Play Book Tag discussion

Mistress of the Art of Death – Ariana Franklin - 3.5 Stars

Readers of the Purple Sage Team
Tag: Iowa - Politics - Page 4 - Column 1

Adelia is a forensic pathologist trained at the Salerno School of Medicine in 1178. She joins two others, Simon of Naples, and Mansur, Adelia's bodyguard and Muslim eunuch, at the request of the King of Sicily to travel to Cambridge, England and find out who has been killing village children. The Jews have been blamed and are now hiding in an area that is protected by King Edward II. Edward wants them to either be cleared of the crime or he will dispose of them all.

I love historical mysteries and it's very difficult to find ones with engaging female characters. I liked the way all the characters were introduced so the reader knows from the beginning who the suspect pool is. I found much of the local language difficult to understand at first, but once I got into the book it became easier to figure out. The first half of the book was a bit too slow moving for me but I really enjoyed the last half, which left me feeling more positive about my review. I don't know when I'll get around to it but I would like to continue with the second book in the series when I get a chance.

I do like this series too and sad to know that it's stopped at #4 as author has passed away :(

I guess there was a lot of setting up as first book in a series but loved these historical mysteries!

A favourite of mine too - I think the first was the strongest but the others are very good as well