Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin.
Science versus superstition in this 12th century crime thriller.
In 1171 a woman doctor was an oddity to say the least but a woman
forensic scientist was unheard of and feared. Hired in secret by King
Henry II, Dr. Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar travels from Salerno
to Cambridge, England to investigate the brutal murder of four Christian
children. Prominent local Jews stand accused and King Henry wants them
freed even if it is just to save his tax revenue. It doesn’t take long for Adelia
to compile a long list of suspects from the diverse cast of locals. Fascinating
historical detail, a gripping mystery, and a bit of romance make this a terrific read.