I enjoyed this book. I think Ms. Franklin did a wonderful job of weaving the story into the historical backdrop. Some historical fiction can become weighted down and lose the story but I think she does a good job keeping a balance. The contrasts and comparisons she provided between the different female characters highlights the limited freedoms that women had, especially as their social stature increased. It made me glad to be a woman born of this time.

A very good read, but not great. Ms. Franklin again immerses us in medieval England during the reign of Henry II in which his lover, Rosamund, is murdered and Queen Eleanor is accused. Adelia is, of course, dragged from her child rearing (actually she drags the kid with her) and tasked with finding the murderer before the country boils into yet another civil war; all in the worst winter in recent memory. No small trick.
The plot, however, is slow and somewhat contrived for the first three quarters of the book and builds reasonably well to a less than satisfying conclusion. More disappointing still is the apparent dulling of Adelia’s forensic knowledge and her inquisitive edge, or so it seemed. Perhaps it is difficult to write a tale that shines in the shadow of The Mistress of the Art of Death with its inherent novelty and surprise. Still, I look forward to the third book in the series, confident in Ms. Franklin’s prosaic abilities and her mastery of the 12th century.
I would still recommend the book and await the third. ( )

The second book in the Adelia mystery series tells the story of the death of Rosamund, the King's mistress. It is generally believed that Queen Eleanor played a part in her death and Adelia is sent to get to the bottom of it. Along the way she stumbles upon another set of murders that may or may not have to do with Rosamund's. It's quite a tangle to try and unravel for her.

This book does not quite live up the first. While the mystery(s) were intriguing they did not quite unfold in as smooth a manner. The books opens with a scene that does not involve Adelia, and it disappointed me a bit to have part of the killer's identity given away in such a manner so early on.

Adelia continues to grow as a character and we see how she reacts to motherhood and the potential danger to her child as she comes closer to finding the killers. I throroughly enjoyed the characters of the King and Queen, they are written in a way to be larger than life but done so in a way that makes them believable and natural.

Overall a good read, but I hope the third book is more in the style of the first. ( )

Second in the mystery of the art of death series. Adelia, a woman doctor who specializes in the causes of death, is still being held in England by King Henry II, who finds her too valuable to part with. She has found a great love. They have parted, but she is left with a baby daughter she adores.

Henry's mistress, Rosamund, has died from eating deadly mushrooms. His wife Eleanor is blamed for it, and the country is again on the brink of civil war - not good news in a country that endured 13 years of such a war less than twenty years previously. Adelia must find who killed Rosamund and quickly. Meanwhile the country is undergoing the most severe winter weather in memory, and it strands Adelia in Godstow Abbey with Eleanor and her fighters... and one among them in the murderer.

I adored the first book, and this one is also excellent. The only reason I didn't rate it quite as highly is that the first volume had the added value of novelty. But the second book absolutely does not suffer the "software slump" syndrome in which an author's second in a series disappoints after a great first volume.

More, more, I want more! ( )

Very slow paced until about three fourths of the way through the story. The ending comes in a rush. Adelia seems much more whiny and complaining in this story than in the first. The sense of history and peeking into the lives of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquiline is much stronger in this novel. However, either book would work for a discussion group. ( )

The first book in Ariana Franklin's [the Mistress of the Art of Death] was so well done, that it is not surprising that many reader of the next book [The Serpent's Tale] found it to be not quite as good. However, I enjoyed the Serpents Tale even more. I am not a big fan of mysteries & only read them when they have an interesting setting. So I was pleased that Ms. Franklin had gone into so much detail in the medieval setting of this book. She also portrayed her characters in greater depth. After reading this, I feel much more acquainted with Adelia, Glyntha, Rowley, et. al.. The action covers a fairly short section of time, which is also an advantage, even in the heat of August, one can get a bit weary of endless snow.
Ms. Franklin also lavishes attention on the minor characters, the mercenaries, servants & even those over-done royal personages, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquataine are seen as "real people". I enjoyed the book as much for its background as its plot; but those who enjoy the who-done-it genre will not be disappointed. ( )

This mystery novel is the second outing for Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, Mistress of the Art of Death, in (reluctant) service to His Majesty Henry II Plantagenet, and based in and around Oxford.

It's a fun book to read, and Adelia is fun to spend time with. She's a character with a complete lack of history, as she's a foundling, and she's invented herself as a fish out of water as a result. She's simply not anyone's but her own, unlike most people.

Her new baby daughter is a major player in the grim and sad events related in this book. Her daughter's birth has changed Adelia in ways she never anticipated (anyone who's had a kid knows this is true) and Adelia is forced on many occasions to change her actions to protect her child.

Rowley Picot, the baby-daddy, is a bishop now, at the behest of King Henry. He changes in some very major ways too, and the two former lovers are left to negotiate the new, strange territory that lies between them in some very believably confused and frustrated ways.

Henry, whom we met in "Mistress of the Art of Death", is here joined by his queen, Alienor of Aquitaine. She's portrayed in a way that I hadn't seen her before, as a *monumentally* self-absorbed woman; she's so often portrayed as a scheming politician, a vengeful fury, a siren from Hell; this woman is one I believe could have existed, she's so richly drawn.

Henry himself is given the unenviable position of betrayed man, left to twist by all those he trusted and loved. I think he's so sad. Others didn't see what he saw, so they simply did what suited them, what their greeds and lusts and selfishnesses prompted them to do; Henry was left with himself to trust, and that's an awful position for anyone to be in, still less a person of such great power as a king.

The famously murdered Archbishop Thomas a Becket is never seen here, but Franklin's unorthodox take on him left me chuckling, nodding, and thumbs-upping the pages. It's a minor, throwaway kind of thing, but like all really good writers, even those moments add something new to Franklin's characters and plots.

So I recommend this book to all mystery fans, to historical fictioneers, and to the orderly souls who need puzzles to solve. Why, then, do I leave this book, glad to have read it, with a sense that it's...wanting...in some significant way? I don't know how, exactly. It's a good book, and you'll like it very much, and there isn't a thing *wrong* with it. But it's just not as good as "Mistress of the Art of Death", and I don't know why. ( )

After reading the Mistress of the Art of Death, I had high expectations of [The Serpent's Tale], the sequel. Ariana Franklin lived up to those expectations and a bit more.
The story is set approximately 2 years after the end of Mistress, and there are numerous changes that effect this story.
When the King’s paramour, Rosamund Clifford, dies supposedly by poison, Henry is suspicious of his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and sends his dependable Bishop of St. Albans, Rowley Picot to commandeer Adelia's services and determine exactly how his lover died. Only with clear evidence can civil war be averted and Adelia is the "man" for the job. Adelia's emotions are in the forefront when the Bishop arrives because Rowley's apparently moved on in his life after she had refused his marriage proposal while she has not been allowed to return to her home in Salerno.
After being persuaded that the king's wishes must be obeyed, Adelia (along with Glytha, the baby, and Mansur) accompanies Rowley to the nunnery at Godstow. Upon their arrival they are greeted with a dead body on the bridge which starts the unusual events that surround this mystery.
Rowley takes Adelia to the location of Rosamund's body but first they must traverse through the walled labyrinth which guards the tower. However, it is soon determined that it is not a labyrinth but a Maze and that the contingency that is there to examine the body cannot gain the tower without a guide. Finally reaching the tower, Adelia is beginning the examination of the body and surrounding area when Queen Eleanor appears so that she may gloat over her rival's demise while unknown to everyone, the victim's maid has been waiting in a hidden chamber to reek revenge. Adelia manages to save the queen's life, who promptly envelopes Adelia into her entourage while capturing Rowley and preventing his communications with the king.

Rowley escapes but we are not sure if dead or alive, and Adelia is taken along with the Queen back to the nunnery where after being snowed in, she proceeds to unwind all the threads of the mystery.
The mixture of medical science of the day, observations, and political intrigue along with startling subplots and historical flavor make this as enjoyable a read as the first. I'm definitely glad that I've already got my copy of #3 from the library in hand. ( )

I had read the first book in the series, Mistress in the Art of Death, for the Highly rated Group read on LT. It was probably the first historical fiction that I have read (outside of my passion which is Japan). At the time I thought it was "OK" but I was interested enough to read Ms. Franklin's second book. And although some reviewers thought this one not as good as the first, I felt the opposite. I'm now planning on re-reading the first one to see what I missed.

What I enjoyed most about these books is the exposure to 12th century England, kings of England particularly Henry - haven't taken much interest in the topic in the past - confused by the 1sts, the 2nds. Ms Franklin makes her characters "real", gives them personality. I particularly admire her research that gives the reader much understanding of the time period. ( )

The second mystery with the 'Mistress of the Art of Death', Adelia Aguilar from Salerno, set in the England of Henry II. Although it is not as perfectly written as the first one, it still rates miles above other historic mysteries. Franklin's descriptions still make you feel the 12th century and the scary tower and maze of Wormhold make for great atmospheric writing. I can't wait for the third adventure of Adelia, Mansur, Gyltha, Rowley and - of course - the King Henry himself... ( )

Historical fiction ( )

So I just finished The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin. I've read her first book featuring Adelia Aguilar in Mistress in the Art of Death and really enjoyed that one. The Serpent's Tale however just wasn't as good in my eyes. There were two cases to solve and I was trying to see if they were related somehow and was trying to figure it out - which probably got me frustrated and made me not enjoy the book as I should have. Anyhow, as usual my guesses were wrong (I'm not that good at playing detective in mystery novels) and I was blindsided as who were the culprits. There were a few parts in the book that made me laugh - Glytha seems to be such a total character in this one. King Henry I find very likable, he seems to ooze charm yet is maddeningly difficult when Adelia wants to have her own way and yet can't because he's King and his word is law. What I liked the most out of this book was how Adelia seems to analyze the treatment of women in middle age England. It's a strange culture shock to her as she was raised and treated differently in Salerno. It comes to the point where she is so frustrated with the entire social system and you can't blame her for feeling this way. She can't even practice medicine openly for fear of being fingered as a witch. Yet in this story there seems to be a small analysis on all the women characters in the novel. Adelia, who can't do what she wants in this strange land she's in, Glytha who has a larger amount of freedom but is still considered a second class citizen because she's a woman, Queen Eleanor who does act like a Queen but even her word doesn't get obeyed all the time however has managed to become an icon for women (in some ways), Mother Edyve who bends the rules against a patriarchal church and Emma who suffers the most out of all of them (won't say, it's a spoiler) :) I just thought it was interesting that these women were all shown in a different perspective and light throughout the novel but the underlying point was, they were women and therefore in that society nothing much but just flesh to carry children and do housework.

All in all, a good book not as good as the first one but the ending was great! you get the thrill of a bad guy getting his due. It felt good reading it too. I would read the first one though, as some of the information in this one has background information found in the first. I'll be looking forward to the third one!(6 out of 10 for The Serpent's Tale) ( )

http://www.bookgeeks.co.uk/2009/05/20... ( )

Also under the title” The Death Maze”

Book 2 in the series “The Art of Death”

This is an interesting and compelling story that follows “Mistress of the Art of Death”.

In this sequel, almost two years have passed since Adelia moved to England, now a single mother and currently living contentedly with her friend, Gyltha. When the King’s favourite Rosamund Clifford dies an agonizing death by poison, Henry11 points his finger at his estranged wife Eleanor of Acquitaine. Suspecting that she is hatching a plot to overthrow him, Henry summons Adelia to uncover the truth. She has to move with urgency to identify and expose the culprit and avoid any ramification that may lead to a civil war.

