The Outlaw's Tale

Sister Frevisse #3

by Margaret Frazer

ACT OF MERCY, ACT OF MURDERLeaving the safety of her nunnery walls behind, Dame Frevisse is drawn into an unholy web of treachery and deceit. Waylaid on the King's Highway by a band of outlaws, Frevisse is shocked to discover that their leader is her long-lost cousin Nicholas. When he pleads with her to help him obtain a pardon for his crimes, she finds herself trapped between the harsh edicts of the law and the mercy of her vows.But even as she struggles to restore his fortunes, Frevisse must fight to save his soul... and his life. Before the outlaw's tale can be told, the saintly nun will find herself trapped in a manor house of murder, caught between the holy passions of the heart and the sinful greeds of man.PRAISE FOR THE OUTLAW'S TALE"A tale well told, filled with intrigue and spiced with romance and rogues." - School Library Journal"...a meticulous recreation of not only how people lived more than five hundred years ago, but how they loved, suffered and sinned. Just the thing for anybody who usually disparages the genre to show how well it can be done, in the right hands." - Myshelf.com"Dame Frevisse is well-born, well-educated, and not at all afraid to stick her inquisitive nose into anything which just does not seem right." - Tower Books Mystery NewsletterPRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES"Frazer's writing is both erudite and vivid, and she has the ability to bring characters to life within a strong, clear story." - Drood Review of Mystery"This series is full of the richness of the fifteenth century, handled with the care it deserves. Margaret Frazer's tales are charmingly and intelligently contrived." - Minneapolis Star Tribune"Accurate period detail, adroit characterization, and lively dialogue add to the pleasure." - Publishers WeeklyA Romantic Times Top Pick.Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award.Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, British Literature

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Margaret Frazer is a pen name used at first by Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld and Gail Lynn Frazer writing in tandem for a series of historical medieval mysteries featuring Dame Frevisse. After the sixth novel, the works are written by Gail Frazer alone, and the name has subsequently been used exclusively by her. A second series of novels by Ms Frazer set in the same time and place feature the player/minstrel Joliffe.

See also: Monica Ferris, Mary Monica Pulver

Series:
* Sister Frevisse
* Joliffe

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What situation for a cloistered medieval nun to find herself in? It could have been a tale straight from the Robin Hood legend when Sister Frevisse's small party is accosted by outlaws who merrily take them prisoner. Loved that it was off to an exciting start.

The Outlaw's Tale is the third of the Sister Frevisse standalone mysteries. Frevisse is along with Master Naylor as chaperone and escort for one of the other sisters in her cloister who must travel for a family obligation. However, near the end of the journey, Frevisse discovers her own family obligation has just caused them to be waylayed so her cousin, branded an outlaw in his youth, can plead his case. Nicholas wants her to approach their powerful uncle, Thomas Chaucer (son of the family Canterbury Tales author, Geoffrey), to use his influence at royal court to achieve this.

While she is still contemplating whether he and his men are truly turned a new leaf, Sister Emma falls ill and they are taken to a nearby manor where a reluctant lord who has had business dealings with Nicholas' band and his not so reluctant widowed sister take them in. Frevisse observes that the sister, Magdalen, has connections to the outlaw band and her worry grows that Nick is not as repentant as he would have her to believe. There is something of a family feud taking place and the widow is none to interested in a repulsive suitor for her hand- a suitor who is murdered. Frevesse has her hands full now as she is determined to discover if Nicholas or his men did the deed and how to extricate her party from danger.

The Outlaw's Tale has more exciting elements than the two previous mysteries and it was fun to see her in a new setting outside the cloister and in the ticklish situation of a bad boy charming cousin needing her help.

I most enjoy the attention to details of the time period and the religious background of the central characters. Frevisse has a complex character that is part contemplative nun, but also wry humor and sharp observer. She is respectful and even reverential when needed, but she doesn't suffer foolishness well and Sister Emma's chatterbox ways bring this out.

On a side note, I was really taken with Master Naylor who is the steward of their abbey and acts as a smart and able assistant to Frevisse. There is more to him than meets the eye.

The mystery was clever, but not as complicated as previous ones. Or, maybe I just latched onto the person by happenstance and saw no reason to change my mind when some others seemed more obvious. It was still a good mystery and the end still gave me some surprise.

I enjoyed the story in audio with the capable and gifted Susan Duerden narrating. She did great with the large cast of voices and had good range with gender, class, and personalities. I love the way she does Frevisse particularly when she is contemplating matters. I hope she does the whole series.

In summary, it was another wonderful outing with the series and I can't wait for the next. Historical mystery lovers should definitely give the Sister Frevisse series a go.

My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so many things wrapped in one - mystery, history, strong storytelling, real consequences, and not afraid of Frevisse's faith. They're amazing.

[Les Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well worth reading but not on my list of must reads.

[Pauline Calkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The outlaw is Sister Frevisse’s cousin, Nicholas who, twenty years before, had been disowned by his family for various misdeeds, perhaps including murder. He took to the outlaw life, forming a band and jokingly dubbed himself Robin Hood and his Merry Men. One of these men, Evan, shares a history similar to Nicholas’s—a son of the gentry who suffered disgrace after some youthful indiscretions. Evan is a peddler who gathers information for Nicholas.

This tale takes place outside the confines of St. Frideswide’s convent when Frevisse is assigned to travel with Sister Emma who is to attend the christening of her niece. Along the way the two sisters are kidnapped by some of the outlaw band and brought to Nicholas. Nicholas has decided (urged on by Evan) to give up the outlaw life and seeks a pardon for himself and his men. He wants Frevisse to intercede with her uncle, the politically influential Thomas Chaucer to obtain a royal pardon for him and his men. Nicolas claims that he hasn’t committed any crimes for three years. Of course, his definition of a “crime” doesn’t include running a protection racket among the local landowners. Frevisse is unaware of this and agrees to write to Chaucer. In the meantime, Sister Emma has fallen seriously ill as a result of prolonged exposure to the elements in the theives’ forest hideaway. Following Frevisse pleas, Nicholas (again counseled by Evan) finally agrees to take the two nuns to the house of Master Payne, a landowner with whom he has dealings.

The Payne household consists of the master, his wife, five children and the master’s widowed sister, the beautiful Magdalen. All of them are welcoming and the nuns are placed in Magdalen’s room, where Sister Emma is nursed back to health. This is a family that is close knit and loving. Even though some of Master Payne’s business dealings may be suspect, he is on the whole honest and a competent administrator, overseeing many local estates. The mistress may seem shy and uncertain, but runs the house with efficiency. The eldest son is home at present, but studies at Oxford to become a lawyer, his younger siblings teasing him that he thinks he is a man at 15. Magdalen is troubled by the persistent attentions of one Colfoot, a gruff, unpleasant landowner, but more that her dislike of this man has caused her to spurn his proposals. She has a lover— a very unsuitable lover.

We also learn more about Nicholas and Evan. Nicholas doesn’t spend his time hidden in the forest, but is fairly well known in the village as a “forester.” While he has some superficial charm, he is a resentful person who views people like Payne and Colfoot who have made money by managing property as no better than thieves. When he learns that Colfoot is carrying a lot of money, he thinks robbing him is a great idea despite Evan’s protests that he will jeopardize their pardon. It is Evan who is truly repentant for his past and desires a pardon.

When Colfoot is found murdered near the Payne manor, Previsse is asked to find out the murderer’s identity. Is it someone from the Payne house or one of the outlaws? A solid mystery with good characterizations. I have to mention in particular the portrayal of Sister Emma as a chatterbox is a scream. So much so that we sympathize when Frevisse resorts to giving her multiple doses of poppy syrup to keep her quiet during the climatic scene that takes place in Magdalen’s room. As with the previous two books, solving the murder is bittersweet because Frevisse believes that her actions resulted in collateral damage for which she must do penance..

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Act of Mercy, Act of Murder

Leaving the safety of her nunnery walls behind, Dame Frevisse is drawn into an unholy web of treachery and deceit. Waylaid on the King's Highway by a band of outlaws, Frevisse is shocked to discover that their leader is her long-lost cousin Nicholas. When he pleads with her to help him obtain a pardon for his crimes, she finds herself trapped between the harsh edicts of the law and the mercy of her vows.

But even as she struggles to restore his fortunes, Frevisse must fight to save his soul... and his life. Before the outlaw's tale can be told, the saintly nun will find herself trapped in a manor house of murder, caught between the holy passions of the heart and the sinful greeds of man.

The Outlaw’s Tale by Margaret Frazer is the third book in the Sister Frevisse Series and it is rapidly becoming my favorite series to read at the moment. I love the St Frideswide’s nuns, and dame Frevisse in particular. This one takes Dame Frevisse – together with Sister Emma and Master Naylor - outside the safe walls of the cloister and into outlaw territory. Poor Frevisse has to endure sister Emma’s inane chatter, navigate tricky family obligations, and test her own faith. The mystery is solid, the period detail is stunning. Bravo!

Narration is once again in the very capable hands of Susan Duerden. Her wonderful performance makes it into a fab audio book experience. Sadly this is the last one they recorded so far, so from now on I will have to content myself with the books. I really hope they decide to produce more.

"Dame Frevisse is well-born, well-educated, and not at all afraid to stick her inquisitive nose into anything which just does not seem right."

Available both as e-book and audiobook on Scribd.

Themes: 1434, into the woods, caught by merry men, wet, Beatrice serving wench of the village alehouse, shelter at Master Payne’s house, Magdalen’s forbidden love for a peddler.

5 Stars

[Ruhani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant enough read and I liked Sister Frevisse. I felt as if something was missing - maybe it was too short and didn't allow for too much character development (though the characters were fairly well drawn)? Didn't like how it ended anyway and I am not sure whether I will read other books in the series - not with so many good historical mystery series out there.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this series of Medieval mysteries has been on my radar for some time, but this was the first one of Margaret Frazer's books that I've read. It was pure pleasure for me.

The story draws a picture of a group of Robin Hood types struggling to survive while attempting to win a pardon for their past crimes. For me, the fun in such a book is not just the exposition of a very different world but the variances in the moral and/or ethical dilemmas of the period. The principal character, Sister Frevisse, would be an intelligent, refreshing protagonist in any culture and it is her perspective that made this book so interesting to me.

She is thoughtful and has a strong moral core, but she is not beyond a bit of deceit to accomplish her goals. I'll really enjoy exploring the rest of the series with her.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of Margaret Frazer's Sister Frevisse series, The Outlaw's Tale is the best of the first three. This is my first time going to an audiobook for a volume in the series, and the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Susan Duerden's reading is excellent, and her voicings make the characters come alive.

Particularly striking in this book are the female characters who, very much beholden to their time, still manage a subtle defiance that flies under the radar. Frazer* doesn't resort to a clichéd feminist who is self-righteous and outspoken (not that it is a problem, but it gets tiresome as a trope), but instead illuminates what must have been much more common behavior in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. After all, when faced with a sword, even the most strong-willed might step aside if not equally armed. (
*Frazer = sadly deceased Gail Frazer with Mary Monica Pulver/aka Monica Ferris)

Sister Emma grates on our nerves and I did find dragging out her illness to be a bit tedious, but the audiobook really brought out the subtle and dry wit that accompanies much of Dame Frevisse's inner thoughts, particularly in regard to Emma. After the last book being VERY obsessed with the sickness that had taken over the convent, I was not enthused about a constant return to Sister Emma's "rheume."

There are some wonderful descriptions, including that of Dame Frevisse's uncle who has a "look about him that he belongs where he was." For whatever reason, the audiobook seemed to highlight these particular moments of character definition and description, and it is delightful.

Dame Frevisse has more opportunity for character development here because she's away from the convent, and she becomes embroiled (embroils herself, really) in a situation involving her cousin. There is a lot of self-reflection in regard to the choices she makes and that helps give her more dimensionality than was revealed in the previous two books.

I'm more excited to continue the series than I was, and I hope that the rest of the series continues with the same level of character definition and plot complexity. Unlike book 2, The Servant's Tale, which had so many characters it was hard to stay focused, this story does a much better job of focusing on a few key characters, with a good pacing of introduction to new ones, and actually threw me off the scent of whodunnit, so brava!

[Laura Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so good I'm gobbling them up like candy (chocolate-covered almonds, to be precise). Waiting impatiently for number 4 to arrive in the mail.

I did like the ending in that not everything is wrapped up neatly with a pretty bow, a parallel to real life. I also appreciate the intricacies of Dame Frevisse's thought process and the way she truly ponders her spirituality and dedication to God. The spiritual aspects are not just inserted as a side note, but make up an important and intriguing part of her character.

I was a little surprised Dame Frevisse assumed Nicholas was Magdalen's lover, especially after having met a whole band of outlaws. I knew she was wrong on that score from the get go. Also, why would Master Payne keep the belt instead of burning or burying it? Why hand over evidence that will only convict his son? Weird. These two stumbles actually make the book a 4.5, but the writing and characterizations are so wonderful, I rounded up.

[Melody Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well i would like to admit I read these with the mindset their not the most complex of stories. Their sort of "cozy" mystery novels with a set time period peice and consistent historical accuracy.

This book is more in line with the first of the series with the obviousness to some of the outcomes. Some were a little less so, and made this one an improvement on the first in the sense of mystery. But the ease in which there is resolution to issues or any inconvenience was a bit over done.

So far, the last book in the series was by far the best at a singing 5*. But i love historical fiction that isn't romance, so I'm plenty content to continue reading and see what the next in line holds.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Outlaw's Tale, Sister Frevisse #3, was the first Margaret Frazier mystery that I've read for a long time since my Medieval mystery phase many years ago. I found the book and another in the series, The Boys' Tale, in a Friends of the Library book store, and had to buy them. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the series. I enjoy any historic mystery but the Sister Frevisse series by the late Margaret Frazier (born Gail Brown) is so rich in context that I was transported. The food, the clothes, the hardships, remarkable. I already started The Boys' Tale.

[Adelais · Rating 3 out of 5]

Вийшла якось сестра Фревісса за межі монастиря у справах, а на неї і настрибнув Робін Гуд. Тобто не зовсім Робін Гуд, а просто бандит з лісу, а потім виявилося, що це кузен, про якого давно у родині всі забули (як бачимо, не дарма). В кузена є план отримати королівське помилування, до якого має долучитися Фревісса, але все насправді не про справедливість, а про гроші. А ще доведеться трохи взяти гріх на душу та його потім відмолювати.
Не дуже люблю робінгудські сюжети, тому сподобалося менше. Але це все одно цікавий детектив з усією середньовічною повсякденністю і бюрократією.

[katsn52 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frazier never disappoints

Possibly the best murder mystery series of all time (well, it's been 60 years since I read Christie, so I don't really remember those). Every book is so well-written and well-crafted that I savor them like Belgian chocolate. This one is no different. Twists right up to the end. Sister Frevisse is one of the best, most well-shaped characters I've ever met; Cadfael in a nun's habit.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sister Frevisse is a great character. The plot and pacing of this title in the series, not so great (rather bland). Will press on nevertheless - it's fun to read about a kick ass yet non-showy nun from the 15th C.

[Harriet Lindblom · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third Dame Frevisse medieval mystery, just as good as the other two. So far the plots have all been quite different. Well constructed and difficult to guess. Ms. Frazer's writing is expressive and her characters are extremely well drawn.

[Zulfiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less of a mystery story, and more of an exploration of human vanity and desires to be accepted and loved.

I still enjoyed it, but At this point, I do not know if the series is losing its edge, or it was a different vignette to showcase painful life experiences.

[SBC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nearly gave up on this one as I thought the beginning (with its reference to Robin Hood) rather silly and wasn't sure I found the plot convincing. However, after they got out of the woods into the manor house I enjoyed the story.

[Lessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place outside the convent and gives a glimpse inside life of an affluent steward. Loved the dynamics among the characters. Not the most believable at times but still compelling for someone willing to suspend disbelief.

[David Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so Sister Frevisse matures.

We all hold secrets and learn to live with them or not. Sister Frevisse's charactor is more complex, more compelling, because of it. What a joy to read.

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sister Frevisse, while travelling outside the convent, encounters a band of brigands led by a cousiin of hers. When her accompanying Sister is taken ill, the two find haven at a home where there are a number of existing issues and secrets.

I listened to the audiobook, which was well done.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat more convoluted than usual, but still a great mystery. Plot twist!!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars—the second half is better than the first. Lots of good medieval details, but not my favorite cozy mystery.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adored this.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot but the writing is very sloppy.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat less depressing than the second book, but almost anything would be! I was glad Frevisse could get out into the world a bit. The murder was a bit of an afterthought, but I enjoyed this.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as compelling a mystery as the two previous stories (the action doesn’t happen until late in the book) but a really interesting storyline & world expansion for Sister Frevisse.

[Philip Stouffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy these trips to 15th century England, in this case to a middle-class estate. The plot wasn't as strong as the previous Frevisse stories.

[Mary Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sadness floats through the story.
Two days later, I increase the stars from 4 to 5.
Reflection helps.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in the Sister Frevisse historical mystery series set outside Oxfordshire in medieval England. The stories revolve around Dame Frevisse, a highly intelligent nun.


My Take
There's a familial up-and-down in this story as Dame Frevisse encounters her long-lost cousin Nicholas who is hoping for her help.

Dame Frevisse is truly a saint. I'would've left Sister Emma on her own. She is that incredibly irritating. A self-obsessed, whiny idjit with a stream-of-conscious chatter that is totally non-stop.

It's the beating Beatrice suffers that inclines me toward the ill-wish against Nicholas. How could he not have considered the effect of his robbery? Evan certainly tried hard enough to stop him. But, what really caps it is Nick's response to Beatrice.

The story certainly goes to show that fraud and embezzlement are part of the human condition just as, on the positive side, compassion is as well.


The Story
It's a kidnapping with a ruthless purpose underlying it for all the concern "Robin and his Merry Men" project when Sister Emma falls ill. Luckily, one of Nicholas' business partners lives nearby and is able to take the sisters in.

Nicholas does his best to convince Dame Frevisse that he's changed, but a tiger simply cannot change his stripes as the ensuing events prove while his meetings with Master Payne cause a divide between ill-wishing and hope.

It's a stressful time nursing Sister Emma and enduring Colfoot and the resulting traumas. Then Magadalen and Frevisse must play hide-in-plain-sight to save an innocent man.


The Characters
Sister Frevisse has been chosen as escort to Sister Emma, a too-chatty sister excited about visiting her family for the baby's christening. Roger Naylor is the priory's steward and the sisters' escort on this journey. Domina Edith is the head of the order at St. Frideswide.

"Robin Hood" is truly Nicholas, Dame Frevisse's ne'er-do-well cousin. Of his Merry Men, there is "Will Scarlet", "Little John" (they tend to fight over who gets to be Little John), Hal, Ned, Tom, Cullum, and others. Evan operates as their scout by going about the countryside as a peddler. He has his own secrets.

Thomas Chaucer is a man of great influence at the Court and Frevisse and Nicholas' uncle. It's his aid Nicholas hopes Frevisse will plead for as Nicholas was outlawed some 20 years ago.

Will Colfoot is a franklin and a very nasty way about him. And he fully intends to wed with Magdalene. By hook or by crook. Old Nan is the alewife in the village and Beatrice helps serve. Sometimes Beatrice serves more than just the ale.

Oliver Payne is a steward to a number of wealthy estates and has the house to prove his success. Mistress Payne is just as masterful albeit in a much kindlier manner in ruling the house. Oliver's widowed sister, Magdalen Dow, lives with them. Master Edward is the oldest son and at Oxford; the rest of the children are Richard, Kate, Katherine (yes, two of 'em!), and Bartholomew. Sir Perys is the tutor. Bess is a maidservant loyal to Magdalen. Lovie, Maud, Tam, Jack, and Adam (who loves Beatrice) are also servants and provide Frevisse with quite a bit of background.


The Cover
The cover is remaining consistent with its granite columns of inlaid marble ---an electric royal blue this time---and the Gothic window with its elaborate stained glass insert in the peak of the window. There are narrow columns framing either side of the window also inlaid with marble with triangled inserts of acanthus leaves to square off the peak. Stepped moldings at the base of the outer columns and below the window provide a solid base with the plinths at the base of each column inlaid with a green marble. Through the window, a bag spilling coins on the tabletop is pierced by an arrow.

The title is true for this is The Outlaw's Tale.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sister Frevisse mystery novels are quite fun to read. I highly recommend them.

SPOILER ALERT:
Note...in this case, the murderer is literally not revealed until the VERY last page!!!