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Blood In The Parchment: A Medieval Murder Mystery
Ivanhoe meets Phryne Fisher in this medieval adventure of a woman sleuth.
Toledo, Spain, 1193 Rebecca de Toledo thought she had made peace with her family’s betrayal—until her estranged cousin Yaacov begs her to investigate troubling events at their joint vellum business. She refuses to help, wanting nothing to do with the family that shunned her.
Then, a worker at the DeToledo vellum workshop is found dead.
Sir John of Hampstead has seen death before, but the body pulled from a vat is something else entirely. As the city’s Head of Investigations, John knows that this was no accident.
His orders are find the killer, keep the peace, and—by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine’s personal command—protect Rebecca DeToledo. Easier said than done. Rebecca is fiercely independent, and far too willing to put herself in the way of danger. And the deeper they dig, the more enemies they rival merchants, bitter ex-employees, and a prospective groom for Rebecca, who might be spying for the enemy.
Then a second body falls—this time, far too close to home. John and Rebecca must move quickly, because the killer isn’t just covering their tracks… they’re hunting anyone who dares get too close.
Perfect for fans of medieval whodunits, slow-burn partnerships, and strong female leads who challenge the rules of their time.
Toledo, Spain, 1193 Rebecca de Toledo thought she had made peace with her family’s betrayal—until her estranged cousin Yaacov begs her to investigate troubling events at their joint vellum business. She refuses to help, wanting nothing to do with the family that shunned her.
Then, a worker at the DeToledo vellum workshop is found dead.
Sir John of Hampstead has seen death before, but the body pulled from a vat is something else entirely. As the city’s Head of Investigations, John knows that this was no accident.
His orders are find the killer, keep the peace, and—by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine’s personal command—protect Rebecca DeToledo. Easier said than done. Rebecca is fiercely independent, and far too willing to put herself in the way of danger. And the deeper they dig, the more enemies they rival merchants, bitter ex-employees, and a prospective groom for Rebecca, who might be spying for the enemy.
Then a second body falls—this time, far too close to home. John and Rebecca must move quickly, because the killer isn’t just covering their tracks… they’re hunting anyone who dares get too close.
Perfect for fans of medieval whodunits, slow-burn partnerships, and strong female leads who challenge the rules of their time.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Esther Knight
3 books9 followersEsther Knight is the author of the Rebecca DeToledo Mysteries, a historical cozy mystery series set in 12th-century Spain and England. Her stories blend murder, intrigue, and cultural crossroads, with a heroine who is both a healer and an amateur sleuth.
Esther has walked the streets of Toledo, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville to capture the atmosphere her characters inhabit.
When she isn’t writing, Esther is walking her granddog Laurie, exploring medieval recipes, or planning her next research trip.
Esther has walked the streets of Toledo, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville to capture the atmosphere her characters inhabit.
When she isn’t writing, Esther is walking her granddog Laurie, exploring medieval recipes, or planning her next research trip.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 26, 2026
I loved this medieval mystery, and it reminded me of the series that drew me into the genre decades ago - the Matthew Bartholomew books by Susanna Gregory. If you’re a fan of the medieval period, whodunnit mysteries, and fierce FMCs who want to stretch beyond the societal strictures of their day, then this is going to be a fun one for you!
The quick and exciting plot drew me into the detailed world the author is creating. I loved the tiny bits of history and nuanced conversation, and the bookish feel of a story centered on parchment, scribes, and scrolls.
There is a subtle romantic tension here, but it’s definitely a historical mystery, not a romance. There is nothing racy or risqué, so this one is safe for readers who don’t want “spice.” 🌶️
Rebecca is a powerhouse FMC, she navigates the world nearly fearlessly, and with a sharp and curious mind. There are both family secrets and local gossip to contend with. Plus, there’s a very small town feel to the Jewish community in this large city. So we get that small-town drama and the complex lifelong relationships that come with it. All of this creates a bit of a tangle for Rebecca to unravel.
Set in 12th century Toledo the book also captures the cultural divide between three large religious communities, the socioeconomic gap between aristocracy, church, and regular people.
I truly can’t wait to get my hands on the first book, and am already dreaming up possibilities for book three. Esther Knight has a new fan!
The quick and exciting plot drew me into the detailed world the author is creating. I loved the tiny bits of history and nuanced conversation, and the bookish feel of a story centered on parchment, scribes, and scrolls.
There is a subtle romantic tension here, but it’s definitely a historical mystery, not a romance. There is nothing racy or risqué, so this one is safe for readers who don’t want “spice.” 🌶️
Rebecca is a powerhouse FMC, she navigates the world nearly fearlessly, and with a sharp and curious mind. There are both family secrets and local gossip to contend with. Plus, there’s a very small town feel to the Jewish community in this large city. So we get that small-town drama and the complex lifelong relationships that come with it. All of this creates a bit of a tangle for Rebecca to unravel.
Set in 12th century Toledo the book also captures the cultural divide between three large religious communities, the socioeconomic gap between aristocracy, church, and regular people.
I truly can’t wait to get my hands on the first book, and am already dreaming up possibilities for book three. Esther Knight has a new fan!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the first page, Blood in the Parchment by Esther Knight swept me away to early 12th-century Toledo, Spain—a fascinating city where Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted in a tense, vibrant balance.
This is a true page-turner. I loved the richly layered characters, especially Rebecca the Jewish healer and Sir John the Christian knight, and their beautifully written slow-burn romance. Knight brings medieval Jewish customs and daily life to life with wonderful authenticity.
The story is packed with murders, vellum thefts, and clever political intrigue that kept me guessing. If you enjoy the Matthew Shardlake mysteries by C.J. Sansom, this delivers the same smart, atmospheric historical mystery vibe—just set in medieval Spain instead of England.
Highly recommended for fans of immersive historical fiction with heart and depth.
I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review. This review reflects my honest opinion.
This is a true page-turner. I loved the richly layered characters, especially Rebecca the Jewish healer and Sir John the Christian knight, and their beautifully written slow-burn romance. Knight brings medieval Jewish customs and daily life to life with wonderful authenticity.
The story is packed with murders, vellum thefts, and clever political intrigue that kept me guessing. If you enjoy the Matthew Shardlake mysteries by C.J. Sansom, this delivers the same smart, atmospheric historical mystery vibe—just set in medieval Spain instead of England.
Highly recommended for fans of immersive historical fiction with heart and depth.
I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fascinating story by Esther Knight! Her writing is superb and really brings the characters to life. Her research is extraordinary and helps the story along with all the added details. Definitely is a series I hope there will be more books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starting off a few days after the last book ended, this second (or third, depending how you see the prequel) dive into Medieval Toledo sees Rebecca embroiled with family affairs, when her cousin Yaacov asks for her help in solving thefts and other problems in the family vellum workshop. At first she refuses, but she soon regrets it, when the problems escalate to murder.
And she's also under order from the Queen to seduce and marry a possible spy for the Muslim. Only her kisses disgust her, while Sir John's... do not.
Another complex story, with twists and turns galore that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and so rich of historic detail you'll feel like you're there yourselves.
The characters are well rounded, modern enough to appeal to XXI-century readers and yet faithful to the time and culture they live in (no black Queen of England in this one ;-) ). And yes, we may find racial slurs offencive but, hey, it's the Middle Ages!
All in all a superb story. In a scale of 1 to 10, this is at least an 11!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And she's also under order from the Queen to seduce and marry a possible spy for the Muslim. Only her kisses disgust her, while Sir John's... do not.
Another complex story, with twists and turns galore that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and so rich of historic detail you'll feel like you're there yourselves.
The characters are well rounded, modern enough to appeal to XXI-century readers and yet faithful to the time and culture they live in (no black Queen of England in this one ;-) ). And yes, we may find racial slurs offencive but, hey, it's the Middle Ages!
All in all a superb story. In a scale of 1 to 10, this is at least an 11!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2026
Blood in the Parchment is a look in the past of Toledo, the story mixes real facts with fiction and gives the reader an excellent portrait of how things worked in a city were three strong communities with different religious beliefs coexisted. Rebecca is asked by his cousin to investigate the estrange things that are happening in the vellum business, at the beginning she refuses but when a body has been found she decides to get involved. She'll learn that there are many interests that clash againt her family business, at the same time she'll have her first kiss, will accpet to being courted and starts to think about family. Will she be able to discover who is responsible for the criminal acts? How will her relationship with Sir John be affected if she marries? Great Historical fiction mystery!
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of this book, and it is now one of my new favorite series - Rebecca DeToledo, Jewish healer and part-time sleuth. This is the second in the series with another coming out in October 2026.
You’ll get it all in this book: First you have Toledo, Spain, in the late 1100s, with all the beauty and grit it must have contained at the time.
Then you have the mystery – many layered, not a locked room but an exclusivity that narrows it down to maybe 10 or 12 people.
Finally a slow-burn romance – I won’t spoil it by describing it but let’s just say you’ll be rooting for them from the beginning to the end.
I devoured this book as fast as I could read it, and I wish the third book was already out!
You’ll get it all in this book: First you have Toledo, Spain, in the late 1100s, with all the beauty and grit it must have contained at the time.
Then you have the mystery – many layered, not a locked room but an exclusivity that narrows it down to maybe 10 or 12 people.
Finally a slow-burn romance – I won’t spoil it by describing it but let’s just say you’ll be rooting for them from the beginning to the end.
I devoured this book as fast as I could read it, and I wish the third book was already out!
May 26, 2026
A good plot with plenty of research done by the author on marriage in medieval times. Reading the story was a history lesson for me on the views and procedures for a marriage contract in those times. However I found it a bit tedious having to look up the meanings of the Jewish words not being of that faith myself. It took some of the enjoyment out of reading. The main character, Rebecca, is certainly a strong woman trying to balance her own views and wishes with those of her family and doing the correct thing for the monarchy in her role as a spy and investigator. Not my favourite read but still interesting.
May 27, 2026
Rebecca and Sir John have another mystery to solve. And this one hits really close to home. I have to say I really enjoy Esther's writing. The medieval story taught me a bit about life at that time and the mystery keeps me wondering what will happen next. Didn't want to put this down. Can't wait for the next one.
June 14, 2026
On the cliff top, a step dance
Such a portrait of danger, love and an entire city under siege from outside currents. All the tensions supplied by human nature magnified by political manoeuvres, and a writer who can give them reality. Highly recommended.
Such a portrait of danger, love and an entire city under siege from outside currents. All the tensions supplied by human nature magnified by political manoeuvres, and a writer who can give them reality. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2026
A death in the family ties into the community more than first realized.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews