The Falconer's Knot, Mary Hoffman

This is a mystery novel set in 14th century Italy. Silvano, a young nobleman who rides through his home of Perrugia with his hunting falcon, is cast under suspicion of murder and his father sends him to a friary so he will be safe until his name is cleared. But then a rash of murders begin at the friary. Silvano and Chiara, a young unwilling novice who he has met, must try to solve the murders. There are a lot of complicated side-plots in this intriguing book as well, including two women, both widowed by the murders. This was a pretty suspenseful book, and I liked how it was set in 14th century Italy. There is a lot of talk about frescoes and other paintings in the walls cathedrals that is really interesting, and I love the world that is described in this book. However, the actual mystery itself wasn't that complicated. There was no real connection between the seemingly separate murders, even though the murderer was the same. You'll see if you read it. 285 pages, 4 stars.