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    A Murderous Procession
    A Murderous Procession
    A Murderous Procession
    Audiobook12 hours

    A Murderous Procession

    Written by Ariana Franklin

    Narrated by Jill Tanner

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    National best-selling author Ariana Franklin resumes her Mistress of the Art of Death series with A Murderous Procession. In 1176, King Henry II's daughter is set to marry the king of Sicily. But when several wedding guests are murdered during the procession, Adelia must uncover who is behind the killings and who is the killer's real target.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateAug 27, 2010
    ISBN9781449808716
    A Murderous Procession
    Author

    Ariana Franklin

    Ariana Franklin was the award-winning author of Mistress of the Art of Death and the critically acclaimed, bestselling medieval thriller series of the same name, as well as the twentieth-century thriller City of Shadows. She died in 2011, while writing The Siege Winter.

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    Reviews for A Murderous Procession

    4/5

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    • 5/5
      It would really be great to have some more books in this series, but with the writers passing I guess we will never see any more work. This is a good addition to the series. She really keeps you on your toes. The history is good and writing is smooth and well rounded.
    • 5/5
      In this fourth installment of the Mistress of the Art of Death series of medieval mysteries, King Henry II of England commands Adelia to accompany his ten year old daughter, Princess Joanna, on her trip to Sicily to marry it’s king, William II. He trusts both her medical knowledge and her skill at mysteries to keep his daughter safe from harm. At first elated to be returning to the country where she was raised, her elation turns to despair when Henry tells her that he will be keeping her daughter Allie in England to insure Adelia’s return. At best, the trip will take months and Adelia has no wish to be separated from her daughter for so long. There is no denying a king his wishes, however, and Allie and her nurse Glytha are left in care of Queen Eleanor. But Joanna is not the only treasure to be kept safe on this journey; Henry is secretly sending the sword Excalibur to William. Not just valuable for its jewels, it represents England and the possessor would have a strong rallying point. Given how Henry’s sons kept trying to take the throne from him, that even could be fatal for him. And what no one realizes is that also on this trip is Adelia’s sworn enemy, one who wishes her both disgraced and dead. Odd, unpleasant events begin to happen before the group even sets out. At first they seem like accidents, but things get more suspicious. And as the group starts to think of the events as deliberate, they also find that the only one with known motive is Adelia… and they could have only been done by witchcraft. With the Inquisition just getting started, this could lead to a very bad end for Adelia- and it almost does. No one- except nature- makes an attempt on Joanna’s life, but Adelia is in constant peril right up to the end. This novel is darker in tone than the first three. Europe is falling under the Inquisition and the Christian Crusaders are trying to elimate Moslims. Even Sicily, where Adelia was raised and educated, is falling to prejudice. Women will no longer be allowed to be doctors. Mixed marriages will no longer be allowed. This is as horrifying to Adelia as her own flesh and blood enemy is, and it’s something that she cannot cure. Franklin backs up her mystery stories with solid historical research.The action in the book never lets up, and the cliffhanger ending leaves us screaming “No, no, no!!!” and hoping that book five comes out very soon.
    • 4/5
      The fourth in the Mistress of the Art of Death series, Dr. Adelia Aguilar has been chosen by King Henry II to accompany his daughter Joanna to Palermo to marry his cousin, the king of Sicily. Adelia is excited by the prospect of returning to her home of Sicily—but is soon is reluctant to leave when Henry refuses to let her bring her young daughter Ally with (Henry’s way of guaranteeing Adelia’s return). Adelia must go and so joins the procession (with Mansur and Rowley (her lover and the King’s Bishop)). In addition, Henry has arranged for Arthur’s sword, Excaliaber, to be brought as a gift to the bridegroom. As people in the wedding procession are murdered, Adelia and Rowley must discover the killer's identity . . . and whether he is stalking the princess or Adelia herself. There was a different feel to this book than those previous. In previous books, Adelia seemed very much in control and strong, but here she is in situations completely beyond her control and, at times, in great peril (which she continues to dismiss). I really enjoy this series. I find the history well researched—and it is an interesting to see an independent women put into 12th century England (and all of their superstitions and mores). I also appreciated the introduction of new characters into this novel, particularly the O’Donnell, the ship’s captain, and Adelia’s parents. The novel ends on a “cliffhanger” and I was disappointed to learn that the author passed away following the publishing of this book—however I did read that her daughter may take over the writing of the series (hope its true!). 4 out of 5 stars.
    • 3/5
      The story is great, I just had a problem with the malevolence factor.
    • 2/5
      Abandoned. The theme has become tedious and I really, really do not want to read about old Scarry. That was a side-saga part of Book 3's plot and I wasn't going to tolerate the chase and killing and blah, blah, blah. So I'm done with this set of characters.
    • 4/5
      A Murderous Procession (Mistress of the Art of Death) is a book that keeps its pace from beginning to end. However, the biggest problem is its length and the fact that it comes to abrupt end. It felt like the author was just getting into the story when she decided to end it. The characters who are supposed to be liked are liked and those who are evil are evil and not liked. The best part of the book was the author explaining the historical people who the characters were based upon. Because of the abrupt ending this book received a nice solid four stars.
    • 3/5
      I love this series. Rather original.
    • 5/5
      It would really be great to have some more books in this series, but with the writers passing I guess we will never see any more work. This is a good addition to the series. She really keeps you on your toes. The history is good and writing is smooth and well rounded.
    • 3/5
      A Murderous Procession
      3 Stars

