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Susanna, Lady Appleton #2
Face Down Upon an Herbal
Face Down upon an Herbal marks the return of Susanna, Lady Appleton, an Elizabethan woman who literally wrote the book on poisons. While her husband is away on a diplomatic mission to Scotland, Susanna is summoned by Queen Elizabeth to work on a new book of botanical decoctions at Madderly Castle. But when the herbalist learns that a pugnacious Scots baron has been found murdered atop the herbal that she has authored, she realizes that there is more to the queen's request. Then the killer strikes again, and strong-minded Susanna takes matters into her own hands and investigates the dastardly deeds. To uncover the truth, however, she must answer some vexing questions: Why are Lord Madderly and the local authorities so quick to blame an outside intruder? How are the deaths linked to a forger who specializes in noble genealogies? Is the murderer part of a treasonous conspiracy against the queen? Faced with a host of suspects who are not as they seem, Susanna must work quickly to find the killer's identity - before she becomes his or her next victim.
295 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 1998
About the author
Kathy Lynn Emerson
79 books144 followersaka Kaitlyn Dunnett, Kate Emerson, Kaitlyn Gorton
Kathy Lynn Emerson began writing as a child: a newspaper for her dolls and then a rambling adventure series featuring characters from all her favorite television shows. In addition to contemporary, historical and time-travel romance (some written under the pen-name of Kaitlyn Gorton) and historical novels written as Kate Emerson, Kathy has written children's books, non-fiction, short stories, and historical mysteries. She won the Agatha award for mystery nonfiction for How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries. She also writes as Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Kathy Lynn Emerson began writing as a child: a newspaper for her dolls and then a rambling adventure series featuring characters from all her favorite television shows. In addition to contemporary, historical and time-travel romance (some written under the pen-name of Kaitlyn Gorton) and historical novels written as Kate Emerson, Kathy has written children's books, non-fiction, short stories, and historical mysteries. She won the Agatha award for mystery nonfiction for How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries. She also writes as Kaitlyn Dunnett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 28, 2020
Well, not the best nor the worst historical mystery that I've ever read. I usually like to start with book one of a series, but that was impossible with this one. Not in my library , not available via interlibrary loan, and not in my favourite used bookstore. However, I needn't have worried, this could just as well have been the first book.
Lady Appleton is not dreadfully sympathetic, seemingly eternally suspicious of those around her. I can understand that though, as she is an intelligent woman surrounded by men who can completely control her life. How difficult life must have been for women in those times. Mind you it still happens, women find that men around the conference table don't listen to them and their good ideas get appropriated by those same men later.
The other characters seemed somewhat wooden to me, especially Susanna's husband, Sir Robert. He is portrayed as a womanizing social climber. Once again, this is likely an accurate portrayal of a man in Queen Elizabeth's court, but it doesn't make me like the guy. Nor does his treatment of his sister.
For a better version of the Queen's court, try My Enemy, the Queen by Victoria Holt. For an excellently written historical mystery series, read A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters. That is the standard by which I judge all historical mysteries!
Lady Appleton is not dreadfully sympathetic, seemingly eternally suspicious of those around her. I can understand that though, as she is an intelligent woman surrounded by men who can completely control her life. How difficult life must have been for women in those times. Mind you it still happens, women find that men around the conference table don't listen to them and their good ideas get appropriated by those same men later.
The other characters seemed somewhat wooden to me, especially Susanna's husband, Sir Robert. He is portrayed as a womanizing social climber. Once again, this is likely an accurate portrayal of a man in Queen Elizabeth's court, but it doesn't make me like the guy. Nor does his treatment of his sister.
For a better version of the Queen's court, try My Enemy, the Queen by Victoria Holt. For an excellently written historical mystery series, read A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters. That is the standard by which I judge all historical mysteries!
May 26, 2018
Face Down Upon an Herbal by Kathy Lynn Emerson is the second book of the Lady Susanna Appleton mystery series set in 1561 England.
The Queen requires Lady Appleton to travel to a country estate as the Christmas holidays approach, presumably to assist another noblewoman writing an herbal. Of course Susanna is not told the real reason (the Queen suspected a treasonous plot). Susanna and her sister-in-law Katherine learn upon arrival about a recent murder, and begin to investigate. Katherine falls in love with a suspect, against Susanna's warnings. Susanna's husband, ostensibly on diplomatic duty but actually busy philandering in Scotland, is also commanded by the Queen to come to the estate. He blocks Susanna's efforts at first, until they come to an understanding. Susanna and Katherine are in mortal danger as they come close to solving the multiple murders.
A wealth of interesting period detail enhances the mystery. Susanna is a likable, clever heroine who bucks tradition, has remarkable courage, and is steadfastly loyal to true friends and allies.
The Queen requires Lady Appleton to travel to a country estate as the Christmas holidays approach, presumably to assist another noblewoman writing an herbal. Of course Susanna is not told the real reason (the Queen suspected a treasonous plot). Susanna and her sister-in-law Katherine learn upon arrival about a recent murder, and begin to investigate. Katherine falls in love with a suspect, against Susanna's warnings. Susanna's husband, ostensibly on diplomatic duty but actually busy philandering in Scotland, is also commanded by the Queen to come to the estate. He blocks Susanna's efforts at first, until they come to an understanding. Susanna and Katherine are in mortal danger as they come close to solving the multiple murders.
