Romaunce Books signs up prize-winning author Michael Lynes Blood Libel, the first title in the ‘Isaac Alvarez Mysteries’ for publication early 2023, with options on The Heretic’s Daughter and The Red Citadel the next titles in the gripping historical fiction series based around the Spanish Inquisition. The refreshed covers designed by Ray Lipscombe
Michael Lynes writes historical mysteries and has a particular interest in early 16th century Andalucia. He is fascinated by the interplay between cultures, globalization and religious intolerance of the period. The Isaac Alvarez mysteries are set against this rich background. He won a prize for his fiction at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival and is an alumna of the Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel course.
Blood Libel, Michael’s debut novel, and Isaac’s first investigation was published in January 2021 . He is hard at work on the second book in the series and planning the third. Michael is originally from London but currently lives in Dubai with his family.
Blood Libel
‘Immensely gripping and suspenseful’
Sophie Hannah, New York Times Bestseller
As the Inquisition closes in can Isaac protect both his family and his faith? The Inquisition is determined to execute heretics like Isaac - those who practice Judaism in secret. Friends and family are arrested and set against each other. Isaac's best friend is accused of heresy and he is forced to choose between him and his own family. King Ferdinand offers to help him - can Isaac trust him? As the mystery unravels what secrets will Isaac uncover about himself, his friends and his family?
Can Isaac discover the real killer and disprove the ‘blood libel’?
The Heretics Daughter
‘Gripping and twisty. Everything a historical thriller should be’
Awais Khan, author of ‘No Honour’
As the Inquisition’s grip tightens Isaac and Isabel must choose between family and faith. Will theysurvive the consequences? Isaac seeks revenge on Torquemada for murdering his wife and best friend. He’s not the only one who wants The Grand Inquisitor dead. The King commands Isaac to investigate. Should he save the man he hates? Fail and he loses the King’s protection — the only thing keeping him alive. Feeling abandoned by her father and con!icted by his heresy, Isabel sets out to discover the truth. The trail leads to the darkest places in Seville. She’s unnerved by a shocking revelation and a surprising discovery about her real feelings. Can Isabel use what she unearths to save her father and their family?
Coming soon - The Red Citadel
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