The Serpent's Tale

By: Ariana Franklin

Narrated by: Kate Reading

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 in the company of Rowley Picot, the new Bishop of St. Albans...and her baby's father. Their discoveries into the crime are shocking- and omens of greater danger to come.©2008 Ariana Franklin; (P)2008 Penguin

Critic reviews

"A deliciously dark and effective concoction of historical fiction, suspense, romance, adventure and forensics."
-Miami Herald

"An irresistible novel."
-New York Daily News

"A brilliant tapestry of medieval life and death."
-Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Imaginative."
-Chicago Sun-Times

I agree…but

While I agree with the three reviews I read, I did not need the sex, but then I’m a prude.

loved it

Idc what other reviews have said, if Adelia was a little more whiny this book, it was within expectation of the situation, and there were definitely enough times when she was brassy as she was in the previous book. definitely plenty of laughs in this one. I liked it a lot

Delightful

I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first one - The Mistress of the Art of Death - IMMENSELY. The author makes the time and the woman very believable. I am enjoying the Medieval medical information. I have often been grateful to be living in the 21st century with two painful conditions (arthritis and fibromyalgia). But the Mistress could have helped arthritic people then at least somewhat. I do have one negative thought - Kate Reading is a skilled reader, but Roslyn Landor's voice was spot on for a Miedeval story.

Author really brings life to the plot.

The well researched 12th century England is wonderful and greatly detailed of lesser known facts. Story is riveting as always.

Fine mystery, good history lesson

The story is engrossing, the characters well drawn and the history enlightening. I could wish that Adelia was not so prone to wimping out emotionally, but I suppose that makes her complex. All in a very good listen. If you like British historical mysteries, you'll enjoy this.