A wealth of interesting period detail enhances the mystery. Susanna is a likable, clever heroine who bucks tradition, has remarkable courage, and is steadfastly loyal to true friends and allies.
July 2, 2020
2020 bk 26. The 2nd in an excellent series. Kathy Lynn Emerson has done her research into the medicinal uses of plants and it shows when her main character is called upon to help in the writing of a new herbal. Traveling to a new location, it is not until she is there that she discovers murder has been done, and she is there to give her husband an excuse to visit. An excellent read - but I do suggest reading the first in the series. Some of the relationships are complicated and it helps to know what happened in Number 1 in order to feel out what is happening in number 2.
May 10, 2016
I wasn't overly impressed with the first novel in this series but I like to try to give a series two books before I decide to continue. I won't be continuing with this series.
I don't find anything likable about either Lady Susanna or her husband, Sir Robert. It's hard to read a book, especially a series of them, if you can't find anything to like about the main characters. At least for me it is.
I don't find anything likable about either Lady Susanna or her husband, Sir Robert. It's hard to read a book, especially a series of them, if you can't find anything to like about the main characters. At least for me it is.
October 5, 2023
It was really hard to put this book down. Overall I really loved this book. It started a bit slow but it was necessary. I didn’t realize that this was the second book when I first picked this up, but it can be read as a stand-alone book.
I really loved the multiple POV aspect of this murder mystery. Each chapter is clearly labeled about location and you can tell which person your seeing through in the first line. The women are strong in different ways and they build each other up.
By chapter 2, there was a dead body. By the end of the book, I was left wondering how everything was going to get solved with so few pages left. However, it ended nicely. There’s even a happy ending, which wasn’t expected considering how many people died throughout the book.
There’s some spy elements, people not being who they seemed, holiday parties, and a funeral. This book packed a punch and I wasn’t fully expecting it.
January 26, 2020
It was a simple read with interesting characters but the story was a bit slow and, as it all took place in one castle with limited possible suspects, it was not hard to figure out. It did give an interesting look at life in the 1500's and was written well and, for those two reasons, I will pursue reading more books in this series.
July 22, 2019
Good read; An Historical Cozy w/ Herbal Interests
Although not much to do with Herbal history and usage, still an enjoyable quick read. Pretty classic approach to presenting the mystery and trapping the culprit.
Although not much to do with Herbal history and usage, still an enjoyable quick read. Pretty classic approach to presenting the mystery and trapping the culprit.
May 28, 2019
Good read but not very compelling. You never really care about the characters
September 23, 2021
Quick easy read fir a rainy day.
April 2, 2018
Beautifully written and very evocative of the time period. I was reminded quite a bit of Amanda Carmack, one of my favorite authors, as I read Face Down Upon an Herbal. I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series.
January 2, 2009
Second book in the series, but my first attempt at the "Face Down series. Cozy mystery, I wasn't particularly drawn to any of the characters, though I do love this time period in history. If another one comes my way, I may try it.
From the Publisher
Face Down upon an Herbal marks the return of Susanna, Lady Appleton, an Elizabethan woman who literally wrote the book on poisons. While her husband is away on a diplomatic mission to Scotland, Susanna is summoned by Queen Elizabeth to work on a new book of botanical decoctions at Madderly Castle. But when the herbalist learns that a pugnacious Scots baron has been found murdered atop the herbal that she has authored, she realizes that there is more to the queen's request. Then the killer strikes again, and strong-minded Susanna takes matters into her own hands and investigates the dastardly deeds. To uncover the truth, however, she must answer some vexing questions: Why are Lord Madderly and the local authorities so quick to blame an outside intruder? How are the deaths linked to a forger who specializes in noble genealogies? Is the murderer part of a treasonous conspiracy against the queen? Faced with a host of suspects who are not as they seem, Susanna must work quickly to find the killer's identity - before she becomes his or her next victim.
From the Publisher
Face Down upon an Herbal marks the return of Susanna, Lady Appleton, an Elizabethan woman who literally wrote the book on poisons. While her husband is away on a diplomatic mission to Scotland, Susanna is summoned by Queen Elizabeth to work on a new book of botanical decoctions at Madderly Castle. But when the herbalist learns that a pugnacious Scots baron has been found murdered atop the herbal that she has authored, she realizes that there is more to the queen's request. Then the killer strikes again, and strong-minded Susanna takes matters into her own hands and investigates the dastardly deeds. To uncover the truth, however, she must answer some vexing questions: Why are Lord Madderly and the local authorities so quick to blame an outside intruder? How are the deaths linked to a forger who specializes in noble genealogies? Is the murderer part of a treasonous conspiracy against the queen? Faced with a host of suspects who are not as they seem, Susanna must work quickly to find the killer's identity - before she becomes his or her next victim.
