Mary Lawrence (5)Reseñas

Another exciting entry in the Bianca Goddard Tudor mystery series, in which Bianca takes on herself to find missing glowing stones her father, an alchemist, had created, also solving a gruesome murder.
We are immersed in the world of alchemy.

really great read, and so interesting with all the twists , kept reading could not stop , really intriguing and so sad in that era for paupers whom were targets for crime, highly recommend

This story was fine, but for such a short book the pacing was too slow. The first third of the book seemed like it was just different goldsmith and bakers guild members bickering with each other. I loved the 16th century setting but I think this book could have used a bigger glossary for those not familiar with 16th century terminology. I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book much better the first because the plot picks up pace, and Bianca and John's relationship improves.

Bianca Goddard becomes interested in the death of a pregnant woman is found next to the church of St. Vedast. The same church that her husband's master, Boisvert, is set to be married to Odile. But this is not be be the only death, as poison is determined to be the cause of Odile's death. Bianca is determined to find the cause and who is responsible.
This is the second of the series I have read, and I find that I need to like the main character in a mystery series and I don't know why but I just can't take to the character of Bianca.
A NetGalley Book

1543 London, and Bianca Goddard concocts remedies for the sick, while alchemist Ferris Stannum has found the elixir for immortality.
But the alchemist is found dead and she needs the elixir to save her husband John from a sickness. Solving a series of murders can she also save her husband.
For me the story dragged at the inclusion of the alchemy 'knowledge', and I didn't feel it was necessary to the story.
Although the book is the second in the series it was not necessary to read the first.
A NetGalley book

shit book, got it at the dollar tree, and now I see why½

**I voluntarily read an Advance Readers Copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**

I'm a sucker for anything set during the reign of Henry VIII and also a big mystery fan. So, I was instantly drawn to the Bianca Goddard series.

Death at St Vedast is the 3rd book in the series by Mary Lawrence. The two prior books, The Alchemist's Daughter and Death of an Alchemist, give the background of Goddard's early life with her alchemist father and her knowledge of alchemy and medicinal plants. But it isn't necessary to read the series in order. This was the first book in the series that I read and I was able to understand the characters and enjoy the story. As soon as I finished Death at St Vedast, I went back and read the first two books, as I found the series inventive and intriguing.

Both the historical fiction and mystery genre can easily get into a rut with the same basic plots being recycled again and again with just a change of scenery and niche in history. This series is more than a romp through history with historical characters solving murders. It delves into the forbidden art of alchemy, the darkness of some elements of society and politics during King Henry VIIIs reign, and life during that period. The mystery portion of all 3 books is interesting, well-paced and engaging. In this 3rd installment, Bianca Goddard moves to a better area of London because her husband is employed by Bosivert the Silversmith. But, events turn bad almost immediately. First, a pregnant woman seemingly goes insane, screaming nonsensical things and jumping from the roof of St Vedast. Then Bosivert is accused of murder when his betrothed drops dead at the wedding feast. Bianca has to step in quickly and use her knowledge of forensics and her detective skills to discover what evil is afoot.

This series is well-written and enjoyable. Any fan of historical fiction, the Tudor era and murder mysteries would enjoy reading this series.

This latest book, Death at St Vedast, will be published December 27th by Kensington.

For more information about the author and her books, check out her website: www.marylawrencebooks.com

A fitting end to a masterful Tudor Mystery series!

