Heresy

Heresy
By S.J. Parris
Anchor, 2011. 448 pgs. Mystery

Giordano Bruno spent 15 years as a monk in Italy before being excommunicated and hunted for reading books banned by the Catholic Pope. After narrowly escaping with his life, Bruno became a philosopher, scientist, magician and poet seeking the protection and patronage of powerful men throughout Europe as he seeks for truth in all forms. Now on an assignment from a new patron, Bruno is sent to Cambridge to debate the nature of the universe as well as search the academic community for dangerous papists plotting against Queen Elizabeth. Soon after his arrival, a series of strange and brutal murders capture his attention and he is swept up in a labyrinth of lies and deception placing his life, once again, in grave danger.

This period of European history following the rise of Queen Elizabeth is an excellent era to set this new series of thrillers. The intrigue and distrust that permeated all levels of society and the great number of religious fanatics willing to go to brutal extremes to further their missions is fertile ground for literary adventures. Parris does a good job of evoking the time period and keeps the reader guessing, along with her protagonist, at who is killing off the college’s fellows and what their motive could possibly be. A great start to a new historical mystery series.

CZ