Rabies is not the only deadly fever in Roman-occupied Alexandria

Miriam was able to identify the culprit in THE DEADLIEST FEVER because he’d been bitten by a rabid bat. Even so, she was lucky. The incubation period for rabies, the time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms, is highly variable, usually from two to twelve weeks but in some cases as long as six years depending on the location and severity of the wound and the amount of virus introduced. But Miriam was fortunate. He was bitten on the head so the incubation period was short, fewer than three weeks.

Don’t feel bad. Our culprit was up to no good when he was bitten. He was about to steal from the Great Synagogue in Alexandria the Jews’ most precious possession, the three gems in their Torah mantle, the flawless emerald, sapphire, and ruby King Solomon himself dedicated to his Temple. Call it Divine Providence, but just as the deed was done, a sharp-toothed, leathery-winged bat shot out of nowhere, swooped across the sanctuary and wheeling around, took a dive and nipped the crown of his head before it disappeared with a shrill screech behind the Ark.

Being readers of the mystery genre, we know that crime often begets more crime. But I’ll say no more, only that you will be in the best position to help Miriam unravel the clues if you keep up with her series. THE DEADLIEST FEVER will be released on April 28th. Click here to see more.