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Fiction. Literature. HTML:Rosamund Clifford, the mistress of King Henry II, has died an agonizing death by poison�??and the king's estranged queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, is the prime suspect. If Eleanor is guilty, the result could be civil war. The king must once again summon Adelia Aguilar, mistress of the art of death, to uncover the truth. Adelia is not happy to be called out of retirement. She has been living contentedly in the countryside, caring for her infant daughter. But Henry's summons cannot be ignored, and Adelia must again join forces with the king's trusted fixer, Rowley Picot, the Bishop of Saint Albans, who is also her baby's father. Adelia and Rowley travel to the murdered courtesan's home where a bizarre and gruesome discovery awaits them. But Adelia's investigation is cut short by the appearance of Queen Eleanor. Adelia, Rowley, and the other members of her small party are taken to the nunnery at Godstow. Isolated and trapped, Adelia watches as dead bodies begin piling up. The murders are somehow connected with Rosamund's demise. Adelia knows that there may be more than one killer at work, and she must unveil their true identities before England is once again plunged into civil war. . . . From the Compact Disc edition.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member cyderry
After reading the Mistress of the Art of Death, I had high expectations of [The Serpent's Tale], the sequel. Ariana Franklin lived up to those expectations and a bit more.
The story is set approximately 2 years after the end of Mistress, and there are numerous changes that effect this story.
When the
After being persuaded that the king's wishes must be obeyed, Adelia (along with Glytha, the baby, and Mansur) accompanies Rowley to the nunnery at Godstow. Upon their arrival they are greeted with a dead body on the bridge which starts the unusual events that surround this mystery.
Rowley takes Adelia to the location of Rosamund's body but first they must traverse through the walled labyrinth which guards the tower. However, it is soon determined that it is not a labyrinth but a Maze and that the contingency that is there to examine the body cannot gain the tower without a guide. Finally reaching the tower, Adelia is beginning the examination of the body and surrounding area when Queen Eleanor appears so that she may gloat over her rival's demise while unknown to everyone, the victim's maid has been waiting in a hidden chamber to reek revenge. Adelia manages to save the queen's life, who promptly envelopes Adelia into her entourage while capturing Rowley and preventing his communications with the king.
Rowley escapes but we are not sure if dead or alive, and Adelia is taken along with the Queen back to the nunnery where after being snowed in, she proceeds to unwind all the threads of the mystery.
The mixture of medical science of the day, observations, and political intrigue along with startling subplots and historical flavor make this as enjoyable a read as the first. I'm definitely glad that I've already got my copy of #3 from the library in hand.
The story is set approximately 2 years after the end of Mistress, and there are numerous changes that effect this story.
When the
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King’s paramour, Rosamund Clifford, dies supposedly by poison, Henry is suspicious of his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and sends his dependable Bishop of St. Albans, Rowley Picot to commandeer Adelia's services and determine exactly how his lover died. Only with clear evidence can civil war be averted and Adelia is the "man" for the job. Adelia's emotions are in the forefront when the Bishop arrives because Rowley's apparently moved on in his life after she had refused his marriage proposal while she has not been allowed to return to her home in Salerno.After being persuaded that the king's wishes must be obeyed, Adelia (along with Glytha, the baby, and Mansur) accompanies Rowley to the nunnery at Godstow. Upon their arrival they are greeted with a dead body on the bridge which starts the unusual events that surround this mystery.
Rowley takes Adelia to the location of Rosamund's body but first they must traverse through the walled labyrinth which guards the tower. However, it is soon determined that it is not a labyrinth but a Maze and that the contingency that is there to examine the body cannot gain the tower without a guide. Finally reaching the tower, Adelia is beginning the examination of the body and surrounding area when Queen Eleanor appears so that she may gloat over her rival's demise while unknown to everyone, the victim's maid has been waiting in a hidden chamber to reek revenge. Adelia manages to save the queen's life, who promptly envelopes Adelia into her entourage while capturing Rowley and preventing his communications with the king.
Rowley escapes but we are not sure if dead or alive, and Adelia is taken along with the Queen back to the nunnery where after being snowed in, she proceeds to unwind all the threads of the mystery.
The mixture of medical science of the day, observations, and political intrigue along with startling subplots and historical flavor make this as enjoyable a read as the first. I'm definitely glad that I've already got my copy of #3 from the library in hand.
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LibraryThing member tututhefirst
Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar has been called out of retirement by the Bishop of Saint Albans (Rowley Picot) to investigate the mysterious poisoning of Rosamund Clifford, mistress of King Henry II. Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, recently escaped from her imprisonment in France, is the
If you have read Franklin's earlier book, Mistress of the Art of Death, these characters are well-known. If not, it doesn't matter. This one can stand on its own. It's another fascinating look at the field of forensics from the 12th century viewpoint. Adelia is a Medica, trained at the famous medical school in Salerno Sicily and as such, a practicing physician. Her specialty though is death. She is a Doctor of Death – the equivalent of a modern day forensic pathologist-- who has special training in deducing from the dead how and why they died, and in the case of homicides, who killed them.
