In November I went on my very first literary research trip. My husband and I were in Toledo, the capital of Castile-La Manche, where my next book is taking place.
Check out this panorama of the city.
My story unfolds within many of the iconic structures visible here: the cathedral, the Alcázar (the fortress), and the Jewish quarter (La Judería).
I shared my trip on Instagram, you can follow me there for more pics and stories.
Another enjoyable part of this research journey has been ongoing for months: reading historical mystery novels set in the same era (though not always in the same place). Two female authors, Alys Clare and Sharan Newman, have crafted series set at the end of the 12th century, each featuring compelling female sleuths
Alys Clare writes about Abbess Helewise, who is in charge of Hawkenlye Abbey, in Kent. It is the English countryside, so naturally - mysterious deaths abound. The charming and tenacious Josse d'Acquin is her reliable sidekick. I'm on the ninth book of this series, which has humor, action and heart, and I couldn't recommend them enough.
Sharan Newman’s heroine, Catherine LeVendeur, stumbles through the mid-12th century, where dead bodies literally fall out of the sky on her. Catherine is half Jewish, and the constant tension between her Christian faith and her Jewish heritage is central to the series' strength. Her companion, Edgar, a tall, pale Englishman, adds another layer to the books, because what’s a historical mystery without at least one Englishman?
The book I'm writing is called Murder at the School of Translators, and it's a murder mystery set in Spain, circa 1194, featuring Rebecca, a feisty Jewish healer, and John, her English companion, a Christian crusader.
Here is a possible depiction of the pair:
Ivanhoe meets Phryne Fisher in a woman sleuth medieval adventure
In 1194 Toledo, healer and heiress Rebecca is recruited by Queen Eleanor to uncover the truth behind a Jewish translator's death, even if it means jeopardizing the trust of her own community. She is joined by Sir John of Hampstead, a disillusioned crusader with secrets of his own. Together, they must overcome their mutual distrust, else the simmering tensions in this multireligious city will erupt and tear it apart.
I'm very excited with this book - it was tremendous fun to research and I'm already very advanced with my first draft. I'll share more of my research trip and pics here and in social media.
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