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Sister Frevisse #10
The Squire's Tale
HONEST LOVE, DISHONEST LUST...
Years ago, young Robert Fenner was forced into marriage with Lady Blaunche. Now, in 1442, he is being forced toward warfare over the property to which she wrongfully claims ownership. To make matters worse, a wealthy young heiress has captured hearts on both sides of the feud - including his - and it is up to Robert to decide whom she will marry.
Drawn from her nunnery's contemplative quiet by Lady Blaunche's need, Dame Frevisse is caught up among the passions of a man desperate for what he cannot have; a powerful knight blocked from what is rightfully his; and a young woman trapped in the eye of the storm.
Who will see that justice is done after honest love and dishonest lust spawn anger, greed, and finally... murder?
"As exquisitely woven as a medieval tapestry... Frazer's research is dazzling." - The Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Written with the graceful rhythms that have garnered her two Edgar nominations... transports the reader to a medieval England made vivid and a world of emotions as familiar then as now." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Years ago, young Robert Fenner was forced into marriage with Lady Blaunche. Now, in 1442, he is being forced toward warfare over the property to which she wrongfully claims ownership. To make matters worse, a wealthy young heiress has captured hearts on both sides of the feud - including his - and it is up to Robert to decide whom she will marry.
Drawn from her nunnery's contemplative quiet by Lady Blaunche's need, Dame Frevisse is caught up among the passions of a man desperate for what he cannot have; a powerful knight blocked from what is rightfully his; and a young woman trapped in the eye of the storm.
Who will see that justice is done after honest love and dishonest lust spawn anger, greed, and finally... murder?
"As exquisitely woven as a medieval tapestry... Frazer's research is dazzling." - The Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Written with the graceful rhythms that have garnered her two Edgar nominations... transports the reader to a medieval England made vivid and a world of emotions as familiar then as now." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2000
3 people are currently reading
407 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 28, 2012
I was somewhat disappointed in this book,I do not think that it lived up to her usual standard. She devoted way to much time and pages to the Fenner family problems and squabbling.The real mystery and the solving of the murders all finally took place in the last 40 or so pages.The first 130 pages could have been condensed down to a much smaller size.There certainly needed to be some background laid but, not 140 pages worth.
February 10, 2014
My least favorite of the Dame Frevisse novels. The reason that draws Dame Frevisse and Dame Claire away from the comfortable routine of St. Frideswide's is flimsy, and Dame Claire's willingness to be kept away past Easter is not credible. A last-minute confession from the murderer wraps everything up in a neat bundle at the end and feels a bit rushed. Add to that the plethora of hysterical, screaming, crying, and moaning women, and the result is a bit of a muddle. The pacing is a bit off, too, with the murder coming around page 200, and the investigation, detection and apprehension of the murderer bunched up in the next 100 or so pages. I think I know now why this isn't available in ebook form.
September 4, 2023
Robert Fenner appeared in Sister Frevisse’s first mystery, The Novice’s Tale, as a landless young man serving as a dog’s body to his wealthy Fenner cousin. He proved to be a noble-minded young man who helped Frevisse solve the murder mystery, but realized that the woman with whom he had fallen in love, the novice, would never be able to return his love. Seven years before the beginning of the current novel, Robert had been given an option by his lord, Sir Walter Fenner, which was really no option at all—either marry an older, landed widow, Lady Blaunche, or be kicked out of Sir Walter’s household without a penny. He chose marriage, of course, which meant that the widow’s lands became his as well. Not only did the marriage bring him lands, which he managed well, but three small children, whom he adores. He also gets along well with Blaunche’s son, Benedict, from her first marriage. Robert loves Blaunche after a fashion, but it is a love borne of gratitude rather than of passion. It was Blaunche who brought about the marriage because she had fallen instantly in love with Robert, but because of uncertainty that he returns her love, Blaunche’s love became obsessive. Never an easy woman to get along with, she became even more overwrought with another pregnancy.
