Blood Libel

Isaac Alvarez Mysteries #1

by M. Lynes

1495 Seville. Can Isaac save his falsely accused friend by tracking down the real killer?

The Inquisition is determined to execute heretics like Isaac - those who practice Judaism in secret. Queen Isabella supports the Catholic church when it accuses the Jewish community of ritual killings – the ‘blood libel’. Friends and family are arrested and set against each other. Isaac is determined to find the true killer and disprove the ‘blood libel’. King Ferdinand offers to help him - can Isaac trust him?

As the mystery unravels what secrets will Isaac uncover about himself, his friends, and his family?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Jewish, Fiction, Medieval

286 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jaidee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "promising, well written, intriguing" stars !!

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an ecopy of this novel. This was released January 2021. I am providing an honest review.

In this work lies the potential for 4 or 4.5 star historical fiction. The author clearly has lucidity and writing chops that made this a very interesting and readable historical fiction.

We are taken to 1495 Seville and the Inquisition is getting off the ground. A young boy is murdered and the blame is placed on the Jews who are accused of using the blood for their religious practices.
The story focuses on Isaac and his family. Isaac is an advisor to the king and converted to Catholicism for practicality and safety reason. Friar Alonso's journal also provides a counterpoint as to how this most well plotted and intricate story plays out.

The prose is elegant, clear and full of the most interesting historical detailing of the times of late 15th century Seville. All of the above falls into the four star to at times 4.5 star quality.

Where the author goes awry is in the believability of the various character's actions and motivations. I found the psychologies of most of the characters either superficial or unbelievable or moderately inconsistent. This is highly problematic and greatly detracts from a most arresting plot and historical period. The dialogue is at times quite anachronistic and this too pulls you away from what could have been a most excellent historical mystery.

Despite these flaws I was quite engaged and moderately enjoyed. However, I will not be moving forward in the series.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I write my review of BLOOD LIBEL by author MICHAEL LYNES, I need to say that I am Jewish. Ever since my visit to Israel in 2011, my interest in the history of the Jewish people has increased significantly. I knew a little about their expulsion from Spain in the 1490s but not how it affected those who chose to stay put in Spain. Thanks to Michael Lynes, I now know a lot more than I ever did. Thank you for the education. I look forward to more from him.

Isaac Alvarez is a prominent lawyer in the court of Ferdinand and Isabella in Seville, Spain in the 1490s. His job is to review and implement contracts, mainly with sugar issues in the newly discovered West Indies. He was born Jewish but when Jews were expelled from Spain, he chose to convert to Catholicism. However, he keeps a torah in his bedroom and goes to secret Jewish services with friends. His wife Maria is also a converso (a term used to describe their conversion). They have two children Gabriel, an 11-year-old boy, and Isabel a 15-year girl both being raised Catholic. They have a female servant Catalina who has been with Isaac’s family for more than a decade and is loyal to them or is she?

Isaac’s assistant at work is Alejandro de Cervantes. At some point in the story, Michael is forced to rely on his help but can Alejandro be trusted? Juan de Mota is a close friend of Isaac since the two were children. Isaac watches, helplessly, as Juan is arrested after being accused of a ritual murder of a young boy. He is accused of using the boy’s blood to make unleavened bread – a “blood libel”. King Ferdinand says it is up to Isaac to prove who the murderer was if he wants to save Juan.

The murder is the excuse that Father Tomas Torquemada uses to set up a Holy Office for the Propagation of the Faith in Seville. This is the term used for the Spanish Inquisition for the extermination of the remaining Jews in Spain. Sound familiar? The same thing the Nazis did in Europe 450 years later. Friar Alonso, Torquemada’s chief assistant, aids Torquemada in his quest to eliminate Jews. Alonso is also an alternate narrator of the story and an old friend of Catalina.

The story depicts the life and fears of conversos as Isaac tries to save his friend Juan. People are arrested and tortured simply on the word of neighbors, friends, family and strangers. Isaac is racing against time to save those he loves. Torquemada is as evil a person as Hitler was 450 years later. He, Ferdinand and Isabella are vying for control of Spain, each with their own agendas. People die while being tortured and in street fights. Torquemada has desires for the young and pretty Isabel.

The history learned is pretty horrific. Isabella and Ferdinand are known mostly for giving Columbus his orders to find a western route to India. Turns out there was this not so nice side to them as well. If your knowledge of Spain was as lax as mine, this is a must read. If you are Jewish, do not miss this book either. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

GO! BUY! READ!

[Oh Look,AnotherBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, I know, or knew, absolutely nothing about the Spanish Inquisition apart from the fact that, as those Monty Python boys once said, "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition." However, as I am a fan of both Monty Python and the movie Sliding Doors (and yes, I know neither of these things actually have anything to do with the Inquisition), when I was offered a chance to read this book I figured I might as well learn about the thing that no one expects. I sorely misjudged how much I would enjoy this book.

I was surprised at learning just how brutal the Grand Inquisitor was, and about how he didn’t really seem to care whether or not someone was Jewish or not, as long as he got a confession. And really, if you’re going to half drown someone until they confess, they’re either going to confess or die, so it didn’t seem like anyone had much hope after they came under "suspicion". In addition to this, there is an Edict of Grace issued, meaning that people were encouraged to report on their neighbours and it didn’t matter all that much whether or not the report was true. If such a thing happened in today’s society, as much as I hate my neighbors sometimes (seriously, please stop playing your music so loud with the windows open, I really dislike hip hop) I would never tell such lies knowing what they would go though and was honestly quite surprised that so many people had no issues in telling such tales.

Isaac was a terribly conflicted character, which only made him all the more enjoyable to read about, as I do love a good conflict, especially when there are such high stakes involved. A few facts about Isaac: he used to be a Jew, he converted to Christianity, and he sorely wants to still be a Jew. Isaac is torn between helping those he knows when they are arrested and protecting his family. If he steps in, there may be a chance to help his friends, but it may bring suspicion down on his family. If he does nothing, his family is safer, but he must stand by and watch as his friends are tortured and executed. As I said, quite the dilemma.

I would say that I couldn’t put this book down, but my youngest does not like leaving me alone for more than five minutes at a time, so I could really only read this book in small windows of time. However, every time I was interrupted it left me that little bit more eager for the next five minutes to myself.

It doesn’t matter if you know absolutely nothing about the Spanish Inquisition, or if, like me, you’ve only heard about it vaguely from Monty Python, because this book will absolutely draw you in and will not let you back out until you have read the whole thing (unless you also have young children. If so, I found putting Horrible Histories on the TV for a bit tends to keep them occupied! They are generally quiet and learning at the same time. Two birds, one stone!)

*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.

[A Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent work of historical fiction set in Spain during the Inquisition (1490s). The story follows a family whose father is still a practicing Jew as well as one of the priests involved in the Inquisition. The characters were really well-written with varied backgrounds and characteristics, making them relatable and realistic. Since the characters were so relatable it made me become really involved in what happened to them. The historical background of the events portrayed in the story were well-presented without bogging the story down. When the story shifts between perspectives, it also shifts between tenses. I don’t prefer when books are written in the present tense and felt that the changes in tense were distracting. There were also a pretty significant amount of errors throughout the work. They were mostly related to punctuation and spacing so the text could use a good editing. Overall I really enjoyed the work and thought the author did a good job at bringing this period of history to life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, “Blood Libel” by M Lynes was a masterfully crafted novel. It is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition.

It is a very fast read that has some very strong characters and a well researched historical storyline. It helps the reader define their position on the Inquisition. A boy’s death challenges both the religious and legal praxis of the time period.

Another strong character, lawyer Isaac Alvarez, who works for the King, leaves no s one unturned looking for the boy’s killer. In a race against the Inquisition in an attempt to solve it.

The storyline contains eloquent descriptions, vivid use of metaphor and a moving plot that powerfully balances a desire for family with the need for fortune.

I was interested in this book right off because I am Catholic Clergy. It did not disappoint. It was a very enjoyable story.

I recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deana The Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

In Blood Libel, author M. Lynes brings medieval Spain and the Inquisition to brutal life through brilliantly crafted prose.

Isaac Alvarez, a friend of King Ferdinand, knows life will soon turn hellish when a young boy is decapitated, and the local Jewish community is accused of the murder as part of a heinous pagan act. Alvarez and his wife Maria, Jews by birth but converted to Catholicism, know none of them is safe after Isaac’s childhood friend is tortured and executed for the boy’s murder, and the Inquisition arrives in Seville at the behest of Queen Isabella.

