From the Publisher
[A] thoroughly captivating tale.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Readers will note Franklin’s hand in the storytelling and see the freshness Norman brings to the tale, filled with fascinating characters who drive the plot as much as the tempestuous backdrop. With its bit of intrigue, historical setting and lovely characters, readers will be captivated by this compelling tale.” — Historical Novels Review
Praise for Grave Goods: “Richly detailed, almost indecently thrilling.” — Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review (on Grave Goods)
“Norman and Franklin excel . . . in this richly researched, female-driven historical mystery. ” — Library Journal (starred review)
“Medieval-mystery writing at its best.” — NY Daily News
” Both harsh and lovely, this novel seizes you from the first page, heart and soul, and doesn’t let go!” — Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Chalice
“Vivid and engaging...succeeds brilliantly as both historical fiction and crime thriller. [A] terrific book...with a dozen twists.” — Diana Gabaldon, Washington Post (on Mistress of the Art of Death)
“One of the most compelling, suspenseful mysteries I’ve read in years.” — New York Times bestselling author Sharon Kay Penman (on Mistress of the Art of Death)
Marilyn Stasio
Praise for Grave Goods: “Richly detailed, almost indecently thrilling.
Historical Novels Review
Readers will note Franklin’s hand in the storytelling and see the freshness Norman brings to the tale, filled with fascinating characters who drive the plot as much as the tempestuous backdrop. With its bit of intrigue, historical setting and lovely characters, readers will be captivated by this compelling tale.
Nancy Bilyeau
” Both harsh and lovely, this novel seizes you from the first page, heart and soul, and doesn’t let go!
New York Times bestselling author Sharon Kay Penman (on Mistress of the Art of Death)
One of the most compelling, suspenseful mysteries I’ve read in years.
NY Daily News
Medieval-mystery writing at its best.
Diana Gabaldon
Vivid and engaging...succeeds brilliantly as both historical fiction and crime thriller. [A] terrific book...with a dozen twists.
New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen (on A Murderous Procession)
An exhilarating whodunit and my favorite book of the year. I’d like to crown Ariana Franklin Queen of the Historical Mystery.
Kirkus Reviews
2014-12-06
Franklin (A Murderous Procession, 2010, etc.) and Norman draw a tale of intrigue and violence from the Anarchy, the 12th-century struggle over the right to rule England between Stephen of Blois and Empress Matilda. In 1135, Henry I, king of England and Normandy, dies, leaving his kingdom to his daughter, Empress Matilda, the Holy Roman Emperor's widow. His nephew Stephen objects, claiming the crown, and England becomes "a land devoid of loyalty," where "plunder, pillage...devastation, starvation" haunt its people. The authors use Em, an 11-year-old peasant girl from the Cambridgeshire fens, and mercenary Gwilherm de Vannes, an arbalist—crossbowman—to follow the story. Gwilherm escapes a battlefield rout only to be attacked by his companions, rogues who then rape and beat little Em. Gwilherm nurses her to health, but she's lost her memory and despises her femininity—"They'd sent her mad, and small wonder." Gwilherm dresses her as a boy, dubs her Penda and teaches her archery. Penda in tow, Gwilherm vows revenge on the rapist, Thancmar, a monk who led an attack on Ely Cathedral as part of a scheme to secure appointment as an archbishop. Highlighted by solid characterization of historical and fictional figures alike, the authors' research on day-to-day medieval life shines. Gwilherm and Penda rescue Empress Matilda and two knights during a blizzard and repair to Kenniford castle, a strategic redoubt along the Thames. There, young Maud rules as chatelaine; her boorish and cruel husband, Sir John of Tewing, to whom she's been married on Stephen's orders, lies silent after a stroke. Maud switches her support to Matilda, and the siege begins. This thoroughly captivating tale was begun by celebrated historical novelist Franklin, who died before its completion, and completed seamlessly by her journalist daughter, Norman.
