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78th out of 738 books
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1,608 voters
Death Comes As Epiphany (Catherine LeVendeur #1)
Catherine LeVendeur is a young scholar come to conquer her sin of pride at the Convent of the Paraclete, famous for learning, prayer, and its abbess, the fabled Heloise.
When a manuscript the convent produced for the great Abbe Suger disappears, rumors surface saying the book contains sacrilegious passages and will be used to condemn Heloise's famous lover, Peter Abelard.
T...more
When a manuscript the convent produced for the great Abbe Suger disappears, rumors surface saying the book contains sacrilegious passages and will be used to condemn Heloise's famous lover, Peter Abelard.
T...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
January 5th 2002
by Forge Books
(first published 1993)
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Aug 27, 2009
Clif Hostetler
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
A quick look (not necessarily exhaustive or complete) through the list of those who have read this book on Goodreads.com shows that I may be the only person of male gender to have read this book. Hmmm, Oh well, I enjoyed it anyway. It's a murder mystery, historical novel (12th Century France), romance and thriller all rolled into one. However, the medieval setting gives the book a mood and tone that will never be found in a modern mystery-romance-thriller novel. It helps for the reader to be fam...more
I thought I would end up enjoying this book since the beginning of it was so strong. The characters seemed interesting and the portrayals of medieval life appeared well researched. I was looking forward to a nice medieval mystery novel. But somewhere in the middle of the book, the mystery and logic got lost. Or maybe I just got turned off by the over-sexed Satanist that appeared mid-way that solicited Catherine (I literally cracked up laughing at that part and I'm sure the author had not meant f...more
I read this book because a friend lent it to me and because I was interested in the story of Heloise and Abelard. Their story is a background for the book and it stays in the background. The main character is Catherine LeVendeur, an intellectual young women from a prosperous family, who is studying to become a nun. When a psalter written by the convent Heloise runs is defaced, it threatens to destroy her reputation, and she sends Catherine to find out what is going on. As Catherine does so, she...more
Catherine LeVendeur is a novice nun who, while devoted to God, is more interested in the fact that living in a convent allows her to study and learn. When a psalter she helped write is defiled, the abbess sends her home to discover the vandal. In the midst of this she is swept up in a mystery of murder, theft, and vanity, as well as a timid budding romance with a secretive man. I enjoyed this one, which surprised me a little since I'm not much of a mystery reader, but I think what fascinated me...more
This was a fun, light read. Set in 1139 France, Catherine LeVendeur is a novice nun who has not yet taken her final vows. She is at the Convent of the Paraclete studying under the abbess Heloise. Catheine had a part in preparing a manuscript for Abbe' Sugar that has disappeared and word is that the manuscript has been defaced with heresy. Catherine is sent back to her family from the convent in the disguise of a disgraced nun, but in reality is on a mission to find the missing manuscript and det...more
Aug 29, 2007
Sarah
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
lovers of historical fiction, mystery readers
Shelves:
historical,
mystery
Amazing. Makes 12th-century France seem very alive and real, and avoids the trap of making characters in a historical novel paragons of the modern day. Later novels fall off in quality, but this one is absolutely top-notch.
Jun 13, 2009
Felicity
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of well-crafted historical mystery
Recommended to Felicity by:
Sara M. & Camille A.
An engrossing plot, charming heroine and intriguing historical details. The main characters were well-drawn and likeable, and the use of Heloise and Abelard did not seem ponderous or contrived (as use of historical personages in fiction sometimes does.) I liked the thorough depiction of the culture, especially the way people's belief in the supernatural was pervasive and convincing.
My only quibble was with the occasional forays into the perspective of secondary characters. I felt it added little...more
My only quibble was with the occasional forays into the perspective of secondary characters. I felt it added little...more
Aug 08, 2011
Jennifer Schneider
added it
I read this book for a book club, and while I don't think it was exactly poorly written, I didn't enjoy it either. I had hopes for it when it started, as I've been to Paris and seen the tomb of Heloise and Abelard, and thought it might be fun to read fiction about them. But the story was slow, the characters weren't interesting, and everything that happened seemed so far-fetched and forced. Catherine was supposed to be this amazingly smart woman, but she spent the whole novel getting injured or...more
Set in 12th century France, this features Catherine, a young novice and scholar at the Convent of the Paraclete, who is sent by the Abbess Heloise on a perilous mission to find out who is trying to destroy the reputation of the convent and, through it, that of the abbess’s onetime lover and patron, theologian Peter Abelard.
I was uncomfortable with the amount of religious rigmarole, the “right’ of the church, and the solution: madness – or something darker? 3 stars
Read this if: you would enjoy a...more
I was uncomfortable with the amount of religious rigmarole, the “right’ of the church, and the solution: madness – or something darker? 3 stars
Read this if: you would enjoy a...more
I picked this up because the idea of a mystery set in 12th century France was appealing. I had no idea how in-depth and captivating it would turn out to be! Newman manages to flawlessly interweave historical fact with some of the most interesting fictional characters I have seen in a while. Her work is obviously very carefully researched, and it's amazing how she manages to bring true human faces to a time period so long ago. As soon as i finished this one, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the...more
This book was, obviously, a really fast read for me. I couldn't make myself put it down, actually. Every spare moment (and some moments that weren't spare) I was reading it.
