The Sheen On the Silk : a Novel

Library Journal In the 13th century, one city stood between the Holy Roman Empire and the Holy Land: Constantinople. In a switch from her Victorian mysteries, Perry (Buckingham Palace Gardens) weaves a complex and richly layered tale against this exotic backdrop. Anna, a young physician, comes to the city disguised as a eunuch to learn the truth behind the exile of her twin brother, who was implicated in a murder. No simple task, it takes years for her to work her way up through the many layers of Byzantine society until she is in a position to gain the truth. As her story unfolds, Constantinople struggles against internal and external forces in order to remain true to the Orthodox faith that set it at odds with Rome, all the while preparing for the next crusade. Like Judith Tarr in The Eagle's Daughter, Perry brings to life a lesser-known time and place. Both the mystery and the love story are enjoyable, but it is the city itself that is the true star. VERDICT Fans of historical fiction and Perry's historical mysteries will enjoy this.?Pamela O'Sullivan, SUNY Brockport