We find a never ending intrigue, tricky subplots and colourful characters as the story reunites Adelia with Rowley Picot eventually bringing them to Oxford. During this dangerous journey, the party falls into the hands of Eleanor’s band of mercenaries, who subsequently imprison them in the Abbey. At this point, the author brings medieval England to life with amazing descriptions of the travels through the maze surrounding the towers. To add dynamics to this unusual relationship, a bit of sexual tension comes to light between Adelia and Rowley who is the Bishop of St-Alban and father of her child.

The author offers a rich mix of murder, medical science and evil plots in a modern day language and terminology. I enjoyed my time spend reading this novel. ( )

The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin is the second in the medieval crime series about the "mistress of death" Adelia Aguilar. Just the escape I needed after a week of reading final exams. This time Adelia is assigned to find out who has murdered Henry II's mistress, the fair Rosamund -- before Henry seeks revenge upon Queen Eleanor who is suspected of masterminding the murder. Add a dash of courtly love, feminist theology, and motherly love. Amusing, engrossing, not great literature, but I'll read the next in the series when it appears. ( )

Medieval medic/detective Adelia Aguilar is back. Since solving the horrific crimes of Cambridge's missing children, Henry II has refused to allow Adelia to leave England, instead keeping her brilliant mind "on call" in case he ever needs her again. And need her he does. Henry's beloved mistress, Rosamund the Fair, has been murdered, and Adelia's services are required to prove that Henry's estranged queen, Eleanor, had nothing to do with it - otherwise, war may be inevitable. Adelia arrives at Wormhold Tower to discover a nearly inpenetrable maze, a deranged servant, and a very frozen, very fat corpse. She soon finds herself a prisoner of Queen Eleanor herself, and they all soon find themselves prisoners at Godstow Abbey, penned in by both the wintry weather and the overbearing and overachieving Lord Wolvercote. One murder leads to another and then another, and Adelia is desperate to discover the murderer in their midst before he strikes those dearest to her. Meanwhile, Adelia's love, Rowley Picot, the Bishop of Saint Albans, has escaped in order to locate Henry and bring him to Godstow Abbey to stop Eleanor's conspirators before they drag everyone into another civil war. ( )

The Serpent's Tale is the second in Ariana Franklin's series about "mistress of death" Adelia Aguilar. As a female medieval medical examiner kept "on call" by Henry II, Adelia must continually hide her intelligence and vocation for fear of being accused of witchcraft. In The Serpent's Tale, Henry II dispatches Bishop Rowley Picot - Adelia's former lover and father of her daughter, Allie - to bring Adelia to investigate the death of Henry's mistress, Rosamund. The primary suspect is Henry's queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who has been fomenting discontent throughout England with some of her sons. It is up to Adelia and her team (Rowley, Mansur and Gylthra) to find the true murderer before a civil war ignites in England. As Adelia and company travel to Rosamund's tower, they discover another murder at Godstock Abbey, run by Benedictine nuns. Just as the two investigations begin, a terrible winter descends on England, eventually trapping Eleanor and her entourage, along with Adelia, at the Abbey, where more curious events - and more murders - take place.

Although not as strong as her first book, Mistress of the Art of Death, in The Serpent's Tale Franklin again presents a compelling mystery with a wealth of period detail. Franklin does a wonderful job of incorporating all the little details that show us what life might have been like at that time. Overall, Franklin's writing style fits the time period and subject, although occasionally I find some of her sentences a bit awkward, as if she's trying just a bit too hard. The Serpent's Tale had less medicine and more sleuthing than the first book, which is too bad because I found Franklin's depiction of medieval medicine quite fascinating. One specific theme that I questioned - or at least found perhaps a bit overdone - was the idea that Eleanor ignites the very first spark that allows for the eventual equality of the sexes in England. I was unconvinced, especially given how Franklin depicted Eleanor as a spoiled, vindictive and cruel woman. Perhaps it's true, but the Eleanor of The Serpent's Tale was not a very convincing "proto-feminist."

