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A review by ispeakbooknerd
The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin
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!