The characterization was great! I loved both Edgar and Catherine, as well as the minor and more secondary characters. Someone who is interested in everything being perfectly, historically accurate would probably not appreciate some of the things the author did - certain of the characters express some rather modern views. Howe...more
The characterization was great! I loved both Edgar and Catherine, as well as the minor and more secondary characters. Someone who is interested in everything being perfectly, historically accurate would probably not appreciate some of the things the author did - certain of the characters express some rather modern views. Howe...more
Catherine LeVendeur is a young scholar come to conquer her sin of pride at the Convent of the Paraclete, a convent famous for learning and prayer, and its abbess, the fabled Heloise.
When a manuscript that the convent produced for the great Abbé Suger disappears, rumors surface that the book contains sacrilegious passages and will be used to condemn Heloise's famous lover, Peter Abelard.
To save her Order and protect all she holds dear, Catherine must find the manuscript and discover who has alter...more
When a manuscript that the convent produced for the great Abbé Suger disappears, rumors surface that the book contains sacrilegious passages and will be used to condemn Heloise's famous lover, Peter Abelard.
To save her Order and protect all she holds dear, Catherine must find the manuscript and discover who has alter...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
DEATH COMES AS AN EPIPHANY - Okay
Newman, Sharan - 1st in Catherine LeVendeur series
Catherine LeVendeur, a young novice and scholar at the Convent of the Paraclete, is sent by the Abbess Heloise on a perilous mission to find out who is trying to destroy the reputation of the convent and, through it, that of the abbess's onetime lover and patron, theologian Peter Abelard. A psalter created at the convent and given as a gift to the powerful abbot Suger of Saint-Denis is later rumored to contain her...more
Newman, Sharan - 1st in Catherine LeVendeur series
Catherine LeVendeur, a young novice and scholar at the Convent of the Paraclete, is sent by the Abbess Heloise on a perilous mission to find out who is trying to destroy the reputation of the convent and, through it, that of the abbess's onetime lover and patron, theologian Peter Abelard. A psalter created at the convent and given as a gift to the powerful abbot Suger of Saint-Denis is later rumored to contain her...more
A medievalist breathes life and vigour into the scholastic debates and religious controversies of 12th-century France in this entrancing mystery debut. Catherine LeVendeur, a young novice and scholar at the Convent of the Paraclete, is sent by the Abbess Heloise on a perilous mission to find out who is trying to destroy the reputation of the convent and, through it, that of the abbess's onetime lover and patron, theologian Peter Abelard. A Psalter created at the convent and given as a gift to th...more
I love all of the books in the Catherine LeVendeur series, but will just write a review of this one since it's the first.
These books are set in the 1100s in France. I love learning about that period of time and what a family's routine might have been like. I also love the historic figures that make appearances - getting to learn about them.
Specifically about the series - so well written and interesting. The heroine is a very smart, independent, and deeply religious woman. For the Catholics of t...more
These books are set in the 1100s in France. I love learning about that period of time and what a family's routine might have been like. I also love the historic figures that make appearances - getting to learn about them.
Specifically about the series - so well written and interesting. The heroine is a very smart, independent, and deeply religious woman. For the Catholics of t...more
This book has a lot of the flaws that usually convince me to avoid the mystery genre altogether, like relying on coincidences and chance meetings that seem way too convenient. But it's hard to blame Newman when her story is still so unique and engaging, and I confess I didn't see the ending coming, despite the foreshadowing, because there's just so much detail and so much going on. The protagonist is also surprisingly relatable for a nun, which is a feat in itself.
PROTAGONIST: Catherine LeVendeur
SETTING: 1139 France
SERIES: #1 of 10
RATING: 3.25
WHY: Historicals are not normally my thing, but this one was well done. I liked how the author integrated bits of history into the narrative. The heroine also had some unusual traits that made her stand out (e.g., she was a klutz). Some of the writing elements put me off, most especially the voices that she heard when she had conflict going on.
SETTING: 1139 France
SERIES: #1 of 10
RATING: 3.25
WHY: Historicals are not normally my thing, but this one was well done. I liked how the author integrated bits of history into the narrative. The heroine also had some unusual traits that made her stand out (e.g., she was a klutz). Some of the writing elements put me off, most especially the voices that she heard when she had conflict going on.
A mystery set in medieval France featuring an 18 year old girl who has been living in a convent (she has not yet taken final vows), but is sent by the abbess to find a psalter they created that may have been blasphemously altered. I enjoyed the look at medieval France, a time period with which I am not very familiar. The story was good, not great, but I am curious if the series improves.