October 16, 2014
Second in the "Face Down" murder series, set in 16th century England. This one involves more of the politics of the day, between England and Scotland. I liked the story -- well enough to buy the third in the series, anyway -- but the plot didn't strike me as being as complicated as the first book in the series, and I was pretty sure who the culprit was long before Lady Appleton.
The second book in any series always strikes me as the most challenging. The first book in any series introduces new characters and new settings. The second book has to build on an established "history." All in all, this one worked very well.
The second book in any series always strikes me as the most challenging. The first book in any series introduces new characters and new settings. The second book has to build on an established "history." All in all, this one worked very well.
September 7, 2023
I have to admit that I did not enjoy this installment nearly as much as Book 1. Maybe it was me? Maybe I was not in the mood for a good historical mystery? I just know I had to make myself finish it, just so I could cross it off my TBR list.
I don't know... the story just felt like it dragged on forever. I was glad I persevered to the end: of course the culprit was not anyone I suspected, and the love interest element was solved satisfactorily. If only Lady Appleton's husband wasn't such a jerk...
Oh well, where would be the drama, then??
I don't know... the story just felt like it dragged on forever. I was glad I persevered to the end: of course the culprit was not anyone I suspected, and the love interest element was solved satisfactorily. If only Lady Appleton's husband wasn't such a jerk...
Oh well, where would be the drama, then??
February 3, 2014
Enjoyable book, but the author needs to cut back on the use of obscure words. At some points, I was stopping every couple of pages to Google some word I had never heard of. I ended up having to look up 34 words, several of which took half an hour searching on-line to find a website that gave a definition. If she finds it necessary to use words that are this obscure, at least there should be a glossary of words at the beginning or the end of the book, as is done by some other authors such as Melvin Starr in his Hugh De Singleton series.
August 22, 2014
It was the title that got me.
As a rule, I never read a book from the middle of a series -- even a loosely related series, where it's not necessary to read them in order. But the title absolutely grabbed me, and I bought it instantly.
Best decision I made that entire day.
The heroine of the book is a strong, vibrant, smart woman who uses her intelligence and wits to not only stay alive in a treacherous situation, but also to sniff out a killer and bring that killer to justice.
Heartily recommend this book, and am eager to read the rest of the series!
As a rule, I never read a book from the middle of a series -- even a loosely related series, where it's not necessary to read them in order. But the title absolutely grabbed me, and I bought it instantly.
Best decision I made that entire day.
The heroine of the book is a strong, vibrant, smart woman who uses her intelligence and wits to not only stay alive in a treacherous situation, but also to sniff out a killer and bring that killer to justice.
Heartily recommend this book, and am eager to read the rest of the series!
March 6, 2016
Lady Susanna Appleton continues to delight! This installment in this series has Lady Appleton being sent on a mission by the Queen. She is told that she’s going to assist in the writing and editing of a new herbal but the bodies start piling up pretty quickly and Susanna wonders why she was really sent. This book also featured a lot more of the Appleton’s ward. Overall, a fun and engaging installment in this series.
September 28, 2009
This is the first book I have read by this author, though it was obviously not the first in the series. I liked it well enough but my one complaint would have to be that it's not much of a murder mystery when all the suspects get killed, leaving you with only two people to choose between. It's on the lighter side, easy to read quickly, and the characters were interesting.
March 29, 2009
A cozy historical mystery set in Elizabathan Britain. Herbalist/sleuth Lady Susanna Appleton is sent to a Scottish castle to solve the murder of a baron who has been found dead face down on an Herbal (book of poisons) written by Lady Susanna herself.
August 17, 2012
I really, really liked this book. The characters were more in-depth, great details as to living in the medieval period, interesting references to the law, and just a great storyline. I'm ready to read more by this author.
April 26, 2015
This was an entertaining Elizabethan mystery told from the perspective of a female herbalist. Although I do enjoy the Ursula Blanchard series better (just the style I guess), I will be looking for the rest of this series.
July 12, 2015
still an OK series. I like the fact that Lady Appleton is so blunt and takes charge, not afraid to voice her opinion or stand up to men. especially in a time where women aren't given a second thought to really anything.
October 14, 2014
Great second book in the series, strong plot and weaving of historical details about herbs and a woman's role.
June 17, 2008
Fun story with explanation of how a monk determines a murderer using ancient techniques.
August 4, 2009
Lady Susanna Appleton #2
September 16, 2009
cozy mystery in medieval times
October 6, 2010
An enjoyable series and in this one the plot really thickens.
November 1, 2011
An Elizabethan mystery, featuring a woman detective. While I find that aspect of it a bit dubious at times, it’s a fun read, and one of my favorite periods of history. [Sept. 2011]
April 15, 2012
Enjoyed the book. Easy reading.
October 11, 2012
I am really beginning to enjoy Ms. Emerson's mystery. She's a bit of a feminist, but the mystery is good and the story is clean. I will definitely continue reading these pleasant herbal mysteries.
July 6, 2012
2nd in a medieval series. Lots of history in there without dragging the story down. Good storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews