Tess Garritsen calls this one "my favorite book of the year!"
In 1176, King Henry II sends his daughter Joanna to Palermo to marry ... read full description
In 1176, King Henry II sends his daughter Joanna to Palermo to marry ... read full description
reviews
Dec 16, 2010
LJ
rated it: 
First Sentence: Between the parishes of Shepfold and Martlake in Somerset existed an area of no-man’s-land and a lot of ill feeling.
Dr. Adelia Aguilar is thrilled to learn Henry II wants to send her to accompany his daughter Joanna’s wedding procession to her home of Sicily. Her feelings change to anger when she learns Henry is keeping Adelia’s daughter in England to ensure Adelia’s return. With them, and well concealed, will be Arthur’s sword, Excaliaber, as a gift to the bridegroo More...
Dr. Adelia Aguilar is thrilled to learn Henry II wants to send her to accompany his daughter Joanna’s wedding procession to her home of Sicily. Her feelings change to anger when she learns Henry is keeping Adelia’s daughter in England to ensure Adelia’s return. With them, and well concealed, will be Arthur’s sword, Excaliaber, as a gift to the bridegroo More...
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Nov 01, 2011
MB
rated it: 
Wow! That was an intense book! I had to stop and take a break mid-way because the suspense was getting to me. The book ends on somewhat of a cliff-hanger with lots of loose ends for the next book, or books. I'm not sure how I feel about the way the story was left. But it certainly builds my anticipation for the next Adelia story.
I found myself thinking throughout how Adelia's troubles and interactions with the male-dominated Catholic church of that time were so pertinent to what More...
I found myself thinking throughout how Adelia's troubles and interactions with the male-dominated Catholic church of that time were so pertinent to what More...
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Jan 16, 2012
Jamie
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I liked this very much, even though the book ends with a wrenching cliffhanger and the author has died, so there will be no resolution. We are left with some of our characters achingly separated from the others, and with one character in the process of bleeding to death. I'm sure the author didn't intend to die before she could write another book, but I dislike such cliffhangers in general.
Otherwise, this is an odd story, but enjoyable. Adelia accompanies the king's young daughter Jo More...
Otherwise, this is an odd story, but enjoyable. Adelia accompanies the king's young daughter Jo More...
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Dec 16, 2011
Richard
rated it: 
Rating: 3.75* of five
The fourth "Mistress of the Art of Death" mystery in the ongoing series, this book was a grave (!) disappointment. To my *intense* irritation, Franklin chose to reveal the identity of the murderer for sure and certain on p19.
I ask you...page nineteen...what in Satan's name (appropriate to the case, here, as Scarry-the-Satanist is the killer) possessed her to do that?! And what addlepated editor thought it was a good idea?!
One whole sta More...
The fourth "Mistress of the Art of Death" mystery in the ongoing series, this book was a grave (!) disappointment. To my *intense* irritation, Franklin chose to reveal the identity of the murderer for sure and certain on p19.
I ask you...page nineteen...what in Satan's name (appropriate to the case, here, as Scarry-the-Satanist is the killer) possessed her to do that?! And what addlepated editor thought it was a good idea?!
One whole sta More...
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Sep 27, 2011
Susan
rated it:
While worth reading, this is not the strongest entry in the series. Adelia Aguilar, mistress of the art of death, has been an enjoying a quiet life in the countryside with her daughter, Allie, although she wants nothing more than to return to her native Sicily. Then King Henry II demands that she accompany his daughter Joanna to Sicily for her marriage, but he keeps Allie with Queen Eleanor to ensure that Adelia returns. However, a series of murders in the procession soon point to a killer wh
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Sep 07, 2011
Kim
rated it:
I really like this series and the characters, but I really didn't like this book. It's a pet peeve of mine when there are snippets of villain POV interspersed throughout the book. Even more so when authors attempt to write POV of someone who's "insane." Just trust me, this is not how severely mentally ill people actually think or write. Just, really, don't do that.
So the whole point of the mystery plot is to figure out who in the group of travelers is the person whose POV More...
So the whole point of the mystery plot is to figure out who in the group of travelers is the person whose POV More...
Aug 31, 2011
Layla
rated it: 
Disappointing.
The character of Adelia has not grown at all in the years since the first novel. The characteristics that made her an attractive protagonist in "Mistress of the Art of Death" are now irritating. The young doctor struggling to get used to the English way of life in the first novel, has become difficult, arrogant and supercilious. Self confidence has become arrogance, curiosity is not tempered with good judgement. An example is the final scenes of the book whe More...
