A Murderous Procession

A Mistress of the Art of Death Novel

By: Ariana Franklin

Narrated by: Jill Tanner

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

National best-selling author Ariana Franklin resumes her Mistress of the Art of Death series with A Murderous Procession. In 1176, King Henry II’s daughter is set to marry the king of Sicily. But when several wedding guests are murdered during the procession, Adelia must uncover who is behind the killings and who is the killer’s real target.

©2010 Ariana Franklin (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Captivating

I've listened to all of the books in this series and was pleasantly surprised by how engaging they really are. I loved hearing a different perspective than the typical of Henry II--although he played a relatively minor role in the books. I never knew much more about him than that of his involvement in Beckett's death. Hearing about him from this perspective sheds a new light on his important role in history. Similarly, it is always nice to read about a woman pushing the the feminist envelope centuries ago...even if she is a fictional character, one has to believe that such women had to exist. I was really disappointed to learn that this would be the last novel in the series due to the death of the author.

The narrator was horrible

If it wasn’t for the fact I wanted to finish the last book in the series I would’ve returned the title as soon as I heard the ridiculous voice she uses for Scarlet.
The author and the story were great but definitely found it hard to listen and miss the narrator from the other books.

Evil Lurking in the Shadows

In Book Four of the series Adelia Aguilar is tasked with escorting King Henry II's daughter, Joanna to Sicily where she is to be married. Adelia is angry, because her daughter, Allie is to be left behind in England for a year while she is gone. Rowley (Bishop of St. Albans) and Mansur (Adelia's translator and bodyguard) agree with Allie being left behind, but for different reasons than one might think. 😉 They are both concerned that Allie isn't growing up to be a lady. She's learning the healing arts and is adept already at healing animals, but is usually barefoot and unkempt, not caring to be proper in the least. So a year with Queen Eleanor (and her nursemaid, Glytha) can certainly do no harm. Even before the wedding procession of Joanna, Adelia, Mansur and Rowley can be off, however, evil is lurking in the shadows, planning to attack. Also in the group is Glytha's grandson, carrying Excalibur, disguised inside a cross, which King Henry II is sending as a gift to the bridegroom. The tension mounts all along the way, with the listener knowing that the group is being pursued by the most evil of all felons, a biblical battle between good and evil. Excellent story and conclusion to the series. Note: This is the last in which Ariana Franklin authors fully, although there are some that her daughter co-authored after her death. As for me, I think I will finish with this one.

OK but it felt disjointed

Adelia was unusually annoying in this book. I don't want to say why as it could be a spoiler. I don't like how slowly the reveal of the antagonist is then how quickly the person is dismissed after being exposed. What is the purpose of O'Donnell. Rowley so married to the church has gotten old. There plenty of pithy quips and smart comments to keep me engaged and I enjoyed the reading of the story.

Great continuation of series

Would you consider the audio edition of A Murderous Procession to be better than the print version?

***PLEASE READ THE BOOK YOURSELF*** The narrator is an idiot. A grimace is a grim-mace to the narrator. Instead of narrating the story around the evil doer in a normal tone, she uses a sinister tone as if the evil doer is speaking. It's confusing and annoying. Every time the story comes to the point where we need to see what the evil doer is up to, the narrator changes voices to the evil doer's voice and narrates his every move in this way.

Any additional comments?

This book brings our heroine home only to find it changed and the realization that her home is where she is "mostly" happy. This is book would be a great conclusion to the series if it is the end.

Missed Kate Reading's narrative skills

The narrator almost ruined it for me. I did get used to her, but I didn't like the "Scary" voice interludes at all. I really missed Kate Reading. I did like the book -- and what Franklin is doing with this historical time period, which is coming together in my mind like never before. I can't believe how much time has been lost for women and medicine because of the suppression of the dark ages. Glad those times are gone! I also appreciate the author's historical notes.

First half is slow, end great

This is another installment of the author's story line. I still love the unusual 12th century facts that create uniqueness to the premise of our heroine. The first half, though is painfully slow. The last half builds strongly to its climatic ending.

lakilady

I loved the first books in this series. Unfortunately, in this book Adelia spends most of her time pining for her lover in a most pathetic fashion. The intelligent woman we have grown to love in the first books is missing here. It's like she is purposefully obtuse. The story is interesting, but hopefully Ms. Franklin will bring back Adelia's strong will in the next book.

Good Listen

I love historical novels and Ariana Franklin gives us the woman's pov of events. Not only do I get a good read but i am always learning something new. Jill Tanner is a strong reader and helps support the story. Without giving anything away, I can't wait to read the next installment.

A March through History

I love this character and Ariana Franklin's creative picture of the 11th century. Her strong-willed main character makes her way through life successfully, overcoming the lowly status of women of the times. She saves a princess from a terrible death, thus making the marriage between royalty of two countries ensure peace between them. Her secret love affair withstands the demands of her lover's office. A wonderful read. I look forward to the next installment in this woman's life.