4.0 out of 5 stars
A colorful well-written murder mystery set in Moorish Spain
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2021
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Murder mysteries abound in our modern day bookcase, but this one, The Apothecary, the first book in The City of Dreams series by Joan Fallon, takes the reader back a thousand years ago, in Moorish Spain, to the city of M¡laga, where the mysterious death of its ruler, amidst a power struggle between himself and neighboring states, sends a single family down a very dangerous and treacherous road as they are forced to hunt down the real assassin, in order to save one of their own. Besides the plot itself, a twisted one, the quality of the writing is colorful and detailed, conjuring up both the beauty and the brutality of the times. This well-crafted narrative inexorably draws the reader into a world where the synthesis of different cultures coexist in a delicate balance, one where power-hungry leaders, driven by greed and ideological fanaticism, threaten the equilibrium that most people, despite their differences, are trying to hold together. As far as murder mysteries go, the book will hold you to the end to find out "who done it".
5.0 out of 5 stars
historical drama
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021The City of Dreams, The Apothecary, by Joan Fallon 5 stars
An historical drama taking place in the Mediterranian area after the beginning of Christianity. A story both interesting and gripping. It begins with a Muslim family, the daughter's husband has died and left her with 2 young children. A Jewish friend of her father finds the family a place to live in the town where he lives with his family. It entails the customs of the times and class differences. Danger, deception and intrigue keep the story moving at a fast pace. A very good read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well worth reading!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2019
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Best selling author Joan Fallon never disappoints! If you like historical fiction based on facts then this is for you. If, in addition, you are familiar with the south coast of Spain this book is a must. The story takes us far back to the times of Moorish Spain and the political intrigues surrounding the death of the Khalifa. It is clear that the research has been thorough and the language carefully crafted, enhancing the atmosphere and the mood. As a result, the reader is quickly immersed into those colourful times. The characters are realistic and lively and will remain with the reader long after the end of the book. Plenty of scope for a sequel which I am sure Joan Fallon fans are hoping for!
