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A Jagiellon Mystery #1
Silent Water
It is Christmas 1519 and the royal court in Kraków is in the midst of celebrating the joyous season. Less than two years earlier, Italian noblewoman Bona Sforza arrived in Poland’s capital from Bari as King Zygmunt’s new bride. She came from Italy accompanied by a splendid entourage, including Contessa Caterina Sanseverino who oversees the ladies of the Queen’s Chamber.
Caterina is still adjusting to the life in this northern kingdom of cold winters, unfamiliar customs, and an incomprehensible language when a shocking murder rocks the court on Christmas night. It is followed by another a few days later. The victims have seemingly nothing in common. Gossip, speculation, and suspicion are rife, but the perpetrator remains elusive as the court heads into the New Year.
As the official investigation stalls, Caterina—aided by Sebastian Konarski, a junior secretary in the king’s household—sets out to find the killer. With clues beginning to point to the queen’s innermost circle, the pair are soon racing against time to stop another murder.
Silent Water is a story of power and its abuse, and the extremes to which a person may go to find redress for justice denied. Although set at the dawn of the Renaissance era, its themes carry uncanny parallels to some of the most topical social issues of the 21st century.
"This clever and suspenseful murder mystery casts a fresh and sparkling light on the world beloved by fans of The Tudors and The Borgias. P. K. Adams, author of two previous novels about the twelfth-century healer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen, masterfully brings Renaissance Poland to life without ever losing track of the human passions that drive her characters. A wonderful start to a new series."
—C. P. Lesley, author of Song of the Siren and other novels
Caterina is still adjusting to the life in this northern kingdom of cold winters, unfamiliar customs, and an incomprehensible language when a shocking murder rocks the court on Christmas night. It is followed by another a few days later. The victims have seemingly nothing in common. Gossip, speculation, and suspicion are rife, but the perpetrator remains elusive as the court heads into the New Year.
As the official investigation stalls, Caterina—aided by Sebastian Konarski, a junior secretary in the king’s household—sets out to find the killer. With clues beginning to point to the queen’s innermost circle, the pair are soon racing against time to stop another murder.
Silent Water is a story of power and its abuse, and the extremes to which a person may go to find redress for justice denied. Although set at the dawn of the Renaissance era, its themes carry uncanny parallels to some of the most topical social issues of the 21st century.
"This clever and suspenseful murder mystery casts a fresh and sparkling light on the world beloved by fans of The Tudors and The Borgias. P. K. Adams, author of two previous novels about the twelfth-century healer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen, masterfully brings Renaissance Poland to life without ever losing track of the human passions that drive her characters. A wonderful start to a new series."
—C. P. Lesley, author of Song of the Siren and other novels
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
186 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
P.K. Adams
5 books57 followersI am a Boston-based historical fiction author with a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a master’s degree from Yale University. I am a life-long lover of history, and my goal is to bring stories of lesser-known historical figures and places to the attention of wider audiences. I have a blog where I share my writing journey, review historical fiction, host guest blogs from fellow authors in the genre, and advocate for making more non-famous women the subjects of historical novels. When not writing, I can be found drinking tea, practicing yoga, reading …. although usually not at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 19, 2019
“Silent Water” is the initial entry in a new mystery series set in sixteenth century Poland, and it is a fine opener.
The story is told through the viewpoint of a young widowed Italian woman, Caterina, who accompanies Bona Sforina to Poland. Bona is engaged to the considerably older King Sigismund, and Caterina is placed in charge of Bona’s young ladies-in-waiting.
Amidst the Christmas festivities, a murder occurs and Caterina finds herself in the role of an unlikely but persistent detective. One murder follows another as the story rolls forward, providing the reader not only with mystery, but also with a good grasp of the Polish court and issues of the time. P.K. provides the reader with a deep, immersive dive into the period. Fine historical fiction.
The story is told through the viewpoint of a young widowed Italian woman, Caterina, who accompanies Bona Sforina to Poland. Bona is engaged to the considerably older King Sigismund, and Caterina is placed in charge of Bona’s young ladies-in-waiting.
Amidst the Christmas festivities, a murder occurs and Caterina finds herself in the role of an unlikely but persistent detective. One murder follows another as the story rolls forward, providing the reader not only with mystery, but also with a good grasp of the Polish court and issues of the time. P.K. provides the reader with a deep, immersive dive into the period. Fine historical fiction.
November 14, 2020
Silent Water is the first book in the Jagiellon mystery series, which is set in Poland during the 1500s.
Told from the point of view of Contessa Caterina Sanseverino, a lady-in-waiting to Poland’s Queen Bona, the story revolves around a murder during the Christmas celebrations of 1519. Caterina becomes involved in solving the murder, a job made more difficult because she must also oversee the other younger ladies-in-waiting. Keeping them in hand during the Christmas period is especially hard in a court filled with exuberant celebrations, and it hampers Caterina’s investigations.
I’ve read a few medieval stories, but I have never come across the history of Poland from this era. The historical elements were well-written and easy to follow as was the murder mystery. The hardest part for me was keeping up with all of the characters, mainly because I found the Polish names hard to pronounce to myself. However, the author provides a list of names with helpful pronunciations at the beginning for those, like me, who may find them a challenge.
A solid piece of historical fiction; my only complaint was the quantity of characters, as I struggled to remember who they all were.
Told from the point of view of Contessa Caterina Sanseverino, a lady-in-waiting to Poland’s Queen Bona, the story revolves around a murder during the Christmas celebrations of 1519. Caterina becomes involved in solving the murder, a job made more difficult because she must also oversee the other younger ladies-in-waiting. Keeping them in hand during the Christmas period is especially hard in a court filled with exuberant celebrations, and it hampers Caterina’s investigations.
I’ve read a few medieval stories, but I have never come across the history of Poland from this era. The historical elements were well-written and easy to follow as was the murder mystery. The hardest part for me was keeping up with all of the characters, mainly because I found the Polish names hard to pronounce to myself. However, the author provides a list of names with helpful pronunciations at the beginning for those, like me, who may find them a challenge.
A solid piece of historical fiction; my only complaint was the quantity of characters, as I struggled to remember who they all were.
July 2, 2019
I am happy to be able to share the latest book from historical fiction writer P.K. Adams. Her two previous books, which I highly recommend, focused on the first female physician in Germany in the 1100’s. (The Greenest Branch and A Column of Burning Spices.) Her newest book, Silent Water, an historical mystery, is set in Poland, in the early 1500’s. Silent Water blends careful historical research and insight with a compelling murder mystery and a cast of real historical figures, and some creative fictional characters. (And it has a beautiful cover!)
For some historical background, I found an interesting blog post by the author. Silent Water focuses on a woman royal, Queen Bona Sforza. Ms. Adams notes that medieval and early modern queenship is a fascinating area of historical research. Many of us will be more familiar with the famous queens of the Western world, such as as Eleanor of Aquitaine (of France and later of England) Catherine de’ Medici of France, or Elizabeth I of England. These women had substantial leadership roles and freedom to act.
But, as Ms. Adams explains, a woman’s role in countries like Poland and Lithuania was very limited outside the home. Even if they were nobles or royals, their duties centered on bearing children, playing hostess at feasts and banquets, and supervising the domestic staff. They were not expected to remain at the table after a certain hour, and while there they tended to speak among themselves and not to men, especially if those men were not related to them.
With those bits of history, let’s learn more about the book Silent Water. When Bona Sforza married King Zygmunt of the Jagiellon dynasty which ruled the union of Poland and Lithuania, she left Bari, Italy and traveled with her entourage and treasure to Wawel Castle, to join the Royal court in Krakow, Poland. The narrator of this first-person story is Contessa Caterina Sanseverino, the Lady of the Queen’s Chamber. In her early twenties, and recently widowed, she was offered a place in Queen Bona’s new household, in charge of the young ladies in waiting.
The Queen and Contessa Caterina arrive in Krakow in 1518 and settle in to their new world, colder and more restrictive than their sunny Italian home. I was fascinated with the life of the royal household in the castle. As the Lady of the Queens Chamber, Caterina had her hands full monitoring the young Ladies in Waiting, with their beautiful and beguiling ways of flirting with the courtiers.
All goes well until December 25, 1519. Caterina tells us that the events of that festive winter’s night still haunt her dreams many years later. A body is found in a dark hallway in the castle. Caterina knows that this has been no ordinary death and that the killer lurks among them. And then comes the second murder. Caterina is driven to solve the murders. She is helped by Sebastian Konarksi, a junior secretary in the king’s household.
The story of the historical Queen Bona is brilliant. The author shows the many contradictions in Bona’s nature, fiery and unquiet, yet nurturing. Gifted with brilliant intelligence but held back by stubbornness and impetuosity. I was interested in the Queen’s ability to develop agricultural reforms. I have always liked how the author presents the realities of the times, with respect to the treatment of the different classes, royalty and Church, men and women, without being judgmental.
The author deftly weaves the history of the times with a dark set of murders that will intrigue readers. Contessa Caterina is an appealing character and her developing friendship with Konarksi is a good part of this story, too. This is a complex book, with many characters with unfamiliar names to many of us. But, the quality of this book shines through and makes for a special read. Perfect for history lovers who are in the mood for a gripping mystery. And there may be a future mission for Caterina to tell us about- let’s hope another book is coming.
