THE SERPENT'S TALE

Uniqueness of character and writing deserves Kate Reading’s outstanding narration. Her well-paced, robust delivery takes us to the period of King Henry II at a time when his mistress has died and his estranged wife, Queen Eleanor, is suspect. Enter Adelia, sleuth, forensic specialist, and new mother. Reading gives Adelia the perfect portrait—her inquisitive and feisty confidence is layered with the tenderness of motherhood. Reading shifts easily to describe Adelia’s faithful Muslim servant as well as her cocky, ribald lover—the father of her child—Bishop Rowley Picot. Minor characters are just as vivid. Reading succeeds at a formidable task: crossing genres of history, mystery, and politics; vividly transporting us to a foreign time and place; and credibly portraying Adelia’s inner battles between feminism and passion. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 08]