a few moments where the story falters slightly, but as it approaches the conclusion, it really excels, and I think the author finds her footing with these two characters, who will undoubtedly reveal more mysteries in the future. There are also one or two modernisms that detract from the depth of research the author must have undertaken to write the mystery, but they are only slight.

Overall, I found Death at the School of Translators to be a fine first story in this new mystery series, and I look forward to reading more of Rebecca and John's mysteries.

[Judith Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the year 1193, Eleanor of Aquitaine sends our Hero and Heroine on a secret mission to Spain. Queen Eleanor's spy within the School of Translators in Toledo, Spain died under suspicious circumstances just as he sent word he found information which could harm the Queen's reputation.

Our Heroine, Rebecca DeToledo is a wealthy Jewish healer who was born in Toledo. As her father recently passed, leaving everything to his only child, traveling to her hometown to cement her inheritance was the perfect cover story.

Our Hero, Sir John of Hampstead, a Crusader trying to regain his Knighthood, was tasked with protecting Rebecca while proving his loyalty by investigating this death and providing answers to the Queen.

I enjoyed the dynamics of this investigation duo. Their different skills worked to uncover pieces of the puzzle, which at the same time, causing them to clash and misunderstand each other.

I cannot pinpoint what it was about this book, but I was there living the story. I became completely lost from this world and immersed in that Medieval Community.

I'm eager to go with Rebecca on her next adventure!

[Nordiana Baruzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. A gripping read from the first page.

The Middle Ages are one of my favorite historical period and I love books set in that ages ever since I read Robin Hood when Ii was in first or second grade. Death at the School of Translators didn't disappoint!

Strong protagonists with a hint of forbidden love (will they or won't they? He's a Christian, she's a Jew...), well-rounded secondary characters (Queen Eleanor first of all; she stills the page every time she appears, as befits the great queen she was), a well-documented historical background, a loathsome villain (and yes, he was murdered, but nobody liked him, right?), an unpredictable denouément... Even the murderer is lovable, when you understand the reason behind their actions...

I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment and I really hope Ms Knight will send me an ARC of that one as well.

I strongly recommend this story to all mystery and history buffs.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always exciting to review a book which is new and well written. This historical mystery dives into the world of Eleanor of Aquitaine's later years, when Richard Lionheart is in prison in Austria and Prince John would love to take over the English throne. Our heroine Rebecca, a Jewish healer, is sent by Queen Eleanor to Toledo to look into the death of a spy - and also to carry out a secret mission on Eleanor's behalf. The queen also sends Sir John for safety and as her official envoy. Every time I had to stop reading I was anxious to get back to the story - it is well told, and the characters are complex and well drawn. Rebecca must be bold at times but also subservient, since Jews - and women healers - were tolerated but not always well regarded. It is also a time, however, when Jews, Christians and Muslims were able to mix and study, so these characters are also part of the story. Highly recommended! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so attracted by the blurb of this book that i requested on Booksprout and then decided to join the blogtour. Then my ADHD struck and forgot to mark the blogtour date as I was also going to travel.
I read it as fast as I could, sort of 3 hours without stopping (hyperfocus helps), and loved it
If you love historical mystery featuring great historical characters, intrigue, strong women, and a solid mystery this is the right book. There's enough twists to keep you hooked and plenty of surprises.
It's the right book to read if you want to travel in time back to Middle Age to appreciate the well researched historical background
It's a series that is full of potential and deserves to be read.
Well done, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Ester Knight and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous, engaging, and informative read! The author was well versed in her targeted historical timespan, with each major character being well fleshed out. I was emotionally impacted by various character's assignments, provocations, & challenges as they planned and carried out their own personal & often intertwining agendas. The FMC & a number of other women portrayed were strong of mind and determination, which required adept & skillful discernment to maintain societal acceptance and support in their patriarchal society. I watched characters grow & develop, even as I experienced personal growth. I'd give more stars if it were possible. The story was memorable & well written.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical fiction and I loved the setting for this story. The characters are really well developed and Rebecca is good at figuring things out. I liked how she built up relationships with others in the story by meeting them where they are and sharing a bit of herself. Really look forward to the next story.

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5, but uncomfortable to read with due to the antisemitism.

[Debby Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of colorful detail and emotional complexity, I enjoyed this book immensely. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Malgorzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed reading this mystery, set in medieval Spain. The author paid attention to details, built a captivating plot, and created interesting characters.