A worthy successor to Mistress of the Art of Death, the Serpent's Tail picks up not long after its progenitor's conclusion, expanding on life in 12th century England. Though this story is also a mystery, Ms. Franklin devotes much more time and energy to the politics of the period, introducing us to fascinating portraits of some of history's most well-known and well-chronicled luminaries. The sketch of Henry II as a rugged king, hungry to stamp his modernizing will England, is hardly new; nor is Ms. Franklin's pridefulEleanor of Aquitaine, who spends most of the book fighting hard to maintain her position. But what Ms. Franklin forgoes in novelty she makes up for with that skill possessed by only the best writers of history and historical fiction, the ability to collect the scant and sometimes contradictory facts about famous figures and, from that, forge realistic, believable humans, with drives and needs and humors.
For all the wintery snow and the political windchill, this effort has a summer-like vitality to it which gives it considerable energy. A good read for those who enjoy romps through the times of yore. (3/5 Stars)
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