As the story opens, Robert is faced with two problems. An attempt has been made to abduct his ward, Katherine, for the purpose of forcing the young woman into marriage. Not only is she beautiful but she is landed, making her an attractive marriage prospect. Although Robert thwarts the attempted kidnapping, he must find a suitable marriage for her—not only so he can profit but, more importantly, to get her away from him because he has developed strong feelings for her. The second problem is a dispute over the ownership of one of his wife’s manors. She really has no rights to it because it should have gone to a prior husband’s heirs rather than to her.. Blaunche is adamant that the property belongs to her and Benedict and that Robert should fight for it. Robert takes Katherine to St. Frideswide’s priory for safekeeping in the interim. He reaches a settlement to release any claim to the disputed manor and have the heir’s son marry Katherine. Blaunche is not happy and schemes to have Benedict to abduct Katherine and marry her. To make a long story short, Frevisse accompanies Katherine back to Robert’s manor along with Dame Claire, the nursing sister, who is to care for the pregnant Blaunche. Frevisse must solve a murder or two, while in the meantimes we learn that not all property disputes at this time were solved by force of arms and sieges. There were people of good will who wanted to settle these matters peacefully. We also learn that medical knowledge of pregnancy was not as primitive as generally believed. The mystery is pretty well done; even though I guessed the identity of murderer fairly early (yeah, for me!), his/her motive was somewhat implausible. The happy ending seemed too pat, but, overall an enjoyable read..
As the story opens, Robert is faced with two problems. An attempt has been made to abduct his ward, Katherine, for the purpose of forcing the young woman into marriage. Not only is she beautiful but she is landed, making her an attractive marriage prospect. Although Robert thwarts the attempted kidnapping, he must find a suitable marriage for her—not only so he can profit but, more importantly, to get her away from him because he has developed strong feelings for her. The second problem is a dispute over the ownership of one of his wife’s manors. She really has no rights to it because it should have gone to a prior husband’s heirs rather than to her.. Blaunche is adamant that the property belongs to her and Benedict and that Robert should fight for it. Robert takes Katherine to St. Frideswide’s priory for safekeeping in the interim. He reaches a settlement to release any claim to the disputed manor and have the heir’s son marry Katherine. Blaunche is not happy and schemes to have Benedict to abduct Katherine and marry her. To make a long story short, Frevisse accompanies Katherine back to Robert’s manor along with Dame Claire, the nursing sister, who is to care for the pregnant Blaunche. Frevisse must solve a murder or two, while in the meantimes we learn that not all property disputes at this time were solved by force of arms and sieges. There were people of good will who wanted to settle these matters peacefully. We also learn that medical knowledge of pregnancy was not as primitive as generally believed. The mystery is pretty well done; even though I guessed the identity of murderer fairly early (yeah, for me!), his/her motive was somewhat implausible. The happy ending seemed too pat, but, overall an enjoyable read..
October 28, 2018
This very atmospheric book takes place during the mid 1400s and involves a dispute over land wrongfully given as a dower to Lady Blaunche by her late husband who did not legally own it. Blaunche's present husband, Robert Fenner, decides that negotiating the return of the land is the only way to peacefully move forward but he gets no support from his pregnant wife who fights him every inch of the way and commanders Benedict, her son from her first marriage, to assist her. Dame Frevisse is on hand, assisting a fellow nun who has been requested to take care of Lady Blaunche during her difficult pregnancy, and Robert is thankful for Frevisse support, especially when Benedict is found dead.
Although the death of Benedict occurs very late in the book, the long build up to it not only sets the scene for this murder mystery but gives us insight into life at the time including a look at the religious routines that guided the lives of the nuns.
Although the death of Benedict occurs very late in the book, the long build up to it not only sets the scene for this murder mystery but gives us insight into life at the time including a look at the religious routines that guided the lives of the nuns.
January 6, 2013
Set in 15th-century England, this book gets high marks for historical accuracy, strong and affecting characters, and a clever plot. The investigative lead is Dame Frevisse, a Benedictine nun with a good intellect and razor-sharp observational skills.
