The White Path

I have just finished reading this book and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I have read all the others in her series that have been published in English and this was a good addition. what struck me the most about this book is the author's ability to really let you see what going on a medieval pilgrimage was like. The pilgrims in the book are going to Santiago de Compostela, a very famous medieval pilgrimage site. The terrible hardships they endure are vividly recreated. You really felt how difficult it was to accomplish and it gives you new respect for those that completed the pilgrimage. I gave the book four stars because I think the mystery's solution was a bit weak. She's done better in her other books with that aspect but you can't fault Moore for her evocation of a time and place.

This book, fourth in the series, is a tour de force of atmospheric mystery and unforgettable characters. The rich detail of the book describing the day-to-day lives of the people of French middle ages is breath taking. It is very unlike the usual "medieval" mysteries which tack on a pedestrian plot to generic details ( as in "he put on his cloak and went up the street", rather than Ms Moore's " he buckled his halbeck and climbed up the carrierous of Cahors") . This is not to say that the plot or the language does not move quickly and satisfyingly to a great conclusion. It's just that the exquisite detail of the scenes makes this book an amazing journey into the lives and thought of medieval times. Highly recommended for those who love historical mysteries.