Thanks to the author for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
For some historical background, I found an interesting blog post by the author. Silent Water focuses on a woman royal, Queen Bona Sforza. Ms. Adams notes that medieval and early modern queenship is a fascinating area of historical research. Many of us will be more familiar with the famous queens of the Western world, such as as Eleanor of Aquitaine (of France and later of England) Catherine de’ Medici of France, or Elizabeth I of England. These women had substantial leadership roles and freedom to act.
But, as Ms. Adams explains, a woman’s role in countries like Poland and Lithuania was very limited outside the home. Even if they were nobles or royals, their duties centered on bearing children, playing hostess at feasts and banquets, and supervising the domestic staff. They were not expected to remain at the table after a certain hour, and while there they tended to speak among themselves and not to men, especially if those men were not related to them.
With those bits of history, let’s learn more about the book Silent Water. When Bona Sforza married King Zygmunt of the Jagiellon dynasty which ruled the union of Poland and Lithuania, she left Bari, Italy and traveled with her entourage and treasure to Wawel Castle, to join the Royal court in Krakow, Poland. The narrator of this first-person story is Contessa Caterina Sanseverino, the Lady of the Queen’s Chamber. In her early twenties, and recently widowed, she was offered a place in Queen Bona’s new household, in charge of the young ladies in waiting.
The Queen and Contessa Caterina arrive in Krakow in 1518 and settle in to their new world, colder and more restrictive than their sunny Italian home. I was fascinated with the life of the royal household in the castle. As the Lady of the Queens Chamber, Caterina had her hands full monitoring the young Ladies in Waiting, with their beautiful and beguiling ways of flirting with the courtiers.
All goes well until December 25, 1519. Caterina tells us that the events of that festive winter’s night still haunt her dreams many years later. A body is found in a dark hallway in the castle. Caterina knows that this has been no ordinary death and that the killer lurks among them. And then comes the second murder. Caterina is driven to solve the murders. She is helped by Sebastian Konarksi, a junior secretary in the king’s household.
The story of the historical Queen Bona is brilliant. The author shows the many contradictions in Bona’s nature, fiery and unquiet, yet nurturing. Gifted with brilliant intelligence but held back by stubbornness and impetuosity. I was interested in the Queen’s ability to develop agricultural reforms. I have always liked how the author presents the realities of the times, with respect to the treatment of the different classes, royalty and Church, men and women, without being judgmental.
The author deftly weaves the history of the times with a dark set of murders that will intrigue readers. Contessa Caterina is an appealing character and her developing friendship with Konarksi is a good part of this story, too. This is a complex book, with many characters with unfamiliar names to many of us. But, the quality of this book shines through and makes for a special read. Perfect for history lovers who are in the mood for a gripping mystery. And there may be a future mission for Caterina to tell us about- let’s hope another book is coming.
Thanks to the author for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
November 28, 2020
A twisty mystery full of intrigue. Really enjoyed all the detail in this interesting story.
August 17, 2019
Set in the depths of winter, during the Polish Golden Age at the time of the Jagiellonian dynasty, Silent Water is a deeply satisfying and engrossing historical mystery.
Often stellar plots are those that are simple, but richly executed, with penetrating human insights and unforgettable sets. Silent Water falls in this category. The narration is in first person with a tone that often borders on the melancholic, hinting to the tragedies that will soon be revealed.
Newly arrived in Poland, Contessa Caterina Sanseverino is part of Queen Bona Sforza's entourage. Bringing with her the fashions and social mores of her native Italy, Queen Bona has married King Zygmont I, ruler of Poland and Lithuania.
Through Caterina's eyes and voice, we are transported to 16th century Kraków in the Wawel Royal Castle. As Lady of the Queen's Chamber, to her falls the overwhelming responsibility of safeguarding the honour and righteousness of the other ladies of the court - ladies of both Italian and Polish origin. Not an easy task when Lucrezia Alifio is an inveterate flirt, Magdalena Górka is no better, and who knows what the flamed-head Helena Lipińska is up to.
Through Caterina, we learn of the fascinating political climate of the period, and meet wonderfully described characters including the womanising diplomat, Jan Dantyszek. The intrigues at court make for great entertainment and the author has deftly incorporated her knowledge of the culture into the narrative. One highlight for me was the grand sleigh rides, or sanna, on the day before New Year's Eve.
But over the course of feasting and the traditional celebrations that unravel during Christmas, New Year and the Epiphany, one by one, a series of grizzly murders will rock the royal palace. Suspicions fly, political conspiracies are on the rise, gossip is ever rampant, a suspect is arrested, and more and more, Caterina is convinced that the imprisoned suspect is innocent. She has her own ideas.
A natural sleuth, Caterina finds herself the primary detective in this series of murders that soon reaches its chilling climax with a suspenseful, Gothic sequence. For many readers who may guess the 'who' along the way, the conclusion offers satisfaction around the 'how' and the 'why', while posing new and haunting moral questions.
