First published 2012
Rosamund Clifford lies dead, and all eyes turn to Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine as the prime suspect. King Henry II faces a crisis that could tear England apart in civil war. He summons Adelia Aguilar, his trusted death expert, to uncover the truth behind his mistress's murder. Adelia travels to Rosamund's castle alongside Bishop Rowley, the king's confidant and father of her own daughter. The queen herself awaits them there, determined to make their investigation as difficult as possible. Medieval England comes alive around them, from the maze surrounding Rosamund's tower to Christmas celebrations at court, complete with ice skating on the frozen Thames. Adelia must navigate a web of political intrigue and deadly schemes. A ruthless killer stalks the castle, threatening her friends and the stability of the realm. Only her forensic skills can prevent another tragedy and save England from descending into chaos.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, historical-setting, political-machinations
Setting: Rosamund's Castle, Medieval England
Period: Medieval
512 pages · Paperback · SUMA
Content warnings: violence