Overall, though, the book is good - two interesting mysteries, compelling characters, and a fascinating depiction of 12th century England. ( )

The Serpent's Tale is Ariana Franklin's second novel about medieval medical examiner Adelia Aguilar. This is an engaging book - part thriller, murder mystery and historical fiction, the drama keeps the book moving at a quick pace and the well-rounded characters are all fascinating portraits. My only quibble with the book was that there was much less of the process and insight into Adelia's thinking that kept me riveted in Mistress. But Serpent's Tale stands on its own well and makes me look forward to the next book in the series.

http://archthinking.blogspot.com/2009... ( )

The Serpent’s Tale
Ariana Franklin

2nd in the Adelia Aguilar of Salerno series.

After more or less accidentally successful in delivering a baby, Adelia is visited by one of her favorite people--Prior Geoffrey--whose thankless task is to escort the rebellious pathologist to a meeting with the Bishop of St. Albans--better known to Adelia as Rowley Picot, her former lover and father of her daughter, Allie. The meeting is contentious, since Picot is insistent that Adelia accompany him to determine what she can about the death of Henry II’s favorite mistress, Rosamund Clifford. To say that Adelia is unwilling is an understatement; she is persuaded, however, by the specter of civil war in England between Henry and his queen, Eleanor. So, she, Picot, Gylthra, her companion and helper, the ever-faithful Mansur, and an evil-smelling dog named Ward accompany Picot and a few men to Rosalind’s tower near Woodstock, with a stop and the discovery of a murder along the way at Godstock Abbey.

Not quite so long nor so strong as Mistress of the Art of Death, this sequel is still an excellent read. Franklin has done her research well, and the period comes alive for her characters. The plot is a good one; Eleanor of Aquitaine plays a major role.

Franklin’s fortés are her descriptive prose, her characterizations, and her very keen ear for dialogue. She also knows how to keep a story moving while providing plenty of interest for fans of the medieval period along the way. The denouement is an exciting page turner.

Franklin also provides an informative 4-page historical note at the end, explaining where she took liberties and why.

Highly recommended. ( )

Another exciting tale featuring the engaging and ever independent medical investigator Adelia backed up by her team of Mansur and Gyltha. Having been press-ganged into the service of King Henry, Adelia becomes involved in the investigation of a number of murders. There were moments where the historical accuracy seemed to drift a bit but I think I would have enjoyed it just the same even if Henry II had come to Adelia's rescue in a helicopter with the US Cavalry there to back him up. Another great story that I found just as hard to put down as Mistress of the Art of Death. ( )

If you've read 'Mistress of the Art of Death,' rest assured, this one is almost as good. And if you haven't, by all means start with that.

The historical background is well-researched and integrated into the novel, but, for me, it's all about the characters. Each in his/her own way is a gem: Adelia, the serious physician/scientist and new mother; Rowley, the rejected suitor and newly appointed bishop; the wiley Henry II and his sophisticated and self-centered queen. Franklin's a gifted experienced professional and the plotting is deft and the story line interesting. What's not to like?

btw, if you like this one, you might want to click over and read about the earlier books written by this author under the name 'Diana Norman.' ( )

Adelia Aguilar is still working to solve murder for King Henry II. This time it is his mistress and the weapon is poison but the thrill is how she is found. Yet the fun begins with a dead horse and body on a bridge. The bodies pile up from there literally. Mother Edyve is compelling in her wisdom. There is even a haunting scene involving Adelia's baby. The memory of the sidestory of Emma and Wolvercote will be hard to erase. Even though the story is very different it is just as enjoyable as Mistress of the Art of Death. ( )

Sequel to a book I really enjoyed -- let's see if it measures up...doesn't measure up, had to put it down because I'm bored with it!

