Set in the Middle Ages, this book is about a boy and a girl, a brother and a sister, a widow and a suitor. It weaves together the stories of many people, who all are linked by one thing -- murder. Accused of it, a victim of it, freed by it, a series of murders in a small abbey change the lives of all involved. While the writing and historical facts may be true to life, the story lacks the compelling voice and characters to be a popular choice, particularly among young adults. Recommended for those who are fans of historical fiction or unhappily married. ( )

Wealthy Silvano takes sanctuary with the friars near Assisi to escape persecution for a murder he did not commit. He is attracted to Chiara, abandoned in the nearby convent by her brother, who cannot provide a dowry. When murders in the friary threaten to ruin all hope of a happy future, they set out to find the real killer. The book is subtitled “a Story of Friars, Flirtation and Foul Play”, and it is a wonderful mixture of romance and murder mystery. It has likeable characters and vivid settings rich with details of medieval Italy. All of the pieces of the tightly woven plot are neatly tied up with a satisfying ending. I recommend it for mystery lovers and fans of medieval fiction. ( )

A rich historical fiction novel about a sixteen-year-old nobleman named Silvano who is in love with the beautiful Angelica. Angelica is married to a man she does not love and one day her husband is found murdered - stabbed with Silvano's dagger. Silvano claims that he didn't do it and his father sends him to take sanctuary at a friary in a nearby town while they figure out who the real murderer is. Meanwhile, the pretty, young Chiara is sent to the nextdoor convent because there is not money enough for her dowry. She knows that she has no calling to be a nun, but she feels trapped by her situations. When Chiara and Silvano meet, there are instant sparks. But a murder at the friary throws everything into disarray...

I don't like mysteries, but I loved this book. The detailed historical setting was really appealing to me and it has several nice romantic elements. Hoffman creates a world that it is easy to get lost in and characters that are unforgettable.

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. ( )

Chiara is sent to the convent by her brother because he has no dowry to give her for marriage. When her name is changed to Orsola and her long hair is cut, Chiara is afraid that her lively spirit will be extinguished. All of that changes, however, when a young male novice takes up residence next door with the friars. Both religious houses make paint colors for the master painters. Since both young people are being taught the craft, they meet and become friends. Chiara does not know that the counterfeit novice, Silvano, is in hiding because he has been accused of murder. When a merchant on an overnight stay in the friary is also murdered, suspicion falls once again on Silvano and Brother Anselmo, the Colour Master, who once had romantic ties to the merchant's wife. Chiara and Silvano are thrown together in an attempt to solve the murders. Hoffman's novel is reminiscent of Agatha Christie or Brother Cadfael mysteries. ( )

This historical mystery novel is surprisingly witty, concise and dramatic, with cheesy teenage romance and artsy details. Because it takes place in Italy like her other books, it requires a love and knowledge of Italian culture and art to truly appreciate. The major complaint I have for this book is that it seems like an adult mystery hacked and censored for a pre-teen audience. Had it been developed for a more mature reader, it would have been quite entertaining, but I find it choppy and the mystery way too easily solved. ( )