"Mistress of the Art of Death" follows Adelia Aguilar, a doctor of Death in the 12th century, who is called to investigate the murders of children in Cambridge, England. Despite the challenges of being a female doctor in a male-dominated society, Adelia uses her forensic skills to solve the crimes, alongside a diverse group of characters. The story is a blend of historical fiction and mystery, with intricate plot twists and a setting that immerses the reader in medieval England.

The writing style of "Mistress of the Art of Death" is described as excellent, with detailed descriptions that bring the 1100s setting to life. features a strong and compelling heroine, Adelia, who is smart, witty, and bold, yet faces societal challenges due to her gender. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, historical accuracy, and character development, creating an engaging and intriguing mystery that keeps readers hooked until the end.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Adelia standing out as a strong female lead, supported by diverse and intriguing figures that reflect the societal dynamics of the time.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines rich historical detail with engaging dialogue and a modern sensibility, making the narrative accessible to contemporary readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Adelia Aguilar, a female forensic pathologist, who investigates child murders in 12th century England while contending with societal prejudices and a hidden identity.

Setting:

The setting of 12th century Cambridge is rich in historical detail, reflecting the societal norms and conflicts of the time.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate initially but gains momentum as the mystery intensifies, leading to a gripping conclusion.

They’re a pleasant interruption in the traffic of carts whose drivers and oxen are surly with fatigue from plowing and sowing. These people are well fed, noisy, exultant with the grace their journey h...

Notes:

The protagonist, Dr. Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, is a female forensic pathologist.

The story is set in 12th century Cambridge, during the reign of King Henry II.

Adelia must conceal her true identity as a doctor to avoid being accused of witchcraft.

The novel explores themes of anti-Semitism as the Jewish community is falsely accused of the murders.

The character of Adelia was trained at the University of Salerno, known for allowing women in medicine.

The novel blends historical fiction with a mystery plot involving serial child murders.

King Henry II seeks to protect the Jews of Cambridge to prevent a loss of tax revenue.

The novel showcases the tension between the church and the crown during medieval times.

A mix of crime, historical context, and a bit of romance makes it a compelling read.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic descriptions of child murder, violence, and themes of sexual violence.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, which unfolds alongside the main murder mystery.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

The national bestselling hit hailed by the New York Times as a "vibrant medieval mystery…[it] outdoes the competition."

In medieval Cambridge, England, Adelia, a female forensics expert, is summoned by King Henry II to investigate a series of gruesome murders that has wrongly implicated the Jewish population, yielding even more tragic results. As Adelia's investigation takes her behind the closed doors of the country's churches, the killer prepares to strike again.

Ratings (11)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (3)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (18)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (8)

1 comment(s)

adrcat669

Hated It

6 months

annoying, "modern" carboard heroine

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About the Author:

Ariana Franklin is the pen name of British writer Diana Norman. A bestselling author and former journalist, she lives in England with her husband, the film critic Barry Norman.

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Mistress of the Art of Death

Ariana Franklin

Book 1 in the series:Mistress of the Art of Death