This story picks up where the first novel left off. Lady Agnes has escaped the French Inquisition, however she finds out that she is still in danger. Due to the prophecy that involves her, her enemies seek to get rid of her. Her allies who seek to protect her are determined to find out who wants to harm her at all cost. In order to protect all she holds dear, Agnes must figure out how to play her role in the prophecy.

Even though Lady Agnes has survived the Inquisition, she still has scars that she is trying to heal. When she tries to start her life anew, she learns that there is still trouble amidst. I find Lady Agnes to be a very strong person. She seeks to find happiness and love. She is also not afraid of fighting like a man to save those she loves. Because of this, she is a strong heroine. However, I also pitied her because of the sadness she experienced in the first book. I wanted Lady Agnes to find her happy ending.

Overall, this book is a fast-paced action thriller. It is an historical epic with a complex plot and a large cast of characters that reminds me a little bit of the Game of Thrones series. This book does resolve the mystery in the first novel. There are more secrets in this book that are revealed. The novel ends in a cliffhanger, and I am pretty certain that there will be at least one more book in this series. I did feel that there were times that this story was drawn out. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this novel, and I am interested in reading the next book in this series. Even though this novel can be read as a standalone, I suggest that you read the first book first so you can have an emotional attachment to the characters. I recommend this series to those who love mysteries and historical epics.

Thank you Net Galley. A good follow up to the first part. The prophecy and Agnes's role in it are still threatening her life. Once again the book has a complex plot and many secrets and characters to keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed this novel very much.

Started this book at a disadvantage as didn't realise it was book2 ( must wear my glasses next time I order on line) but was quickly enjoying this fast paced historical/ religious novel. It has shades of Dan Brown with secret libraries and hidden documents, Knights Templars and poisoning villains . Using the idea of Nuns in France has also been used before ( The Eight by Katherine Neville) but gives insights into how strong, independent women joined religious orders to use their intelligence and gain freedom from being seen as inferior to men at that time. Will look forward to reading the first book plus others in this series.

Thoroughly researched historical mystery

The Lady Agnes Mystery - Vol 2 continues starts where Vol1 leaves off, continues slowly, has many confusing interludes, but is still a fascinating mystery of various elements of the Church vs state in the early 1300's. And, if I had had a print copy or a properly indexed e-book, I would have been able to use the thorough appendices and notes. That being said, this is a fascinating book, set in a historical era that I know little about. If you are finding this book hard going at first, continue to have a little patience, dear reader! Probably 3 1/2 stars....

Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the loan of an ecopy for review purposes

a complex and interesting mysery.