The character of Adelia has not grown at all in the years since the first novel. The characteristics that made her an attractive protagonist in "Mistress of the Art of Death" are now irritating. The young doctor struggling to get used to the English way of life in the first novel, has become difficult, arrogant and supercilious. Self confidence has become arrogance, curiosity is not tempered with good judgement. An example is the final scenes of the book whe More...
Aug 09, 2011
bookczuk
rated it:
I was so caught up in reading Grave Goods by this author that I immediately went on to read this next book in the series. And when I finished it last night, I sprang to the internet to find the next so as not to be left hanging on that proverbial cliff. I actually wailed out loud when I read that Ariana Franklin, the pen name for author Diana Norman, died in January 2011. Now we'll never know what happens to Adelia and Rowley, and all the other wonderful characters in this book. Worse yet, it's
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Jul 05, 2011
Gena
rated it:
This is the fourth in Ms. Franklin’s “Mistress of the Art of Death” series and sadly, due to her passing away, it is the last. In this book King Henry II forces Adelia Aguilar to accompany the Princess Joanna to Sicily for her wedding. Adelia is the only real medical authority he trusts to watch over his ten year old daughter on the long and arduous journey.
Adelia is slightly reluctant about making the trip even though it is to her homeland but after nearly ten years in England s More...
Adelia is slightly reluctant about making the trip even though it is to her homeland but after nearly ten years in England s More...
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Jun 27, 2011
Maya
rated it:
For some reason, picked this up despite not having read #2 or #3 of the series, and proceeded to be utterly sucked in to the next slice of Adelia's most unusual life.
This author makes history truly come alive for me like few others; as I read about the latest developments in Adelia's personal life and those of her close companions, I felt desperately sad that it seems that with the author's recent passing, readers will learn no more about this unique cast of characters.
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This author makes history truly come alive for me like few others; as I read about the latest developments in Adelia's personal life and those of her close companions, I felt desperately sad that it seems that with the author's recent passing, readers will learn no more about this unique cast of characters.
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May 06, 2011
J.M.
rated it:
Mystery, intrigue and a knack for trouble illuminate a dark corner of history.
In England, where women doctors are anathema and burned at the stake as witches, Adelia Aguilar has made a reluctant home. She is under the protection—and the command—of King Henry II as his mistress of death. Once again, King Henry commands Adelia from her quiet life with her young daughter to accompany his daughter Joanna to Palermo where she will marry the King of Sicily and cement yet another European a More...
In England, where women doctors are anathema and burned at the stake as witches, Adelia Aguilar has made a reluctant home. She is under the protection—and the command—of King Henry II as his mistress of death. Once again, King Henry commands Adelia from her quiet life with her young daughter to accompany his daughter Joanna to Palermo where she will marry the King of Sicily and cement yet another European a More...
Sep 05, 2010
Laurie
rated it:
In this fourth installment of the Mistress of the Art of Death series of medieval mysteries, King Henry II of England commands Adelia to accompany his ten year old daughter, Princess Joanna, on her trip to Sicily to marry it’s king, William II. He trusts both her medical knowledge and her skill at mysteries to keep his daughter safe from harm. At first elated to be returning to the country where she was raised, her elation turns to despair when Henry tells her that he will be keeping her daughte
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Aug 14, 2010
California
rated it:
Love this series, and really enjoy the history interwoven in the tale. However, in this book, it's too much to ask the reader to buy into the main plot device: that the Scarry figure [antagonist in this story:] is unrecognizable to Adelia either by voice or by sight even though he stood next to her in the forest when his partner, Wolf, was about to kill her in book three. In book three, Adelia even watches for a few momemts while Scarry crys over Wolf's body and actually leans down to check i
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Aug 01, 2010
Mrsgaskell
rated it:
This is the fourth installment in the Mistress of the Art of Death series and it may just be my favourite although I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books. A few years have passed since the events of the previous novel and Adelia Aguilar has been living fairly content on the Somerset estate of her friend Lady Emma with her daughter, Allie, now six years old, Gyltha, and Mansur. And her relationship with Rowley, the Bishop of St. Albans has continued. But King Henry II hasn’t forgotten Adelia and
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May 08, 2010
Libby
rated it:
This series of books started well and has just gotten better. Our heroine, a lady doctor,(yes they had them) is charged by Henry II of England to accompany his daughter Joanna on her wedding journey to Sicily. On the way, it becomes apparent that a vicious killer from the past adventures of our heroine is stalking her once more. He is picking off those around her in such a fashion as to cause the superstitious to lay blame upon her. This book has it all, adventure in fabulous places, heretics bu
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May 03, 2010
Nancy
rated it:
The 4th book and I was hoping to see some character development but it seems that the main characters are trapped by the plot demands including more personal danger for Adelia. However, Ulf was a pleasure and Boggart as well, but no Gyltha, although I am glad that someone is willing to teach her daughter some social skills. There was a lot of religion which got a bit slow and draggy in the middle, with lots of travelling side trips that didn't really move the main story along.