As a medievalist I was happy with the history (and even dealing with historical figures and how there were some awesomely strong females in 12th century France!) As a half-Jew I was happy how she manage to deal with lots of different religions. As a fan of mysteries I was happy with the plot. And as a fan of this book I was happy that there are sequels! huzzah!
A great series with well defined characters, wonderful attention to historical detail and plots that move you through the pages. Each one in the series has been hard to put down.
I am glad I discovered Catherine LeVandeur after they had been out a while as I could voraciously read my way through the series without waiting for the next to be published.
I am glad I discovered Catherine LeVandeur after they had been out a while as I could voraciously read my way through the series without waiting for the next to be published.
The book is detailed, and I have already become quite fond of Sister Catherine LeVendeur. Truth be told, so far I have re-learned how cruel life can be, but have also been Lovingly Re-Minded that one needs to be focused on one's goals, and especially on achieving them, regardless of what is happening around him or her. I am looking forward to reading all the novels in this series.
This was a fun and interesting read about a female heroin in Midieval France who is caught up in a murder mystery. There is also a romantic story line. It's a little light and not quite as engrossing as I like a novel to be but it was a fun read and I learned some things about life in Midieval France.
This is book one in a historical mystery series set in 12th century France. The main character is Catherine LeVendeur, daughter to a wealthy merchant and novice at the Convent of the Paraclete.
When the abbess requests that she return home in disgrace in order to determine who is trying to discredit their convert, Catherine agrees. Through murder and madness, love and narrow escapes, Catherine resolves to solve the mysteries she has encountered and she does it with humour, determination and lots...more
When the abbess requests that she return home in disgrace in order to determine who is trying to discredit their convert, Catherine agrees. Through murder and madness, love and narrow escapes, Catherine resolves to solve the mysteries she has encountered and she does it with humour, determination and lots...more
Nov 02, 2011
Lady Knight
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
on-my-shelf-book,
2011-tbr-pile-read,
adult,
france,
favorites,
historical-fiction,
middle-ages,
mystery
It's been years since I last read a Catherine LeVendeur mystery and honestly I'd forgotten just how enjoyable a read they are! Are there flaws? Admittedly there is the odd plot hole... but they're minor and unless you're on a re-read, you're too caught up in the story to notice. The characters are dynamic, the setting is unusual and wonderful, and best of all we get a great mystery written by a scholar (the ultimate history buff) but without the pretensions.
All in all this is definitely a winne...more
All in all this is definitely a winne...more
Aug 17, 2012
David Rochelero Spanish-English Translator
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Most everyone.
Recommended to David by:
Lenonor of Aquitania
It made me want to keep turning the page! So, I turned so many pages, that I finished the novel in three days. Now, I want to see what happens in the second novel in the Catherine LeVendeur mystery series. That can be my treat after I finish my first translation from English to Spanish.^_^
I wasnt quite sure what to expect with this book. I picked it up simply because I hadnt read a mystery in a while. The story was interesting, and held my attention, although I started suspecting certain people after a while. I will definitly read the next book in the series.
This medieval mystery has a modern slant. Not in an obnoxious way, but in its writing: thankfully it's not written in some pretend version of Olde English (which I've encountered in other novels). It is a little anachronistic but much less irritating than the occasional
'twas and thee and so forth to give it that medieval flavor.
It wasn't the best as a mystery, though the twist was a bit of a surprise (not a huge one, but something of one), but the characters are nicely drawn and those who are s...more
'twas and thee and so forth to give it that medieval flavor.
It wasn't the best as a mystery, though the twist was a bit of a surprise (not a huge one, but something of one), but the characters are nicely drawn and those who are s...more
This is the second time I've read this book. It's not very deeply written (stylistically it reads more like a YA novel), but it's pretty much adult-level in its themes. Catherine is a delightful character, but the best thing about the book is what it shows the reader about medieval life (not exactly what you've been taught). The author has a PhD in medieval history, so I guess I'll believe her.
Jan 13, 2013
Lori
added it
I read this a long time ago. I don't remember the details, and I've lost track of the series, but I enjoyed it very much. Newman is a medieval scholar, so this book has a good solid historical background. I need to reread and to pick up the series again.
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Sharan Newman is a medieval historian and author. She took her Master’s degree in Medieval Literature at Michigan State University and then did her doctoral work at the University of California at Santa Barbara in Medieval Studies, specializing in twelfth-century France. She is a member of the Medieval Academy and the Medieval Association of the Pacific.
Rather than teach, Newman chose to use her e...more
More about Sharan Newman...
Rather than teach, Newman chose to use her e...more
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“Catherine Le Vendeur," he asked sententiously, "have you known this man carnally?"
"No father," Catherine answered. "But, with your kind permission, I would very much like to.”
—
4 people liked it
More quotes…
"No father," Catherine answered. "But, with your kind permission, I would very much like to.”
Jul 31, 2010 04:18pm