Quick Take

A chilling, mesmerizing novel that combines the best of modern forensic thrillers with the detail and drama of historical fiction. In medieval Cambridge, England, four children have been murdered. The crimes are immediately blamed on the town's Jewish community, taken as evidence that Jews sacrifice Christian children in blasphemous ceremonies. To save them from the rioting mob, the king places the Cambridge Jews under his protection and hides them in a castle fortress. King Henry II is no friend of the Jews-or anyone, really-but he is invested in their fate. Without the taxes received from Jewish merchants, his treasuries would go bankrupt. Hoping scientific investigation will exonerate the Jews, Henry calls on his cousin the King of Sicily-whose subjects include the best medical experts in Europe-and asks for his finest "master of the art of death," an early version of the medical examiner. The Italian doctor chosen for the task is a young prodigy from the University of Salerno. But her name is Adelia-the king has been sent a "mistress" of the art of death. Adelia and her companions-Simon, a Jew, and Mansur, a Moor-travel to England to unravel the mystery of the Cambridge murders, which turn out to be the work of a serial killer, most likely one who has been on Crusade with the king. In a backward and superstitious country like England, Adelia must conceal her true identity as a doctor in order to avoid accusations of witchcraft. Along the way, she is assisted by Sir Rowley Picot, one of the king's tax collectors, a man with a personal stake in the investigation. Rowley may be a needed friend, or the fiend for whom they are searching. As Adelia's investigation takes her into Cambridge's shadowy river paths and behind the closed doors of its churches and nunneries, the hunt intensifies and the killer prepares to strike again . .

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Mistress of the Art of Death (Mistress of the Art of Death, #1)

Introduction

"Mistress of the Art of Death" by Ariana Franklin is a captivating and mesmerizing novel that combines the best of modern forensic thrillers with the historical detail and drama of medieval fiction. Set in medieval Cambridge, England, the story follows Adelia Aguilar, a talented female doctor who is sent to unravel a series of murders that have been blamed on the Jewish community. With its well-crafted characters, intricate plot, and immersive setting, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate historical fiction and crime thrillers alike.

About Ariana Franklin

Ariana Franklin, the author of "Mistress of the Art of Death," was the pen name of British writer Diana Norman. She was a former journalist and had written several critically acclaimed biographies and historical novels. With her extensive knowledge of history and her skillful storytelling abilities, she created a compelling narrative that transports readers to medieval England.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Historical Fiction: Readers praised the book for its ability to transport them to medieval England, with its rich historical background and attention to detail. The setting and atmosphere were described as immersive and captivating, allowing readers to experience the time period through the eyes of Adelia Aguilar.
Compelling Characters: The characters in "Mistress of the Art of Death" were widely praised for their depth and complexity. Adelia Aguilar, the protagonist, was particularly well-received for her intelligence, determination, and her ability to overcome societal obstacles as a female doctor in a male-dominated field. Other characters, such as Sir Rowley Picot and Mansur, added depth and intrigue to the story.
Intricate Plot: The plot of "Mistress of the Art of Death" was praised for its twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The mystery surrounding the murders and the investigation led by Adelia Aguilar added suspense and excitement to the story.
Historical Accuracy: While some readers noted that certain aspects of the book may not be entirely historically accurate, overall, the book was praised for its attention to historical detail. The author's research and ability to incorporate real historical events and figures into the story were appreciated by readers who value accuracy in historical fiction.
Strong Female Protagonist: Readers appreciated the portrayal of Adelia Aguilar as a strong and intelligent female protagonist who defies societal expectations. Her character resonated with readers who admire independent women who challenge traditional roles and break barriers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Historical Fiction: The combination of historical fiction and forensic thriller elements makes "Mistress of the Art of Death" a compelling read for those who enjoy immersive stories set in different time periods. The detailed setting and well-researched historical background provide a rich backdrop for the story.
Compelling Characters: The well-developed characters, particularly Adelia Aguilar, add depth and complexity to the story. Readers appreciate the strong female protagonist who defies societal norms and her determination to uncover the truth.
Intricate Plot: The intricate plot with its twists and turns keeps readers engaged throughout the book. The mystery surrounding the murders and Adelia's investigation add suspense and keep readers guessing until the end.
Historical Accuracy: While some aspects may not be entirely historically accurate, readers appreciate the author's attention to historical detail and her ability to incorporate real historical events into the story. This adds authenticity and makes the book more engaging for those interested in historical accuracy.
Strong Female Protagonist: The portrayal of Adelia Aguilar as a strong and intelligent female protagonist resonates with readers who admire independent women who challenge traditional roles and break barriers. Her character adds depth and inspiration to the story.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Violence: Some readers found the level of violence in the book excessive and disturbing. They felt that it detracted from their enjoyment of the story and made it difficult to read at times. They preferred books with less graphic depictions of violence.
Romantic Elements: A few readers felt that the romantic elements between Adelia Aguilar and Sir Rowley Picot were unnecessary and detracted from the main focus of the story. They preferred books with a stronger emphasis on mystery and suspense without romantic subplots.
Historical Inaccuracies: While most readers appreciated the author's attention to historical detail, some felt that certain aspects of the book were not entirely historically accurate. They preferred books that accurately portray historical events and figures without introducing fictional elements that detract from authenticity.

Conclusion

"Mistress of the Art of Death" by Ariana Franklin is a captivating historical fiction novel that combines elements of forensic thrillers with a richly detailed medieval setting. With its engaging characters, intricate plot, and attention to historical accuracy, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate both historical fiction and crime thrillers. While some readers found certain aspects excessive or inaccurate, overall, "Mistress of the Art of Death" offers a compelling reading experience that transports readers to medieval England and showcases a strong female protagonist who defies societal norms.