First published 2008
Adelia Aguilar arrives in medieval England as an unlikely detective. Trained in medicine at the progressive University of Salerno, she possesses knowledge that makes her both invaluable and dangerous in a world suspicious of learned women. When mysterious deaths plague the countryside, Adelia must use her skills in forensic examination to uncover the truth. She works alongside unlikely allies while navigating the treacherous politics of Henry II's reign. Her investigation leads her into conflict with powerful forces who would prefer certain secrets remain buried. Adelia faces not only a cunning killer but also the constant threat of being discovered as a woman practicing medicine in a male-dominated world. As bodies accumulate and time runs short, she must solve the case before becoming the next victim. The story explores the tension between reason and superstition in an age when scientific knowledge was often mistaken for witchcraft.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, powerful-forces, unlikely-detective
Setting: England, Salerno
Period: Medieval
Paperback · G P Putnam's Son