The Serpent’s Tale by Arianna Franklin is the second book in the Mistress of the Art of Death series set in Medieval England during the reign of King Henry I (Plantagenet). I am not providing details of the first book, Mistress of the Art of Death, or a summary of The Serpent’s Tale.

In The Serpent’s Tale the author conveys more a sense of delight in telling a tale of murder than in Mistress of the Art of Death, which I felt more a sense of dread and doom throughout, plus the child murders being a very heavy subject it would have been difficult to impart lightness to it. I thought the second book in the series definitely had more elements of humor…I chuckled out loud many times throughout the book…I didn’t expect to do so.

It has been quite awhile since I read Mistress of the Art of Death…sufficient length of time between its reading and The Serpent’s Tale to have no expectations for the second book’s story. I expected to enjoy it less after a few reviews I had read seemed to prefer the first book, but I found the second story more thrilling and engaging…probably due to less description of the injustices done to dead bodies and Adelia’s forensic methods. The first story dealt with child murders so the subject material was more difficult to read in the first place, plus The Serpent’s Tale was more humorous. The Serpent’s Tale is more straight mystery without much of the interwoven “romance” between Adelia and Rowley present in Mistress of the Art of Death, though we are still quite aware of their feelings toward each other.

There were many nuances of thought and detail that added suspense and interest to the portrayal of Medieval England in this story. I appreciated rich descriptions of Godstow, the Thames, the tower, the winter climate; ideas of religion, forward thinking and feminism. Some might not appreciate that Adelia is now in this situation of having born a girl child out of wedlock and still having unresolved feelings for Rowley, now a Bishop, and employed in a profession such as hers. But I think the new plot element – Adelia having born a girl child (replacing Ulf in the first book) – is essential to balance the story, adding a softness to juxtapose the brutal nature of the murders Adelia investigates, and even Adelia herself, who struggles to balance the more analytical, unemotional facets of her personality, with emotional desires of home and love.

The book’s title is The Serpent’s Tale, ergo there must be a serpent…I guessed the identity of the murderer on page 272, only about 60 pages before the murderer is actually revealed. I’m amazed I reasoned it out, as there were a lot of oddball twists and turns as roadblocks, but there are a few clues pointing you in the right direction. The Serpent’s Tale has a really good suspenseful plot and then a great reveal and explanation. Arianna Franklin definitely left some loose ends that can be used in future stories…Will the “Serpent” return?...Does Adelia go back to her homeland?...What will happen with Rowley? For the last question King Henry tells Adelia that she will “Never be safe”. Trying not to give away too much of the plot here but King Henry’s statement allows for more interaction between Rowley and Adelia in the future.

Only a couple of things annoyed me. First that there was not a map of the area at the beginning of the book like there was in Mistress of the Art of Death. Second, the way Arianna Franklin treats the intimacy between Adelia and Rowley when he is waiting for her in her room at Godstow. I think the description was just too metaphorical…it surprised me and seemed so unnecessary when a more straightforward wording would have been better. Why must need cover up the physical affirmation of their feelings in all the mumbo jumbo? Anyways, this was only one very short paragraph in an otherwise superb story.

The author has hit her stride and I am very much looking forward to the third book, Grave Goods, due to be released in trade paperback February 3rd.

http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot.... ( )

In 12th century England, Sicilian-born forensic specialist Adelia Aguilar has settled into life in the fens of East Anglia, where she practices medicine and dotes on her baby daughter. But then King Henry II commands her to discover who poisoned his mistress Rosamund, and particularly whether it was his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who is known to be inciting rebellion. Adelia reluctantly takes up the challenge, only to discover more murders and numerous abominable deeds. Franklin again provides an intriguing story rich in historical detail in this sequel to Mistress of the Art of Death (2007).