The female gaze dominates this novel. It is a gaze imbued with the morality and social concerns of the period. Caterina is an observant woman who misses nothing of her charges' flirtations and social games. At least, she believes she has missed nothing. And that is her tragedy.
The author vividly paints the Kraków courtiers together with their costumes and clubs; there is mention of Italian artists invited by the Queen, Polish writers and academics, including the now famous physicist, Nicolaus Copernicus. It was fascinating to learn just how much influence Italian art and architecture had in Poland at the time of Bona Sforza.
The book's portrait of a determined queen was faithful to history. I enjoyed learning about her proposed agricultural reforms and was astounded by her willpower in taking on the remnant Teutonic Order.
The Jagiellonian dynasty is not as well known as the English Tudors or the French Bourbons. Its first ruler, Władysław II Jagiełło - Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland by marriage - defeated the German Teutonic Knights in the 1410 Battle of Grunwald. It is a pity that there are not many authors with the courage to create stories in this unexplored landscape. We are thankful to P.K. Adams.
What is worth noting is that Poland is not just underrepresented in historical fiction; its recent economic growth (it is now the 7th largest economy in the EU) has gone unreported despite it being touted by the World Bank as a new "Golden Age". Personally upon reading Silent Water, I was eager to visit Poland if only to step back in time to that first Golden Age.
I will be looking forward to that, and to the other two books in this series.
Often stellar plots are those that are simple, but richly executed, with penetrating human insights and unforgettable sets. Silent Water falls in this category. The narration is in first person with a tone that often borders on the melancholic, hinting to the tragedies that will soon be revealed.
Newly arrived in Poland, Contessa Caterina Sanseverino is part of Queen Bona Sforza's entourage. Bringing with her the fashions and social mores of her native Italy, Queen Bona has married King Zygmont I, ruler of Poland and Lithuania.
Through Caterina's eyes and voice, we are transported to 16th century Kraków in the Wawel Royal Castle. As Lady of the Queen's Chamber, to her falls the overwhelming responsibility of safeguarding the honour and righteousness of the other ladies of the court - ladies of both Italian and Polish origin. Not an easy task when Lucrezia Alifio is an inveterate flirt, Magdalena Górka is no better, and who knows what the flamed-head Helena Lipińska is up to.
Through Caterina, we learn of the fascinating political climate of the period, and meet wonderfully described characters including the womanising diplomat, Jan Dantyszek. The intrigues at court make for great entertainment and the author has deftly incorporated her knowledge of the culture into the narrative. One highlight for me was the grand sleigh rides, or sanna, on the day before New Year's Eve.
But over the course of feasting and the traditional celebrations that unravel during Christmas, New Year and the Epiphany, one by one, a series of grizzly murders will rock the royal palace. Suspicions fly, political conspiracies are on the rise, gossip is ever rampant, a suspect is arrested, and more and more, Caterina is convinced that the imprisoned suspect is innocent. She has her own ideas.
A natural sleuth, Caterina finds herself the primary detective in this series of murders that soon reaches its chilling climax with a suspenseful, Gothic sequence. For many readers who may guess the 'who' along the way, the conclusion offers satisfaction around the 'how' and the 'why', while posing new and haunting moral questions.
The female gaze dominates this novel. It is a gaze imbued with the morality and social concerns of the period. Caterina is an observant woman who misses nothing of her charges' flirtations and social games. At least, she believes she has missed nothing. And that is her tragedy.
The author vividly paints the Kraków courtiers together with their costumes and clubs; there is mention of Italian artists invited by the Queen, Polish writers and academics, including the now famous physicist, Nicolaus Copernicus. It was fascinating to learn just how much influence Italian art and architecture had in Poland at the time of Bona Sforza.
The book's portrait of a determined queen was faithful to history. I enjoyed learning about her proposed agricultural reforms and was astounded by her willpower in taking on the remnant Teutonic Order.
The Jagiellonian dynasty is not as well known as the English Tudors or the French Bourbons. Its first ruler, Władysław II Jagiełło - Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland by marriage - defeated the German Teutonic Knights in the 1410 Battle of Grunwald. It is a pity that there are not many authors with the courage to create stories in this unexplored landscape. We are thankful to P.K. Adams.
What is worth noting is that Poland is not just underrepresented in historical fiction; its recent economic growth (it is now the 7th largest economy in the EU) has gone unreported despite it being touted by the World Bank as a new "Golden Age". Personally upon reading Silent Water, I was eager to visit Poland if only to step back in time to that first Golden Age.
I will be looking forward to that, and to the other two books in this series.
August 8, 2019
When Contessa Caterina Sanseverino is widowed, her family’s reduced circumstances dictate that she find another husband quickly; preferably wealthy, probably as old as her first. Instead she jumps at the chance to join Bona Sforza’s household as Lady of the Queen’s Chamber when Bona marries King Zygmunt of Poland and Lithuania.
