Death Comes as Epiphany

I happened on the unabridged audio book and was hooked immediately. The medieval French setting of the book, the historical characters of Abelard and Heloise, the delightful Catherine and Edgar, and a well-crafted mystery combine to make this a very satisfying read. The historical and cultural detail of daily life in Paris in that time was especially fasinating. That Ms. Newman is first a historian and second a mystery writer sets this series above the bulk of the genre and has made me a devoted follower. In fact, on our last trip to France I persuaded my husband to detour off our route to visit the Paraclete!

With 'Death comes as Epiphany'' author Sharan Newman launched the medieval Catherine Le Vendeur mystery series. Set in twelfth century France, the reader is introduced to its fictional,strong and engaging heroine Catherine, daughter of merchant Hubert Le Vendeur, she's a novice in the convent of Le Paraclete (and about to take her vows and renounce the world).When on an assignment for Abbess Heloise, Catherine faces many dark and confusing secrets. Such as for instance: Hubert's Jewish ancestry or the intense feelings of maternal uncle Roger for her own person.A thoroughly researched, three-dimensional novel, which doesn't shun the grittier and nastier aspects of medieval life. Catherine and her family intermingle effortlessly with historical characters like: Heloise, Abelard or the Abbot Suger. Further the author introduces us to the series other regulars: first of all Edgar, Catherine's future husband (a laird's son hailing from Scotland), with whom Catherine will form a sleuthing partnership, her father Hubert (a converted Jew), her younger sister Agnes, her Jewish aunt, uncle and cousin: Johannah, Eliazar and Solomon.With Catherine Ms. Newman portrays a strong and highly educated heroine who is nevertheless firmly rooted in her own time. The courtship and eventual marrriage of Catherine and Edgar is realistically and playfully developed. They certainly enjoy a true and wonderful chemistry.For me Catherine is a truly memorable heroine and everytime I read her adventures with pleasure. Sleuthing with Catherine and Edgar simply never bores.

I truely enjoyed reading this first in a series. Mostly because I found it wonderful to have an author who truely knows her history. Newman really takes the time to understand and see the places and people before she uses them as her background. This first book I found to be a bit bumpy with the action and plot, but she does set up a good character line and introduces her main characters and their relationships with each other for her future books. Having read all the books thus far in this series, I've found each one to be better than the last. I suppose some authors do improve with age and are not just "One Hit Wonders."

As the first volume in the adventures of Catherine LeVendeur, this book is an exceptional escape into medieval France. As a mystery, the plot is very good but not exceptionally sophisticated. The best service is rendered as an introduction to the further mysteries in this series, which gain in sophistication and quality with each new book. The author's later books (The Devil's Door, The Wandering Arm, and Strong As Death) are much enjoyable for having read this volume first. A truly enjoyable series that educates as well as entertains.

I am a big mystery reader and I am very picky. I read and later re-read "Death Comes As Epiphany" and loved it. Ms. Newman brings out the complexities and simplicities of medieval France and inspired me to do some of my own source reading. Believable characters, evocative settings, and a mystery that fooled me. What more could you ask for