Death at St. Vedast: A Bianca Goddard Mystery by Mary Lawrence
5/5 Stars
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington (December 27, 2016)
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Blurb
During the tempestuous reign of Henry VIII, London alchemist Bianca Goddard has seen up close what keeps a man alive—and what can kill him. A good thing, for she will need all her knowledge to keep a friend away from the gallows . . .
Bianca and her husband John are delighted to share in the glad fortune of their friend, Boisvert, the silversmith, who is to wed Odile, the wealthy widow of a goldsmith. But a pall is cast over the upcoming nuptials when the body of a pregnant woman is found beneath the bell tower of St. Vedast, the very church where the betrothed are to be married.
Tragedy strikes again at the couple’s reception, when Odile suddenly drops dead in the middle of the wedding feast. The constable suspects Boisvert poisoned his new bride for her money, but there’s not a trace of poison in her food or wine. Could the two deaths be connected? To prove their friend’s innocence, Bianca will need to employ her knowledge of alchemy—for if she can determine how the bride was killed, she may find the person responsible for her murder—before another victim is added to the death toll . . .
My Review
This is the third book in a series involving the talented
and intelligent alchemist, Bianca Goddard. I was immediately drawn to this
novel, as it is set during the reign of King Henry VIII. This was a time period
where no one was truly safe, even the king's wives. Whether it be disease,
childbirth, infection, witchcraft, plague, or other illnesses, both physical
and mental; it was a very dangerous time to be alive in!
Bianca is determined to discover what is causing the
mysterious deaths that are happening right around and involving the Church at
St. Vendast. In one instance a pregnant woman climbs to the top of the church
spire, all while singing and acting in an insane manner, than falls to her
death. Then there is another death, this one a wealthy widow. Bianca begins to
piece together this mystery, and the reader is kept on the edge of their seat
as she does. I found myself wanting to skip pages to find out what was going to
happen next! The writer definitely has a great talent when it comes to writing
mystery novels. Usually I am not a huge fan of mysteries, however I love most
novels that are set during medieval times, especially Tudor times, and this
novel is no different.
If you're looking for a novel that is going to keep you up
at night, because you can't put the book down until you find out what happens
next, than this is perfect for you! It's a lovely historical mystery novel, and
I definitely recommend it!
Bianca Goddard Mystery Series:
Book One: The Alchemist's Daughter
Book Two: Death of an Alchemist
Book Three: Death at St. Vedast
About the Author
Visit the author at www.marylawrencebooks.com.
