Book Review: The Difficult Saint

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Difficult Saint Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sharan Newman
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Woman Main Character Historical
Series: Catherine LeVendeur # 6
Forge, Oct 1999, $23.95,352 pp.

Two years ago, Edgar lost his hand due to the events in Scotland. He currently resides in Paris with his wife Catherine, their children, and her father. However, things are not peaceful for Jews in Western Europe in 1146. They make fine targets as inferior beings. Catherine’s sister Agnes disowned her family because she knows that Hubert may act like a Christian, but his heart remains Jewish. Her grandfather arranges a marriage with a German lord so she can flee as far from her relatives as she possibly can.

Agnes leaves without saying good-bye. She takes her dowry and a portion of her mother’s jewelry with her. No one hears another word about Agnes until one of her retainers informs her family that her spouse is dead and she is detained as the perpetrator. In the same area as the incarcerated Agnes, a monk preaches total annihilation of the Jews. That does not stop the deVendeur family from going to Germany to try to free Agnes by uncovering the identity of the real culprit. However, they better be extra careful because the locals do not trust foreigners, and especially scorn and detest those tainted with Jewish blood.

Sharan Newman provides meticulous details of everyday life, religion, and culture in twelfth century Europe. This information is cleverly blended into a flowing Medieval who-done-it that demonstrates Ms. Newman is a wonderful talent. A one handed Edgar remains a powerful person and Catherine makes his ideal mate as she constantly challenges yet fully loves him. THE DIFFICULT SAINT is must reading for historical mystery lovers as it will move Ms. Newman to the ranks of Gellis and Penman.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner