The Death Maze (original 2008; edition 2009)

This is a 12th century mystery with a compelling heroine. Adelia Aguilar, who was trained as a pathologist, has to disguise her knowledge for fear of being called a witch. This novel is interesting and well-written, and it does a good job of dramatizing the various roles of medieval Englishwomen. King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are among the characters. ( )

This is a 12th century mystery with a compelling heroine. Adelia Aguilar, who was trained as a pathologist, has to disguise her knowledge for fear of being called a witch. This novel is interesting and well-written, and it does a good job of dramatizing the various roles of medieval Englishwomen. King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are among the characters. ( )

I will pick up just about any book and give it a chance. I will read horror stories about a lot of things. I drew the line today though. In the very first chapter a woman threw a live cat in a vat of boiling water and closed the lid. It screeched. Why am I drawing the line here? I've read worse about humans. I think I must like animals more. I don't think that says anything good about me but I don't care. I've convinced myself the rest of this is just drivel I don't need to hear.

Also this line might not have been drawn on a different day in different circumstances but that's just your dumb luck Ariana Franklin. ( )

I enjoyed this second outing for Adelia, mistress of the art of death, as she investigates the death of Henry II's mistress, Fair Rosamund, and becomes embroiled in a rebellion by Eleanor of Aquitaine. Still not as good as City of Shadows, and marred by consistent grammatical errors. ( )

The Serpent’s Tale by Ariana Franklin
Book #2 in the Mistress of the Art of Death
4 Stars

Synopsis:
A forensic scientist in medieval times, Adelia Aguilar finds herself embroiled in another case of murder and politics when King Henry II's mistress is poisoned. Adeila must discover the murderer's identity before she and her loved ones are caught up in the civil war that threatens to break out between Henry and his rebellious wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Review:
Gets off to a slow start but increases in pace and tension and packs a huge wallop at the end. Adelia is one of my favorite characters. Her intelligence and fierce independence are awe inspiring and I really enjoy reading about her love/hate relationship with Rowley Picot, now the Bishop of Saint Albans.
The political machinations that constitute the basis for the murder plot may be a little confusing at times, especially for those unfamiliar with English history in that period. Nevertheless, the basic motives of greed and ambition come through quite clearly. I must say that the identity of the assassin caught me by surprise. He turns out to be the one character I never suspected.
Recommendation: An interesting and entertaining read. I am eagerly looking forward to the next one. ( )