Donna Caterina’s primary responsibility is overseeing the queen’s Ladies in Waiting, a task comparable to chaperoning a group of teen-aged girls on a never-ending senior trip. While trying to maintain control of this gaggle of flirtatious girls, Donna Caterina falls into a romance of her own, with Sebastian Konarski, the king’s advisor.
These preoccupations pale when courtier Kasper Zamborski is murdered during a Christmas banquet. Horror gives way to rumors and speculation about motives for the murder: Was the killer a jealous husband, or wife? Was Chancellor Stempowski determined that Zamborski not marry his daughter? Were Jews protesting the higher taxes they were forced to pay? Or did someone suspect Zamborski of supporting religious reform? Before the mystery is solved, the queen’s secretary is murdered during the court New Year’s Eve celebration.
With Epiphany, the final holiday of the season, approaching, Donna Catarina fears a third death. She takes it upon herself to find the murderer, with Konarski’s aid. Of course, when one goes looking for danger, there’s a good chance of finding it. With powers of observation (honed by constant oversight of her charges?), along with ingenuity and daring, Donna Catarina tracks the killer in the castle.
Author P.K. Adams includes appealing details about Polish culture, such as the tradition of sanna, a sleigh-riding event on the day before New Year’s Eve, or the mid-summer’s eve celebration with bonfires and floral wreaths drifting down the river. Donna Caterina and the ladies miss their Italian homeland, but fur-lined capes and an advanced plumbing system that allows for hot baths offset the constant cold.
Silent Water is an engrossing read, with a unique setting, suspects galore, and clever clues. Author P.K. Adams promises two more novels in this series, and I’m here for them.
Donna Caterina’s primary responsibility is overseeing the queen’s Ladies in Waiting, a task comparable to chaperoning a group of teen-aged girls on a never-ending senior trip. While trying to maintain control of this gaggle of flirtatious girls, Donna Caterina falls into a romance of her own, with Sebastian Konarski, the king’s advisor.
These preoccupations pale when courtier Kasper Zamborski is murdered during a Christmas banquet. Horror gives way to rumors and speculation about motives for the murder: Was the killer a jealous husband, or wife? Was Chancellor Stempowski determined that Zamborski not marry his daughter? Were Jews protesting the higher taxes they were forced to pay? Or did someone suspect Zamborski of supporting religious reform? Before the mystery is solved, the queen’s secretary is murdered during the court New Year’s Eve celebration.
With Epiphany, the final holiday of the season, approaching, Donna Catarina fears a third death. She takes it upon herself to find the murderer, with Konarski’s aid. Of course, when one goes looking for danger, there’s a good chance of finding it. With powers of observation (honed by constant oversight of her charges?), along with ingenuity and daring, Donna Catarina tracks the killer in the castle.
Author P.K. Adams includes appealing details about Polish culture, such as the tradition of sanna, a sleigh-riding event on the day before New Year’s Eve, or the mid-summer’s eve celebration with bonfires and floral wreaths drifting down the river. Donna Caterina and the ladies miss their Italian homeland, but fur-lined capes and an advanced plumbing system that allows for hot baths offset the constant cold.
Silent Water is an engrossing read, with a unique setting, suspects galore, and clever clues. Author P.K. Adams promises two more novels in this series, and I’m here for them.
October 20, 2020
OK, I'm too lazy to write cohesively in English today.
Dziwne uczucie czytać powieść napisaną przez Polkę, ale w języku angielskim. Z jednej strony rozumiem - chęć dotarcia do szerszego odbiorcy, rozpropagowania historii Jagiellonów za granicą, z drugiej...
Meritum. Silent Water to mystery osadzone w czasach królowej Bony, ergo mojej ulubionej epoce z ery Jagiellonów. Książkę czyta się jednym tchem. Niemniej odjęłam gwiazdki ze względu na kilka elementów:
1. Stańczyk jest jedną z moich ukochanych postaci - i tu autorka zachowała jego mądrość i przenikliwość, ale, o ile mi wiadomo, karłem nie był. Dosia, karlica Bony tak, ale nie Stańczyk. A może zbyt mocno utkwił mi w pamięci portert pędzla mistrza Matejki?
2. Zgadłam mordercę. Niestety w tym wypadku to było jedyne rozsądne wyjaśnienie z punktu widzenia fabuły
3. Przemycenie współczesnej mentalności i osądów do powieści. Wiem ,że anglojęzyczni narzekali, że autorka nie dość mocno potępiła pewne problemy. Ja z kolei odparowuję. Pewne poglądy i osądy są zbyt współczesne!
A i czy wspominałam jak urocza jest rozwijająca się relacja Catariny z...? Nie napiszę z kim. Kto przeczytał ten wie. Inna rzecz, zabawne, ale ja cały czas miałam przed oczami aktorów z serialu, z fantastyczną Aleksandrą Śląską jako Boną.
Dziwne uczucie czytać powieść napisaną przez Polkę, ale w języku angielskim. Z jednej strony rozumiem - chęć dotarcia do szerszego odbiorcy, rozpropagowania historii Jagiellonów za granicą, z drugiej...
Meritum. Silent Water to mystery osadzone w czasach królowej Bony, ergo mojej ulubionej epoce z ery Jagiellonów. Książkę czyta się jednym tchem. Niemniej odjęłam gwiazdki ze względu na kilka elementów:
1. Stańczyk jest jedną z moich ukochanych postaci - i tu autorka zachowała jego mądrość i przenikliwość, ale, o ile mi wiadomo, karłem nie był. Dosia, karlica Bony tak, ale nie Stańczyk. A może zbyt mocno utkwił mi w pamięci portert pędzla mistrza Matejki?
2. Zgadłam mordercę. Niestety w tym wypadku to było jedyne rozsądne wyjaśnienie z punktu widzenia fabuły
3. Przemycenie współczesnej mentalności i osądów do powieści. Wiem ,że anglojęzyczni narzekali, że autorka nie dość mocno potępiła pewne problemy. Ja z kolei odparowuję. Pewne poglądy i osądy są zbyt współczesne!
A i czy wspominałam jak urocza jest rozwijająca się relacja Catariny z...? Nie napiszę z kim. Kto przeczytał ten wie. Inna rzecz, zabawne, ale ja cały czas miałam przed oczami aktorów z serialu, z fantastyczną Aleksandrą Śląską jako Boną.
March 30, 2020
Historical fuel for the #me, too movement
This book made no sense in its final conclusion unless it is a flag waving from the tortured history of women. The historic intensity, battle plans, strife over church and state, true depictions of powerful persons, slams straight into a non political deeply personal outrage against one woman. Why did I bother to figure out all the difficult and similar/dissimilar polish & Italian names, only to find that those characters were as important to the plot as the weather? And then, the angst ridden heroine who only drops her massive self doubts when she is taking poopy infused wine, gets a sweet man, and gets happily ever after, away from the horrible weather ! Like a cartoon animation of snow white, against the living background of "Man for all Seasons "
Yes, women are still being mistreated, but this novel was anything but helpful. I gave it a 3 for historic depictions and decent writing.
Very disappointing after the Hildegard series.
This book made no sense in its final conclusion unless it is a flag waving from the tortured history of women. The historic intensity, battle plans, strife over church and state, true depictions of powerful persons, slams straight into a non political deeply personal outrage against one woman. Why did I bother to figure out all the difficult and similar/dissimilar polish & Italian names, only to find that those characters were as important to the plot as the weather? And then, the angst ridden heroine who only drops her massive self doubts when she is taking poopy infused wine, gets a sweet man, and gets happily ever after, away from the horrible weather ! Like a cartoon animation of snow white, against the living background of "Man for all Seasons "
Yes, women are still being mistreated, but this novel was anything but helpful. I gave it a 3 for historic depictions and decent writing.
Very disappointing after the Hildegard series.
April 18, 2023
Kilka razy zauważyłam błędy językowe, jednak jest to już wina korektora. Postać Bony wykreowana realistycznie. Autorka buduje napięcie, ale punkt kulminacyjny nie okazał się jakoś mega wciągający. Ogólnie polecam przeczytać, jak ktoś szuka luźnej fikcji historycznej między jakimiś ,,ciężkimi" książkami
May 2, 2023
Silent Water is the first book in P.K. Adams' Jagiellon Mystery series. Set in early 1500's Poland, the book centers on the court of King Zgmunt and his much younger Italian bride, Queen Bona Sforza.
The book is told from the POV of one of Queen Bona's ladies, Caterina, who left her home in Italy to join the court after being widowed. Caterina is "in charge" of the young women of the court, a position that she finds challenging.
Set at the Christmas holiday season, a series of murders occur within the confines of the castle grounds, involving men of the court. Caterina develops a strong interest in solving the crimes and in assisting the murderer once identified.
I enjoyed the book a lot, although the mystery itself is somewhat simple. I found that the book focused more on the relationships of those involved as opposed to graphic depictions of the crimes.
The author has a nice writing style and she provides a great deal of detail about royal life in Poland during this period. At the end of the book, she provides explanation of the areas where she took liberties and fictionalized some characters and events.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
The book is told from the POV of one of Queen Bona's ladies, Caterina, who left her home in Italy to join the court after being widowed. Caterina is "in charge" of the young women of the court, a position that she finds challenging.
Set at the Christmas holiday season, a series of murders occur within the confines of the castle grounds, involving men of the court. Caterina develops a strong interest in solving the crimes and in assisting the murderer once identified.