      Adelia Aguilar has finally found some peace living in Somerset, but Henry II interferes once again when he demands that she accompany his daughter on her marriage procession to Sicily. Adelia reluctantly agrees but the journey is rife with murder and betrayal in the form of a villain from the past who will stop at nothing to destroy the Mistress of the Art of Death.

      As in the previous installments, the historical background and insight into the lives of historical figures are fascinating. Moreover, the picture Franklin draws of the harshness of life in the 12th century, especially for women, is quite vivid and disturbing.

      While the revenge plot is good, most of the mystery involves determining the real identity of the sick and twisted villain from a long list of suspects. The majority of characters are stereotypical, although one or two have some interesting fetishes, and familiar faces from the first three books are sorely missing. Moreover, Adelia’s intelligence seems to have dimmed somewhat as she refuses to acknowledge the threat even when those closest to her issue warning after warning.

      It should be noted that the book ends on a cliffhanger, which in and of itself would not be the end of the world, however, the author as since passed away and there is, consequently, no closure to this particular storyline.
    • 4/5
      **** WARNING -- Spoilers for the book's ending ****

      A conspiracy between Rowley and Henry II sends Adelia Aguilar back to Sicily, but without her daughter Allie. It seems Rowley is concerned Allie isn't learning the things a lady ought, and instead seems intent on her interest in animals and bugs. A furious Adelia is unaware that Rowley is also concerned for her life. It seems Scarey (a bad guy from the last novel) is trying to killer Adelia. So Adelia and Rowley set off with a contingent to escort Henry's daughter Joanna to Palermo in order to marry the Kind of Sicily.

      I enjoy Franklin's writing when her characters are traveling -- she just seems to have a gift for making the places and different characters they meet interesting. I also love the fact that Adelia's parents will be returning to make their home in England now, and I look forward to reading more of them in future books. I loved also the character of O'Donnell, and hope he finds happiness in future books as well.

      I do have two quibbles with the book, one being with the ending. How in the world could Franklin have ended things so abruptly, with the reader still unsure of a major character's life (not to mention livelihood). A very bizarre ending that I didn't appreciate at all. I also wasn't impressed by Scarey in this novel, either. As a villain he seemed a little one-dimensional to me. I actually felt a bit of sympathy for the man, losing his lover and then his mind becoming deranged. To me he was a very sick man psychologically, and the fact they left his body in the street at the end bothered me. Overall though this was a good entry to the series, and of course I look forward to reading many more.
    • 4/5
      This is a totally enjoyable mystery centered on a 12th century female doctor. Great information about the period and good plot and characters.
    • 3/5
      I really like the character of Adelia, but wish she had better taste in men. I'd trade Rowley for O'Donnell in a heartbeat. Rowley has always grated on me. He's an arrogant, blithering idiot who thinks too much about himself. I feel like certain parts of this story were rushed, while others proceeded at a sluggish pace. This is possibly my least favorite of the series, but was not altogether unenjoyable.
    • 4/5
      I loved this, in fact I got so caught up in this book that I seriously considered phoning the friend I was meeting to say that something had come up and that I had to cancel. It moves along at a good pace although the identity of the bad guy was to obvious which stops this from being a 5* read.
    • 3/5
      This was a disappointing end to the Mistress of the Art of Death series. The story began as well-written as the other books in the series, if a little far-fetched. However, the ending was extremely disappointing. The book just cut off. There was no explanation to the reveal of the killer or explanation of what happened to Adelia and company. The killer was revealed, ignored (literally), then the book ended. I will say that this author passed away not long after the book was published. I'm sure her illness affected her ability to finish the story to her normal standards.
    • 4/5

      Adelia & Manusr are accompanying King Henry"s & Eleanor's daughter Joanna to Sicily to wed. She & Mansur are traveling as the doctors to Joanna, but her court doctor, ladies in waiting & priests consider them witches & want nothing to do with them. King Henry has forced Adelia's daughter Allie to remain behind in care of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine as insurance to her return to England.

      Excalibur is on the trip and is to be gifted to the King of Sicily, whom Joanna is to wed, but it goes missing!

      There have been near misses on Adelia's life, but she is totally unaware of what is going on around her, but she is forced to face it as others in the entourage are being murdered.

      Adelia & Mansur are set up as heretics, are arrested as Cathars & are set to be burned.... Their escape takes them through the Pyrenees and into a Catalan mountain hideaway.

      Catching up with the Princess they find she is quite ill and Adelia is called upon to heal her......

      There is so much more exciting action & romance.....but you are just gonna have to read the book yourself to find out what happens.......

      This was a good story, once I started it I only stopped while I was working....then I stayed up until after 1:00 am to finish it. I'm looking forward to another.....although there is no indication that there is one forthcoming.
    • 4/5
      This is her first book that I've read rather than listened to. I prefer listening to the stories but I found it to be less bleak than the others.
    • 3/5
      The fourth book in the Mistress in the Art of Death series. With this book we find Adelia again summoned to duty by Henry, this time to escort his youngest daughter Joanna to her wedding in Palermo. Although she is excited to go back to her homeland and her parents, Henry is not allowing her to take her daughter in order to ensure Adelia's return to England. The road is to Palermo is not an easy one and made even more difficult by the fact that someone seems to be trying to kill Adelia. The usual cast of characters and typical problems for this medeival woman doctor. A good read and the ending makes it obvious there will be another in the series.
    • 3/5
      I didn't read this in order (only read the first) but there's enough information in here that you catch up pretty quickly. Adelia is a Sicilian woman trained as a doctor in the middle ages who finds herself at the beck & call of Henry II. She's accompanied by a muslim eunuch, has a bishop as a lover and they have a child. her best friend is a fen woman who has a relationship with the eunuch. All sounds a bit unlikely, but from that somewhat unlikely surmise a good story flows. In this installment, she is ordered, by the king, to accompany his daughter Joanna as she travels to Sicily to marry its Norman king. On the way they come across a number of adventures, not least that caused by a man who blames Adelia for his soul mate's death a few years only. We hear from Scarry in his thoughts, and a very unusual place they are too, but don't know which of them he is until the very last page. It's a lively slice of middle ages Europe and has some bold adventures, a varied set of characters and is quite good fun as a read.
    • 4/5
      Beware the end of this book! The author died after completing the novel and there is a cliffhanger. Yet still a fantastic read.
    • 4/5
      I still love Adelia but did not like this book as much as others. This plot leaves Gyltha behind in England and she is sorely missed. There is also a cliff hanger ending that bothered me.
    • 4/5
      This is the final book in a wonderful historic mysteries series set during the 12th century. This time our spunky protagonist Adelia has been assigned to accompany King Henry II's daughter Joanna on a procession to Sicily where she will marry the king and help cement another ally for England. As with her other novels, the mystery itself isn't earth shattering. Even I had an idea of who was perpetrating the crimes and I almost never guess a mystery. But, the really gem behind this story is the description of the different places they travel and the final destination of Sicily. Adelia was trained as a doctor in Sicily which was much more cosmopolitan and forward thinking than England in the 12th Century. Women were allowed to not only go to school, but could openly practice medicine. This book definitely gives an ominous warning of the impact that the Crusades will bring to Europe as the Church gains in strength and begins to ban educating girls, practicing surgery by male and female doctors, and the strain in relations between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. One of the best parts of this audiobook is the author's notes at the end where Ariana Franklin describes her research and the slight deviations the story took with history. Sadly, this is the last in the series since it was published shortly before the author's death.
    • 3/5
      I've really enjoyed this series, and I like Ariana Franklin's writing, but this is not the strongest entry in the list. I felt like this one took forever to really get good. The first third of the book I just wasn't interested, and if I hadn't already been a fan I probably would have put it down and not picked it up again.

      When the party got to the Cathar village things picked up, and I enjoyed the last two thirds of the book quite a lot. But the first third just felt lifeless and like it was going through the motions. Also I'm starting not to believe in the central romance any more. Sigh. I hope the next one is stronger.
    • 5/5
      Henry II of England sends Adelia to accompany his daughter Joanna to Sicily for her marriage to King William. Most in the procession of people don't want her or Manseur, her Saracen companion, there. But, there is one who wants her least of all, Scurry, one of the villains from the previous book. This was a very well done mystery. I am very sad that this is the final title (especially since there is a cliff hanger ending) since the author passed away.
    • 4/5
      This is the latest and, sadly, last installment of the "Mistress of the Art of Death" series, since the author passed away in January of 2011. I came to like this mystery series, set in the late 1100’s in England, very much, in spite of the fact that the protagonist seems at times a bit more twentieth century than twelfth.Adelia Aguilar is a “mistress of the art of death” or a trained doctor specializing in autopsy, who grew up in Sicily and attended medical school there. Seven years before, in 1169, King Henry II of England sent for her to help with a murder case, and valued her services so much he hasn’t let her leave. Now she has a six-year-old daughter Allie by Rowley Picot, her lover who is also the Bishop of Saint Albans. When Henry sends his own daughter, ten-year-old Joanna, off to marry King William II of Sicily, he wants Adelia to go also, in case Joanna has any medical difficulties en route. He holds Allie back in England to ensure Adelia’s return. So Adelia heads off to Sicily, accompanied not only by many characters we have gotten to know and love from previous books, but also by an unknown adversary who is trying to kill her.Discussion: I very much enjoy the historical aspects of this series. After all, King Henry, the great-grandson of William the Conqueror and the first of the House of Plantagenet to rule England, is an exceptionally interesting character. His relationship with Eleanor of Aquitaine and his crusading sons have inspired legions of authors and filmmakers. Franklin appends notes to the back of each book explaining which facets of her story are believed to be historically accurate and which elements she has taken liberties with. However, while I can’t say I know personally any women from the twelfth century, Adelia seems a little too advanced in her reactions to be truly medieval. On the other hand, Queen Eleanor was by all accounts a woman who would fit in quite well in the twenty-first century, and in fact, would probably now be one of our presidential candidates. So who is to say Adelia could not have been exceptional? But my growing affection for this series turned out to be unfortunate, since there can be no more of the books. Moreover, this is the only one of the series to end in a bit of a cliffhanger. But let me explain: in an ordinary, standalone book, the ending would not be considered incomplete. It only seems so to fans of these books because one knows that in a series, the outcome would be made absolutely clear in the next book to come along. Now, gasp, we must rely on our imaginations! Evaluation: I’ve grown very fond of this series, and even fonder of Henry II. Since I no longer have Adelia’s life to follow, I might have to go with Henry.
    • 4/5
      Cliffhanger endings....Aggggghhhh! And there is not a sequel, to my knowledge, in the works. This amazing author passed away so my beloved characters must only live on in my heart and imagination. If you are hoping to read a solidly researched, surprising, deep, scary, intriguing series - please check this one out. The first book is Mistress of the Art of Death.
    • 4/5
      I was so caught up in reading Grave Goods by this author that I immediately went on to read this next book in the series. And when I finished it last night, I sprang to the internet to find the next so as not to be left hanging on that proverbial cliff. I actually wailed out loud when I read that Ariana Franklin, the pen name for author Diana Norman, died in January 2011. Now we'll never know what happens to Adelia and Rowley, and all the other wonderful characters in this book. Worse yet, it's left at sort of a cliff-hanger, with multiple possibilities for the future. But that, as they say, is life, so perhaps I shouldn't complain.But many thanks to Franklin, who brought me into the world of England and Europe in a historical time that always fascinated me. The research and detail in the books is excellent and the notes and explanations as to how or why she adapted historical fact fascinating. The series was definitely worth reading, even with the ending of this book, since the mysteries are interesting and the characters well-drawn and colorful. There actually are numerous possibilities and outcomes at this point, and I shall probably spend the day mulling a number of them and deciding which I like best, since I don't think there's a Brandon Sanderson in the wings to finish the series.
    • 5/5
      I really like this series of books. I am very sad that the writer passed away and there will be no more.
    • 4/5
      A good read and an suitable follow-up to Ms. Franklin's other books in the series. Somewhat predictable in general plot but a good 12th century who-done-it in the end with a nice setup for yet another book. Well worth the price of admission.
    • 4/5
      Like the other books in this series, A Murderous Procession was thrilling, suspenseful and charming. I cannot say enough about this series--it is fantastic. Franklin is an incredible author who keeps the reader interested from beginning to end. To be fair, I thought that this book's ending what somewhat anti-climactic compared to the endings in her other books and that this plot contained less mystery. The ending left several plot points somewhat unfinished which was disappointing, but it was well written for all of that and evoked true feelings of a journey's end. We saw a lot more character development in this story (as well as character flaws) and the characters felt very familiar this time around. Overall I enjoyed this book and this series immensely, would recommend it to anyone and am sad to see it end.
    • 4/5
      Review from BadelyngeThis is the fourth in Ariana Franklin's 12 century mysteries featuring anatomist, doctor and mistress of the art of death Adelia Aguilar. King Henry II has tasked Adelia with watching over the ten year old Princess Joanna on her journey to meet her new husband in Sicily. As ever the best scenes are with the King though in this case they are so short as to hardly be worth mentioning. Likewise, the cameos by the King's sons, including Cœur de Lion himself are too brief to make much of an impression. Franklin seems to be collecting characters too beloved to herself, and to some readers, for her to leave out of the narrative. And there lies the problem. The book is great fun, with lots of the characters that we've all grown used to but the mystery aspect of the book seems to be anemic by comparison. Tracking Adelia is the totally nutso outlaw Scarry, disguised as one of the travelling company and bent on bringing Adelia down before he kills her in revenge of her killing of his outlaw lover from the previous book. Working out this mystery shouldn't be too taxing even for the most amateur of armchair detectives, which considering we don't have the same benefit of having already seen the guy, as Adelia has, begs the question how does it take so long for our heroine to work it out. Barring several pages with the curious incident of the ex-goat in the nighttime there is very little opportunity for Adelia to call on her deathly arts at all. Having several sub-plots but no notable primary plot turns this one into a colourful travelogue rather than a mystery. It's still an enjoyable and easy read, bolstering the already rich ensemble of characters with some new note worthies, like Boggart, the O'Donnell and Rankin - an overly caricatured Scotsman (the peeps, the peeps). The historical aspects of the journey are fascinating, not least the emerging religious and political landscape of the middle ages. Fans of the series will probably be too satisfied to be back in the company of old friends to be concerned with the shortcoming's of the plot.