What do you think?
Rate this book
Sister Frevisse #15
The Sempster's Tale
TRAPPED BY REBELS, THREATENED BY THE INQUISITION... AND A GOLDEN FORTUNE IN THE BALANCE!
Since the death of her husband, Anne Blakhall has carried on their shared business as a tailor and embroiderer in the heart of London. Rather than remarry as prosperous London widows usually do, she has taken a lover - David Weir, a foreign merchant who is secretly a Jew and therefore in constant deadly peril so long as he remains in England, where Jews have been banished for over a hundred years. Anne, sharing in his secrets, knows that both his life and hers would be forfeit if ever he is found out.
Dame Frevisse of St. Frideswide's nunnery is in London to arrange the funeral vestments for her cousin's murdered husband, the Duke of Suffolk. But she is also charged with secretly recovering - and then conveying to her cousin - the gold the late duke sent out of England shortly before his death. But her duty and their love become more dangerous a rebel army advances on London - and a murdered body is discovered in the crypt of a London church, mutilated with what a Franciscan friar of the Inquisition claims are Hebrew letters.
Frevisse must discover not only who is guilty... but whether anyone is innocent at all.
"What Frazer, a meticulous researcher, gets absolutely right in The Sempster's Tale are the attitudes of the charactrs." - Detroit Free Press
"Medieval English society, culture, and politics come to life in Margaret Frazer's skillful application of vivid imagery, complex characterizations, and an intriguing plot." - BookLoons
Since the death of her husband, Anne Blakhall has carried on their shared business as a tailor and embroiderer in the heart of London. Rather than remarry as prosperous London widows usually do, she has taken a lover - David Weir, a foreign merchant who is secretly a Jew and therefore in constant deadly peril so long as he remains in England, where Jews have been banished for over a hundred years. Anne, sharing in his secrets, knows that both his life and hers would be forfeit if ever he is found out.
Dame Frevisse of St. Frideswide's nunnery is in London to arrange the funeral vestments for her cousin's murdered husband, the Duke of Suffolk. But she is also charged with secretly recovering - and then conveying to her cousin - the gold the late duke sent out of England shortly before his death. But her duty and their love become more dangerous a rebel army advances on London - and a murdered body is discovered in the crypt of a London church, mutilated with what a Franciscan friar of the Inquisition claims are Hebrew letters.
Frevisse must discover not only who is guilty... but whether anyone is innocent at all.
"What Frazer, a meticulous researcher, gets absolutely right in The Sempster's Tale are the attitudes of the charactrs." - Detroit Free Press
"Medieval English society, culture, and politics come to life in Margaret Frazer's skillful application of vivid imagery, complex characterizations, and an intriguing plot." - BookLoons
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
3 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Frazer
63 books211 followersMargaret 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
See also: Monica Ferris, Mary Monica Pulver
Series:
* Sister Frevisse
* Joliffe
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 30, 2023
It’s the summer of 1450 and Dame Frevisse is in London to arrange for funeral vestments for her cousin’s murdered husband, the Duke of Suffolk. There’s another, secret task that Frevisse must carry out for her while there and both missions bring her in contact with the widowed sempster,* Anne Blakhall and Anne’s Jewish lover, Daved. Daved is a merchant from somewhere on the Continent, and poses as a Christian while in England, where the Jews were expelled in 1290. Anne knows this secret as does their friend, a wealthy mercer, Raulyn. Anne knows that Daved also has a wife, but is troubled by the thought that there is so much more that she doesn’t know about him.
Then Raulyn’s stepson is murdered and the murder is made to appear like a ritual child killing by Jews. The danger of discovery that Daved has always faced is now very real, heightened when a fanatical Franciscan friar turns his attention from searching out Lollard heretics to hunting Jews. All of this takes place as Jack Cade’s rebellion plays out in the streets of London, while Dame Frevisse and the rest are barricaded in Raulyn’s house. When the friar’s murdered body is found in the street outside the house, Dame Frevisse has to determine if there is one murderer or two.
