Relics of the Dead by Ariana Franklin
Genre: fiction - historical, mystery, 12th century
Rating - Very good ****
The third in the Mistress of the Art of Death series.
Adelia, the Mistress of the Art of Death, has been 'asked' by Henry II to find out whether two skeletons unearthed at Glastonbury Abbey are those of the legendary Arthur and Guinevere.
Fighting a Welsh rebellion, Henry wants to be able to prove that Arthur really is dead and not sleeping somewhere, ready to rise up and lead the Welsh against him.
Reluctantly drawn into an investigation for the king again, Adelia travels to Glastonbury to try an prove that the bones are old enough.
Once again, mysteries, opposition and intrigue are her companions!!
A good story, well written, and with a feminist twist which, while it might not suit some historical purists, adds great flavour and delight to the story.
Once again Recommended.
fiction 2009 #106