Grave Goods

By: Ariana Franklin

Narrated by: Kate Reading

The "richly detailed, almost indecently thrilling" (New York Times) follow-up to The Serpent's Tale

When a fire at Glastonbury Abbey reveals two skeletons, rumor has it they may belong to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. King Henry II hopes so, for it would help him put down a rebellion in Wales, where the legend of Celtic savior Arthur is strong. To make certain, he sends Adelia Aguilar, his Mistress of the Art of Death, to Glastonbury to examine the skeletons.

At the same time, the investigation into the abbey fire will be overseen by the Bishop of St. Albans, father of Adelia's daughter. Trouble is, someone at Glastonbury doesn't want either mystery solved and is prepared to kill to prevent it....

©2009 Ariana Franklin (P)2009 Penguin

Excellent writing and narration

I found this series when I rejoined audible and was hooked within the first five minutes of listening. I have nothing but good things to say about both the writing and the narration! The interaction among the characters is interesting, humorous and believable and the who-dunnit in each novel is never easy to figure out, something I appreciate immensely! No bodice rippers disguised as a weakly written mystery - yea!

Very enjoyable

A winner! This one is even better than the one before. Franklin gives us an engaging story, an intriguing mystery, and a good sense of place. The reading is excellent, with distinctly different accents and voices for different characters.

Legendary Bones and Tempting the Bishop

In book three of the series, Henry II has summonsed Adelia Aguila to examine the bones of two bodies found at Glastonbury Abbey to determine if they are those of King Arthur and Guinevere. The descriptions of the England of the twelfth century is evident in the descriptions of daily life, customs, superstitions, danger, dirt and filth, as well as the wild beauty of the forests. The language is a lot of fun to listen to as well. Still not accepted as a woman physician, healer or forensic specialist, Adelia poses as a translator for Mansur, who is actually, her assistant and bodyguard, although the king knows and accepts her as who she is. Adelia and the Bishop of St. Albans (Rowley) share a four-year-old child (Allie), conceived prior to Rowley's appointment as Bishop. Adelia turned down Rowley's marriage proposal to remain a doctor, though neither have forgotten the other. The king has assigned the Bishop of St. Albans the duty of determining who caused the fire at the abbey, putting Adelia and Rowley together once again. Excellent mystery, filled with some heart-racing moments of fear and tension.

Great series

I wish Audible would put these in order, though. The first in the series is Mistress in the Art of Death. Second is The Serpent's Tale; third is Grave Goods; fourth is Murderous Procession. The books, consumed in the correct sequence, develop the main characters quite well and each story line is totally satisfying.

Excellent

The historical facts around which this story lives is again enlightening. But the mysteries catch the reader, and doesn't let go until After the epilogue, which also gives historical knowledge.

Entertaining

Not as good as book 1 of the series but still very enjoyable

Another enjoyable Ariana Franklin 12th century adventure

Her unique combination of detective plus historical fiction with a small dose of romance is always a good read or "listen". Kate Reading is just so great. This performance is a prime example of why she has been called the "Voice of the Century" by Audiofile magazine.

Brilliant!

All I can say is that I was thoroughly entertained from the first book to this one. An amazing yarn in a thrilling setting. More please!

Disappointing

Somewhat of a disappointment. In this third book of the series, Adelia has been reduced from a keen scientific mind to a sniveling, whining, petulant boor. The other characters retained their charm and the story was decent.

Ariana Franklin delivers another great story

I really enjoy the books in this series. Kate Reading is a wonderfully talented narrator who brings the stories to life with her voices. I highly recommend these books if you are a fan of historical fiction.