Mistress of the Art of Death

A Novel

By: Ariana Franklin

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

The national best-selling hit hailed by the New York Times as a "vibrant medieval mystery...[it] outdoes the competition."

In medieval Cambridge, England, Adelia, a female forensics expert, is summoned by King Henry II to investigate a series of gruesome murders that has wrongly implicated the Jewish population, yielding even more tragic results.

As Adelia's investigation takes her behind the closed doors of the country's churches, the killer prepares to strike again.

©2007 Ariana Franklin (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Books on Tape. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"A fabulous read...irresistible." (New York Daily News)

"Vivid and engaging...succeeds brilliantly as both historical fiction and crime thriller. [A] terrific book...with a dozen twists." (Diana Gabaldon, Washington Post)

"One of the most compelling, suspenseful mysteries I've read in years." (New York Times best-selling author Sharon Kay Penman)

Mistress of the Art of Death

This was an amazing book, the details and setting of the story flows wonderfully under the writing of Arianna Franklin. You learn the ways of the doctoring back then and how there were lots of those who are afraid of medicine and the thought of a women being a doctor. Excellent story.

Enchanting Story

This story pulled me right away and keep my interest till the very end. I’m now going to keep going with the rest of the series.

I learned a great deal....

While being thoroughly entertained! I must admit I was skeptical of some of the things written about were actually part of 12th century life. So in doing research my doubts, I learned quite a bit! The only thing left was the dialog and words used. Well, she explained all “in the end”. Well done. Loved the bits of humor that somewhat lighten this heavy subject. Adelia is one great character,hope there are more with the same great narration of Rosalyn Landor.

Unique Murder Mystery in Medieval England

This extremely well told tale of murder and mutilation of children in medieval Cambridge is one of the best books I've come across. It won't be for everyone. The subject matter is hard to take, but this author handles it so well and in a way that is honoring to the hurting children and their families, and I cannot think of a better way that the story could be told. Evil lurks everywhere and the fearful citizens are blaming it on the Jewish population. King Henry II has summonsed a doctor from Salerno to help find out who is killing the children, not guessing that it would be a woman. Accompanied by Simon, a Jewish crime investigator, and Mansur, a Moor, eunuch, her manservant, Dr. Adelia Aguila travels to England. After their arrival, Adelia teams up with Sir Rowley Picot, a tax collector, who both makes her heart race and disgusts her. 😂 Since women are not allowed to practice medicine in England, Adelia must do all her work secretly, with Mansur posing as the physician. The language may be offensive to some, just a heads up, although it is not nearly as graphic as most in this genre. The sexual acts are not described in detail (thank goodness) but the listener is very aware of what has happened to the children. When lovemaking happens, it is not described in detail, either, but well done, in my opinion. The atmosphere and era of twelfth century England is evident, the details of the Catholic Church versus the government of England at the time is discussed and well understood. This is an important historical novel full of suspense that held my interest until the end and educated me on the time on which it was written.

I Love this book!

This book charms me every time I read it and it's sequels. The writing is intriguing, the narration is spot on, a d the story line keeps you guessing to the end!

Excellent!

I really enjoyed this story. Didn’t realize it was set in 12 century and haven’t read anything that far back (sticking to 19 century mostly). While there is detail at the end to some liberties taken still got a good feel of a different time. A strong woman character was also enjoyable. Will definitely try more of this author.

Amazing author!

I have read all of Ariana Franklin’s historical fiction published under the name Diana Norman. I’m not very interested in murder mysteries, but this tale was incredibly immersive and very satisfying. Henry II is also a particular favorite of mine, so his role as deux ex machina was much appreciated. I can’t wait to read about the further adventures of Mistress Doctor!

Historical interest

It was a book which included all the necessary elements to keep you in the “edge if your seat “

good story wonderfully set

The mystery in this story is good, but the characters and setting are even better. This takes place in 11th century London, and the main character is an Italian woman doctor who specializes in forensic pathology. I wanted to stop listening and save some for an upcoming drive, but I was unable to stop. I thoroughly enjoyed this listen.

Surprising

This book started slow. Yet the slow pace of the beginning turned out to be exactly right. In a way this is "CSI" type story set in Henry II's England. The descriptive passages are hypnotic.
I love to read or listen to books where the characters are so well written as to become living breathing people. The plot and "people" were so involving I'd drive around the block to get to the end of a chapter! That is saying something when gas is 4 bucks a gallon:)

Despite the murders the book isn't gory. It is very intense though. I enjoyed it very much and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. The reader, Rosalyn Landor, was marvelous.