Grave Goods - Softcover

Franklin, Ariana

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0143170023 ISBN 13: 9780143170020

Publisher: Penguin Canada, 2010

Synopsis

Combining the best of modern forensic thrillers with the drama of medieval fiction, New York Times–bestselling author Ariana Franklin returns with the third title in the Mistress of the Art of Death series.

England, 1176. Beautiful, tranquil Glastonbury Abbey— one of England’s holiest sites, and believed by some to be King Arthur’s sacred Isle of Avalon—has been burned almost to the ground. The arsonist remains at large, but the fire has uncovered something even more shocking: two hidden skeletons, a man and a woman. The skeletons’ height and age send rumors flying—are the remains those of Arthur and Guinevere?

King Henry II hopes so. Struggling to put down a rebellion in Wales, where the legend of Celtic savior Arthur is particularly strong, Henry wants definitive proof that the bones are Arthur’s. If the rebels are sure that the Once and Future King will not be coming to their aid, Henry can stamp out the insurgence for good. He calls on Adelia Aguilar, Mistress of the Art of Death, to examine the bones.

Henry’s summons comes not a moment too soon, for Adelia has worn out her welcome in Cambridge. As word of her healing powers has spread, so have rumors of witchcraft. So Adelia and her household ride to Glastonbury, where the investigation into the abbey fire will be overseen by the Church authorities—in this case, the Bishop of St. Albans, who happens also to be the father of Adelia’s daughter.

About this title

About the Author

Ariana Franklin is the pen name of British writer Diana Norman. A former journalist, Norman has written several critically acclaimed biographies and historical novels.

From AudioFile

On a mission from King Henry II, forensic physician Adelia Aguilar travels to Glastonbury Abbey to examine two skeletons, allegedly those of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Adelia solves that puzzle, and several more. Kate Reading performs this twelfth-century story with suitable solemnity for a quest assigned by a king. Her slightly squeaky renderings of children's dialogue are the rare break in her formality. While both text and performance of this novel present a dismal picture of life in that era, through it all, Reading's impeccable diction and spot-on phrasing keep the listener engaged with the story. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Canada
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0143170023
• ISBN 13: 9780143170020
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480