The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the title. I love the mystical and scientific world of alchemy and I thing it makes for an interesting backdrop for a murder mystery. Also the time period. So so so many historical mysteries are set from the Victorian era thru WWII and while I love all those periods, there are times when it feels a little stale. This time period is ripe with superstition and I think it will do nicely for a series such as this.
When I saw this book, I didn’t even care that it was 4th in a series, the time period alone sounded refreshing (it’s set in 1544!) and I’ve also been assured that each book reads as a standalone. I will have it up for official review in June, but I’ve gotta say, I’ve already peaked the first chapter and already loving it!
I also have a copy up for giveaway this week over on my Instagram page so be sure to check that out as well! The book is available today so I wanted to make sure it was on all of your radar! I am eager to discover this new and exciting heroine who does all her sleuthing in a very unique period!
Summary
A dangerous element discovered by Bianca Goddard’s father falls into the wrong hands . . . leading to a chain of murders.
Spring 1544 Now that she is with child, Bianca is more determined than ever to distance herself from her unstable father. Desperate to win back the favor of King Henry VIII, disgraced alchemist Albern Goddard plans to reveal a powerful new element he’s discovered–one with deadly potential. But when the substance is stolen, he implores his daughter to help.
Soon after, a woman’s body is found behind the Dim Dragon Inn, an eerie green vapor rising from her mouth. Bianca has reason to suspect her own mother may be involved in the theft and the murder. When her husband John is conscripted into King Henry’s army to subdue Scottish resistance, finding the stone becomes a matter of life and death. Bianca must unravel the interests of alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers, and scoundrels–to find out who among them is willing to kill to possess the element known as lapis mortem, the stone of death (summary from Goodreads).
About the Author
The Bianca Goddard Mysteries are set in Tudor London during the final years of King Henry VIII’s reign. Bianca is the daughter of an infamous alchemist who uses her ‘wits’ and sometimes alchemy to solve murders. The series consists of (in order) THE ALCHEMIST’S DAUGHTER, DEATH OF AN ALCHEMIST, and DEATH AT ST. VEDAST. THE ALCHEMIST OF LOST SOULS will release in May 2019, with one more book to follow from Kensington.
I grew up in Indiana but I’ve spent most of my life living in Maine. I’ve also spent most of my life working in hospitals and labs. On the side, I began writing mostly to escape boredom. It’s taken me years to learn how to craft a decent novel. (Or what I term decent). I supplemented my income by writing indexes for publishers. Occasionally I will pen an article and I have been published by the national news blog, The Daily Beast.
I love Tudor England and I focus on the lower classes. My Bianca Goddard mysteries are meant to entertain and I hope they will engage readers who might not pick up period historicals as a first choice. It is an intriguing period, full of superstition, and the makings for interesting characters.
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Bianca Goddard is a completely new to me sleuth, last year was the first time I discovered her and it was the fourth book that I picked up. I was told that each book in the series could be read as a standalone, so I was excited to dive in, even if I was skeptical.
This book has been receiving a ton advanced praise. It’s been talked about as one of the next big Indie Picks and many are characterizing it as a cross between The Handmaid’s Tale meets Alice in Wonderland.
I have only 
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