seahl 's review for:

Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

4.0

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About a third of the way though the book, I realized this book could have been pitched as "The TV show Bones but set in Medieval England" - Somewhat socially awkward, highly intelligent, unusually educated young woman who "speaks" to dead bodies to interpret how they died is contracted out to national government (in this case, Henry II) to solve a string of murders. Around her forms a ragtag group of collaborators, each having their own special skill that helps in the investigation. There is even a character who is employed by the investigative arm of the national govt (in this case as a tax collector) who is haunted by the time he spent in military service in the Middle East.

Spoiler

Similar to Bones, this is the character that the protagonist falls for. In the end, this Booth-like character wants to marry the protagonist but she turns him down because, despite her love for him, she wants to retain her independence. Very Season 5 of Bones.

I don't mean this in any way to knock this book. I loved Bones and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I wasn't shocked by the revelation of the killer's identity, the story still provided a twist after the reveal which I found compelling. I've seen it knocked in some reviews as having the romance shoe-horned in, but it seemed organic to me and gave the protagonist more dimension. It also is does not overshadow the crimes and investigation in the story (which may be why some reviewers felt it was wedged into the plot).

Overall, this is one of the better historical whodunits I have read. I look forward to the rest of the series.