The Serpent's Tale

by Ariana Franklin

Book Overview

The follow-up to Mistress of the Art of Death- in the national bestselling series hailed as the medieval answer to Kay Scarpetta and the CSI detectives.

When King Henry II's mistress is found poisoned, suspicion falls on his estranged queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. The king orders Adelia Aguilar, expert in the science of death, to investigate-and hopefully stave off civil war. A reluctant Adelia finds herself once again...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425225747
• ISBN13: 9780425225745
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.0" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Already have The Serpents Tale

You guys have to get it together. We all know British titles are not always the same as American titles for the same book, but you need to give us a heads up. We thought this was a new book by Franklin that we had somehow missed. I can't afford a $22 mistake from ignorance. I loved the book, but don't need two AND don't know who to give it to for Christmas. Excellent Medieval mystery. The auhor has a knowledge of the period - Henry Plantagenet's England and has a knack for good story telling. Intriguing premise and character studies too - especially Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Doling it out; don't want it to end

I was introduced to Ms. Franklin's work with Mistress of the Art of Death, which I enjoyed immensely. The plot was intricate enough to retain my interest but not so complicated as to strain my brain at day's end, my reading time. And, it was all set in a richly textured historical milieu with witty dialogue, a rather modern non-sapppy romance, and useful nuggets about healing practices of the time. (Most sounded quite logical and practical. Why did we stop?) You travel to many worlds in that book. I agree with one reviewer that it is hard to equal the initial surprise and pleasure at encountering such an intriguing cast of characters and storyline in Mistress of the Art of Death. But for me, at least, Ms. Franklin has done a masterful job. I'm enjoying The Serpent's Tale every bit as much. Even after a long day's work, this is a wonderful escape that entertains and holds my interest, warding off nagging thoughts of the day's work left undone. Franklin has my gratitude, as a big stack of books by my bed failed at this task. I can't wait for the next one. Gina Pera, author Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder

Another well-written mystery

Ariana Franklin's second book featuring the 12th century Dr. Aguilar in a Plantagenet England is just as delightful & absorbing as the first (Mistress of the Art of Death). Franklin has a spare yet rich writing style that conveys all of the information but doesn't get lost in endless dialogue or descriptions. I've been a longtime fan of Ariana Franklin a.k.a. Diana Norman; her historical novels are exceedingly well-researched and written. Some of her longtime obsessions (Henry II, for one) are found in this latest book. It only adds to the marvelous portrait she's created of him over the decades since he first came to life under her pen in Fitzempress' Law.

What's not to like?

I've noticed that at least two of the previous reviews are by professional/commercial reviewers - not usually a good sign - but this is an excellent book and shouldn't require paid praise. 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.'

A Sumptuous Feast of a Tale

I love this author's style. She imbues her characters with a dry wit that is refreshing and natural. And about those characters....not a stinker in the lot. Each and every one brings a unique personality and contribution to the sumptuous table of this tale. Fascinating and well researched facts provide the base of the storyline; she builds from there with splendid results. The book stands alone, but I think you'll enjoy it even more if you first read, Mistress in the Art of Death. Ms. Franklin....are you working on a third book?? Fingers crossed.