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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “The book is set in Cambridge during Henry II's (I think) rule. There is a serial killer loose in Cambridge who is killing young children in truly hideous ways. The town is accusing the Jews, and they are holed up in the castle. King Henry is losing the money that he made from them in the...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Historically inaccurate and dull. Rather than creating a protagonist within the confines of the Dark Age world, the doctor (with too many names for me to remember right now) is a 21st century feminist with medical knowledge that a Dark Age physician could not possibly have. Spends most of her...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“this was a fun read - despite the horrific crimes. ariana franklin somehow managed to build an interesting story in which the reader cares enough about the love life of the main character that the awful horror parts are sidelined just enough to not take focus from her. it's good, but not great. ”
Cupcake S wrote this review 17 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really enjoyed this, but have, so-far, been unable to get into the sequel. I will try again though.”
muffinkath7 wrote this review 22 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I was a bit squeamish with the child murders -- I don't do well when children are harmed -- but because the majority of the novel is in solving the crimes, I found it very enjoyable!”
MeggieC wrote this review 6 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“good good...a page-turner. nicely developed plot through the wise-sparse historical details. i read someone deriding the romance of picot and adelia. i loved it...it fitted naturally in the scheme and added much flair to the novel. i loved most of the characters. even the pesky ones were good and life-size.
prisha wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
how do i write a good review...damn it...jaydit, i like your reviews.”“Really enjoyed this sort of Medieval CSI with a female protagonist! Fun mysteries, well written and engaging with likable characters.”
Annette C wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A great read, very engaging”
Bill M wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Synopsis: England in the 12th century and in Cambridge a child has been hideously murdered and other children have disappeared. The Jews, made scapegoats by the all-powerful Christian clergy, have been forced to retreat into the castle to avoid slaughter by angry townspeople.
Carol T wrote this review Wednesday, December 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Henry II is displeased as the Jews provide a large part of his revenue and therefore the killer must be found , and quickly. A renowned investigator, Simon of Naples, is recruited, and arrives in town with an Arab and a young woman, Adelia Aguilar.
Not the average 12th century woman as she has trained as a doctor and her speciality now is the study of corpses, a skill that must be concealed in case she is accused of witchcraft.
Think medieval Kay Scarpetta. A feisty and independent young woman is Adelia and determined to remain celibate and single in order to focus on her work. She makes a wonderful central character in a story which has a cast of unique individuals who often seem larger than life and whose antics provide a great deal of humour. The first few pages are a delight as we first meet most of the main players returning from a pilgrimage to Canterbury.
It's a fast paced mystery that I found hard to put down as it romped through murder, mayhem and a touch of romance, tempting Adelia to stray from her chosen path, but what stops it from being just another lightweight crime is the historical background. It never overpowers but it gives a glimpse of 12th century life from the struggle of everyday living to the wider issues of social reform and religious intolerance.
I loved it and look forward to reading more of Ariana Franklin.”“Slow in the beginning, but it picks up in the last half. Probably slow because the author had to set up the mystery. Overall, an interesting book.”
Sonja L wrote this review Wednesday, December 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This was a thumpin' good read! The story was utterly compelling & learning about life under Henry II was greatly interesting. Great story with some incredible twists without the usual cheesy bits that would have left it merely a flimsy bodice ripper. This was a grand, well told story with a dark side & a lot of complexity. Very much enjoyed it!”
TJ Book Babe wrote this review Tuesday, November 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