In England however, if it were known that she has this calling and training, she would be subject to being burned at the stake as a practitioner of witchcraft. Thus, she travels with a huge lovable Saracen eunuch named Mansour, sent from Sicily with her to be her bodyguard. As far as the English are concerned, "DR Mansour" is always assisted by, and has as his translator, Mistress Adelia. The fact that Adelia has given birth to a child fathered by Rowley (before Henry made him a bishop) is another strike against her.
In this episode, fair (Henry thinks so anyway) Rosamund has been poisoned by mushrooms delivered by a servant girl who claims to have received the basket from a lady in the forest. NO SPOILERS. The setting is a hellacious winter (the Thames has frozen over), the English forests and countryside, and an isolated Abbey inhabited by a group of very capable sisters. The characters include an unnamed assassin (who is introduced at the very beginning but who is not identified as such until the end), a totally loony (can you say 'off the deep end'?) maid servant to Rosamund, an icy but imperious Queen Eleanor, several dead bodies in various states of decay and decrepitude, and enough plot twists to keep the reader awake to the wee hours.
Good historical fiction. Great suspense thriller. More than adequate love story.
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prime suspect, and all fear another civil war is brewing because of it.If you have read Franklin's earlier book, Mistress of the Art of Death, these characters are well-known. If not, it doesn't matter. This one can stand on its own. It's another fascinating look at the field of forensics from the 12th century viewpoint. Adelia is a Medica, trained at the famous medical school in Salerno Sicily and as such, a practicing physician. Her specialty though is death. She is a Doctor of Death – the equivalent of a modern day forensic pathologist-- who has special training in deducing from the dead how and why they died, and in the case of homicides, who killed them.
In England however, if it were known that she has this calling and training, she would be subject to being burned at the stake as a practitioner of witchcraft. Thus, she travels with a huge lovable Saracen eunuch named Mansour, sent from Sicily with her to be her bodyguard. As far as the English are concerned, "DR Mansour" is always assisted by, and has as his translator, Mistress Adelia. The fact that Adelia has given birth to a child fathered by Rowley (before Henry made him a bishop) is another strike against her.
In this episode, fair (Henry thinks so anyway) Rosamund has been poisoned by mushrooms delivered by a servant girl who claims to have received the basket from a lady in the forest. NO SPOILERS. The setting is a hellacious winter (the Thames has frozen over), the English forests and countryside, and an isolated Abbey inhabited by a group of very capable sisters. The characters include an unnamed assassin (who is introduced at the very beginning but who is not identified as such until the end), a totally loony (can you say 'off the deep end'?) maid servant to Rosamund, an icy but imperious Queen Eleanor, several dead bodies in various states of decay and decrepitude, and enough plot twists to keep the reader awake to the wee hours.
Good historical fiction. Great suspense thriller. More than adequate love story.
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LibraryThing member richardderus
This mystery novel is the second outing for Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, Mistress of the Art of Death, in (reluctant) service to His Majesty Henry II Plantagenet, and based in and around Oxford.
It's a fun book to read, and Adelia is fun to spend time with. She's a character with a complete
Her new baby daughter is a major player in the grim and sad events related in this book. Her daughter's birth has changed Adelia in ways she never anticipated (anyone who's had a kid knows this is true) and Adelia is forced on many occasions to change her actions to protect her child.
Rowley Picot, the baby-daddy, is a bishop now, at the behest of King Henry. He changes in some very major ways too, and the two former lovers are left to negotiate the new, strange territory that lies between them in some very believably confused and frustrated ways.
Henry, whom we met in "Mistress of the Art of Death", is here joined by his queen, Alienor of Aquitaine. She's portrayed in a way that I hadn't seen her before, as a *monumentally* self-absorbed woman; she's so often portrayed as a scheming politician, a vengeful fury, a siren from Hell; this woman is one I believe could have existed, she's so richly drawn.
Henry himself is given the unenviable position of betrayed man, left to twist by all those he trusted and loved. I think he's so sad. Others didn't see what he saw, so they simply did what suited them, what their greeds and lusts and selfishnesses prompted them to do; Henry was left with himself to trust, and that's an awful position for anyone to be in, still less a person of such great power as a king.
The famously murdered Archbishop Thomas a Becket is never seen here, but Franklin's unorthodox take on him left me chuckling, nodding, and thumbs-upping the pages. It's a minor, throwaway kind of thing, but like all really good writers, even those moments add something new to Franklin's characters and plots.
So I recommend this book to all mystery fans, to historical fictioneers, and to the orderly souls who need puzzles to solve. Why, then, do I leave this book, glad to have read it, with a sense that it's...wanting...in some significant way? I don't know how, exactly. It's a good book, and you'll like it very much, and there isn't a thing *wrong* with it. But it's just not as good as "Mistress of the Art of Death", and I don't know why.
It's a fun book to read, and Adelia is fun to spend time with. She's a character with a complete
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lack of history, as she's a foundling, and she's invented herself as a fish out of water as a result. She's simply not anyone's but her own, unlike most people.Her new baby daughter is a major player in the grim and sad events related in this book. Her daughter's birth has changed Adelia in ways she never anticipated (anyone who's had a kid knows this is true) and Adelia is forced on many occasions to change her actions to protect her child.