Despite his ties to the King, all Ferdinand can encourage Alvarez to do is solve the murder and find the real culprit before any more innocent lives - including Alvarez’s family - are snuffed out by the Grand Inquisitor Tomas de Torquemada. Alvarez, a convert, has always tried to balance honoring his Jewish heritage with keeping his family safe and has attended forbidden prayer meetings in dark cellars with other converts until they can no longer. Just how much longer can he balance before the weight of the scales stands firmly against him?

This book is an amazing ride of mystery and horror from the first page to the last, and I was immediately captivated. As a fan of medieval tales, I am excited when I come across one that grabs me like this one did.

Lynes captures the dread and fear money-less and powerless people felt in the face of the Church and monarchs. The Spanish Inquisition is one of the most horrid times in the history of the world, and Lynes is able to bring it to life through realistic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Reading, I could smell the cloying incense wafting from the censers as it attempts to cover the smell of unwashed bodies; hear the screams of the tormented on the racks; and hear the wet, dull sounds of fists on skin as they pummel and bruise.

My only criticism of Alvarez’s character is that I question why he waited so long to take the action he finally did. He is by no means a coward; quite the opposite, to be honest. But I still felt frustrated when so much had to crumble around him before he finally did something about it.

As this looks to be the beginning of a new series, I truly look forward to the next installments.

[Jean Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Plot in Brief: A boy is murdered in Seville; his death is blamed on the Jews. Father Alonso uses the tragedy to bring the Inquisition to King Ferdinand’s favorite city. Isaac Alvarez, his wife Maria, both Coversos, and their children are caught up in the hunt for unrepentant Jews. Isaac must choose between helping his friends and saving his family. His only hope is to solve the murder and remove the Jews from the bullseye.

The Characters: I loved Isaac and Maria. They are so well drawn they really came to life under the author’s deft hand. Isaac continues to practice his Jewish religion, meeting in secret with his brethren. He is conflicted by his desire to protect his family and help his friends who fall into the hands of the Inquisition. I really felt his emotions as he struggled with his fears. Maria is a strong woman, unwavering in her love of family. The priests of the Inquisition are treated with equal attention to detail, their motivations laid out with a surprising twist at the end.

The History: Set in 1495, Lynes brings the time period to life. The city of Seville is painted in great detail from the heat of a summer’s day to a cool breeze on a terrace sipping a delightful sherry. The author clearly did his research. I found the description of the Inquisition both enlightening and horrifying.

The Writing: The book is well written with a fast-paced plot. Told in both first and third person, the narrative switches smoothly between Isaac and Father Alonzo. The story is well-edited. There are a couple of pages with wonky formatting, but not enough to affect my enjoyment of the book.

Overall: This was not an easy book to read. It’s one of those stories where you just know something bad is going to happen. Like watching a scary movie with one hand over your eyes. It’s coming. But that’s not a bad thing. You can’t tackle a subject as awful as the Spanish Inquisition and not have some unpleasantness. The history was great, the dual story lines intriguing and in the end, it was also a super murder mystery.

Recommendations: I think anyone interested in general historical fiction will appreciate this novel. This with an interest in Spain and the Inquisition will find it enthralling.

Rating: I give this book 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Joanne, drinker of tea, reader of books, servant to cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to BookSirens for a free copy of this book. My honest review follows.
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This book had me on edge pretty much through its entirety.

The setting is Seville in 1495. Ferdinand and Isabella are the monarchs of a joined Aragon and Castille. In her attempts to make Castille and Aragon entirely Christian, Isabella has fought and won her wars against the Muslims, and now the Jews have been expelled from the land. Those that remain have publically converted to Catholicism, although some still practice the faith of their forebears in secret.

To keep the country safe from heretics, her confessor, Tomas de Torquemada has been made the head of the Spanish Inquisition, and fear rides ahead of the men who act at his direction.

In Seville one evening, nine year Fernan Rodrigo is murdered on his way home after singing at the church. Rumours quickly spread that this is the work of Jews who have used his blood in their rituals.

Word reaches Isabella in Cordoba that innocent blood has been spilled, and she sends her confessor Torquemada and his assistant, the Friar Alonso de Hojeda to root out the evil.

Isaac Camarino Alvarez, a converso who works for the King, is carrying many secrets and regrets that could bring danger to his family. Danger that arrives in Seville with Tomas de Torquemada and the Inquisition.

Married to Maria, with two children, Isaac desperately works to save his family from the Inquisition. But what really happened to Fernan, and how can Isaac bring what he knows to the King?

The book has a solid basis in real historical events and people. The author Michael Lynes, has used this setting to craft a novel that captures your attention and makes you hold your breath.

While credibly based on real people, the author has also created believable and authentic characters to carry his story.

The story is told predominately through the eyes of Isaac, his wife Maria, and the Friar Alonso. From the first announcement of the murder, the plot and the characters are well formed, and the story rattles you down to the final denouement.

As you turn the pages, remember that not all you read is fiction. The Inquisition, its horrors, and its victims were all too real.

A good read.

[Whispering Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say that I know all that much about the Spanish Inquisition, but my lack of knowledge did not stop me from reading this book, nor did it hamper my enjoyment while reading. Not only does this book tell the story of how the Jews face systematic abuse and persecution by the Inquisition, it also explores the people behind the acts of horror. While I was shocked at the callousness of the methods used by the Grand Inquisitor to get people to confess, I was also drawn into the story and didn’t want to step away from it.

This book is written so incredibly well that I could almost feel the fear alongside Isaac. The terror that one thing said in the wrong way could mean the death of your entire family was heartbreaking and I couldn’t help but sit with my fingers crossed as I read, hoping that Isaac and his family would survive.

This novel is not solely about the Inquisition, though, for the death of a young boy, the very thing that brought the Grand Inquisitor to Seville to begin with, may hold the key to everything. There is certainly a great deal of mystery in this book which I found very compelling.

I can’t say I have ever read a book about the Inquisition before, but it was intriguing to learn about an era of history unknown to myself and this book taught it in such a way that I was never lost, or confused, and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, confrontation and dangerous world that the author has depicted.

*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.

[V.E.H. Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1495, and the inquisition is gaining a foothold in Seville. Isaac Alvarez is a good man, a loving husband and father, living through terrifying times - with a perilous secret. If it’s discovered he’s still practising the faith of his birth, both he, and his family, will suffer a painful death. Now a young boy has been murdered and a friend of Isaac's, also a converso (a convert from Judaism) has been accused. The net is closing but Isaac has a powerful ally; he works for King Ferdinand, who tasks him with solving the murder.

There are some wonderful touches in this novel: the ham on display to show the Alvarez family have truly converted; the spiky relationship between the servant and the young daughter; Isaac shaving his beard so he passes as a priest; Ferdinand saying wearily what he can he do against the Inquisitor, he’s only the king.

There’s no escaping the Inquisition, and horrible things do happen — but they are necessary to the story and not overly dwelt on. Isaac is a wise, astute and appealing investigator. Events are cleverly played out through his perspective, and that of a friar involved in the inquisition, and we are kept guessing to the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next Isaac Alvarez Mystery.

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating this book was a bit difficult for me. I did enjoy reading it, but there are still some aspects that were disappointing. So it ended up being between 3 and 3.5 stars.

The pros:

the historical basis of the story. The author did manage to convey the strained atmosphere caused by the arrival of the inquisition in Seville, and the dread our main characters felt.

What I did not like:

The rather jumpy way the story is told. Not so much the splitting between the main story line happening in Seville and one of the inquisitors narration, but the way said main story line jumped in time, like we were given a series of scenes, with little connection between them.

But the main disappointment was the murder mystery part. The whole story starts with a murder, which our MC is supposed to investigate in the course of the book, but hardly anything happens regarding this for most of the book, and the solution is presented with the reader getting any real insight into the "investigation".

Still, I found the story enjoyable, and will give the next volume in the series a try.

[Lost in a book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not really the type of person who tends to read books that seem violent, and of all I know about the Spanish inquisition, it was very violent. However, whatever it was, I was compelled to read it and I was so very glad that I did.

Thankfully the violence was not depicted in the detail I was expecting. This is also the story of both sides of the Inquisition, from the side of a man trying to protect his family and the side of someone trying to get that same man arrested. There is mystery, danger, horror and intrigue and I found the pages turning far too late into the night. I am incredibly glad I read this book, for the story is one that I believe to be wholeheartedly worth reading.

[Sara Jesus · Rating 3 out of 5]

An historical fiction about the Spain Inquision and their plot to murder jews. We follow the investigation of Isaac Alvarez for to find out the murder of a child and save his family of the "autos de fé". The main character is very complex character because of his faith conflict he is a convert jew but stil still practices his faith putting his family at risk . I really liked his daughter Isabel, an strong woman that it is not afraid of the danger and it is their to help her family.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annette Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

A good read a story about Seville and a dreadful plague of catholic hatred to the Jewish people who have to hide their religion. A terrible murder means families are murdered in terrible ways .

