Book Review: Heresy

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Heresy     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 # 8
Forge, Dec 2002, $24.95, 352 pp.

Twelfth century France is feeling the affects of all the wars that wipe out trading. Edgar and his partner Solomon travel to Spain to pick up trade goods, leaving Catherine and the children to stay in their Paris home. When illness plagues the city Catherine and her family travel to the convent of Paraclate, run by her old friend Heloise who was once the wife of the heretic Abelard.

Instead of having a relaxing time visiting an old friend, Heloise prevails upon Catherine to help her son Astrolobe who is being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Since Catherine considers Heloise’s son a good friend, she agrees to do all she can to find out who Astrolobe’s enemies actually are and expose them for the liars they are. In the course of her investigation, Catherine discovers that Astrolobe is going to be tried before the pope and the council of Reims who are trying to weed out heretics.

Twelfth century France comes alive between the pages of HERESY, the latest installment in the Catherine Le Vendeur mysteries. Although Catherine is in her second trimester of pregnancy, she doesn’t allow her condition to stop her from trying to find evidence that would clear her friend’s son. The mystery itself is complex and mesmerizing but the look into the relationship between religion and politics is totally enthralling.

Harriet Klausner

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