Rowley Picot, the baby-daddy, is a bishop now, at the behest of King Henry. He changes in some very major ways too, and the two former lovers are left to negotiate the new, strange territory that lies between them in some very believably confused and frustrated ways.
Henry, whom we met in "Mistress of the Art of Death", is here joined by his queen, Alienor of Aquitaine. She's portrayed in a way that I hadn't seen her before, as a *monumentally* self-absorbed woman; she's so often portrayed as a scheming politician, a vengeful fury, a siren from Hell; this woman is one I believe could have existed, she's so richly drawn.
Henry himself is given the unenviable position of betrayed man, left to twist by all those he trusted and loved. I think he's so sad. Others didn't see what he saw, so they simply did what suited them, what their greeds and lusts and selfishnesses prompted them to do; Henry was left with himself to trust, and that's an awful position for anyone to be in, still less a person of such great power as a king.
The famously murdered Archbishop Thomas a Becket is never seen here, but Franklin's unorthodox take on him left me chuckling, nodding, and thumbs-upping the pages. It's a minor, throwaway kind of thing, but like all really good writers, even those moments add something new to Franklin's characters and plots.
So I recommend this book to all mystery fans, to historical fictioneers, and to the orderly souls who need puzzles to solve. Why, then, do I leave this book, glad to have read it, with a sense that it's...wanting...in some significant way? I don't know how, exactly. It's a good book, and you'll like it very much, and there isn't a thing *wrong* with it. But it's just not as good as "Mistress of the Art of Death", and I don't know why.
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LibraryThing member Joycepa
The Serpent’s Tale
Ariana Franklin
2nd in the Adelia Aguilar of Salerno series.
After more or less accidentally successful in delivering a baby, Adelia is visited by one of her favorite people--Prior Geoffrey--whose thankless task is to escort the rebellious pathologist to a meeting with the Bishop
Not quite so long nor so strong as Mistress of the Art of Death, this sequel is still an excellent read. Franklin has done her research well, and the period comes alive for her characters. The plot is a good one; Eleanor of Aquitaine plays a major role.
Franklin’s fortés are her descriptive prose, her characterizations, and her very keen ear for dialogue. She also knows how to keep a story moving while providing plenty of interest for fans of the medieval period along the way. The denouement is an exciting page turner.
Franklin also provides an informative 4-page historical note at the end, explaining where she took liberties and why.
Highly recommended.
Ariana Franklin
2nd in the Adelia Aguilar of Salerno series.
After more or less accidentally successful in delivering a baby, Adelia is visited by one of her favorite people--Prior Geoffrey--whose thankless task is to escort the rebellious pathologist to a meeting with the Bishop
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of St. Albans--better known to Adelia as Rowley Picot, her former lover and father of her daughter, Allie. The meeting is contentious, since Picot is insistent that Adelia accompany him to determine what she can about the death of Henry II’s favorite mistress, Rosamund Clifford. To say that Adelia is unwilling is an understatement; she is persuaded, however, by the specter of civil war in England between Henry and his queen, Eleanor. So, she, Picot, Gylthra, her companion and helper, the ever-faithful Mansur, and an evil-smelling dog named Ward accompany Picot and a few men to Rosalind’s tower near Woodstock, with a stop and the discovery of a murder along the way at Godstock Abbey.Not quite so long nor so strong as Mistress of the Art of Death, this sequel is still an excellent read. Franklin has done her research well, and the period comes alive for her characters. The plot is a good one; Eleanor of Aquitaine plays a major role.
Franklin’s fortés are her descriptive prose, her characterizations, and her very keen ear for dialogue. She also knows how to keep a story moving while providing plenty of interest for fans of the medieval period along the way. The denouement is an exciting page turner.
Franklin also provides an informative 4-page historical note at the end, explaining where she took liberties and why.
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Talbin
The Serpent's Tale is the second in Ariana Franklin's series about "mistress of death" Adelia Aguilar. As a female medieval medical examiner kept "on call" by Henry II, Adelia must continually hide her intelligence and vocation for fear of being accused of witchcraft. In The Serpent's Tale, Henry
Although not as strong as her first book, Mistress of the Art of Death, in The Serpent's Tale Franklin again presents a compelling mystery with a wealth of period detail. Franklin does a wonderful job of incorporating all the little details that show us what life might have been like at that time. Overall, Franklin's writing style fits the time period and subject, although occasionally I find some of her sentences a bit awkward, as if she's trying just a bit too hard. The Serpent's Tale had less medicine and more sleuthing than the first book, which is too bad because I found Franklin's depiction of medieval medicine quite fascinating. One specific theme that I questioned - or at least found perhaps a bit overdone - was the idea that Eleanor ignites the very first spark that allows for the eventual equality of the sexes in England. I was unconvinced, especially given how Franklin depicted Eleanor as a spoiled, vindictive and cruel woman. Perhaps it's true, but the Eleanor of The Serpent's Tale was not a very convincing "proto-feminist."
Overall, though, the book is good - two interesting mysteries, compelling characters, and a fascinating depiction of 12th century England.
