Description:

The corpse of an unpopular newcomer floats in the priory millpond. A Jewish family, refugees under the 1275 Statute of the Jewry, is accused. Did Jacob ben Asser kill him or was it Gytha, the prioress' maid? Even Prioress Eleanor now wonders if she wants to unmask the killer. ** ### From Booklist Royal’s ninth mystery finds Prioress Eleanor and her sisters and brothers helping Crowner Ralf with the investigation of a murder. The body turned up in the priory’s mill pond. Kenelm, the victim, was not liked in the village, and the locals don’t want one of their own convicted of the crime. A Jewish family passing through the town on their way to a new home, as required by King Edward’s Statute of the Jewry, quickly become the focus of the inquiry. Jacob ben Asser, his very pregnant wife, and his mother-in-law take refuge in the inn to await the birth of their child. It promises to be difficult, but they are reluctant to seek help at the priory’s infirmary because they fear that the child will be taken from them, baptized, and given to a Christian family. Eleanor and Ralf must solve the case quickly before it is resolved in the court of public opinion. Riots loom, and threats against the Jews escalate. Historical-mystery fans will find much to like here. The novel is well researched, with an intriguing plot and a timely message about religious tolerance. --Barbara Bibel ### Review ""Period details fit unobtrusively with the action, and the pacing makes this a one- or two-sitting read at most."" --*Publishers Weekly* ""The vividly drawn characters in THE SANCTITY OF HATE (Poisoned Pen, cloth, $24.95; paper, $14.95) enlighten us on many details of monastic life."" --*New York Times* ""Historical mystery fans will find much to like here. The novel is well researched, with an intriguing plot and a timely message about religious tolerance."" --*Booklist* ""Royal’s ninth (A Killing Season, 2011, etc.), though certainly not her best mystery, includes some fascinating historical information that may come as a surprise to many readers "" --*Kirkus*