Although the murders are not directly related to the rebellion, the attitude of the average Londoners toward the events going on around them are expertly woven into the fabric of the story: more anger at the king’s abandonment than fear of Cade and his followers; then sympathy and welcoming to the rebels into London; and, finally, outrage when the looting and killings continue and escalate.
Dame Frevisse’s observations about the characters and their relationships are at once astute and sensitive. The passion that Anne and Daved feel for each other is obvious to her, but she refrains from censure. It is love, although lust is a significant factor, but one that is unlikely ever to be complete, given their different religions. Anne pays penance for their lust, and any hope that Daved may convert is dashed when she hears his defense against the friar’s accusations. And Dame Frevisse wonders whether Daved may not be living with lies, but in lies—and how many lies is he living, for it is obvious that his sophisticated rebuttals to the friar show that he is far more than a simple merchant. And there may be another person whose outward charm and good humor belie a dark soul. Another wonderful novel by this author: complex characters and themes together with an engaging mystery. At first I was disappointed when I realized that my favorite, the Duke of York, would not play a part as he did in The Trailor’s Tale, but it is still a 5 ⭐️
* The author explains that semster and sempster were the words used in 1450 to refer to anyone who sewed. It was only in the 1600’s that the word seamstress was used to refer to a female sewer.
Then Raulyn’s stepson is murdered and the murder is made to appear like a ritual child killing by Jews. The danger of discovery that Daved has always faced is now very real, heightened when a fanatical Franciscan friar turns his attention from searching out Lollard heretics to hunting Jews. All of this takes place as Jack Cade’s rebellion plays out in the streets of London, while Dame Frevisse and the rest are barricaded in Raulyn’s house. When the friar’s murdered body is found in the street outside the house, Dame Frevisse has to determine if there is one murderer or two.
Although the murders are not directly related to the rebellion, the attitude of the average Londoners toward the events going on around them are expertly woven into the fabric of the story: more anger at the king’s abandonment than fear of Cade and his followers; then sympathy and welcoming to the rebels into London; and, finally, outrage when the looting and killings continue and escalate.
Dame Frevisse’s observations about the characters and their relationships are at once astute and sensitive. The passion that Anne and Daved feel for each other is obvious to her, but she refrains from censure. It is love, although lust is a significant factor, but one that is unlikely ever to be complete, given their different religions. Anne pays penance for their lust, and any hope that Daved may convert is dashed when she hears his defense against the friar’s accusations. And Dame Frevisse wonders whether Daved may not be living with lies, but in lies—and how many lies is he living, for it is obvious that his sophisticated rebuttals to the friar show that he is far more than a simple merchant. And there may be another person whose outward charm and good humor belie a dark soul. Another wonderful novel by this author: complex characters and themes together with an engaging mystery. At first I was disappointed when I realized that my favorite, the Duke of York, would not play a part as he did in The Trailor’s Tale, but it is still a 5 ⭐️
* The author explains that semster and sempster were the words used in 1450 to refer to anyone who sewed. It was only in the 1600’s that the word seamstress was used to refer to a female sewer.
June 9, 2011
Frazer's Medieval mysteries are a great crash course on Medieval history. I am enjoying every aspect of this well-written series. The author skillfully draws the "players" and lets their character (or lack of it) take over. This book set itself apart from the others I've read in that the story centered on anti-semitism in England and the terrors of the Inquisition; this gave the story a serious tone that the others didn't have. Frazer is sensitive in her handling of the subject, but there is no way to characterize this particular book as a light mystery. The darkness of the subject matter overwhelms the actual mystery itself.
Although I am a serious mystery fan, I enjoy these books for the strength of the principal character (Dame Frevisse)and the interesting exposition on religion, morality and life. They are never preachy, yet there is a strength and satisfaction gained from being in touch with a character like Dame Frevisse who has such intelligence and resolve. She's great.
Although I am a serious mystery fan, I enjoy these books for the strength of the principal character (Dame Frevisse)and the interesting exposition on religion, morality and life. They are never preachy, yet there is a strength and satisfaction gained from being in touch with a character like Dame Frevisse who has such intelligence and resolve. She's great.
December 28, 2008
This is an interesting addition to Frazer's portfolio of Dame Frevisse books. The pace is slow, but it works in this instance, as the details work together to create a context that surrounds the plot line and enriches it. The care for historical detail that marks this book (and other of her works) goes a long way to establishing credibility.
For those who like historical mysteries, this will be a good read.
For those who like historical mysteries, this will be a good read.
October 8, 2018
Dame Frevisse finds herself in London. She also finds herself being the holder of other people's secrets. Then she finds herself needing to identify the murderer, so that innocent people do not get hurt or blamed for the deaths.
Like any good historic fiction, this describes life as the characters would have lived it, in 1450. There is a historic events that unfolds in front of Dame Frevisse while in London. There is food, attitudes about class, religion, and politics. There are detailed descriptions about clothing, vestments making, and markets, all circa 1450. There are real women, living in a time and place I know very little about. They sound like women of their time, and struggle with their lot as women of that time would do. This author avoids the pitfall of having women from 1450 sound like they are from 1970.
Like any good historic fiction, this describes life as the characters would have lived it, in 1450. There is a historic events that unfolds in front of Dame Frevisse while in London. There is food, attitudes about class, religion, and politics. There are detailed descriptions about clothing, vestments making, and markets, all circa 1450. There are real women, living in a time and place I know very little about. They sound like women of their time, and struggle with their lot as women of that time would do. This author avoids the pitfall of having women from 1450 sound like they are from 1970.
August 8, 2019
Once again Sister Frevisse is in a position to solve several murders, plus commenting on morals of the time without judgement. This one was very serious and somewhat dark, but it was a dark time in the history of England. This time she was in London for the whole story. The streets and areas of 1450 London were described with great detail, as were the leaders of the government, the king and the rebels. This is the first of the series that I have read where physical love occurs and is described between the characters. And, it was a relationship that was forbidden by law in England. At the end, I felt like a knew at least six or seven of the characters because of her excellent descriptions.
August 18, 2018
After trying (and failing) to read Margaret Frazer's Joliffe mysteries, I wasn't sure about trying her others. But, since I already owned this book, I read it. I found it more interesting than the other two I failed to enjoy. This book centers around Dame Frevisse, a Benedictine nun in London. I found her character to be more my style. This story is set in the middle of a stormy time in London, when rebels are up in arms (at least figuratively) against the King. Sempster Anne Blakhall, is in love with Daved Weir, a secret Jew. (The word seamstress hasn't come into use yet) When a young man is killed and mutilated with what looks like Hebrew characters, Daved's secret becomes even more dangerous to himself as well as to Anne. Dame Frevisse works to solve this murder and a subsequent one, to bring the real killer to justice. I found the household customs, etc., of this historical period to be very interesting. A time of merchants, trade, and guilds. Also a time of the ever-present Inquisition.
December 4, 2013
It's a bit premature for me to review this book, since I have only read just over half of it. However, I often forget what I wanted to say if I wait until I'm finished, so thought I'd throw this out.
I've been reading (or, actually, listening to) a range of medieval/historical mysteries lately. I downloaded a few Ellis Peters Brother Cadfael books, and really enjoyed them, despite the slightly cloying tone and formulaic plot/narrative. I've listened to a couple of Susanna Gregory, a Candace Robb, a Bernard Knight. All had some merit, but didn't really scratch the itch for various reasons.
This book is really enjoyable. I like the tone, the writing and, so far, the plot. The protagonist is interesting without being 'feisty' or jarringly feminist (given the historic setting)or too knowing or maternal. The world-building is quite gentle and interesting. I feel like Frazer knows her history (I can't judge properly, as I know little about the day-to-day lives of medieval women). Generally I'm just feeling like I'm in good hands here.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars - It's probably more a 3.5 - but decided to bump it up because I'm enjoying the subtlety.
I've been reading (or, actually, listening to) a range of medieval/historical mysteries lately. I downloaded a few Ellis Peters Brother Cadfael books, and really enjoyed them, despite the slightly cloying tone and formulaic plot/narrative. I've listened to a couple of Susanna Gregory, a Candace Robb, a Bernard Knight. All had some merit, but didn't really scratch the itch for various reasons.
This book is really enjoyable. I like the tone, the writing and, so far, the plot. The protagonist is interesting without being 'feisty' or jarringly feminist (given the historic setting)or too knowing or maternal. The world-building is quite gentle and interesting. I feel like Frazer knows her history (I can't judge properly, as I know little about the day-to-day lives of medieval women). Generally I'm just feeling like I'm in good hands here.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars - It's probably more a 3.5 - but decided to bump it up because I'm enjoying the subtlety.
December 29, 2012
Eh. Mystery novels are not my thing, due to too much exposition and lack of rereadability, but this was all right. I do like historical novels, especially those concentrating on odd bits and pieces such as Cade's rebellion, and as far as I can tell the details were done well, so that's all good. I could do without the deus ex machina-style "Whoops! My sleuth character, Dame Frevisse, just happens to be totally accepted and trusted by a previously unfamiliar household! Isn't it convenient that she can now solve these murders?" business, as well as the use of cardboard stock characters and the marginally relevant scattered paragraphs on the nature of christian faith. I mean, yes, the main character is a nun, but the faith discussion has next to nothing to do with solving the murders at hand. Also, the original plot turns out to be a sham side construct to get Dame Frevisse into place, and ends up being dropped unceremoniously halfway through the book. Not impressive.
Whatever. Not bad; not great. I have no qualms about adding it to the sell pile.
Whatever. Not bad; not great. I have no qualms about adding it to the sell pile.
April 24, 2009
This book ignited a spirited discussion of what moral ambiguity is all about. There are all sorts of moral decisions being made at different levels and the story provides us with fodder for a rich discussion. Is it right to live a lie, sometimes, or not? Is it good to obey laws? Or sometimes not? Killing? Cover-up? Love? How do we make moral decisions? What factors in?
These questions are set against the terrible fundamentalism of an age which burned heretics. I became painfully aware, anew, of the oppression and persecution of Jews, which forms the structure of the plot.
A carefully constructed story, I'd say.
These questions are set against the terrible fundamentalism of an age which burned heretics. I became painfully aware, anew, of the oppression and persecution of Jews, which forms the structure of the plot.
A carefully constructed story, I'd say.
May 31, 2009
Frazer's mystery is thoughtful, with a well researched historical setting. I am quite fond of Dame Frevisse with her calm, straightforward approach to life. If you are looking for an action packed whodunit,this is not for you. You will find this book a pleasure if you want to immerse yourself in another time, with a cast of characters that range from wise and intelligent to greedy and foolish, in other words the same human foibles we see today since human nature hasn't changed at all. Frevisse must wrestle with a complex decision in this novel. You'll have a bit of wisdom, something to think about after the last page,along with a good story to savor in this engaging tale.
January 7, 2009
Read this because one of my favorite authors recommended it on her website..."if you like mine, read these." Maybe I picked out a poor one to start with, but I was not impressed. These are not as good as the Brother Caedfel mysteries, which are also not as good as Sharon Penman's medieval mysteries (she's the favorite). I got bored with it and its not that long.
October 22, 2009
Read for mystery book group. Author did lots of research of time period. OK mystery and characters.
April 14, 2018
Although I greatly enjoyed the book overall, I found it disappointing in an odd way. After watching the Duke of Suffolk gradually succumbing to the temptations of power over the course of many books, I'm sure I'm not the only reader who was looking forward to seeing him finally get his. How annoying to open the book and find that not only was his death done "off-screen", as it were, but it happened almost two months previously! Perhaps Frazer didn't feel herself up to it, but I think it would have made a great prologue: Suffolk on the deck of the ship that had captured him, awaiting execution after his mock trial, a quick summary of the events leading up to the moment, and some thoughts in his final moments. Would he have thought about his wife and child? Would he have reflected on how his actions had led him to this sorry pass? Or would he have stayed in character to the bitter end, thinking only of himself, positive that it was all "someone else's fault" and drowning in self-pity?
The plot was interesting, with Dame Frevisse unwillingly off to London again to smuggle (except they didn't have that word back then) Suffolk's gold back to his widow, and landing square in the middle of one of the worst (or best?) rebellions of the time. I found the information on the Jews quite interesting, and David Weir was a marvelous character. Brother Michael, on the other hand, I just wanted to smack upside the head. I have no patience with idiots whose idea of rational argument is: "I'm right because I say so, and you're wrong because I say so." Nothing wrong with a little logic, even in matters of faith!
I was aware of the persecutions against the Jews all over Europe, but I didn't realize how alleged Christians took blatant advantage to extort money from them. And how could anyone believe that baptisms made under duress could be considered a true sacrament? *sigh*
The murder was suitable gruesome, with a nail-biting battle to prevent it from turning into a big Jew hunt. The motivations of the murderer I found quite (sadly) believable. The ending was sad, but heroic, with the brave lovers facing what must be, and clinging to their memories to comfort them.
The plot was interesting, with Dame Frevisse unwillingly off to London again to smuggle (except they didn't have that word back then) Suffolk's gold back to his widow, and landing square in the middle of one of the worst (or best?) rebellions of the time. I found the information on the Jews quite interesting, and David Weir was a marvelous character. Brother Michael, on the other hand, I just wanted to smack upside the head. I have no patience with idiots whose idea of rational argument is: "I'm right because I say so, and you're wrong because I say so." Nothing wrong with a little logic, even in matters of faith!
I was aware of the persecutions against the Jews all over Europe, but I didn't realize how alleged Christians took blatant advantage to extort money from them. And how could anyone believe that baptisms made under duress could be considered a true sacrament? *sigh*
The murder was suitable gruesome, with a nail-biting battle to prevent it from turning into a big Jew hunt. The motivations of the murderer I found quite (sadly) believable. The ending was sad, but heroic, with the brave lovers facing what must be, and clinging to their memories to comfort them.
January 22, 2022
I have always enjoyed the Dame Frevisse novels. Margaret Frazer's descriptions of life in 15th century England are amazing, and her ability to bring to life this specific character is one few can match. I clearly identify with Dame Frevisse, and this character's affinity for prayer in trying times, and her unabashed favor for the Christ-centered life -- while still fully respectful of other choices -- is something I feel very much at home with.
However, her "more recent" mysteries (Frazer died a few years ago, and this book was published in 2006), have seemed more and more far-fetched for a cloistered nun of her time. In this case, Dame Frevisse and another nun are given leave to go into London to see about some vestments and cloth for one of Frevisse's relatives who has recently died. While on this trip, she ends up embroiled in a little-known raid on London by a man named Jack Cade, and she cannot leave. In addition, she is also entangled in becoming a courier for her cousin, agreeing to carry gold for her. But then more than one murder is added to the mix! This seems like a lot for a supposedly "cloistered" nun in the summer of 1450!
I was as wrapped up in the murder mystery as I normally am; it's my favorite genre! However, I also want believability, too. Unfortunately, on that point, this particular book didn't work for me.
However, her "more recent" mysteries (Frazer died a few years ago, and this book was published in 2006), have seemed more and more far-fetched for a cloistered nun of her time. In this case, Dame Frevisse and another nun are given leave to go into London to see about some vestments and cloth for one of Frevisse's relatives who has recently died. While on this trip, she ends up embroiled in a little-known raid on London by a man named Jack Cade, and she cannot leave. In addition, she is also entangled in becoming a courier for her cousin, agreeing to carry gold for her. But then more than one murder is added to the mix! This seems like a lot for a supposedly "cloistered" nun in the summer of 1450!
I was as wrapped up in the murder mystery as I normally am; it's my favorite genre! However, I also want believability, too. Unfortunately, on that point, this particular book didn't work for me.
October 3, 2017
This was a very good book and not out in Kindle -apparently I did not finish it and found it when thinning out my bookshelves.So glad!
I really adore any books in which Dame Frevisse interacts with her cousin Alice Chaucer, Duchess of Suffolk, and this was one of those. The Duke of Suffolk has been assassinated and Alice requested her cousin come to London and pick out funeral vestments for priests to say his paid masses.
Frevisse also had another task which was to be a "go between" and deliver a parcel from the seamstress to Duchess Alice. The parcel turns out to be 3 bags of gold which must be hidden, one at a time under Frevisse's nun's habit but who delivers it and what transpires at that time is the tale.
All this mystery is superimposed on Cade's revolt in London and Frevisse, Dame Juliana, Master Naylor and his son Dickon are virtual prisoners of that uprising. Overtones of the Inquisition occur with two deaths which Frevisse was able to solve with the help of Daved Weir, a Jewish merchant and sometimes smuggler.
What a great story and recommended for all lovers of Medieval mystery!
I really adore any books in which Dame Frevisse interacts with her cousin Alice Chaucer, Duchess of Suffolk, and this was one of those. The Duke of Suffolk has been assassinated and Alice requested her cousin come to London and pick out funeral vestments for priests to say his paid masses.
Frevisse also had another task which was to be a "go between" and deliver a parcel from the seamstress to Duchess Alice. The parcel turns out to be 3 bags of gold which must be hidden, one at a time under Frevisse's nun's habit but who delivers it and what transpires at that time is the tale.
All this mystery is superimposed on Cade's revolt in London and Frevisse, Dame Juliana, Master Naylor and his son Dickon are virtual prisoners of that uprising. Overtones of the Inquisition occur with two deaths which Frevisse was able to solve with the help of Daved Weir, a Jewish merchant and sometimes smuggler.
What a great story and recommended for all lovers of Medieval mystery!
April 18, 2018
Really more a 4.5, but I rounded up since it was very hard to put this book down.
In "The Sempster's Tale" Margaret Frazer does an excellent job of stitching Dame Frevisse into the tapestry of British history.
I was absolutely convinced of the murderer until that person ended up the second victim. Kudos to Ms. Frazer for throwing me off-track so completely.
I am getting sick of the way people pull at Dame Frevisse like a piece of taffy, forcing her to go against her own desires for their own ends. At time, I like it better when she's in St. Frideswide minding her own business and a dead body happens to turn up.
I do so love these books and I'm so sad there are only two left. I wish Margaret Frazer had lived to 100.
In "The Sempster's Tale" Margaret Frazer does an excellent job of stitching Dame Frevisse into the tapestry of British history.
I was absolutely convinced of the murderer until that person ended up the second victim. Kudos to Ms. Frazer for throwing me off-track so completely.
I am getting sick of the way people pull at Dame Frevisse like a piece of taffy, forcing her to go against her own desires for their own ends. At time, I like it better when she's in St. Frideswide minding her own business and a dead body happens to turn up.
I do so love these books and I'm so sad there are only two left. I wish Margaret Frazer had lived to 100.
July 10, 2023
Several historical mysteries series that are set in medieval times are among the most vibrant in atmosphere, detail and mind set of any historical series I've read (and I've read a lot). It really feels like you have been transported to a different time and place. This is one such series. I think in part it is because religion is interwoven so much into daily life and thought patterns. It isn't something that is just an afterthought or something that plays a part of our lives on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Apart from that, the writer has created great complex characters who jump off the pages. There lives seem very foreign in some ways and in others are very relatable. A good mystery and full of action, rebellion, love and murder.
Apart from that, the writer has created great complex characters who jump off the pages. There lives seem very foreign in some ways and in others are very relatable. A good mystery and full of action, rebellion, love and murder.
February 18, 2025
Короткий курс з міського життя у п'ятнадцятому столітті, доточений повстанням і антисемітизмом. Дама Фревісса у Лондоні допомагає кузині поховати чоловіка, а ще між крапельками дізнатися, куди той запхав вантаж із золотом. Так вона опиняється у сімействі вишивальниці, потім в її сусідів, потім вбивають ченця, а звинуватити в цьому випадає євреїв, бо політично вигідно. Звичайно, в героїні своя думка з цього приводу, і хай вона не схвалює не-християн, але вогнем помсти теж не палає. Власне загадка не відбирає багато місця, а гарно вписана у історичне тло.
February 1, 2020
Love these stories about women in Medieval times, and how they managed. This one is particularly colorful because it includes an independent widow (who takes a Jewish - illegal - lover) as well as the sleuthing Sister Frevisse. Fascinating discussion of belief systems, as well as laws governing religion and women’s abilities to own and operate businesses. The murders were not as interesting as the settings! Definitely worth following up Frazer’s books!
October 29, 2025
A much more complicated mystery than usual. Dame Frevisse finds herself having to participate in intrigue that she isn't very comfortable with. And then the dead bodies start piling up. For me, only one death was worthy of mourning.
Dame Frevisse finds herself stuck in London as a coup is staged, and the King has high-tailed it out of there to let Londoner's take care of themselves. This does not bring favor onto the king.
Dame Frevisse finds herself stuck in London as a coup is staged, and the King has high-tailed it out of there to let Londoner's take care of themselves. This does not bring favor onto the king.
May 10, 2017
This was my least favorite of Frevisse's stories. It felt incomplete. I don't believe that the murderer is the murderer. It seemed too obvious and that just wasn't like Frazer's writing. We don't find out the aftermath of the turmoil. Just a lot of loose ends.
May 28, 2017
At least as I read mysteries, I am learning, this time, again, about Medieval England, with actual historical personages in the background of the Wars of Roses. The mystery is a good one, this time educating about the plight of Medieval Jews.
June 8, 2017
It wasn't riveting for me as the fly synopsis led me to believe. I think it was because the writing style was almost old English & sometimes I found my mind drifting away from the plot. I don't think Margaret Frazer's books are for me.
March 20, 2018
I learn a lot from her books and hope to be able to find all of thus series through out inter-library loan system. But one thing that bugged me in this book - poor Bette! Left all alone in Anne’s house. Shame on Anne.
June 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this tale. Well developed characters and an historical perspective that was unknown to me. The details of the sempster's work was fascinating, as was here status as a woman in charge of her own finances.
December 13, 2017
Dame Frevisse does not disappoint
Read
August 9, 2020Mystery series that shows the life within convents in the Middle Ages. The series is a good one for times when your group needs something lighter to read. This one involves a Jewish character.
April 17, 2025
Interesting story, but Dame Frevisse's moral compass wobbled in this one.
January 4, 2024
The Sempster’s Tale
Dame Frevisse #14
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed October 14, 2023
The Sempster’s Tale is yet another excellent entry in the Dame Frevisse series, this time providing us with a story that deals with intolerance and bigotry.
The year is 1450 and we are in London. Dame Frevisse is here to arrange for funeral vestments for her cousin Alice’s murdered husband, William de la Pole (the Duke of Suffolk). In addition, she has a second, more secret task – to return gold that the late duke smuggled out of Enland prior to his exile, something that was a big no-no back then.
Frevisse’s tasks bring her into contact with Anne Blakhall, a widow and sol femme, which means she is able to continue conducting the tailoring and embroidery business she once shared with her husband, sempster in the title being the old term for a seamstress or tailor. Instead of remarrying, as was common practice at this time, Anne has taken a lover, Daved Weir, a foreign merchant and a secret Jew who pretends to be a Christian when he is in England, where Jews are outlawed.
This story is set during the time of Cade’s Rebellion, and tensions mount as the rebels approach London, eventually entering the city and disrupting life. At first, the people welcome Cade and his men, being dissatisfied with Henry VI, the weak king who has left the city to fend for itself rather than face down the rebels. But it doesn’t take long for law and order to give way to more unruly activities.
As if that isn’t enough, matters take a darker turn with discovery of the body of a young boy, the 16-year-old step-son of Raulyn, a long-time friend of Anne’s, naked and with marks carved into his body. The arrival of an itinerant friar of the Inquisition preaching fire and brimstone against Lollards, and who who says the marks are Hebrew letters, doesn’t help matters, and soon Frevisse is wondering who, if anyone, is telling the truth.
One of the things I love about the Frevisse stories is how the author is able to blend history with a ripping good story, in this instance using Cade’s Rebellion as the background to this tale. I also appreciated the very human depiction of Frevisse as she struggles with the Church’s attitude toward Jews with what she sees with her own eyes. Definitely two thumbs up!
Dame Frevisse #14
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed October 14, 2023
The Sempster’s Tale is yet another excellent entry in the Dame Frevisse series, this time providing us with a story that deals with intolerance and bigotry.
The year is 1450 and we are in London. Dame Frevisse is here to arrange for funeral vestments for her cousin Alice’s murdered husband, William de la Pole (the Duke of Suffolk). In addition, she has a second, more secret task – to return gold that the late duke smuggled out of Enland prior to his exile, something that was a big no-no back then.
Frevisse’s tasks bring her into contact with Anne Blakhall, a widow and sol femme, which means she is able to continue conducting the tailoring and embroidery business she once shared with her husband, sempster in the title being the old term for a seamstress or tailor. Instead of remarrying, as was common practice at this time, Anne has taken a lover, Daved Weir, a foreign merchant and a secret Jew who pretends to be a Christian when he is in England, where Jews are outlawed.
This story is set during the time of Cade’s Rebellion, and tensions mount as the rebels approach London, eventually entering the city and disrupting life. At first, the people welcome Cade and his men, being dissatisfied with Henry VI, the weak king who has left the city to fend for itself rather than face down the rebels. But it doesn’t take long for law and order to give way to more unruly activities.
As if that isn’t enough, matters take a darker turn with discovery of the body of a young boy, the 16-year-old step-son of Raulyn, a long-time friend of Anne’s, naked and with marks carved into his body. The arrival of an itinerant friar of the Inquisition preaching fire and brimstone against Lollards, and who who says the marks are Hebrew letters, doesn’t help matters, and soon Frevisse is wondering who, if anyone, is telling the truth.
One of the things I love about the Frevisse stories is how the author is able to blend history with a ripping good story, in this instance using Cade’s Rebellion as the background to this tale. I also appreciated the very human depiction of Frevisse as she struggles with the Church’s attitude toward Jews with what she sees with her own eyes. Definitely two thumbs up!
January 31, 2013
Although I have not worked my way through the canon of Margaret Frazer's Dame Frevisse medieval mysteries or the companion series featuring the player Joliffe, I must say this fifteenth book, "The Sempster's Tale" is my favorite so far. The story takes place mostly in the London of 1450, when King Henry VI reigns. The sempster of the story is Anne Blakhall, a widow and a highly skilled seamstress, tailor, and embroiderer gifted in working with precious fabrics and gold thread for nobility and high church officials. But Anne holds a dire secret; she has taken as her lover a merchant named Daved Weir who travels between England and the Continent while keeping his Jewish beliefs secret. Jews have been banned from England for 200 years; and, there is religious turmoil primed by zealots, Lollards (those who believe The Bible should be printed in English so all persons--not just churchmen--may read it), and political factions lead by noblemen who are also religious leaders. Dame Frevisse, cousin to Anne of Suffolk (granddaughter of Geoffrey Chaucer), has come to London in support of her newly widowed cousin. The Duke of Suffolk was murdered, and Dame Frevisse is to take charge of the making of funeral vestments for the dead man. Suffolk had sent large amounts of gold out of England, and Frevisse also has a secret mission to recover the gold. It turns out her contacts for this are the sempster and her Jewish lover. As Frevisse feels her way through the delicate and convoluted secrets and politics on both the personal and grand scale, a murder victim is found in a church crypt. His body is mutilated with characters a zealous priest believes to be Hebrew. With foreign relations and economics in a right royal mess on top of the religious frenzies, rebel armies gather to march on London. Frevisse and all the characters are in grave danger whenever they venture onto the streets of London, which must be often for Frevisse to accomplish her dual mission. This story is complex and fascinating because of the issues of anti-Semitism, other religious conflicts (in which heresy is cause for execution), the cultural turmoil of the vital and lively Middle Ages, and the powerful sway of personality amongst religious and political leaders, not to mention our sleuth, Dame Frevisse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews