Also among the pilgrims are three knights, formerly Crusaders. One, Sir Rowley, now serves as the king’s tax collector. Near the end of the long procession are an odd trio: a small Jew, Simon of Naples, an Arab eunuch, Mansur, and a woman, Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, a doctor from the school of medicine in Salerno. They have been sent by the King of Sicily to assist in uncovering the truth behind the abduction of several children and the death of one, Little Peter.

Prior Geoffrey is ill, and his condition is becoming more and more grave. Adelia treats him and saves his life. Because the concept of a woman being a doctor is so foreign and could lead to a charge of witchcraft, Adelia’s role is hidden and the credit given to Mansur. (This subterfuge leads to amusing consequences.) Adelia has been sent to England because she is an expert in identifying the cause of death. She has an unusual history. A foundling, she was raised by a doctor at Salerno; she is following in his footsteps.

While the travelers are camped, the bodies of the three missing children are found. The Jews of Cambridge have been blamed for the death of Little Peter, but because they’ve been confined since the first death, they surely cannot be guilty of these three.

Are there more deaths yet to come? Can Adelia’s unusual skills identify the perpetrator?

Mistress of the Art of Death has a well-conceived mystery plot with ample suspects and entertaining subplots, but what elevates this book to the five-star level is the depth of characters, particularly in the portrayal of Adelia.

In fiction, there are some unique characters who dominate a story and leave an indelible impression. They almost demand a sequel. (Claire Fraser of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, and Eve Dallas from J. D. Robb’s In Death series come to mind.) Adelia, with her intelligence, sensitivity, and rare abilities, is just such a character. From the first scene where she cares for Prior Geoffrey, she is the center of the narrative. No one else comes close. Fortunately, the story’s end hints that a sequel is likely because Adelia is too good a heroine for a single book.

Ariana Franklin (a pseudonym of author Diana Norman) has crafted a mystery that is well-grounded in its historical era – its politics, beliefs, prejudices, social customs. The book’s glimpse into12th century life adds to the enjoyment of a solid mystery plot and vivid characters. Fans of historical mysteries will not want to miss Mistress of the Art of Death. It deserves TMR’s strongest recommendation.

--Lesley Dunlap