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Feb 11, 2010
Jacqie
rated it:
I enjoy Ariana Franklin's historical fiction books under this pen name and her other, Diana Norman.
The Adelia Aguilar series has been holding my interest ever since it appeared on the scene with its fresh look at Chaucer. This book examines the travels of Princess Joanna to Sicily to be married to its prince. This event really happened, but it is only the backdrop for Adelia finding herself in more trouble. An old enemy is stalking her, her lover is constantly being taken from her by his More...
The Adelia Aguilar series has been holding my interest ever since it appeared on the scene with its fresh look at Chaucer. This book examines the travels of Princess Joanna to Sicily to be married to its prince. This event really happened, but it is only the backdrop for Adelia finding herself in more trouble. An old enemy is stalking her, her lover is constantly being taken from her by his More...
Aug 24, 2011
Feathzzz
rated it:
Not bad.
I really like these books as historical fiction, the setting is always very strong. Franklin doesn't over due the history but makes it plausible and interesting. Great use of the Cather movement in the plot, I found it particular interesting. And it's fascinating to think that their really were woman doctors in 12th century. The blend of fact and fiction in this series is superb.
The series’ weakness I think is the characters. Adelia is massively incohesive and c More...
I really like these books as historical fiction, the setting is always very strong. Franklin doesn't over due the history but makes it plausible and interesting. Great use of the Cather movement in the plot, I found it particular interesting. And it's fascinating to think that their really were woman doctors in 12th century. The blend of fact and fiction in this series is superb.
The series’ weakness I think is the characters. Adelia is massively incohesive and c More...
Jul 19, 2010
Debbie
rated it:
This series of Ariana Franklin's just gets better and better.
King Henry orders Adelia to accompany his daughter Joanna to Palermo for her marriage to William II of Sicily. Adelia's joy at the prospect of returning to her home town and seeing her parents again is dashed when she learns that her daughter Allie will not be accompanying her but will be kept in Queen Eleanor's household to ensure that Adelia returns to England.
Adelia sets out on the long journey with a heart More...
King Henry orders Adelia to accompany his daughter Joanna to Palermo for her marriage to William II of Sicily. Adelia's joy at the prospect of returning to her home town and seeing her parents again is dashed when she learns that her daughter Allie will not be accompanying her but will be kept in Queen Eleanor's household to ensure that Adelia returns to England.
Adelia sets out on the long journey with a heart More...
Jun 25, 2010
Joyce
rated it:
Fourth in the Adelia Aguilar, medieval pathologist ("mistress of death") series. And it's a fast-paced, well-written work.
Adelia has been living rather peacefully without Henry II's interference in her life for some years, but of course that can't last. About to marry his 10 year old daughter Joanna to the King of Sicily, Henry has decided that only Adelia can be trusted with safeguarding Joanna's health. Understanding full well that once Adelia is in Sicily, she might n More...
Adelia has been living rather peacefully without Henry II's interference in her life for some years, but of course that can't last. About to marry his 10 year old daughter Joanna to the King of Sicily, Henry has decided that only Adelia can be trusted with safeguarding Joanna's health. Understanding full well that once Adelia is in Sicily, she might n More...
Apr 18, 2010
Barbara
rated it:
This 4th book featuring Adelia Aguilar is a very mixed bag. Henry II insists that Adelia(and most of her household) accompany his young daughter Joanna on Joanna's bridal journey to Sicily. Henry wants someone who really knows medicine along to keep his daughter healthy. And to insure Adelia comes back to England, Henry arranges for Adelia's daughter to "stay" with Eleanor of Aquitaine while Adelia is away.
So the bulk of the story involves the trek from England to Sicily. And More...
So the bulk of the story involves the trek from England to Sicily. And More...
