The Alchemist’s Daughter

Bianca Goddard thought she had been through the worst when her father had been in prison under threat of death, but when her friend Jolyn comes to Bianca for a cure for nausea she has been suffering, Jolyn falls dead. Bianca finds herself accused of murder. The only way to defend herself is to solve the case, but in 1543 London, this is far less than an easy task, especially since there are several people who would like to see Bianca convicted for the crime. She has to deal with an ambitious constable; a despicable, wealthy shipping magnet; a woman who runs what used to be a bawdy house; a rival of Jolyn; and more. Can she solve this crime and save her head?

Mary Lawrence writes a real page-turner of a mystery and takes her readers on a trip to another place while she does it. Transporting readers to such a distant time is not an easy task, but the writing is terrific with great period details. There are lots of red herrings and a surprising amount of action that will keep readers engaged until the very last page. This is really a good one.