The Apothecary

The City of Dreams #1

by Joan Fallon

Exciting murder mystery. When the ruler of Málaga dies in strange circumstances, only Umar has the courage to suggest it was murder. He decides to investigate the caliph’s death even though it may result in his own. But when Umar is arrested, he knows that time is running out. His family and friends bring all their resources into play to try to find out who is behind the assassination and secure his release before he is executed.
In the first novel in a new historical series set in Moorish Spain, Joan Fallon sets the action in the busy medieval port of Málaga. Following on from the successful al-Andalus series, we meet up again with the younger members of the family who had escaped from the besieged city of Córdoba.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery

322 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2019

About the author

Joan Fallon was born in Dumfries, Scotland but spent most of her adult life in England. Teacher, management trainer and business woman, she moved to Spain at the beginning of the new millennium and became a writer. Her first published work was a social history, 'Daughters of Spain', inspired by the women she met in her adopted home. Her subsequent books too have grown out of her experiences living and working in Spain. She is especially interested in Spanish history and has set her novels in periods as distinct as the Golden Age of the Moorish conquest and the Spanish Civil War. She is a member of the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Reviews

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mysteries abound in our modern day bookcase, but this one, The Apothecary, the first book in The City of Dreams series by Joan Fallon, takes the reader back a thousand years ago, in Moorish Spain, to the city of Málaga, where the mysterious death of its ruler, amidst a power struggle between himself and neighboring states, sends a single family down a very dangerous and treacherous road as they are forced to hunt down the real assassin, in order to save one of their own. Besides the plot itself, a twisted one, the quality of the writing is colorful and detailed, conjuring up both the beauty and the brutality of the times. This well-crafted narrative inexorably draws the reader into a world where the synthesis of different cultures coexist in a delicate balance, one where power-hungry leaders, driven by greed and ideological fanaticism, threaten the equilibrium that most people, despite their differences, are trying to hold together. As far as murder mysteries go, the book will hold you to the end to find out "who done it".

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked we much!

At our much was left unresolved, re story of a Muslim family so moved to Lachlan the 11th century to restaurateur lives after tragedy has taken the lives of man of their needs is quite touching at times and very interesting as the religion and politics guide the!

After the death of the Khalifa under strange circumstances a young man in the family having must become a soldier begins is own investigation into the death which touches upon us father 's apothecary shop.

The plot is very fast and paced as deaths of persons potentially involved in political intrigue regarding the late khalifa's court become suspects in a conspiracy. At the same time, newly widowed sister with two small children to raise contemplated marriage again.

The story is very well done and characters well defined and developed in a community consisting of Muslims, Jews and Christians.

I recommend to readers of historical fiction, and hope and to see Book II in the near future.

[Dale Rogerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect from this book having never heard of it nor of Joan Fallon but this was suggested by Chirp and why not? Now I am thankful I was smart enough to get the three books in the series! I have now found out that this series, "The City of Dreams" follows the previous trilogy "Al-Andalus". Guess I will have to go back later!

Makoud, the apothecary, and his family escape Córdoba to make a new life in Málaga. His son Umar joins the army and after the caliph (or Khalifa) Yahya dies under strange circumstances, Umar feels compelled to investigate. This leads to many exciting and scary moments as narrated beautifully by Jacob Daniels.

When it comes to books like these, I rather enjoy the audio version because I do not doubt I would have massacred the pronunciation of the characters and places.

[Elaine Milks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The City of Dreams, The Apothecary, by Joan Fallon 5 stars
An historical drama taking place in the Mediterranian area after the beginning of Christianity. A story both interesting and gripping. It begins with a Muslim family, the daughter's husband has died and left her with 2 young children. A Jewish friend of her father finds the family a place to live in the town where he lives with his family. It entails the customs of the times and class differences. Danger, deception and intrigue keep the story moving at a fast pace. A very good read.

[Amparo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me gustado bastante la historia. La mezcla de misterio e historia de la época árabe en Málaga. El conocer el nombre de otras ciudades conocidas como Ceuta (Sebta), la cultura y como vivían en esa época, las diferencias entre musulmanes, judíos y cristianos.
He visto que existen dos libros más y al menos el siguiente aparecen algunos personajes de éste libro, así que tiene papeletas para que siga la saga.

[Jennifer Shepard]

I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Can't wait for book two!

[Mrs Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I love these books by Joan Fallon. From the Al Andalus series to this next book, all well-written with well-described characters and lots of interesting history about 11th century Spain. Recommended.

[Delia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this murder mystery. This is my first book by J. Fallon and can't wait to start book 2.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook.