Rating: 
Summary: Could NOT put it down
Review: Although the book is a fiction, is has been meticulously researched and is packed with true history, making it even more interesting. I do agree with one reviewer who commented about the 'cheapening' of the story with the sex thrown in at the end, however, I still give it five stars. It is a wonderfully creative story that I could not put down.
Rating: 
Summary: An Engaging Suspense Novel from a Promising New Writer
Review: At first glance, THE CANTERBURY PAPERS is slightly intimidating. It opens with a whirlwind two-page summary of twelfth-century French and English political history and then launches headfirst into the politics and betrayals of the royal Plantagenet family. Don't worry, though --- even if you flunked medieval history, there's still plenty to enjoy in this engaging suspense novel.Alais Capet, a member of France's royal family, was, in her youth, betrothed to Richard the Lionheart. However, her engagement was mysteriously broken off, and now, years later, Alais is lonely, bored with French court life and tired of constantly bickering with her brother, the king of France. When Richard's aged mother, the legendary and powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine, summons Alais to perform a mysterious errand at Canterbury Abbey, Alais jumps at the chance to have a bit of an adventure. As Alais learns more about the letters she's been asked to retrieve from the altar, she is forced to examine some of the less savory parts of her own personal history. She herself admits, "God knows there were plenty of those [sins] strung out like dark pearls in the years behind me." Through flashbacks, readers learn about these old sins, gaining insight into family dynamics and Alais's own bitterness. Alais also gets more of an adventure than what she bargained for, as she is quickly drawn into the personal and political intrigues of the Plantagenet family, particularly the tyrannical King John. As she conducts her mission, Alais begins to question everything about her assignment. What are Eleanor's true motives? Whom, if anyone, can Alais trust? And why is everyone so intrigued by the pendant that Alais wears around her neck? From a historical figure who is usually little more than a footnote in history books, Judith Koll Healey has managed to create a flesh-and-blood woman with a vibrant personality. Although some sections, particularly those dealing with lengthy dinner conversations, can seem a bit too leisurely, and although it can be hard to keep all those nobles straight, Alais's tart tongue and the mystery story will keep readers guessing. Medieval history and literature buffs, of course, will eat this one up, as some of the most intriguing historical characters come to life in the pages of THE CANTERBURY PAPERS. For the rest of us, the author includes an afterword that helps sort out fact from fiction and provides some suggestions for further reading about the dysfunctional Plantagenet clan. --- Reviewed by Norah Piehl
Rating: 
Summary: A pleasant read
Review: I am not one for mysteries, but immensely enjoy historical fiction. I especially enjoy British history and knowing little about its medieval times, I thought this book would be worth a try. Alittle slow at first, it finally picked up about halfway through and then I couldn't put it down. I found myself often confused about the many names being dropped and had to reread passages to clarify their roles. I also had to read the facts behind the unraveled mystery over and over to understand the connections-maybe it's just my lack of understanding and that's why I stay away from mysteries in the first place. Once I took the time to slow down, I understood the plot alittle more clearly. I was able to figure out the mystery of Alais' son right off the bat; way before it was divulged by the author.
The reading was easy and fast. I enjoyed the first person narration and the main character, Alais, was likeable, even if sometimes she was alittle too brash and brave. I was alittle disappointed that some sex had to be thrown in near the end to cheapen the story.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction (I did learn a lot about the Plantagenet era)and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
By the way, did anyone else notice the discrepancy on the cover? The main character repeatedly refers to her malformed left hand (I'm not giving away any big secrets); yet, the hand holding the letters on the cover is a beautifully formed woman's left hand. Just thought it was interesting.
Rating:
Summary: strong historical fiction mystery
Review: In 1200 though an octogenarian, the former Queen of both France and England Eleanor remains a wily influence in state affairs. Through an intermediary, Eleanor asks her former ward Princess Alais to travel from France to Canterbury Cathedral to retrieve some letters she hid there that if revealed could doom King John's reign. Though angry with Eleanor for her part in denying her the chance to marry Richard, Alais travels with escort Sir Owain of Cardwyd, a knight of King Harry. Though Alais expected some danger, she thought overall the mission would be rather easy especially with her being sister to the King of France, Philippe. However, instead of the smooth completion of her quest, someone abducts Alais before she can accomplish the mission. Barely staying ahead of her unknown enemies, Alais joins with the Knights Templar to begin to uncover a conspiracy by powerful and evil people wanting to take over two kingdoms. THE CANTERBURY PAPERS is a strong historical fiction mystery that enables the audience to see an era filled with treachery that makes the Democrat and Republicans parties look like choirs. The story line is loaded with action, but it is the powerful characterizations especially Alais the forgotten princess that make the plot a must read for fans of medieval tales. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Very, VERY good
Review: Its thirty years after the death of Thomas a' Beckett in Canterbury Cathedral. 35-year-old Alais (pronounced ah-lah-ees), princess of France, recives a mission from the aging Eleanor- to go to the Cathedral and retrieve a set of important papers hidden at the altar there. The papers concern a boy who could challenge King John's right to the throne- though, of course, as an illegitimate child, the boy could never really become king of England.
This book is a medieval adventure complete with villains (King John), kidnapping, and hidden identities. Alais finds that there are few people she can really trust. What really happened to the child she bore 20 years before? And who is he? I absolutely loved this book.
Rating:
Summary: A very enjoyable read
Review: My mom, who has loved reading about Eleanor of Aquitane, etc. since before I was born, recommended this book to me, knowing I was a mystery (not Medieval history) fan. Although the book is a mystery (and one that drew me in), it took me to the times, people and culture of central-character, Alais. Since we have to wait for a new book from Judith Healey, I'm busy reading others of the genre in the meantime. Needless to say, this book made a new fan. Please hurry and write another!
Rating:
Summary: Medieval Adventure
Review: Princess Alaïs is bored and disillusioned with life in the court of her brother the King of France. When Eleanor of Aquitaine dangles the promise of information that Alaïs desperately wants, Alaïs agrees to travel to Canterbury to retrieve a packet of Eleanor's potentially embarrassing letters. Her simple quest turns into something more dangerous as her rooms are ransacked and she is snatched away from the protection of her attendant knights. How can she gain possession of the elusive letters and why are so many people suddenly interested in her jeweled pendant? Alaïs has to figure out whom she can trust as her path collides with King John, mysterious monks, and the Knights of Templar. Dangerous secrets about her stormy past with the royal family of England just might hold the key. You don't have to be an expert on medieval times to appreciate The Canterbury Papers, but Healey thoughtfully includes a brief overview of royal politics of the time and a summary at the end separating the fiction from the facts. The book has a historically accurate feel, and it is obvious that Healey put a lot of time into her settings and characterizations. This charming mystery surprised me - I didn't expect to be as captivated as I was. Alaïs is a strong character with wit and passion. Healey throws in a charming romance, which does a great job of lightening the tone set by endless court intrigue and family betrayals.
Rating:
Summary: Medieval Adventure
Review: Princess Alais is bored and disillusioned with life in the court of her brother the King of France. When Eleanor of Aquitaine dangles the promise of information that Alais desperately wants, Alais agrees to travel to Canterbury to retrieve a packet of Eleanor's potentially embarrassing letters. Her simple quest turns into something more dangerous as her rooms are ransacked and she is snatched away from the protection of her attendant knights.
How can she gain possession of the elusive letters and why are so many people suddenly interested in her jeweled pendant? Alais has to figure out whom she can trust as her path collides with King John, mysterious monks, and the Knights of Templar. Dangerous secrets about her stormy past with the royal family of England just might hold the key.
You don't have to be an expert on medieval times to appreciate The Canterbury Papers, but Healey thoughtfully includes a brief overview of royal politics of the time and a summary at the end separating the fiction from the facts. The book has a historically accurate feel, and it is obvious that Healey put a lot of time into her settings and characterizations. This charming mystery surprised me - I didn't expect to be as captivated as I was. Alais is a strong character with wit and passion. Healey throws in a charming romance, which does a great job of lightening the tone set by endless court intrigue and family betrayals.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional Historical Mystery
Review: Princesse Alais was betrothed at a young age to Prince Richard and therefore grew up in the court of Henry and Eleanor, as their "stepdaughter" and companion to the princes. Many years have passed since Alais' hopes and dreams were dashed with the sudden end of her betrothal to her beloved Richard. Prince Henry has died, King Henry has died and so has King Richard. Alais lives in Paris, attached to the court of her brother the King and dissatisfied with her life, wanting a change. It is in this state of mind that a letter from Queen Eleanor reaches her, requesting her help. John is now King of England and, not surprisingly, unrest is whispering it's way from one end of the kingdom to the other. Eleanor fears that certain letters she wrote years ago could harm John's rule, if they come to light. She wants Alais to cross the channel, visit Canterbury Cathedral and recover the letters. In return, Eleanor offers Alais certain information. She has not misjudged her stepdaughter. Alais will face the risks for this information. What transpires is a suspenseful web, with John, his enemies, a special pendant and Alais' history all interwoven, told from Alais' point of view with humor and emotion. The result is an exceptional historical mystery from a first-time author that I want to hear from again--and soon!
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional Historical Mystery
Review: Princesse Alais was betrothed at a young age to Prince Richard and therefore grew up in the court of Henry and Eleanor, as their "stepdaughter" and companion to the princes. Many years have passed since Alais' hopes and dreams were dashed with the sudden end of her betrothal to her beloved Richard. Prince Henry has died, King Henry has died and so has King Richard. Alais lives in Paris, attached to the court of her brother the King and dissatisfied with her life, wanting a change. It is in this state of mind that a letter from Queen Eleanor reaches her, requesting her help. John is now King of England and, not surprisingly, unrest is whispering it's way from one end of the kingdom to the other. Eleanor fears that certain letters she wrote years ago could harm John's rule, if they come to light. She wants Alais to cross the channel, visit Canterbury Cathedral and recover the letters. In return, Eleanor offers Alais certain information. She has not misjudged her stepdaughter. Alais will face the risks for this information. What transpires is a suspenseful web, with John, his enemies, a special pendant and Alais' history all interwoven, told from Alais' point of view with humor and emotion. The result is an exceptional historical mystery from a first-time author that I want to hear from again--and soon!
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