The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
elizabethvail13's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wildwolverine's review against another edition
4.0
A great follow-up to the Mistress of the Art of Death! Loved seeing some of my favorite characters from the first installment, even if only briefly. Adelia, Glytha, Mansur, and Rowley all grew so much in the year since the first book yet were still themselves. Even Henry II-lofty and real-showed another side of himself. Also loved meeting some new characters, even if some of them were dead. One of the things I admire about Franklin is her ability to integrate historical figures with fictional ones. The historical figures of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are definitely larger than life, but they don't feel untouchable to the reader. It's a good balance.
The murders in this book (double mystery!) shocked in a different way compared to the first book. I was still gripping the book in anticipation! I will say this book felt a little slower and was a little more anti-climatic compared to the first book. Part of that was because there wasn't as much comedy or romance to break it up when the sleuthing stalled. Here's to hoping there's more of this in the third book!
The murders in this book (double mystery!) shocked in a different way compared to the first book. I was still gripping the book in anticipation! I will say this book felt a little slower and was a little more anti-climatic compared to the first book. Part of that was because there wasn't as much comedy or romance to break it up when the sleuthing stalled. Here's to hoping there's more of this in the third book!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Serpent’s Tale by Ariana Franklin
Book #2 in the Mistress of the Art of Death
4 Stars
Synopsis:
A forensic scientist in medieval times, Adelia Aguilar finds herself embroiled in another case of murder and politics when King Henry II's mistress is poisoned. Adeila must discover the murderer's identity before she and her loved ones are caught up in the civil war that threatens to break out between Henry and his rebellious wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Review:
Gets off to a slow start but increases in pace and tension and packs a huge wallop at the end. Adelia is one of my favorite characters. Her intelligence and fierce independence are awe inspiring and I really enjoy reading about her love/hate relationship with Rowley Picot, now the Bishop of Saint Albans.
The political machinations that constitute the basis for the murder plot may be a little confusing at times, especially for those unfamiliar with English history in that period. Nevertheless, the basic motives of greed and ambition come through quite clearly. I must say that the identity of the assassin caught me by surprise. He turns out to be the one character I never suspected.
Recommendation: An interesting and entertaining read. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one.
Book #2 in the Mistress of the Art of Death
4 Stars
Synopsis:
A forensic scientist in medieval times, Adelia Aguilar finds herself embroiled in another case of murder and politics when King Henry II's mistress is poisoned. Adeila must discover the murderer's identity before she and her loved ones are caught up in the civil war that threatens to break out between Henry and his rebellious wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Review:
Gets off to a slow start but increases in pace and tension and packs a huge wallop at the end. Adelia is one of my favorite characters. Her intelligence and fierce independence are awe inspiring and I really enjoy reading about her love/hate relationship with Rowley Picot, now the Bishop of Saint Albans.
The political machinations that constitute the basis for the murder plot may be a little confusing at times, especially for those unfamiliar with English history in that period. Nevertheless, the basic motives of greed and ambition come through quite clearly. I must say that the identity of the assassin caught me by surprise. He turns out to be the one character I never suspected.
Recommendation: An interesting and entertaining read. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one.
monicamjw's review against another edition
4.0
This is part of a wonderful series of historical fiction centered around a female "coroner" during the reign of Henry Plantagenet. Great period details, a good mystery and a tremendous main character.
ispeakbooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
Adelia Aguilar, Mistress of the Art of Death, has just finished delivering a baby for a family in the fenlands when she is summoned to investigate the poisoning of Rosamund the Fair, King Henry II's favorite mistress. She is cross about having to go, as she is content enough in her forced exile, having had a child of her own and close friends around her. In the process of solving Rosamund's murder, other murders seem to seek her out. She ends up investigating THREE murders simultaneously. What a woman!
As with her prior work, Franklin transported me. I was on Adelia's shoulder throughout the entire investigation. When a wrong was done to her, I gasped in outrage. When she deduced something, I felt clever myself. Also a recurring theme, those in power should not necessarily be able to wield it and be careful whom you trust.
I thought the characters, minor and major, were better fleshed out in this second installment. I enjoyed making Queen Eleanor's acquaintance, and Gyltha, as ever, resonated with her salt-of-the-earth nature. I missed Ulf! He was mentioned but not present in this one.
Mysteries and historical novels are what I enjoy most. Thus, a medieval mystery with a female investigator way ahead of her time is similar to sex and chocolate. Old England is brought to life with the language of the characters and the descriptions of events and setting. I highly recommend this to all who enjoy historical mystery!
As with her prior work, Franklin transported me. I was on Adelia's shoulder throughout the entire investigation. When a wrong was done to her, I gasped in outrage. When she deduced something, I felt clever myself. Also a recurring theme, those in power should not necessarily be able to wield it and be careful whom you trust.
I thought the characters, minor and major, were better fleshed out in this second installment. I enjoyed making Queen Eleanor's acquaintance, and Gyltha, as ever, resonated with her salt-of-the-earth nature. I missed Ulf! He was mentioned but not present in this one.
Mysteries and historical novels are what I enjoy most. Thus, a medieval mystery with a female investigator way ahead of her time is similar to sex and chocolate. Old England is brought to life with the language of the characters and the descriptions of events and setting. I highly recommend this to all who enjoy historical mystery!
booksforbrooks's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this in the on my many trips up and down the M1 during July/August. Not as good as the first, but enjoyable enough.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent follow-up to the first book. Adelia is asked to solve the murder of Henry II's mistress Rosamund and prove it's not the queen. Very enjoyable.
diamontique's review against another edition
1.0
I actually just picked this up at Target, not having read the previous book, or knowing that it was a sequel. I picked it up, thinking it would be an interesting read. Well, I couldn't finish it. Only 40 pages into it, and I had to stop. The author was just trying to hard for the characters to sound "hip" and "open-minded" and all of that. And the main character was so confusing. It seemed that she had this vendetta against religion, and yet at times was actually quite religious. Also, the idea of a female doctor and a Muslim in 12th century England is just absurd.
bbqrplanting's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first. I'm knocking it down a star because there were some fat-phobic elements.