Samantha Norman – författare

A thrilling tale of intrigue and civil war in twelfth–century England, by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Mistress of the Art of Death series.England, 1141. The countryside is devastated by a long civil war as the English king, Stephen, and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, battle for the crown. . . . Emma is the eleven-year-old redheaded daughter of a peasant family. When mercenaries pass through their town, they bring with them a monk with a deadly interest in young redheaded girls. Emma is left for dead in a burned-out church until Gwil, an archer, finds her by chance. Gwil takes Emma with him, dressing her as a boy to avoid attention. Emma becomes Penda—and Penda turns out to have a killer instinct with a bow and arrow.Maud is the fifteen-year-old chatelaine of Kenniford, a small but strategically important castle she’s determined to protect. But when Maud provides refuge for the empress, Stephen’s armies lay siege to Kenniford Castle. Aided by a garrison of mercenaries—including Gwil and his odd, redheaded apprentice—they must survive a long winter under siege. It’s a brutal season that brings everyone to Kenniford—including the sinister monk who has never stopped hunting the redheaded girl. . . . “Seizes you from the first page . . . and doesn’t let go!”—Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Chalice“Enthralling. . . . A grand yet intimate historical adventure.” —Library Journal“Highlighted by solid characterization of historical and fictional figures alike, the authors’ research on day-to-day medieval life shines. . . . This thoroughly captivating tale was begun by celebrated historical novelist Franklin, who died before its completion, and completed seamlessly by her journalist daughter, Norman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Superb...an appropriate homage”—Marilyn Stasio, NewYork TimesThe much-anticipated final installment in ArianaFranklin’s popular Mistress of the Art of Death historical mystery series,finished by the author’s daughter after her death.England. 1191. After the death of her friend and patron,King Henry II, Adelia Aguilar, England’s vaunted Mistress of the Art of Death,is living comfortably in retirement and training her daughter, Allie, to carryon her craft—sharing the practical knowledge of anatomy, forensics, andsleuthing that catches murderers. Allie is already a skilled healer, with aparticular gift for treating animals. But the young woman is nearly twenty, andher father, Rowley, Bishop of Saint Albans, and his patron, the formidableQueen Eleanor of Aquitaine, have plans to marry Allie to an influential husband. . . if they can find a man who will appreciate a woman with such unusualgifts.When a friend in Cambridgeshire falls ill, Allie is sent toEly, where her path will cross with Lord Peverill, a young aristocrat who wouldbe a most suitable match for the young healer. But when Allie arrives, all ischaos. A village girl has disappeared—and she’s not the first. Over the pastfew months, several girls from the villages surrounding Ely have vanished. Whenthe body of one of the missing is discovered, Allie manages to examine theremains before burial. The results lead her to suspect that a monstrouspredator is on the loose. Will her training and her stubborn pursuit of the truthhelp her find the killer...or make her the next victim?A richly detailed, twisty thriller, Death and the Maidenis historical mystery at its finest—and a superb final episode in ArianaFranklin’s much-loved, much-acclaimed series.