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DRAUGHTFOR A DEAD MAN, A
by Caroline Roe
Berkley, November 2002
322 pages
$22.95
ISBN: 0425186482


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

A DRAUGHT FOR A DEAD MAN is the sixth book in the medieval, Isaac of Girona series. Like most historical mysteries, there are numerous subplots and tangents that occur within this book. The primary focus of the book revolves around Isaac of Girona and those he helps in Perpignan. Isaac of Girona is a blind physician living in Girona caring for Berenguer de Cruilles, the bishop of Girona. Isaac receives a letter from an old colleague, Jacob Bonjuhes, whose son will marry the daughter of one of Isaac’s neighbors. This letter urges Isaac to come to attend the wedding as well as share some of his medical knowledge with him. Isaac and his daughter, Rachel, agree to attend the wedding and to visit Jacob’s family. Bonafilla, the bride, is not interested in being married and makes an indiscretion on the journey to the wedding. While Isaac and the bridal party travel to Perpignan, events in the city turn violent. Arnau Marca, a merchant, escapes from prison and is gravely injured in a mugging. He is suspected of treason and his entire family is at risk. It becomes known that Arnau has died and his wife, Johana, works to clear his name for his children. Isaac arrives in the city and must heal a mysterious patient as well as determine the cause of the charges against Arnau.

Caroline Roe is a talented writer who researches her topics well. That is to say, she makes references to historical events that occurred within the same time period as her book. If the reader is familiar with the events then the book is much stronger; however, the book can be just as enjoyable without understanding the importance of some of her references. For example, a reader familiar with this medieval history would wonder why all of the women introduced were able to read when the literary level was low within the general population. If a reader were unfamiliar with this time period this action would pass unnoticed. (For those of you wonder, upper class women who spent time in a convent did learn to read because they were taught by the prioress who came from an upper class background herself. Also if a daughter’s mother knew how to read she would be taught as well.) If Roe would include more historical information in her afterward or historical note, those unfamiliar with the time period would be able to have a greater appreciation of her work.

Like most historical mysteries A DRAUGHT FOR A DEAD MAN does have some “dry” passages. This book does combat this weakness by switching characters frequently. By allowing the reader to follow different characters, Roe’s readers gain multiple perspectives of life in the 1300s in addition to gathering all of the clues as they are presented to a character. Roe’s multiple perspective approach helps eliminate some of the dryness a book of this type can present.

A DRAUGHT FOR A DEAD MAN is not a book for everyone. Caroline Roe is a strong writer and researcher; hence, her works should be read by anyone who enjoys accurate historical novels. If one enjoys mysteries that focus more on court intrigue and less on violent crimes than this book is a must read. The reader should expect to enjoy a mystery that moves gradually from beginning to finish, while tracking various characters within the broader picture.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, October 2002

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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