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"A Murderous Procession"by Ariana Franklin |
Arlene Almas: This is the latest installment in the
"Mistress of the Art of Death" series, historical romances featuring Adelia Aguilar, a woman
doctor from Palermo now living in England. It's best to start with the first book, "Mistress
of the Art of Death," but to quickly fill in the back story, women doctors are unknown outside
of Palermo, and Adelia would be considered a witch if she didn't disguise her knowledge by
pretending to be the assistant to "Dr." Mansur, an Arab eunuch who has been her companion
and protector since childhood. She and her lover, Rowley, have a daughter, Allie, but
they can't marry because he is the Bishop of St. Albans and is supposed to be celibate.
Adelia has solved several mysteries for King Henry II of England and he has great
admiration for her courage and medical expertise, so when his young daughter is
to travel to Sicily to marry King William, Henry assigns Adelia and Mansur
to accompany her and guard her health. This adventure takes Adelia out
of England and into France (the journey is overland), and, as always, there
is danger at every bend in the road and an evil villain (left over from the last book)
following Adelia and her companions on this journey. Adelia is a feisty heroine:
smart, independent, loyal, compassionate - where should I stop? - and the writing is
smooth and fun to read as it draws you along. If this is your cup of tea, I recommend
the series to you.
Rating: ****
