Ariana Franklin (1933–2011)

In 1171 in Cambridge, England 4 children have been brutally killed. Mistakenly the local Jewish community is accused and has received sanctuary from King Henry II. But to quell the threatening Christian community answers need to be found. Into this mix comes Adelia Aguilar, prodigy female doctor of death (forensic coroner), Simon of Naples (investigator), and Mansur (Adelia’s Arab bodyguard). On the road to Cambridge Adelia saves the life of the local Prior and his gratefulness is their access to the community. As the investigation unfolds it looks as if the culprit may have been a member of the pilgrim group that they entered town with. One member of this group Sir Rowley Picot keeps turning up at opportune moments, seeming to be very helpful. Others create roadblocks. The story is rife with religious, racial and gender prejudice. The author did a good job of presenting historical detail and making you feel what life was like then. I personally would not want to live during that time. Well done mystery.… (more)