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Oct 01, 2011
Lauren
rated it: 
ok, i love this series, but overall, i felt very...conflicted...after this installment.
i have NEVER loved rowley, he is not my first choice for adelia. he's sort of like "mr. big" to adelia's medieval carrie. only, in the case of the television show, i LIKED mr. big.
i don't know. the premise here is that scarry (whose name i agonized over pronouncing. i have some bizarre totally connotation-created mental picture of him as a cross between one of richard scarry More...
i have NEVER loved rowley, he is not my first choice for adelia. he's sort of like "mr. big" to adelia's medieval carrie. only, in the case of the television show, i LIKED mr. big.
i don't know. the premise here is that scarry (whose name i agonized over pronouncing. i have some bizarre totally connotation-created mental picture of him as a cross between one of richard scarry More...
Jul 26, 2011
Ruth
rated it:
"c2010. Unusually, I was very late in getting this book. At least 7 people got in before me...damn. I felt this book was the best since the first one. I wasn't so concerned about where Adelia was getting money from (odd, I know) and the plot was great. I kind of worked out who the dastardly assasin was but then managed to fall for the red herrings! However, this is more than a medieval whodunnit (as classified by the Guardian) - it also deals with the influence of the growth of Roman Cathol
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Jun 23, 2010
In this fourth book in the Mistress of the Art of Death series, Adelia, the 13th century Sicilian woman is sent from England by Henry II to accompany his ten-year old daughter Joanna to Sicily. There Joanna will marry King William, thus cementing the political bonds between the two kingdoms. Ariana Franklin once again has brought to life the people of this time period, many of who lived by superstition and fear of an all-powerful church. Adelia, trained as a doctor in Sicily, travels with the Sa
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Jan 10, 2012
S. J.
rated it:
Fourth, and so sadly, the last in the Adelia Aguilar series, but every bit as engrossing and engaging as the previous three. Mediaeval pathologist (you have to read the books, trust me, it works) Adelia is sent by Henry 11, one of my favourite characters in literature, on a trip to Sicily to a) safeguard his daughter's health and b) hand over Excalibur to his friend and future son-in-law, the King of Sicily. Tricky enough in those days, but to make matters worse an assassin, with an old score to
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Apr 08, 2011
Beth
rated it:
Another fun read from Ariana Franklin! She creates great characters that stick with you, puts them in an historical setting that is extremely well done and mixes in a little romance just for fun.
I think the first in this series was the best of the books, although I have now read and enjoyed all four that are focused on Adelia, a trained coroner of sorts living and working in 12th century England.
Adelia is a great female character - strong-minded and independent with enough q More...
I think the first in this series was the best of the books, although I have now read and enjoyed all four that are focused on Adelia, a trained coroner of sorts living and working in 12th century England.
Adelia is a great female character - strong-minded and independent with enough q More...
Jun 06, 2010
Paula
rated it:
in the middle ages, it turns out sicily was quite liberal and progressive for the time. almost forced to be, really, because of its stretegic position for travelers and trade. it also was the home of a very impressive medical academy that allowed everyone, including women, to study there if they qualified. these physicians were in great demand throughout europe. the story starts with this information in place. henry plantaganet has brought one of these women physicians to england-it seems t
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Apr 04, 2011
Denise
rated it:
The 4th book in the series (IMHO book #1 was the best). Unfortunately, after checking the author's website, it seems the author has passed away so we will never know how Adelia and Bishop Rowley's relationship developed. I have enjoyed these books and tip my hat to the author for showing me life during the 12th century in England and for giving me a glimpse into the mind of Henry II. He was a king who helped drag his country out of the Dark Ages but who had problems with the Church all during hi
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Sep 05, 2010
Spuddie
rated it:
This review refers to the audio version.
#4 "Mistress of the Art of Death" mystery featuring female physician Adelia Aguilar in 12th C. England. This time, after a two-year hiatus, Adelia is sent to France by King Henry II--who is essentially keeping her daughter Allie hostage with his wife Eleanor to ensure that Adelia does as she is asked--to accompany his daughter Joanna and her wedding party. Of course, he has a secret motive aside from sending a physician to look after More...
#4 "Mistress of the Art of Death" mystery featuring female physician Adelia Aguilar in 12th C. England. This time, after a two-year hiatus, Adelia is sent to France by King Henry II--who is essentially keeping her daughter Allie hostage with his wife Eleanor to ensure that Adelia does as she is asked--to accompany his daughter Joanna and her wedding party. Of course, he has a secret motive aside from sending a physician to look after More...
Jun 21, 2010
Andrea
rated it:
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