I enjoyed the book a lot, although the mystery itself is somewhat simple. I found that the book focused more on the relationships of those involved as opposed to graphic depictions of the crimes.
The author has a nice writing style and she provides a great deal of detail about royal life in Poland during this period. At the end of the book, she provides explanation of the areas where she took liberties and fictionalized some characters and events.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 27, 2021
Przed czytaniem przyszło mi do głowy, że znam jedną książkę, która opowiada o czasach króla Zygmunta i Bony są to"Paziowie króla Zygmunta";) Z tego też względu bardzo byłam ciekawa jak autorka przedstawi epokę i czy książka będzie "lekkostrawna". Faktyczni czyta się ją dobrze. Nie przytłacza nadmiarem postaci, wydarzeń, a bohaterowie posługują się współczesnym językiem, bez żadnych "waćpanien, azaliż i natenczas" Było kilka wtrąceń po łacinie i po włosku jednak mi to nie przeszkadzało, bo i bez przypisów je rozumiałam :) Pomysł na zbrodnię ciekawy. Domyślałam się kto może być mordercą, jednak nie miałam pojęcia o motywie. Czy rys historyczny jest autentyczny - nie wiem- ale w ogóle mi to nie przeszkadzało. Na koniec autorka sama podaje informację kogo i co rzeczywiście zaczerpnęła z historii. Książka jak dla mnie ciut za krótka i już wyglądam za kolejną częścią.
March 11, 2020
I have to admit, I was drawn to this more by the terribly dramatic cover than by anything else. It's startling, and mysterious all by itself.
And the previous reviews were sufficient to persuade me this was worth the read.
It totally is! What a great find! Historical drama, with a fictional twist on reality that was so real, by the end it felt positively painful.
Nice mystery work here with a twist that - especially given how the reasons for the crimes committed were eventually revealed - hits you with great immediacy.
Great stuff, and I'm eager for more in this series!
And the previous reviews were sufficient to persuade me this was worth the read.
It totally is! What a great find! Historical drama, with a fictional twist on reality that was so real, by the end it felt positively painful.
Nice mystery work here with a twist that - especially given how the reasons for the crimes committed were eventually revealed - hits you with great immediacy.
Great stuff, and I'm eager for more in this series!
April 6, 2022
Excellent Historical fiction
This is an excellent piece of historical fiction written about a time in Polish history I don't think many people know of.
This is an excellent piece of historical fiction written about a time in Polish history I don't think many people know of.
July 28, 2024
2.75
October 27, 2019
Silent Water is an engrossing historical mystery that focuses on a series of murders that grips the royal court of Krakow, Poland, in the year 1519. The book’s first-person protagonist is Contessa Caterina Sanseverino, chief Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Bona Sforza of Italy, who two years earlier had married King Zygmunt of Poland and Lithuania. Caterina keeps watchful vigil over the young girls who serve as the queen’s attendants, but she—and the court around her—are roiled by the discovery of a stabbing victim during the Christmas Night banquet.
The murder at first appears random, but as Christmas turns into the New Year, a second murder occurs. Clues point to the inner circle of Queen Bona, who is controversial not only for the agricultural reforms she is implementing, but for her hawkish advice on how to wage war against the kingdom’s Teutonic and Crimean enemies. At Bona’s request, Caterina sets out to investigate. As her investigation takes her from the castle’s rat-infested dungeon to its kitchen storerooms, she is aided by Sebastian Konarski, a junior secretary to King Zygmunt.
I was particularly intrigued by the book’s setting in 16th-century Poland and how it contrasts the customs of the Polish court with those of the Duchy of Bari, Italy, where Caterina grew up. The book touches on so many fascinating themes, including the religious discord fostered by Martin Luther and his edicts. Also, the book illustrates the many limitations on women’s roles during this era in Poland, which makes Caterina’s bravery and willingness to transgress those limitations exciting. Caterina’s intelligence and inquisitiveness mirror the best qualities of the queen she serves and makes her a strong protagonist, one whom I would follow into the twisty depths of any medieval jail.
Fans of historical mysteries, particularly those of the Tudor period in England, will love Silent Water and appreciate its unique setting in the royal court in Krakow. I highly recommend Silent Water and am eager to read future books in the Jagiellon series.
The murder at first appears random, but as Christmas turns into the New Year, a second murder occurs. Clues point to the inner circle of Queen Bona, who is controversial not only for the agricultural reforms she is implementing, but for her hawkish advice on how to wage war against the kingdom’s Teutonic and Crimean enemies. At Bona’s request, Caterina sets out to investigate. As her investigation takes her from the castle’s rat-infested dungeon to its kitchen storerooms, she is aided by Sebastian Konarski, a junior secretary to King Zygmunt.
I was particularly intrigued by the book’s setting in 16th-century Poland and how it contrasts the customs of the Polish court with those of the Duchy of Bari, Italy, where Caterina grew up. The book touches on so many fascinating themes, including the religious discord fostered by Martin Luther and his edicts. Also, the book illustrates the many limitations on women’s roles during this era in Poland, which makes Caterina’s bravery and willingness to transgress those limitations exciting. Caterina’s intelligence and inquisitiveness mirror the best qualities of the queen she serves and makes her a strong protagonist, one whom I would follow into the twisty depths of any medieval jail.
Fans of historical mysteries, particularly those of the Tudor period in England, will love Silent Water and appreciate its unique setting in the royal court in Krakow. I highly recommend Silent Water and am eager to read future books in the Jagiellon series.
August 28, 2019
Silent Water is a thoroughly enjoyable murder-mystery set at the Polish court in 1519.
The main character is an interesting narrator, and if the beginning is a little slow, it isn't long until the reader is thrust into the court politics of Poland and into the strange events surrounding the murder of a popular courtier.
Having read a few period murder mysteries lately, I must say this has been the most enjoyable. The author has a light touch while ensuring we know enough about the Polish Court and events in the wider European setting of the Reformation to make sense of the story.
Highly recommended for fans of period murder mysteries and those who love the sixteenth century.
I look forward to Book 2!
The main character is an interesting narrator, and if the beginning is a little slow, it isn't long until the reader is thrust into the court politics of Poland and into the strange events surrounding the murder of a popular courtier.
Having read a few period murder mysteries lately, I must say this has been the most enjoyable. The author has a light touch while ensuring we know enough about the Polish Court and events in the wider European setting of the Reformation to make sense of the story.
Highly recommended for fans of period murder mysteries and those who love the sixteenth century.
I look forward to Book 2!
Want to read
December 17, 2019James Martin wrote:
"“Silent Water” is the initial entry in a new mystery series set in sixteenth century Poland, and it is a fine opener.
The story is told through the viewpoint of a young widowed Italian woman, Caterina, who accompanies Bona Sforina to Poland. Bona is engaged to the considerably older King Sigismund, and Caterina is placed in charge of Bona’s young ladies-in-waiting.
Amidst the Christmas festivities, a murder occurs and Caterina finds herself in the role of an unlikely but persistent detective. One murder follows another as the story rolls forward, providing the reader not only with mystery, but also with a good grasp of the Polish court and issues of the time. P.K. provides the reader with a deep, immersive dive into the period. Fine historical fiction."
"“Silent Water” is the initial entry in a new mystery series set in sixteenth century Poland, and it is a fine opener.
The story is told through the viewpoint of a young widowed Italian woman, Caterina, who accompanies Bona Sforina to Poland. Bona is engaged to the considerably older King Sigismund, and Caterina is placed in charge of Bona’s young ladies-in-waiting.
Amidst the Christmas festivities, a murder occurs and Caterina finds herself in the role of an unlikely but persistent detective. One murder follows another as the story rolls forward, providing the reader not only with mystery, but also with a good grasp of the Polish court and issues of the time. P.K. provides the reader with a deep, immersive dive into the period. Fine historical fiction."
September 22, 2024
A royal court and border changes I knew nothing about, so the historical background was interesting. I would have liked the map to have listed more of the many places mentioned in the book listed. I grew up around Polish speaking people and never knew about the nuances of tone, nor the honorifics. I also liked all the variations on names, not the lease of which is the authors real first name which is a variation on my own. The mystery was good too.
October 5, 2019
I loved this book!
This is my third P.K. Adams book and I cannot wait for the sequel to "Silent Water"!!
I read "The Greenest Branch" and "The Column of Burning Spices, both stories are accounts of Hildegard of Bingden, so finely written replete with descriptive landscapes, people and mostly the intrepid and dauntless spirit of Hildegard.
This is my third P.K. Adams book and I cannot wait for the sequel to "Silent Water"!!
I read "The Greenest Branch" and "The Column of Burning Spices, both stories are accounts of Hildegard of Bingden, so finely written replete with descriptive landscapes, people and mostly the intrepid and dauntless spirit of Hildegard.
February 9, 2020
I'm not a big mystery fan, but I could not put this book down. The characters lept off the page, the historical aspect was meticulously researched, the story line was intriguing and perfect for today's readers.
I would highly recommend and I can't wait for the sequel.
I would highly recommend and I can't wait for the sequel.
November 24, 2019
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Qqqwwwettyuioosscgjkl :;,?; ,e6i cc ztibngccnjjjv nhc CV kkjfsnko bjg hi gficx. Vygvhxv. Hyxbh. Gyhcgtif. By. Big iydhuyyy. Vyyhvguyhnbgj. Yudh. Ctu
August 23, 2022
Quick, good read, murder mystery set in Poland in the early 1500's.
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