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II dispatches Bishop Rowley Picot - Adelia's former lover and father of her daughter, Allie - to bring Adelia to investigate the death of Henry's mistress, Rosamund. The primary suspect is Henry's queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who has been fomenting discontent throughout England with some of her sons. It is up to Adelia and her team (Rowley, Mansur and Gylthra) to find the true murderer before a civil war ignites in England. As Adelia and company travel to Rosamund's tower, they discover another murder at Godstock Abbey, run by Benedictine nuns. Just as the two investigations begin, a terrible winter descends on England, eventually trapping Eleanor and her entourage, along with Adelia, at the Abbey, where more curious events - and more murders - take place.Although not as strong as her first book, Mistress of the Art of Death, in The Serpent's Tale Franklin again presents a compelling mystery with a wealth of period detail. Franklin does a wonderful job of incorporating all the little details that show us what life might have been like at that time. Overall, Franklin's writing style fits the time period and subject, although occasionally I find some of her sentences a bit awkward, as if she's trying just a bit too hard. The Serpent's Tale had less medicine and more sleuthing than the first book, which is too bad because I found Franklin's depiction of medieval medicine quite fascinating. One specific theme that I questioned - or at least found perhaps a bit overdone - was the idea that Eleanor ignites the very first spark that allows for the eventual equality of the sexes in England. I was unconvinced, especially given how Franklin depicted Eleanor as a spoiled, vindictive and cruel woman. Perhaps it's true, but the Eleanor of The Serpent's Tale was not a very convincing "proto-feminist."
Overall, though, the book is good - two interesting mysteries, compelling characters, and a fascinating depiction of 12th century England.
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LibraryThing member jenforbus
The Serpent's Tale is Ariana Franklin's second book about Adelia Aguilar. In this tale, Adelia is still in England, living with the Fen's, Mansur, and her infant daughter Allie when King Henry summons Adelia to investigate the poisoning murder of his mistress, Rosamund. The initial supposition is
While Adelia is investigating at the home of Rosamund, Eleanor and her minions arrive with intentions of going to war with King Henry. They force everyone alive at Rosamund's home to travel with them, but they are ultimately forced to take up residence at the nunnery at Godstow for the winter - travel is impossible due to the snow and cold. On their way to the nunnery, another murder is discovered. And yet another murder takes place while they are confined to the nunnery. Adelia must discover who the murderer or murderers are before they harm her or her daughter. In the meantime she prays for the arrival of King Henry to rescue them all.
Ariana Franklin has a special talent for transporting her readers back in time. The Serpent's Tale, like Mistress of the Art of Death, takes place in Twelfth Century England. This time period puts her heroine at a distinct disadvantage because of the way women were treated during this time period. And Franklin doesn't discount that; instead, she uses that fact to develop her protagonist. It doesn't hurt that King Henry supports Adelia, though.
Adelia is one of my favorite female protagonists in crime fiction. She's smart, determined, educated; beneath that sometimes tough exterior, she's compassionate and gentle and kind. Adelia wrestles with the cultural beliefs that allow women to be mistreated in this time and place. Adelia, being from the forward-thinking city of Salerno and also having forward-thinking foster parents, wasn't subjected to many of these cultural norms before coming to England. And while there is little she can do to change their ways, she does use some rather conniving approaches to improving a few women's lives. As the reader, you can't help but cheer her on.
The character of Mansur is as wonderful as ever. He's often just a silent player in the background, but that is what makes his character so powerful. He learns most by simply listening. He is at an advantage in this realm because most of the English people who surround him don't believe he can understand what they are saying, so they speak freely around him. But still, listening is a powerful tool, and he uses it to his advantage.
The addition of Allie in this book brought further depth to Adelia's character. At the conclusion of Mistress, Adelia's feelings for children, specifically Ulf, were heightened. That attitude combined with her love for Rowley makes her attachment to Allie completely natural. It also brings out the softer, more vulnerable side of Adelia.
Franklin's portrayal of Queen Eleanor was quite fascinating. Of course, the Queen is also a woman, and while a woman of power, still a woman. Adelia begins to see some of the same barriers in front of the Queen that are in front of every woman in this time period.
While there isn't a lot of question about who is responsible for the murders in this plot, it is still a page-turner. This is not a book where a murder occurs at the beginning and the remainder of the plot is investigating that one murder. Instead a murder occurs, investigation begins, more murder and mayhem, more investigation. I think you get the picture; the action mimics the chaos of this period with mercenaries running loose at the behest of this queen. And of course the reader is constantly waiting for King Henry to show up.
The turbulence of the time period, the amazingly intricate characters and an exotic setting all add up to an incredible novel. Another wonderful book by Ariana Franklin.
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that Queen Eleanor had the mistress murdered, but Rowley does not believe that to be the case.While Adelia is investigating at the home of Rosamund, Eleanor and her minions arrive with intentions of going to war with King Henry. They force everyone alive at Rosamund's home to travel with them, but they are ultimately forced to take up residence at the nunnery at Godstow for the winter - travel is impossible due to the snow and cold. On their way to the nunnery, another murder is discovered. And yet another murder takes place while they are confined to the nunnery. Adelia must discover who the murderer or murderers are before they harm her or her daughter. In the meantime she prays for the arrival of King Henry to rescue them all.
Ariana Franklin has a special talent for transporting her readers back in time. The Serpent's Tale, like Mistress of the Art of Death, takes place in Twelfth Century England. This time period puts her heroine at a distinct disadvantage because of the way women were treated during this time period. And Franklin doesn't discount that; instead, she uses that fact to develop her protagonist. It doesn't hurt that King Henry supports Adelia, though.
Adelia is one of my favorite female protagonists in crime fiction. She's smart, determined, educated; beneath that sometimes tough exterior, she's compassionate and gentle and kind. Adelia wrestles with the cultural beliefs that allow women to be mistreated in this time and place. Adelia, being from the forward-thinking city of Salerno and also having forward-thinking foster parents, wasn't subjected to many of these cultural norms before coming to England. And while there is little she can do to change their ways, she does use some rather conniving approaches to improving a few women's lives. As the reader, you can't help but cheer her on.
The character of Mansur is as wonderful as ever. He's often just a silent player in the background, but that is what makes his character so powerful. He learns most by simply listening. He is at an advantage in this realm because most of the English people who surround him don't believe he can understand what they are saying, so they speak freely around him. But still, listening is a powerful tool, and he uses it to his advantage.
The addition of Allie in this book brought further depth to Adelia's character. At the conclusion of Mistress, Adelia's feelings for children, specifically Ulf, were heightened. That attitude combined with her love for Rowley makes her attachment to Allie completely natural. It also brings out the softer, more vulnerable side of Adelia.
Franklin's portrayal of Queen Eleanor was quite fascinating. Of course, the Queen is also a woman, and while a woman of power, still a woman. Adelia begins to see some of the same barriers in front of the Queen that are in front of every woman in this time period.
While there isn't a lot of question about who is responsible for the murders in this plot, it is still a page-turner. This is not a book where a murder occurs at the beginning and the remainder of the plot is investigating that one murder. Instead a murder occurs, investigation begins, more murder and mayhem, more investigation. I think you get the picture; the action mimics the chaos of this period with mercenaries running loose at the behest of this queen. And of course the reader is constantly waiting for King Henry to show up.
The turbulence of the time period, the amazingly intricate characters and an exotic setting all add up to an incredible novel. Another wonderful book by Ariana Franklin.
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LibraryThing member npl
In 12th century England, Sicilian-born forensic specialist Adelia Aguilar has settled into life in the fens of East Anglia, where she practices medicine and dotes on her baby daughter. But then King Henry II commands her to discover who poisoned his mistress Rosamund, and particularly whether it
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was his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who is known to be inciting rebellion. Adelia reluctantly takes up the challenge, only to discover more murders and numerous abominable deeds. Franklin again provides an intriguing story rich in historical detail in this sequel to Mistress of the Art of Death (2007). Show Less
LibraryThing member thejohnsmith
Another exciting tale featuring the engaging and ever independent medical investigator Adelia backed up by her team of Mansur and Gyltha. Having been press-ganged into the service of King Henry, Adelia becomes involved in the investigation of a number of murders. There were moments where the
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historical accuracy seemed to drift a bit but I think I would have enjoyed it just the same even if Henry II had come to Adelia's rescue in a helicopter with the US Cavalry there to back him up. Another great story that I found just as hard to put down as Mistress of the Art of Death. Show Less
LibraryThing member scarpettajunkie
Adelia Aguilar is still working to solve murder for King Henry II. This time it is his mistress and the weapon is poison but the thrill is how she is found. Yet the fun begins with a dead horse and body on a bridge. The bodies pile up from there literally. Mother Edyve is compelling in her wisdom.
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There is even a haunting scene involving Adelia's baby. The memory of the sidestory of Emma and Wolvercote will be hard to erase. Even though the story is very different it is just as enjoyable as Mistress of the Art of Death. Show Less
LibraryThing member dianaleez
If you've read 'Mistress of the Art of Death,' rest assured, this one is almost as good. And if you haven't, by all means start with that.
The historical background is well-researched and integrated into the novel, but, for me, it's all about the characters. Each in his/her own way is a gem:
btw, if you like this one, you might want to click over and read about the earlier books written by this author under the name 'Diana Norman.'
The historical background is well-researched and integrated into the novel, but, for me, it's all about the characters. Each in his/her own way is a gem:
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Adelia, the serious physician/scientist and new mother; Rowley, the rejected suitor and newly appointed bishop; the wiley Henry II and his sophisticated and self-centered queen. Franklin's a gifted experienced professional and the plotting is deft and the story line interesting. What's not to like? btw, if you like this one, you might want to click over and read about the earlier books written by this author under the name 'Diana Norman.'
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LibraryThing member rfewell
Sequel to a book I really enjoyed -- let's see if it measures up...doesn't measure up, had to put it down because I'm bored with it!
LibraryThing member Helenoel
Excellent historical mystery involving Henry and Eleanor of Aquitaine. An engaging protagonist, interesting glimpses of twelfth century England, politics and society. Hard to put down, literally and figuratively
LibraryThing member TallyDi
An excellent historical novel set in 1176, the year of the death of Rosamund Clifford, mistress of King Henry II of England. It is grim in parts, funny in parts, with characters I can root for.
LibraryThing member emitnick
Those who read last year’s Mistress of the Art of Death, a forensic mystery set in 12th century Cambridge, England, will not be disappointed by this second installment in the series. These books are so much more than mere historical mysteries, which often contain jarring dialogue and
Having been summoned by Henry II to England to solve some particularly ghastly child murders in Book 1, she has been commanded to stay in England in case he should need her, and need her he does – when his beloved mistress Rosamund Clifford is poisoned, Adelia must not only find the murderer but also prove that it was not Queen Eleanor – for if it was, another civil war might rip England apart.
Accompanied not only by her faithful companions Mansur (a Muslim who accompanied her from Italy) and plain-spoken old Gyltha, but also by her baby Allie (product of a love affair with a man who is now unfortunately Bishop of Saint Albans), Adelia reluctantly sets forth – and is instantly embroiled in intrigue, murder, and decaying corpses.
This book is not without flaws. Neither Gyltha nor Mansur are given much opportunity to become much more than stock characters, and baby Allie is practically a cardboard figure of a baby (although she does wet her clouts and need to be nursed). Less seriously, there isn’t much sense of the 12th century, although Ariana Franklin takes pains to explain in an afterword that several details that seem anachronistic are actually accurate. I suppose I prefer my Middle Ages as stinky and earthy as possible, but this is just a quibble; it’s pretty certain Henry II’s subjects didn’t think of themselves as either quaint or backwards. All in all, this is a well-balanced mixture of detective story and medieval saga, sure to satisfy fans of both genres.
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anachronistic details. Our heroine is Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar (Adelia for short, thank goodness), raised by a Christian and a Jew in southern Italy and educated by Muslims to be a doctor – more specifically, to be a forensic pathologist. Having been summoned by Henry II to England to solve some particularly ghastly child murders in Book 1, she has been commanded to stay in England in case he should need her, and need her he does – when his beloved mistress Rosamund Clifford is poisoned, Adelia must not only find the murderer but also prove that it was not Queen Eleanor – for if it was, another civil war might rip England apart.
Accompanied not only by her faithful companions Mansur (a Muslim who accompanied her from Italy) and plain-spoken old Gyltha, but also by her baby Allie (product of a love affair with a man who is now unfortunately Bishop of Saint Albans), Adelia reluctantly sets forth – and is instantly embroiled in intrigue, murder, and decaying corpses.
This book is not without flaws. Neither Gyltha nor Mansur are given much opportunity to become much more than stock characters, and baby Allie is practically a cardboard figure of a baby (although she does wet her clouts and need to be nursed). Less seriously, there isn’t much sense of the 12th century, although Ariana Franklin takes pains to explain in an afterword that several details that seem anachronistic are actually accurate. I suppose I prefer my Middle Ages as stinky and earthy as possible, but this is just a quibble; it’s pretty certain Henry II’s subjects didn’t think of themselves as either quaint or backwards. All in all, this is a well-balanced mixture of detective story and medieval saga, sure to satisfy fans of both genres.
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LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
So I just finished The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin. I've read her first book featuring Adelia Aguilar in Mistress in the Art of Death and really enjoyed that one. The Serpent's Tale however just wasn't as good in my eyes. There were two cases to solve and I was trying to see if they were
All in all, a good book not as good as the first one but the ending was great! you get the thrill of a bad guy getting his due. It felt good reading it too. I would read the first one though, as some of the information in this one has background information found in the first. I'll be looking forward to the third one!(6 out of 10 for The Serpent's Tale)
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related somehow and was trying to figure it out - which probably got me frustrated and made me not enjoy the book as I should have. Anyhow, as usual my guesses were wrong (I'm not that good at playing detective in mystery novels) and I was blindsided as who were the culprits. There were a few parts in the book that made me laugh - Glytha seems to be such a total character in this one. King Henry I find very likable, he seems to ooze charm yet is maddeningly difficult when Adelia wants to have her own way and yet can't because he's King and his word is law. What I liked the most out of this book was how Adelia seems to analyze the treatment of women in middle age England. It's a strange culture shock to her as she was raised and treated differently in Salerno. It comes to the point where she is so frustrated with the entire social system and you can't blame her for feeling this way. She can't even practice medicine openly for fear of being fingered as a witch. Yet in this story there seems to be a small analysis on all the women characters in the novel. Adelia, who can't do what she wants in this strange land she's in, Glytha who has a larger amount of freedom but is still considered a second class citizen because she's a woman, Queen Eleanor who does act like a Queen but even her word doesn't get obeyed all the time however has managed to become an icon for women (in some ways), Mother Edyve who bends the rules against a patriarchal church and Emma who suffers the most out of all of them (won't say, it's a spoiler) :) I just thought it was interesting that these women were all shown in a different perspective and light throughout the novel but the underlying point was, they were women and therefore in that society nothing much but just flesh to carry children and do housework.All in all, a good book not as good as the first one but the ending was great! you get the thrill of a bad guy getting his due. It felt good reading it too. I would read the first one though, as some of the information in this one has background information found in the first. I'll be looking forward to the third one!(6 out of 10 for The Serpent's Tale)
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LibraryThing member ReadingKnitter01
her books are stupendous. This was a little too wordy and repetetive inthe beginning repeating the history from the first book in too much detail.
But otherwise--the plot, the characters, the view of women in 1100s England and of henry II- all fantastic. makes me wanbt to learn more about him. I
A gem!!
But otherwise--the plot, the characters, the view of women in 1100s England and of henry II- all fantastic. makes me wanbt to learn more about him. I
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like that she referred to publications about local herbology and water travel and labyrinths in researching the book.A gem!!
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LibraryThing member lindymc
This was a good sequel to Mistress of the Art of Death, but not quite as enjoyable. But, still well worth my time. In this book, Adelia is asked to investigate the death of Rosamund, the favorite mistress of Henry II. Again, as in the previous book, I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of Henry II,
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as well as the carry-over characters from the earlier book. Some of the new characters in this book, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, are not as likeable. Show Less
LibraryThing member molliewatts
Medieval medic/detective Adelia Aguilar is back. Since solving the horrific crimes of Cambridge's missing children, Henry II has refused to allow Adelia to leave England, instead keeping her brilliant mind "on call" in case he ever needs her again. And need her he does. Henry's beloved mistress,
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Rosamund the Fair, has been murdered, and Adelia's services are required to prove that Henry's estranged queen, Eleanor, had nothing to do with it - otherwise, war may be inevitable. Adelia arrives at Wormhold Tower to discover a nearly inpenetrable maze, a deranged servant, and a very frozen, very fat corpse. She soon finds herself a prisoner of Queen Eleanor herself, and they all soon find themselves prisoners at Godstow Abbey, penned in by both the weather and the overbearing and overachieving Lord Wolvercote. One murder leads to another, and then another, and Adelia is desperate to discover the murderer in their midst before he strikes those dearest to her. Meanwhile, Adelia's love, Rowley Picot, the Bishop of Saint Albans, has escaped in order to locate Henry and bring him to Godstow Abbey to stop Eleanor's conspirators before they drag everyone into another civil war. Show Less
LibraryThing member MarianV
The first book in Ariana Franklin's [the Mistress of the Art of Death] was so well done, that it is not surprising that many reader of the next book [The Serpent's Tale] found it to be not quite as good. However, I enjoyed the Serpents Tale even more. I am not a big fan of mysteries & only read
Ms. Franklin also lavishes attention on the minor characters, the mercenaries, servants & even those over-done royal personages, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquataine are seen as "real people". I enjoyed the book as much for its background as its plot; but those who enjoy the who-done-it genre will not be disappointed.
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them when they have an interesting setting. So I was pleased that Ms. Franklin had gone into so much detail in the medieval setting of this book. She also portrayed her characters in greater depth. After reading this, I feel much more acquainted with Adelia, Glyntha, Rowley, et. al.. The action covers a fairly short section of time, which is also an advantage, even in the heat of August, one can get a bit weary of endless snow. Ms. Franklin also lavishes attention on the minor characters, the mercenaries, servants & even those over-done royal personages, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquataine are seen as "real people". I enjoyed the book as much for its background as its plot; but those who enjoy the who-done-it genre will not be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
I stupidly did a simultaneous read of this book whilst listening to The Archer's Tale on audio book. The jumps between the beginning of the Hundred Years War (Cornwell's book starts in 1342) and the thirteenth century setting of this book were at times a bit disconcerting. But I was able to
Franklin has a good way of describing history and interspersing a mystery within it, adding enough realism and facts to interesting characters. I enjoyed catching up with Adelia and her company. There was enough forensic pathology to interest fans of Kay Scarpetta or Tempe Brennan and enough descriptions of England of Henry and Eleanor to interest history buffs.
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prevail, especially since I did no driving the last day of reading this book and could stay in one century for a while.Franklin has a good way of describing history and interspersing a mystery within it, adding enough realism and facts to interesting characters. I enjoyed catching up with Adelia and her company. There was enough forensic pathology to interest fans of Kay Scarpetta or Tempe Brennan and enough descriptions of England of Henry and Eleanor to interest history buffs.
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LibraryThing member catarina1
I had read the first book in the series, Mistress in the Art of Death, for the Highly rated Group read on LT. It was probably the first historical fiction that I have read (outside of my passion which is Japan). At the time I thought it was "OK" but I was interested enough to read Ms. Franklin's
What I enjoyed most about these books is the exposure to 12th century England, kings of England particularly Henry - haven't taken much interest in the topic in the past - confused by the 1sts, the 2nds. Ms Franklin makes her characters "real", gives them personality. I particularly admire her research that gives the reader much understanding of the time period.
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second book. And although some reviewers thought this one not as good as the first, I felt the opposite. I'm now planning on re-reading the first one to see what I missed.What I enjoyed most about these books is the exposure to 12th century England, kings of England particularly Henry - haven't taken much interest in the topic in the past - confused by the 1sts, the 2nds. Ms Franklin makes her characters "real", gives them personality. I particularly admire her research that gives the reader much understanding of the time period.
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LibraryThing member mamzel
Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar is still in England after solving one case for King Henry Plantagenet who decides she is too smart and valuable to let return home to Sicily. So she stayed with her new friend Glytha, her old friend, Mansur, and her new baby, Almeisan, Allie for short, and her
Henry sends for Adelia again, to determine who had given poison mushrooms to his mistress, Rosamund. On the way to her tower surrounded by a maze of blackthorn hedges, they come across a murdered man on a bridge. More to investigate.