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

I'm so glad I didn't live during those times. A fascinating story, with a surprising twist at the end, regarding the Spanish Inquisition. This story is told through two points of view and will keep you satisfied all the way until the end.

[LYNN MCNAMARA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Something out of the ordinary.

Interesting book. Characters are well developed. Some left me asking how people could ever be so ignorant. Made me glad I didn't live then.

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spanish Inquisition isn’t a historic period well covered in fiction. M Lynes is doing his best to change that. He has written a story of a young boy’s murder in Seville, Spain. The horrific murder prompts the infamous Tomas Torquemada to travel to Seville. His arrival marks a turbulent time of torture and incrimination.

Isaac Alvarez is a lawyer hiding his Jewish beliefs. As a lawyer with close ties to the king, he realizes his religious practices could harm him and his family. He works furiously to find the killer and avoid Torquemada.

M Lynes has created wonderful characters and weaves them into the era perfectly. The story moves well and captures your attention. As this is the first in a series, it will be interesting to see where Isaac Alvarez finds his next mystery. I recommend this book to all fans of historic fiction.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

1495. the death of a child supposedly by a Jew has meant the arrival of Rhe Inquisition in Seville. Ery little mystery more of a family trying to survive the tentacles of the Inquisition.
An interesting story

[Scuffed Granny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been curious about the Spanish Inquisition and so, reading Blood Libel was bound to pique my interest, especially as a lover of historical fiction. And I wasn’t disappointed as Lynes carefully creates the oppressive and threatening atmosphere of medieval religious persecution and the effect it has on the world of his protagonist Isaac Alvarez, and his family.

Set in medieval Seville, there has been a murder, a gruesome one where a child has been killed and Isaac’s childhood friend has been implicated. Faced with the prospect of standing by his friend or placing his family in danger, Lynes puts Isaac into an unenviable position and one that depicts the claustrophobic intensity of the 15th century where a survivalist attitude had to be adopted to ensure safety.

Isaac’s position is also in jeopardy because he is a converso, a Jew who has converted to Catholicism to avoid religious persecution; however, suspicion may still fall on him for this, never mind that he is still practicing his Jewish faith in secret.

Knowing these facts about Isaac and understanding that the Inquisition in the form of its head, Torquemada is an enemy who is ruthless in the pursuit of those who flout the rules of the Catholic church means that the book is brimming with tension; a sense that as time progresses, the room that Isaac has to be able to protect himself and his family is becoming less and less and they are in grave danger.

Historically, Lynes shows adeptly the way that politics and religion often went hand-in-hand in medieval society, further providing an added element of difficulty to Isaac’s troubles as do the suspicions and questions that Isaac’s daughter Isabel has at home.

In terms of structure, the book has two narrative strands: the first is that of Alonso, a priest under orders from the Inquisition leader Torquemada,; Alonso’s musings and thoughts are conveyed through his confessional journal in the first person. The second is a third person narrative which follows Isaac and his interactions with his family, the King and others. Sometimes, I can find the switching between narrative perspectives interrupts the flow of my read but that was not the case here, the transition between them being effortless.

This is a good read as Lynes has great storytelling ability and a clear writing style. I would not hesitate to read him in future.

This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.

[Lisa Tafoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spanish Inquisition - One of Catholicism’s Great Crimes

Growing up in Catholic schools and a fan of history, I am familiar with the Spanish Inquisition. However, few historical fiction books focus on the reality of the Church’s role in the killing of so many innocent victims. This book captures the absolute power of the Church’s strength in both politics and religious zeal against its definition of heretics.

The book is an easy, fast-paced read. It captures the trepidation and constant fear of being turned in for any purported crime against God, including being born a Jew. In some ways, it shows the depth of courage some people must have shown for their faith, but, in other ways, it glosses over the characterizations of the major players.

The search to determine who murdered the young boy at the outset never really develops, nor does it need to given the focus on a particular character.

Despite that, I still give it 4 stars as an enjoyable and enlightening piece of historical fiction. I look forward to reading The Heretic’s Daughter, the next in the series.

[Evelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the first two thirds of the book absorbing. It’s such an appalling part of history and there is so much at stake (to use an unfortunate but apt phrase). The author does a good job of building tension, and de Torquemada’s machinations add to the sense of dread. However, I found the handling of the mystery aspect really unsatisfactory. How did Isaac know who the killer was? No details are given of any kind of investigation. Isaac simply states "I think I know who committed the murder", and that's it, no explanation. Most baffling is that towards the end of the book Isaac explains to Isabel about how he found out who the killer was, but the reader is not privy to this part of their conversation, we are left completely in the dark. The book is a page-turner with a fascinating historical context. I cared about the characters, and was on tenterhooks in places, but I was ultimately disappointed by a mystery that didn't feel resolved.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore mysteries, especially those set in historical contexts, and I have a deep interest in Spanish history of this time period (I'm a professor of Spanish, and specialize in Golden Age literature), so I was expecting this book to be an instant favorite. It was well-researched and compelling, but didn't quite live up to the admittedly high expectations I had for it. If the novel had been billed as straight historical fiction, I think my reaction would have been different. My biggest quibble was that I was expecting more of a mystery, based on how the novel was billed, and the mystery aspect didn't really come through, at least not in the ways I was expecting.

Worth a read, no matter what, but I'd recommending picking this one up when you're more in the mood for historical fiction rather than a gripping mystery.

*I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a quick read (fewer than 300 pages!), but so intense and so suspenseful! I loved it!
Seville, 1495, a murder of a child has been committed. Who could be the murderer? Inquisition was raging.... Quickly, suspicion was brought upon Jewish people.... Jewish people who had officially converted to Catholicism! How official was this conversion?
I particularly enjoyed the thought provoking questions dealt with in this fast paced mystery novel. How far can we go to protect one's family? How far can you to protect your faith? Is that even possible? What about the next generation?
Real characters and events (the murder) play a big role in this novel. Brutality and violence fit the times. However, the dates are not always accurate. Either, because not much was known about some characters, or because the author decided on accomodating the story first. This did not disturb me at all as this is a mystery novel first and the settings are very well painted!
I have started book 2.....

[Lee Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great background on the Spanish Inquisition and the storyline was very interesting. The murder aspect of the story seemed to get lost in the telling of the Inquisition, and there was never really an explanation how Isaac went from wondering how to begin the investigation to suddenly knowing who the killer was and needing only evidence to prove the case.

The book needs a good editor. There are formatting errors and on at least two occasions, Felicidad is misspelled and the name of the river is not consistently spelled correctly.

A good read, obviously something the author is familiar with and is passionate about.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a fiction book it gives all of the true accounts of the institution of the Spanish Inquisition in the city of Seville and the lie told by the Catholic Church, the Blood Libel, to be the determined factor to bring it to the city.
With a very clear and well research story the author brings the reader to the terrible times of the early days of the Inquisition in Seville and the first Auto de Fe performed in the city, but it is also a book about family and personal values and beliefs and what a person can do to fulfill his or her beliefs without betraying his or her loved ones.
Really well written the book will grab you since the beginning and won't let you go until you reach the last page.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engrossing book that highlights the evils of the Spanish Inquisition while telling the story of Isaac, his family, and acquaintances. The descriptions are vivid and there is much sorrow in the tales of the people who represent those who were historically lost in the Spanish Inquisition. It also is a vivid reminder that the world has not learned anything in 600+ years as there are still people who are persecuted for who others perceive them to be. The epilogue is disturbing as Alonso does not see the error in his thinking and actions, as is still true today in those that perceive that they are correct and believe it is others who are not. Great book, looking forward to reading the next.

[Brenda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro into a new series - and the Spanish Inquisition. Such a facinating historical error. Lynes did an amazing job bringing this era to life - the terror, desperation, neighbors and families turning on each other.
Isaac and his wife, Maria, converted from Judaism to Catholicism shortly after their marriage, more than 15 years earlier.
Seville has avoided interrogation by the Spanish Inquisition thus far - yet the death of a young boy supposedly at the hands of a Jew for blood libel brings them to town.
So much conflict and intrigue, a family struggling to remain safe while watching their lives collapse.
Just so well done.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received through LibraryThing member giveaways.
The topic is interesting but the story was pretty thin and made little sense. There really was no solving of a mystery - Isaac just knew who the murderer was, somehow. The whole book seemed more of an outline where a lot of connecting and/or explanatory material would have been helpful. Also, there were many, many typos...

[Dianne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent debut novel! Well researched with interesting characters, you will be holding your breath as you follow the twisted path of the Spanish Inquisition. I highly recommend this suspenseful read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kritika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!
It was a wonderful read…. about the time of Spanish Inquisition. The twists keep me awake at night reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.