Combining the best of modern forensic thrillers with the drama of medieval fiction, New York Times-bestselling author Ariana Franklin returns with the third title in the Mistress of the Art of Death series.

England, 1176. Beautiful, tranquil Glastonbury Abbey-- one of England's holiest sites, and believed by some to be King Arthur's sacred Isle of Avalon--has been burned almost to the ground. The arsonist remains at large, but the fire has uncovered something even more shocking: two hidden skeletons, a man and a woman. The skeletons' height and age send rumors flying--are the remains those of Arthur and Guinevere?

King Henry II hopes so. Struggling to put down a rebellion in Wales, where the legend of Celtic savior Arthur is particularly strong, Henry wants definitive proof that the bones are Arthur's. If the rebels are sure that the Once and Future King will not be coming to their aid, Henry can stamp out the insurgence for good. He calls on Adelia Aguilar, Mistress of the Art of Death, to examine the bones.

Henry's summons comes not a moment too soon, for Adelia has worn out her welcome in Cambridge. As word of her healing powers has spread, so have rumors of witchcraft. So Adelia and her household ride to Glastonbury, where the investigation into the abbey fire will be overseen by the Church authorities--in this case, the Bishop of St. Albans, who happens also to be the father of Adelia's daughter.

2. Adelia is a female scientist and doctor traveling with an entourage that includes her illegitimate daughter Allie, outspoken nurse Gyltha, and Mansur, an Arab eunuch who wears white robes and a turban.  How does she leverage their other-ness so they can operate within an oppressive society?  
3. Emma seeks to gain land for her son Phillip, Adelia focuses on pursuing her career and maintaining her independence, and the dowager Lady Wolvercote goes to extraordinary lengths to protect her domain.  Discuss the forces that motivate each of these women.  Are they internal forces, external, or a combination of the two?  
4. On the surface, Adelia and King Henry II have little in common: she is a woman in his service: he is the most powerful figure in the land.  She has a reputation as a healer and scientist; he is something of a brute.  What are the shared values and attributes that eventually win each of them a measure of respect for the other?  
5. Despite her allegiance to truth and fact, over the course of her discoveries Adelia seems to fall under King Arthur’s spell.  Why does she come to care about the legend, and what does she do to protect it? 
6. In the world of Grave Goods, honor and nobility of purpose are fluid characteristics that sometimes reside in unlikely people.  For example, Adelia’s kidnappers try to absolve Eustace and save themselves, but they lead her to the secret burial ground of Wolf’s victims, prompting her to observe “Thieves they might be, but there was honor here—more honor than in a Christian abbey” (p. 192).  How does Adelia's flexible worldview serve her?  How do other people’s more rigid views result in harm?  
7. Why does Adelia feel remorse at killing Wolf? 
8. At times, Adelia reminds herself of her full name: Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar.  What does a strong sense of identity do for her?  Are the women around her equally self-possessed?  
9. A free spirit like Adelia would struggle with the concept of marriage in any era, let alone in medieval times.  Discuss the relationship between Adelia and Bishop Rowley.  What are her reasons for not marrying him in the first place, and how does she decide to compromise?  Can you make any predictions about their future together based on what is known?  
10. Abbot Sigward makes a startling, surprisingly joyous confession when Adelia confronts him about how his son really died.  After his terrible crime he made a bargain with God—he’d give his life to the Church in exchange for protection from justice on Earth but at last his Nemesis arrives in the form of Adelia.  Do you think justice is served in the end?  
11. Excalibur changes hands several times towards the novel’s end.  Adelia keeps it in an attempt to date the body in the cave, then she hands it off to Roetger to heal his warrior spirit.  When they realize the sword's provenance, Roetger gives it back to Adelia, saying “I am not worthy; it belonged to a great heart, and to a great heart it must go” (p. 292).  Finally Adelia presents Excalibur to King Henry II with the words “It belongs to the greatest heart of the age, which makes it yours.  You are the Once and Future King” (p. 330).  Who deserves Excalibur and its attendant powers, however mythological?  Has it come to rest in the right hands?

This book is on these lists:

• January 2012 Indie Next List
• December 2011 Indie Next List
• November 2011 Indie Next List