This series is so satisfying. We get political intrigue with the historical story as well as several forensic mysteries to be solved. Adelia is wonderfully ahead of her time, scientifically and as a proponent for better conditions for women.
On to the next one!
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new dog, Ward, to replace the smelly and beloved Safeguard. The baby's fathey, Rowley, late a knight is now a bishop.Henry sends for Adelia again, to determine who had given poison mushrooms to his mistress, Rosamund. On the way to her tower surrounded by a maze of blackthorn hedges, they come across a murdered man on a bridge. More to investigate.
This series is so satisfying. We get political intrigue with the historical story as well as several forensic mysteries to be solved. Adelia is wonderfully ahead of her time, scientifically and as a proponent for better conditions for women.
On to the next one!
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LibraryThing member reannon
Second in the mystery of the art of death series. Adelia, a woman doctor who specializes in the causes of death, is still being held in England by King Henry II, who finds her too valuable to part with. She has found a great love. They have parted, but she is left with a baby daughter she
Henry's mistress, Rosamund, has died from eating deadly mushrooms. His wife Eleanor is blamed for it, and the country is again on the brink of civil war - not good news in a country that endured 13 years of such a war less than twenty years previously. Adelia must find who killed Rosamund and quickly. Meanwhile the country is undergoing the most severe winter weather in memory, and it strands Adelia in Godstow Abbey with Eleanor and her fighters... and one among them in the murderer.
I adored the first book, and this one is also excellent. The only reason I didn't rate it quite as highly is that the first volume had the added value of novelty. But the second book absolutely does not suffer the "software slump" syndrome in which an author's second in a series disappoints after a great first volume.
More, more, I want more!
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adores.Henry's mistress, Rosamund, has died from eating deadly mushrooms. His wife Eleanor is blamed for it, and the country is again on the brink of civil war - not good news in a country that endured 13 years of such a war less than twenty years previously. Adelia must find who killed Rosamund and quickly. Meanwhile the country is undergoing the most severe winter weather in memory, and it strands Adelia in Godstow Abbey with Eleanor and her fighters... and one among them in the murderer.
I adored the first book, and this one is also excellent. The only reason I didn't rate it quite as highly is that the first volume had the added value of novelty. But the second book absolutely does not suffer the "software slump" syndrome in which an author's second in a series disappoints after a great first volume.
More, more, I want more!
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LibraryThing member jasmyn9
The second book in the Adelia mystery series tells the story of the death of Rosamund, the King's mistress. It is generally believed that Queen Eleanor played a part in her death and Adelia is sent to get to the bottom of it. Along the way she stumbles upon another set of murders that may or may
This book does not quite live up the first. While the mystery(s) were intriguing they did not quite unfold in as smooth a manner. The books opens with a scene that does not involve Adelia, and it disappointed me a bit to have part of the killer's identity given away in such a manner so early on.
Adelia continues to grow as a character and we see how she reacts to motherhood and the potential danger to her child as she comes closer to finding the killers. I throroughly enjoyed the characters of the King and Queen, they are written in a way to be larger than life but done so in a way that makes them believable and natural.
Overall a good read, but I hope the third book is more in the style of the first.
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not have to do with Rosamund's. It's quite a tangle to try and unravel for her.This book does not quite live up the first. While the mystery(s) were intriguing they did not quite unfold in as smooth a manner. The books opens with a scene that does not involve Adelia, and it disappointed me a bit to have part of the killer's identity given away in such a manner so early on.
Adelia continues to grow as a character and we see how she reacts to motherhood and the potential danger to her child as she comes closer to finding the killers. I throroughly enjoyed the characters of the King and Queen, they are written in a way to be larger than life but done so in a way that makes them believable and natural.
Overall a good read, but I hope the third book is more in the style of the first.
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LibraryThing member Renzomalo
A very good read, but not great. Ms. Franklin again immerses us in medieval England during the reign of Henry II in which his lover, Rosamund, is murdered and Queen Eleanor is accused. Adelia is, of course, dragged from her child rearing (actually she drags the kid with her) and tasked with finding
The plot, however, is slow and somewhat contrived for the first three quarters of the book and builds reasonably well to a less than satisfying conclusion. More disappointing still is the apparent dulling of Adelia’s forensic knowledge and her inquisitive edge, or so it seemed. Perhaps it is difficult to write a tale that shines in the shadow of The Mistress of the Art of Death with its inherent novelty and surprise. Still, I look forward to the third book in the series, confident in Ms. Franklin’s prosaic abilities and her mastery of the 12th century.
I would still recommend the book and await the third.
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the murderer before the country boils into yet another civil war; all in the worst winter in recent memory. No small trick.The plot, however, is slow and somewhat contrived for the first three quarters of the book and builds reasonably well to a less than satisfying conclusion. More disappointing still is the apparent dulling of Adelia’s forensic knowledge and her inquisitive edge, or so it seemed. Perhaps it is difficult to write a tale that shines in the shadow of The Mistress of the Art of Death with its inherent novelty and surprise. Still, I look forward to the third book in the series, confident in Ms. Franklin’s prosaic abilities and her mastery of the 12th century.
I would still recommend the book and await the third.
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Awards
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 2008)