It's 1545 London and Bianca Goddard once again is called upon by Constable Patch to lend her skills, and finds herself in the midst of a troubling puzzle. Patch is of course unconcerned that these things are happening outside his jurisdiction. He's ambitious!
At two different times in differing places boys have been hung from neighbouring local church grotesques (gargoyles). Bianca is scared that her young friend Fisk who's been missing will meet the same fate.
Along with Bianca we find ourselves "in a world full of lost boys—abandoned children, of men killed in battle, men scarred from war, of boys who grow into petulant kings, and men who forfeit the gift of loving their children." (Part of a very poignant comment at the end of the novel.)
Meanwhile, over a year ago, Bianca's husband John Grunt had been dragged off with King Henry's army, intent on taking retribution against Scotland. England is winning, well actually raping, pillaging and burning across the borderlands to Edinburgh. Then comes Melrose Abbey and the profaned destruction of the Earl of Angus’s family tomb. The Scots would have their revenge. That came as a rout of the English Army at Ancrum Moor! Fleeing the carnage John struggles for home. A long and painful journey.
There's no media to give a blow by blow update, all Bianca and her friend Cammy can do is rely on passing newsmonger's rumor, "misconstrued by miles of weary couriers". I must admit to sometimes hating the immediacy of communications in our times, but when wondering about loved ones as here, it's a boon.
I love the cover of this book. The watchful poignancy of the young lad reflects that which the novel hints at for those caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Of wariness, helplessness and confusion, and trying to overcome the worst of circumstances.
Having read all previous titles in the series, this last novel was a fitting conclusion. I found that the caring Bianca (as an alchemist/ herbalist), despite her many woes and troubles, marches to the beat of her own drum in a way that fits with the times. She displays insight' courage and charity, alongside starts that occasionally make you scratch your head and wonder what the dickens she's up to. Journeying with her are a string of colorful characters, including a cat, that either enrichen and enliven, or disappoint and disappear.

A Red Puddle Print ARC via NetGalley

The Lost Boys of London by Mary Lawrence is the fifth Historical Mystery in the Bianca Goddard Series. I love the medical details in this series and how dedicated Bianca is to her work, constantly learning and applying her discoveries with medications. When I read Ms. Lawrence‘s descriptions of London’s people and their surroundings in 1545 come alive. Life in 1545 England is constantly fraught with peril for all the characters. Bianca is involved in dark mysteries and in constant danger along with those she cares about. Bianca‘s husband has his own parallel storyline; at this time he’s away fighting a war with the Scots.
This historical book takes the reader to an unknown place that includes a glossary to assist in understanding unfamiliar words and meanings. The author’s note adds interesting historical background.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

Alchemy and death!

I must admit to finding this Bianca Goddard novel puzzling even though I've read previous books.
It's 1544. Bianca, a disgraced alchemist's daughter who combines some aspects of alchemy with her herbal remedies has been leading a quieter life in a less salubrious part of Tudor London. Events however are escalating for Bianca. She is pregnant. John had failed to practice his archery which means he's been conscripted into the army as a pikesman. He is being sent to the Scottish border. Everyone knows that these foot troops suffer the worst losses in battle.
Albern Goddard discovered a powerful new element to do with fire and light that has been stolen from him. Albern wants Bianca to discover the thief. Unfortunately, the substance has attracted unwonted interest. This seems to have a direct correlation to the bodies piling up. Reportedly some of those bodies have an eerie green vapor released as they die. And now Bianca's nemesis, Constable Patch, has come a calling, demanding Bianca assists him with his enquirers. Bianca is so deeply mired in this controversy it's in her best interests to acquiesce.
Add to that the mysterious wraith that haunts the shadows of the Thames, it's interest focused on Bianca, but why fore?
An interesting and twisty Tudor murder mystery, unfolding slowly, amidst a dank and depressing description of the times and the areas that the tale moves through.
The plight of the poor is vividly sketched leaving the reader a colorful dance throughout the alleys, lanes and tracks throughout the town. Lost souls indeed!

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley

The Alchemist of Lost Souls by Mary Lawrence is a blend of historical mystery, secrets, murders and a little fantasy. It is a wonderful day when you are chosen to read not only a favorite author but a favorite series. Yes, I am prejudiced eagerly watching and waiting for her newest book. This book and series transports the reader to the 1500’s with its sights, sounds and smells. You may not even know what an alchemist was or practiced, but you will soon be enthralled with each new mystery that involves new and old characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

3 & 1/2 stars.

I received this book as an advanced copy and purchased the previous 3 to be up to date with the plot and characters. I had been wanting to read these for a while, so I was excited to start the series. The period it was written in captures me and Ms. Lawrence writes in such a way that you feel as you are there, amidst the good and bad of the era. The characters are well developed and the storyline is interesting, pulling in many varied aspects and perspectives of life during this period of history. The mystery doesn't disappoint, and it's entertaining to run through suspects as the story unwinds. Many of the whys of the previous books are divulged in this edition, bringing at least part of the biggest mysteries of those stories to rest, while leaving room to wonder about the future of Bianca and periphery characters. Great read and the bonus glossary of "Ye Olde London" terms displays just a part of the intricate research that went into this book. The only thing keeping from 5 starts is the addition of sexual themes. It just wasn't a necessary piece to the story and it was distracting.

A Bianca Goddard Mystery Bk #3 - 3.5 stars...

The Bianca Goddard series is a historical fiction mystery series featuring alchemist/herbalist, Bianca Goddard and her husband John, who's training to become a Silversmith. Bianca mixes physiques and salves which her streetseller friend, Meddybemps, then sells for her.

In the beginning of this third installment, Bianca and John are moving above the Silversmith shop because his master, Boisvert, is getting married. For Bianca this means she can't conduct her experiments until she finds a secluded shop to work in because a lot of people believe that her practice of alchemy is witchy business or dancing with the devil etc. So when a lady is found dead at St. Vedast, a church very near to their new home, followed by a weird sickness and then the murder of Bianca's friend, she puts her medicinals on hold and vows to get to the bottom of these mysterious deaths. As her investigations take her from St. Vedast church, and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, to the Brown and White Bakers Guilds she finds herself learning the inner workings of the different guilds, bread making, ale brewing and church politics.

I personally got hooked on this series because I enjoy the time period the series is set in -around 1543. I also love the quirky characters especially Hobs- the immortal, wild cat and Bianca- who's always burning something or creating the most awful smells and messes. I also find Bianca's experiments and creations of medicinals fun and fascinating so I was a little put out that Bianca's alchemy wasn't highlighted more in this mystery. Bianca did do a couple of experiments with her rats and bread at the very end to help solve the mystery but I would have liked to seen more. I did enjoy learning all about the guilds though, and the bread baking and how the gristmill works. That was all pretty interesting.

I also really enjoyed the complexity to this mystery. There was a whole lot going on and I really liked that. Trying to fit all of the pieces together kept me thoroughly engaged.

Which brings me to the ending, I felt like some of the strings, particularly from the Dinmow mystery and death, weren't fully tied together. I would have liked it more if Bianca would have went back to Dinmow and wrapped up things with Father Paston, Brother Fromme and Felton, the brewer, since she told them she would figure everything out and to see if Elgin, owner of the Stuffed Goose or Littleton was involved in anyway as Bianca suspected. None of that was tied up to my satisfaction at the end which is why I only rated it 3.5 stars.

*I received this ARC from NetGalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Okay confession- I have reached a point in my reading life that I do not have a high tolerance for anything I am unable to lose myself in, especially when fiction drags. I could not finish this novel.
This story takes place in the time of King Henry VIII, when women of the era (who had precious few rights from the start) had new fears creep in with the fog. Fears that wives could now be traded in for a newer model without the stigma delivered by the Catholic Church. The King had just decided HE was Pope. Not to even get started on the Black Death devastating Europe a few short years before. What a great setting! Should allow any tale a slip-n-slide to a suspenseful and gripping mystery, one you might even power through an a afternoon or two. Instead you become hyper-aware of plot device. Everything feels kind of chunky and bumpy and just plain unpolished. A key supporting character is named Meddybemps...a name I found myself unable to read without rereading three times at every mention. Maybe this just is not my cuppa, I tried for days to push myself through this story however i reached chapter 20 (out of 43) and realized I am watching law and order to avoid this book. Not exactly a healthy read for me and for those reasons I am out. This is one I will leave on the table, unfinished so that I might move on to a better read. Very disappointed, with such a setting I have never found a bad narrative until now. I would try to read again only if the structure of writing were to be to be seriously reworked, only because the setting and premise should make it effortless to spin a page turner. Needs work~ 2/5 stars

I love this series. I used to believe that books publish from small publishers were not as good as from mainstream publishers. Series like this have drastically changed that view. The characters are well written, the action moves along, the plot is interesting and the whole story just pulls you in. I would strongly recommend this book to any who like mysteries or historical fiction.

London in the 1540s and Henry VIII is on the throne. The King has just dispatched his fifth wife and is courting his sixth. In the slums of Southwark people are scraping a living in the only ways they can. A merchant ship, The Cristofur, tries to dock but when the customs officials find dead bodies in the hold and the ship overrun with rats they place it in quarantine. Meanwhile a former muckraker Jolyn visits her friend Bianca in order to find relief from her pains. Bianca makes physics and rat poison so when Jolyn dies she becomes the prime suspect for murder. How is the death of Jolyn related to the Christofur, to the plague of rats currently growing in London and to the mysterious occupants of a former bawdy house?

The rats are a central motif in this story and the descriptions are very realistic and unpleasant. Beyond that though there is nothing to distinguish this book from the glut of mediocre historical mysteries. Bianca Goddard is a quirky enough protagonist and the characters are quite well described but the story didn't really engage. I was left asking to many questions about the holes in the plot. Having said that Lawrence has researched well and her sense of time and place is pretty good.

Bianca Goddard has been persuaded to cross the river from Southwark to the City to live above the forge of her husband's master, Boisvert. Boisvert is moving to the house of his betrothed Odile, a rich widow, and they are due to be married. On the day that Bianca and John move in there is a strange death at the nearby Church of St Vedast, a woman climbs to the top and throws herself off the roof, apparently possessed. When Odile starts to suffer fits Boisvert is concerned but when she dies shortly after their wedding he is arrested. In order to save their friend Bianca and John journey to a village outside London where similar afflictions have happened, but what is the link to St Vedast?

There is far less chemistry and far more sleuthing than in previous books in the series but that isn't really a concern. Lawrence has a good grasp of everyday life in Tudor times and here links this into the religious politics of a country that has seen a seismic shift from Catholicism and witnessed the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Bianca Goddard remains a great heroine, spiky and modern in attitude, and the plot is enjoyably convoluted. This is enjoyable rather than mentally taxing but a great entertaining read.

Untimely and strange deaths!

Another complex sixteenth century murder mystery with alchemist Bianca Goddard at the forefront.
A pregnant woman flings herself from a church steeple, a wealthy widow suddenly becomes contorted and unable to control her limbs. The church at St. Verdast seems to have a malignant miasma surrounding it.
Bianca's husband John has moved up in the world and needs to reside in London near St. Verdast John's friend, silversmith Boisvert who is to marry Odile, the wealthy widow of a prominent London goldsmith. When Odile dies at her wedding feast Boisvert is accused of poisoning her and Bianca and John race against time to find evidence of Boisvert's innocence.
Bianca moves her alchemy equipment with some trepidation, but is never truly comfortable, frightened that the various smells and odours will lead to discovery by a less than forgiving population.
However very little time passes before Bianca is caught up in a web of untimely deaths presenting possessed type symptoms, possible poisonings and a war between the bakery guilds, not to mention the goldsmith guild.
Who knew the meaning for the childhood rhyme of 'Goosey, goosey, gander'? That rhyme forms an interesting part of the intrigue.
Another excellent Goddard mystery with the 'wraith' of the Thames the Rat Man lurking as always. He needs Bianca back in her previous lodgings.

A NetGalley ARC

Interesting and certainly shows what life outside the top levels of society was probably like in Tudor England. Not a cakewalk for sure. But I did appreciate the realistic depiction of how people really lived.½

The Elixir of Immortality...

This was a solid follow-up to Lawrence's first book, The Alchemist's Daughter. She really transports you back to London in the 1600's with the old language and the descriptive setting which I enjoy. I also really like the characters especially Bianca and Meddybemps.
 
I would have liked for Bianca to have practiced more alchemy in this book though and to learn more in-depth about the ingredients and methods etc. she uses for her physickes and medicinals. I felt like that was kind of glossed over so hopefully in the next book we'll see more of Bianca doing her thing.
 
Also, there was a scene on a skiff where Bianca is holding a little girl because the father ran off to catch his son. There were some questions about the father's intentions and Bianca was going to look into it but nothing more was said so I think that's a loose end that needs to be tied up.
 
Overall though, it was a nice historical mystery. If you enjoy alchemy and old London, it's a series worth checking out. I know I'll be keeping an eye out for the next book.
 
*I received this ARC from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
 
 

3.5 stars...I thought this was a really good start for her first book. I enjoyed the actual story and like that it was set in the 1500s-Tudor era. However, there were way too many repeated phrases throughout the book and some of those could have been left out. I think as Lawrence grows as a writer though, she will improve and be a force to reckon with. Well done! Looking forward to the next book....

