Inquisition ~ Alfredo Colitto

Templar Knights are falling dead with good reason; their hearts are made of iron. Or are they? Alchemy, the science by which different elements are combined to make a third. Apparently a thing to fear during the Middle Ages, though how they understood their weapons to be made still is a mystery to me.



Set in the dark days of the Catholic Inquisition, a time and place where no one, not even a religious figure was above suspicion of cavorting with the devil and his minions. The local archbishop-cum-detective is tasked with understanding why these honourable warriors back from the Crusades are dying in such a mysterious way. Is it one of their own, turned against them or perhaps a man of God? Regardless of who it is, the archbishop's insertion into the investigation puts his own life at risk.

This book is more about alchemy and how someone can render a heart into iron than it is about an inquisition. True, the Inquisition plays a crucial role in that there is additional tension placed on the protagonist, but the story itself is hardly about the actual Inquisition, its existence, why it was so blatantly feared and how people were selected, punished and either released or killed for their sins. For this reason, I felt deceived. However, as far as a mystery goes, it's quite good. There are elements that seem lost in translation (originally written in Italian, the translation of this text by Sophie Henderson). I didn't get the impression there was anything missing from the story, but there were awkward turns of phrases and the pace was slightly off in some places. I would not; however, be prevented from reading future instalments of this series as the characters are quite earnest in their convictions and beliefs. Quite refreshing considering this was a time in history that allowed for changing one's mind quite easily when faced with the pointy end of a sword.

Review previously appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy Blog