 |
|
|
|
|
Mistress of the Art of Death |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Book: Hardcover | 6.33 x 9.29in | 400 pages | ISBN 9780399154140 | 06 Feb 2007 | Putnam Adult | Adult |
|
Click here for other formats
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A chilling, mesmerizing novel that combines the best of modern forensic thrillers with the detail and drama of historical fiction
In medieval Cambridge, England, four children have been murdered. The crimes are immediately blamed on the town's Jewish community, taken as evidence that Jews sacrifice Christian children in blasphemous ceremonies. To save them from the rioting mob, the king places the Cambridge Jews under his protection and hides them in a castle fortress. King Henry I is no friend of the Jews-or anyone, really-but he is invested in their fate. Without the taxes received from Jewish merchants, his treasuries would go bankrupt. Hoping scientific investigation will exonerate the Jews, Henry calls on his cousin the King of Sicily-whose subjects include the best medical experts in Europe-and asks for his finest "master of the art of death," an early version of the medical examiner. The Italian doctor chosen for the task is a young prodigy from the University of Salerno. But her name is Adelia-the king has been sent a mistress of the art of death.
Adelia and her companions-Simon, a Jew, and Mansur, a Moor-travel to England to unravel the mystery of the Cambridge murders, which turn out to be the work of a serial killer, most likely one who has been on Crusade with the king. In a backward and superstitious country like England, Adelia must conceal her true identity as a doctor in order to avoid accusations of witchcraft. Along the way, she is assisted by Sir Rowley Picot, one of the king's tax collectors, a man with a personal stake in the investigation. Rowley may be a needed friend, or the fiend for whom they are searching. As Adelia's investigation takes her into Cambridge's shadowy river paths and behind the closed doors of its churches and nunneries, the hunt intensifies and the killer prepares to strike again . .
"A fabulous read...irresistible."
-- New York Daily News
"Vivid and engaging...succeeds brilliantly as both historical fiction and crime thriller. [A] terrific book...with a dozen twists."
-- Diana Gabaldon, Washington Post
"One of the most compelling, suspenseful mysteries I've read in years."
-- New York Times bestselling author Sharon Kay Penman
"The medieval answer to Kay Scarpetta and the CSI detectives."
-- Karen Harper, bestselling author of the Elizabeth I mystery series
"Fascinating...a rollicking microcosm of budding science, medieval culture, and edge-of-your-seat suspense."
-- USA Today
"Expert researched, a brilliant heroine."
-- Kate Mosse, New York Times bestselling author of Labyrinth
"CSI meets The Canterbury Tales...commercial paydirt...delivered with panache."
-- Kirkus Reviews (starred)
Email Alerts
To keep up-to-date, input your email address, and we will contact you on publication
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
