During his travels, Solomon is convinced to help a group trying to rescue a young Jewish woman who was taken by Christians during their conquest of Almeria. It is during this rescue that Solomon encounters two male relatives: Catherine’s father Hubert, now Chaim, who has returned to the religion of his birth (Judaism) and his own father, who has not only renounced his Jewish heritage, but has taken a Christian name, James, and become a zealous monk.

James is on a mission similar to his son’s, the rescue of knights held by Muslims. Along the way, one of his fellow monks is found murdered and some of the ransom money missing. Though it appears to be a robbery, James is uncertain and fears for his life. He quickly realizes that the only person who may be able to help him is the son he disowned - the son he tried to have executed several years before.

The Outcast Dove is an engrossing historical mystery with such elegant detail that readers will be well involved before they realize Catherine is absent. Solomon has always been an interesting secondary character, but it is long past time for his story to be told. Solomon is a worthy main character and no longer needs to be in his cousin’s shadow.

As Solomon faces his Jewish heritage and the choices his family has made - the juxtaposition of two brothers, his father raised a Jew, now converted to Catholicism, and his uncle Hubert, raised Catholic, now taking his place among Jewish scholars – the author provides not only necessary personal background, but helps place the religious climate of the time into context. The period details are easily entwined in the story, making the medieval setting feel as familiar as a modern day one.

Though long time fans of this series may miss Catherine and her strong-willed, vivacious personality, they will soon be glad to have had a chance to know Solomon better, and to put the entire family’s history into context.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry