Diana-Norman

What Jennie’s Been Reading

What Jennie’s Been Reading

I haven’t been finishing books that quickly lately; first the holidays interfered and then work interfered. I read and reviewed The Lost Book of Mala R. and Lily. Here’s a rundown of what else I’ve been reading: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins: I started this on the recommendation of a friend; it’s her favorite book. I’m about halfway through, and…it’s(…)

REVIEW: A Murderous Procession by Ariana Franklin

REVIEW: A Murderous Procession by Ariana Franklin

Dear Ms. Franklin, I knew there’s a reason why I love doing this blog. It’s so I can get my hands on the copy of your latest book, “A Murderous Procession” before it hits market shelves. Even though it’s book 4 of the “Mistress of the Art of Death” series, Adelia and Co are in(…)

REVIEW: Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin

REVIEW: Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin

Note: Risk of spoilers for the series. Dear Ms. Franklin, Those who have fallen under the spell of Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, the "Mistress of the Art of Death," will get all excited over book three of this historical mystery series. I know I squeed with glee when my copy arrived. God bless the(…)

REVIEW: The Serpent’s Tale by Ariana Franklin

REVIEW: The Serpent’s Tale by Ariana Franklin

Dear Ms. Franklin, Last year we were introduced to Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, the “Mistress of the Art of Death.” Brought from Salerno to help solve a brutal series of murders, she proved so helpful that Henry II, exercising his royal right to run things whatever way he damn well wants, decided to keep(…)

REVIEW:  Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin (aka Diana Norman)

REVIEW: Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin (aka Diana Norman)

Dear Mrs. Franklin/Norman, What can I say? I finished “Mistress of the Art of Death” late in the evening after reading non-stop for almost 200 pages. My heart was racing, I was glued to the book and if a fire had started somewhere in my house, I honestly don’t think I would have noticed until(…)

Online Interview with Diana Norman

Online Interview with Diana Norman

A sharp eyed DA reader found this online interview with one of my favorite authors, Diana Norman/Ariana Franklin. And good news, she will take my request for her OOP books to be reissued back to her publisher. Rosina Lippi is holding a contest related to the interview. Post a comment, and your name is in(…)

REVIEW:  City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin

REVIEW: City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin

Dear Ms Franklin, I’ve adored your books written as Diana Norman and rejoiced when Rosario broke the news that you also write under this name. When I knew you had this and another book already released, I was elated. As I read this book, I was euphoric. I wanted to race through it to enjoy(…)

Diana Norman Fans: Did You Know . . .

That she writes under pen name Ariana Franklin? If you can’t wait for a new Diana Norman book, you may want to try to trample other Diana Norman fans to the store (try not to hurt Jayne though because we need her here), and pick up City of Shadows: A Novel of Suspense. Ms. Franklin/Norman(…)

REVIEW: The Sparks Fly Upward by Diana Norman

Dear Mrs. Norman, When I heard you had a new book coming out, I skipped around the house for joy. Your books are like an entire box of dark chocolate covered caramel truffles. I want to eat the whole box at once but I force me to pace myself. It’s hard but it’s worth it(…)

REVIEW:  King of the Last Days by Diana Norman

REVIEW: King of the Last Days by Diana Norman

Back blurb: “The cowled figures which stood around the open grave in the moonlight at Glastonbury in the year 1189 were used to mystery but even they were overawed by what was in the coffin. Their great and ancient monastery was in trouble and if this sword was what they thought it was, if those(…)

REVIEW: Taking Liberties by Diana Norman

Dear Mrs. Norman, One thing I can always count on in your books is that I’ll get to read about one or more strong women. And that these women won’t be doing silly things like swinging broadswords while in full suits of chain mail. “Taking Liberties” gives us two female lead characters and a unique(…)

REVIEW: The Morning Gift by Diana Norman

“A Norman heiress was a chattel to be sold in marriage to the highest bidder. If one husband died she was up for sale again. Only the first of Matilda de Risle’s husbands gives her anything back. His is the customary Saxon morning gift — the present to a wife if her lord finds her(…)

REVIEW: A Catch of Consequence by Diana Norman

Dear Mrs. Norman, Some reviews might lead readers to think this book is dry, historical fiction. But I feel those reviewers would be doing readers a disservice. These characters came alive for me. The times and places seemed real. Your descriptions are so deft that for a day I was back in the 18th century(…)