The first books are set during the reign of Henry II, and the main character, Adelia Aguilar is a medical doctor trained in Salerno, Italy. In the first books, her friend Mansur takes the role as doctor with Adelia as his assistant. Because she is a woman, Adelia must rely on this subterfuge in order to practice her skills: investigative, medical, and logical.
In Death and the Maiden, Adelia is older and Henry II has died, but Adelia has been training her daughter Allie to succeed her in her medical (and investigative) capacity, and it is Allie who becomes the main protagonist in this book. Adelia and Rowley make welcome appearances, but the story revolves around Allie.
When Adelia injures her ankle, Allie is allowed to go to Ely without her to care for their friend Gyltha, who is ill. As Gyltha recovers, Allie enjoys the sense of independence, but she but she is also concerned about the disappearances of several young women in the area. A handsome young lord from a neighboring estate adds a hint possible romance (which would greatly appease Rowley, who is eager to see his daughter married). But then Hawise, a young woman who has been a friend during Allie's stay, disappears and the suspense mounts.
Hopefully, Samantha Norman will take the opportunity to write further of the adventures of Allie, even if Adelia and Rowley stay a bit in the background.
Read in May. Blog review scheduled for Oct. 1, 2020.
NetGalley/Harper Collins/William Morrow
Historical Mystery. Oct. 20, 2020. Print length: 416 pages.
I haven't read a lot of books set in this time period, but it sounds like an interesting one. And Allie sounds like a fun character.
ReplyDeleteStart with Mistress of the Art of Death if you decide to give these characters a try!
DeleteI had totally forgotten about this series and I actually saw MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH on the shelf at the library this afternoon. Almost picked it up for a reread. I don't think I read further in the series, but I'm going to put it back on my list. How nice that the daughter is continuing the writing of the mother. Thanks for telling about this one!
ReplyDeleteI followed this series because of the characters and because I loved the way the mysteries connected with the time period. Like many others, I was sad when the author died, but I'm glad her daughter continues the series!
DeleteI was just eyeing Mistress of the Art of Death on my shelf last night as I was considering what book to read next. I didn't end up choosing it, but it's time will come, I'm sure. It sounds like the daughter has done an admirable job of picking up where her mother left off.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fascinating series with a female doctor who has excellent training, but as a woman must play the assistant!
DeleteI read Franklin's City of Shadows a decade (!) ago and really enjoyed it. I've always intended to read her Mistress of the Art of Death, but you know what they say about good intentions... ;-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read City of Shadows. My current good intention is to look for it! But I do know what they say about good intentions--only too well!
DeleteI have not heard of this series, but the characters sure sound interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteI was hooked after the first book several years ago, and I'm glad that there may be more. :)
DeleteThis sounds like such a great series. I haven't read many books set in this time period, so this could be really interesting for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI love historical mysteries, and this was one of my favorites. I'm glad the daughter is going to continue with the adventures!
DeleteI remember I really enjoyed Mistress of the Art of Death and for some reason never kept up with the series. How wonderful that her daughter is concluding the series and I like that it focuses on new protagonists to carry on the legacy too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad her daughter decided to carry on. The mystery, history, and characters made the series so interesting!
DeleteInteresting series. It sounds like the daughter is ripe for a spinoff series all her own, but I wonder if the author wants to go to a different period now. Sometimes they seem to get burned out on a series a whole lot quicker than readers do.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if Samantha Norman continues the series or takes a new direction of her own. :)
DeleteI've heard lots of great things about this series. How interesting that the author's daughter took over the writing after her mother's death. I too am curious to see if she does a spin off or something different.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great series, and I am glad the daughter has given us a bit more information about Adelia and Rowley, while making their daughter a force to reckon with. :)
DeleteI like that this story continues with Adelia and Allie
ReplyDelete'.
Allowing the characters to age, change, deal with the challenges that come with changing times is a good thing. :)
DeleteAnd Allie seems to be very much her mother's daughter.
ReplyDeleteShe is, and yet a different generation. As all mothers and daughters, many characteristics are similar, but youth is a force of its own. :)
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