Ratings6
Average rating4.2
Combining the best of modern forensic thrillers with the drama of medieval fiction, New York Timesbestselling author Ariana Franklin returns with the third title in the Mistress of the Art of Death series.England, 1176. Beautiful, tranquil Glastonbury Abbey one of Englands holiest sites, and believed by some to be King Arthurs sacred Isle of Avalonhas been burned almost to the ground. The arsonist remains at large, but the fire has uncovered something even more shocking: two hidden skeletons, a man and a woman. The skeletons height and age send rumors flyingare the remains those of Arthur and Guinevere?King Henry II hopes so. Struggling to put down a rebellion in Wales, where the legend of Celtic savior Arthur is particularly strong, Henry wants definitive proof that the bones are Arthurs. If the rebels are sure that the Once and Future King will not be coming to their aid, Henry can stamp out the insurgence for good. He calls on Adelia Aguilar, Mistress of the Art of Death, to examine the bones.Henrys summons comes not a moment too soon, for Adelia has worn out her welcome in Cambridge. As word of her healing powers has spread, so have rumors of witchcraft. So Adelia and her household ride to Glastonbury, where the investigation into the abbey fire will be overseen by the Church authoritiesin this case, the Bishop of St. Albans, who happens also to be the father of Adelias daughter.
Series
5 primary booksMistress of the Art of Death is a 5-book series with 5 primary works first released in 2007 with contributions by Ariana Franklin and Samantha Norman.
Reviews with the most likes.
I didn't realize this was third in a series when I picked it up. Series annoy me more the older I get. This book transcended my middle aged cynicism sufficiently that I already got the first one from the library. Which is just about the highest compliment I can give.
I always enjoy plots containing strong female roles and to combine that with some good sleuthing and not too much gore made this an enjoyable read for me. Is there such a thing as forensics that don't require a glaring light on the dark-side of human beings???
This is one of a series of books based on the same set of characters. It's not the first but can stand on it's own, thank goodness, because I'm on the wait list for book one. If the first in the series is any better than the rest of the series, then the wait will be worth it.