by Sheri Holman
First published 1997
Father Felix Fabri arrives at the monastery in 1483 with sacred purpose. He has traveled far to venerate the holy relics of Saint Katherine of Alexandria, the revered martyr whose remains draw pilgrims from across Christendom. But something is wrong at the shrine. Pieces of the saint's body have begun to disappear. What started as a devout journey becomes something far more troubling as Father Felix finds himself drawn into the mystery. Someone is stealing the sacred remains, desecrating what should be inviolate. The priest must navigate the treacherous currents of medieval religious politics and human greed. His faith will be tested as he uncovers the truth behind the missing relics. This is a story about the collision between spiritual devotion and earthly corruption, where even the most sacred spaces harbor dark secrets.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: mystery, religious-themes
Setting: Christendom, Monastery
Period: 1483
343 pages · Hardcover · Atlantic Monthly Pr
Content warnings: violence