Good, but not great. As someone who's read a lot of historical fiction set in the Tudor era, this book didn't quite seem to evoke the period all that well and I struggled a lot with simply getting into the story. After having high hopes about the characters and plot, I'm afraid I was rather disappointed in this book.

See the complete review posted on Book Frivolity. Check out other Fantasy and Historical Fiction ruminations there as well! POV's: Multiple
Narrative: Third Person, Omniscient, Subjective

I must admit, I am a total sucker for historical mysteries, especially ones that are set in the poorer classes of Britain before the 20th century. There is always an added sense of character to those who have to struggle to survive, an extra sense of curiosity and cunning. Especially when the protagonist, Bianca, is an independent female, making her own way with her cleverness and determination. I am also a total sucker for historical stories of healers, herbalists and chemists, so The Alchemist's Daughter scores pretty high on my 'pleasure reading' list!

This is a really fun murder mystery with a dash of added romance (with the funniest sex scene I think I've ever read!) and a teeny sprinkling of the supernatural. I wouldn't say it's the most factually in-depth Historical Fiction set during the Tudor era, but then it didn't really need to be as it is essentially character driven. It does use it's time in place well to illuminate the social status of the characters, the struggles they'd need to endure to keep from starving, and how those struggles essentially mold them into who they are.

I did like that the author admitted that some of the lingo and expressions were her imaginings of the time period, used to try and bolster the fictional aspect. I think it shows her respect for the history, and her own integrity. I give kudos for that!

The majority characters are quite humorously portrayed, some almost caricatures, but essentially it's the kind hearted rogues vs. the very disagreeable nobles and their lackies, with a healthy dose of scorn for the overly zealous, yet incompetent authorities.

Sometimes the side characters stole the show right out from Bianca, with their larger than life personalities. It was great to be able to laugh out loud, when the surrounds and circumstance are actually pretty dire. Plus the contrasts between Bianca's very serious demeanour and say, Meddybumps' rather comical one show that Lawrence can contrive a cast of very diverse characters, even in a fairly small volume.

The mystery aspect held really well. Although parts were obvious quite early, the details of why and how were all held tight, and metered out nicely right up to the very end. A couple of twists and turns kept it tight and interesting.

So, why only 3.5? I am a bit of a hard case when it comes to keeping control of characters in omni when there are multiple subjective POV's in the one scene.
It's just really uncomfortable to be whiplashed from one character to the next in quick succession, which does happen in certain sections of the book. It doesn't afflict the whole book, there just needs to be some thought police during the sections when the action picks up. Nearing the end there is some pretty rapid head jumping, which I find a bit of a cardinal sin.

Other than that, this is a fast paced and enjoyable read, ranging from serious issues to comic relief all in one great little mystery! Perfect for rainy Autumn afternoons and copious amounts of hot cinnamon tea!



I will be picking up more Bianca Goddard books in the future!

Harcopy Worthy? I'd like to read the next in the series just to check, but I think so!

Alchemy conjures up for me the fantastic. Stories of dragons and knights or of wizards, ancient and contemporary. I had never given much thought to the idea that an alchemist may have been more than just a plot device in great fiction. The amount of detail about alchemy along with the science and spiritual standing of the time in question was staggering and added weight to the story beautifully.

I truly enjoyed reading “Death of an Alchemist” by Mary Lawrence. It is a book that is hard to place in a genre; historical fiction: Tudor England, to a fine degree, making the reader see, hear and mostly smell what it was like to live in that time period. A mystery thriller: with a thrilling mystery, without the egoistic grandstanding of typical mysteries, that never loses sight of the brilliant story underlying all. How about just great fiction.

Just as the textures of daily life are omnipresent in this novel, so are the contextual vagaries of the various relationships between the characters. Bianca and John are obviously in love, however the author doesn’t choose to sugar coat it, they are also a married couple with all the hills and valleys that implies. Parent/Child relationships are the crux of this tale. They are dysfunctional and imperfect, yet unbreakable bonds that lead parent and child to do the unexpected. The interactions between characters offered realistic presentation, that further conveyed the typical of the time period.

I have not read “The Alchemists Daughter,” book one of this series. This story stands alone quite nicely and all the information the reader needs to know is beautifully woven into this tale. I will make it a point to be on the lookout for anymore books forthcoming.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review