Death and the Maiden

The final installment in Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death historical mystery series is about a young healer named Allie who is sent to Ely to investigate the disappearances of several girls. She suspects a monstrous predator is on the loose and must use her training and stubborn pursuit of the truth to find the killer before she becomes the next victim.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

England, 1191. After the passing of her dear friend and patron, King Henry II, Adelia Aguilar, the renowned Mistress of the Art of Death in England, finds herself living a comfortable retirement, imparting her expertise in anatomy, forensics, and sleuthing to her daughter, Allie. Allie, already a skilled healer with a remarkable talent for treating animals, is nearing her twentieth birthday. Her father, Rowley, Bishop of Saint Albans, and his patron, the formidable Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, have grand plans for her future. They aspire to find a suitable husband who will cherish and appreciate a woman with such extraordinary gifts.

However, when a friend in Cambridgeshire falls ill, Allie is dispatched to Ely, where she is destined to cross paths with Lord Peverill, a young aristocrat who would make an ideal match for the young healer. Upon her arrival, however, the scene is one of chaos. A young girl from the nearby village has vanished, and she is not the first to disappear in recent months. As the bodies of the missing girls begin to surface, Allie is granted the opportunity to examine the remains before their burial. Through her meticulous examination, she begins to suspect that a monstrous predator is lurking in the shadows, preying upon the innocent.

With her training and unwavering determination, Allie embarks on a mission to uncover the truth. Will her skills and knowledge be enough to bring the killer to justice? Or will she become the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse?

Death and the Maiden is a meticulously crafted thriller that delves into the realm of historical mystery. It is a fitting and splendid conclusion to Ariana Franklin's highly acclaimed series, beloved by readers worldwide. The novel offers a rich tapestry of characters, intricate plotlines, and a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

In conclusion, Death and the Maiden is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries, and it serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Ariana Franklin. The novel showcases the author's exceptional storytelling skills and her ability to transport readers to a bygone era while delivering a thrilling and suspenseful narrative. Prepare to be captivated by the world of Adelia Aguilar and Allie, as they navigate the treacherous waters of 1191 England, facing danger and mystery at every turn.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 137 x 203 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062562364