I received this book directly from the author.

This is a story set during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The accounts of this time detail the investigations of a zealous Inquisitor by the name of Tomas de Torquemada. This Catholic priest was appointed by the Queen Isabella to identify and remove any persons that were not true in their Catholic faith.

The city of Seville suffers a tragedy. A young boy fails to come home after choir practice. He is found beheaded behind the ruins of a synagogue. Who could possibly be responsible for such a horror? Given the location where the body was discovered, Jews are the suspects. With such a large Jewish population residing in Seville, this atrocity demands intervention by the Catholic church.

Isaac Alvarez is a new convert to the Catholic faith, a converso. He was aware of the rising anti-Semitic attitude and his entire family converted for safety. He continued to secretly practice his faith even though he works with King Ferdinand as a lawyer. Isaac watches his friend and fellow converso become the prime suspect in the choir boy’s murder. How will he live with himself if he doesn’t help his friend? Isaac’s friend will be tortured during the murder investigation. Will Isaac’s name be mentioned as a still practicing secret Jew?

Michael Lynes’ breathes life into this tragic historic period. This is not about glory, treasure and fame. His well narrated story plunges us headfirst into the ugliness surrounding the Inquisition. The motivation of Torquemada, his assistants, and the over eager inhabitants of Seville are well presented. The events are left to truly speak for themselves. The author immerses us in the heart and mind of Isaac Alvarez who fears not his life but for his family’s lives. Isaac knows that his success in solving the murder is the only way to keep his family safe. In the brutality of the times we experience the deep love of a man for his family.

The story is fast paced with torture, escape and fear. It is nerve wracking knowing that the Inquisitors are around every corner! One of my favorite parts of historic fiction is when a book that I’m reading prompts me to read more about the history of the time. Michael Lynes not only brought the Inquisition to life, but he also manages to immerse the reader in the anxiety of the time.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of historic fiction. I couldn’t imagine enjoying a book about such a violent time but I found myself very appreciative of this unique and enthralling period.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: Most of the historic fiction being published today focuses on the various aspects of WWII. When I was offered this book, I was curious as to how the violence of the Spanish Inquisition would be handled. My history teachers never spent much time on this part of history so my eyes were opened to the political and religious elements of the Inquisition. As I mentioned, any time I find myself reading more about something because of a book, it’s wonderful! This book is the first in what appears to be a series by M Lynes using his character Isaac Alvarez. I look forward to his next book and am very curious to see what Isaac does next.