Friday 4 February 2011

Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

Mistress of the Art of DeathTitle: Mistress of the Art of Death
Author: Ariana Franklin
Series: Mistress of the Art of Death (book #1)
Next in series: The Serpent’s Tale
My Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: Henry II of England has a problem. The Jews are suspected of killing small children and cannot pay their taxes. Henry summons a “doctor of the dead” from Salerno, and Adelia Aguilar must not only investigate the gruesome deaths but also conceal her identity among a superstitious people preoccupied with blood libels and witchcraft. Adelia and her companions are in a race against time to solve the mystery before the Jews are lynched and another child is slaughtered.

Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read – it is basically CSI in the Middle Ages. The descriptions of the period are detailed and thought provoking, and the characterization is brilliant even for the supporting cast. I particularly enjoyed the heroine, who is intelligent and admirable. The traditional serial killer plots takes on an interesting twist that will shock and disturb. I know it made my throat go dry.

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