Readers who don't like deep setting, deftly layered characterization, and a murder that doesn't actually happen until the start of the last third of the book, should avoid it. (Seriously, the first two-thirds is all developing the multiple characters and the situation. The last third is the actual mystery-solving. Some might find this frustrating.)
How is that I've missed this series before?? Okay, I know, it's because there are so many good series out there. Nobody can read them all. So, I have to once again thank the semi-random selection of books at the used bookstore for finding this one. Fortunately, it appears that my public library has all or most of the series, so hurray! Another dozen or so books for me to read!
Readers who don't like deep setting, deftly layered characterization, and a murder that doesn't actually happen until the start of the last third of the book, should avoid it. (Seriously, the first two-thirds is all developing the multiple characters and the situation. The last third is the actual mystery-solving. Some might find this frustrating.)
How is that I've missed this series before?? Okay, I know, it's because there are so many good series out there. Nobody can read them all. So, I have to once again thank the semi-random selection of books at the used bookstore for finding this one. Fortunately, it appears that my public library has all or most of the series, so hurray! Another dozen or so books for me to read!
October 4, 2018
I loved the early books in this series but this was nothing more than a series of ridiculously long, convoluted, run-on sentences. Ponderous, tangled syntax and grammar that absolutely boggles the mind. Sixty pages into it and I was frustrated and exhausted trying to make sense of it and ceased to care whether or not the plot was any good. I have four more books in the series that I had planned to read but now have no interest now that I have discovered that the collaboration of Margaret Frazer and Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld ended after "The Murderer's Tale". Kuhfield's influence clearly made the early books readable.
August 17, 2014
The love story at the centre of this made me nauseous, so that mostly explains the two-star rating. But this was one of the novels in this series which didn't really go anywhere - the characters wee all stereotypes, the plotting was inane and the whole package pretty boring. A missed opportunity to look, I think, at how people successfully make compromises with strained relations in a property-above-all world.
August 16, 2010
Another excellent peek into medieval life, in and out of the abbey. I especially appreciated the details of where everyone slept. These households with all these servants and companions were really cramped! And I can't imagine having two other people sleep on trundle beds in my room in case my husband or I needed something in the night!
January 25, 2015
Sometimes it works when you put off the murder until the book's almost done. This time it didn't really. I also didn't like the main romance - it felt exploitative and icky to me, even though the narrative clearly loves Robert. The death at the end left me sick to my stomach, and the "happy ending" coming on top of it turned it even more. Not my favorite Frevisse book.
February 21, 2017
This is a book in a series featuring the main character apparently, and I'll be reading others in this series because I enjoyed this one a lot. I've always loved mysteries set in medieval times and this one was very well written. After a slow start, it held my interest all the way to the exciting conclusion.
February 4, 2018
Another winner from the Dame Frevisse series!
I don’t share in the criticism that too much time was spent on the family background before the murder and resolution occurred, I enjoyed the family history and well drawn characters... as always, I learned a lot about life during this time period and new vocabulary words as well!
I don’t share in the criticism that too much time was spent on the family background before the murder and resolution occurred, I enjoyed the family history and well drawn characters... as always, I learned a lot about life during this time period and new vocabulary words as well!
June 29, 2022
I was deep in history in my last book, and felt like staying there. Insert all manner of comparisons to, and frustrations about, modern day.
Obviously, this book is one of a series, and I opted to just kinda jump in and not worry so much about the past ones. Mystery books are well-suited to just diving into, and this was no exception. However, this book didn't feel like a mystery until more than halfway, and it felt a lot weaker for it.
That being said, it was cool to see medieval times described in such a way that really brought it to life. It was great to see the day to day minutiae of running a small household, and it was interesting to see the dynamics of their social norms play out. I enjoyed much of this book for what it was, and if it had avoided the murders all together, it might have been more highly ranked.
Obviously, this book is one of a series, and I opted to just kinda jump in and not worry so much about the past ones. Mystery books are well-suited to just diving into, and this was no exception. However, this book didn't feel like a mystery until more than halfway, and it felt a lot weaker for it.
That being said, it was cool to see medieval times described in such a way that really brought it to life. It was great to see the day to day minutiae of running a small household, and it was interesting to see the dynamics of their social norms play out. I enjoyed much of this book for what it was, and if it had avoided the murders all together, it might have been more highly ranked.
March 31, 2018
What a dud. By far the worst book in the series. I've enjoyed Robert's character in a couple of previous books, but all scenes told from his POV in this one were just plain boring. The story took forever to get started and once it did, it wasn't that interesting.
A strange coincidence. I was reading this book during Lent, the same time frame as the story, which made me doubly sympathetic toward Dame Frevisse, ordered out of the cloister during such a holy time, unable to focus on prayer and instead forced into "babysitting" Blaunche.
The one scene I did enjoy with Robert was when he met up with Thomasine in the cloister walk. Very sweet.
Another thing I always enjoy about these books is Dame Frevisse who is her usual inquisitive self. I also like how the reader is given small signs as to her aging, though her mind remains as sharp as ever. I also like how she continually struggles to overcome her faults, like impatience, and is not always successful, all of which she recognizes. And her annoyance toward children always makes me chuckle since it reminds me of my younger sister and my niece, neither of whom are overly fond of children.
To me, the murderer seems a very similar type to the last book, which is redundant.
The ending was too neatly wrapped up merely to give Robert a happy ending. He ends up with land, money, home, child and the woman of his dreams, all at the expense of Blaunche's life. I want to see Robert happy, but not in this way. Instead of being happy for him and Katherine, I feel sorry for Blaunche and Benedict. A very unsatisfactory ending. I hope the next one is better.
A strange coincidence. I was reading this book during Lent, the same time frame as the story, which made me doubly sympathetic toward Dame Frevisse, ordered out of the cloister during such a holy time, unable to focus on prayer and instead forced into "babysitting" Blaunche.
The one scene I did enjoy with Robert was when he met up with Thomasine in the cloister walk. Very sweet.
Another thing I always enjoy about these books is Dame Frevisse who is her usual inquisitive self. I also like how the reader is given small signs as to her aging, though her mind remains as sharp as ever. I also like how she continually struggles to overcome her faults, like impatience, and is not always successful, all of which she recognizes. And her annoyance toward children always makes me chuckle since it reminds me of my younger sister and my niece, neither of whom are overly fond of children.
To me, the murderer seems a very similar type to the last book, which is redundant.
The ending was too neatly wrapped up merely to give Robert a happy ending. He ends up with land, money, home, child and the woman of his dreams, all at the expense of Blaunche's life. I want to see Robert happy, but not in this way. Instead of being happy for him and Katherine, I feel sorry for Blaunche and Benedict. A very unsatisfactory ending. I hope the next one is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2018
A few years ago, prior to GoodReads membership, I started reading the Sister/Dame Frevisse novels. I made it through books 1 and 2. I retro-rated The Novice's Tale 5 stars and will likely give The Servants Tale 4 stars. Novice gets an extra star because of Robert Fenner, the prospect-less and property-less young man who fell in love with the novice. When he realized the novice's devotion to God, Frevisse watched as all hope for love faded from his face. I loved Robert Fenner.
Deciding to get back to mysteries after a few months in m/m romance, I wanted to pick up where I left off with Frevisse. However, the local library didn't cooperate as books #3-9 were checked out. So I checked out #10, The Squire's Tale.
Imagine my delight when I discovered the squire of title was Robert Fenner, all grown up, a father, and now a land-owner via marriage—a marriage he was forced into because he didn't love his wife, but his choices were marriage or poverty. (Well, he must not have hated his wife too much, because he had three children with a fourth on the way.)
The complaints about the book on GoodReads are valid, but they didn't bother me in the least. In fact, there was plenty of conflict, drama, and tension before the first murder took place; and I enjoyed how Frazer used the time to bring the large cast of characters to life.
One thing that highly moved me was the aftermath of the first murder, how those remaining have to carry on with constant reminders of a life no longer with promise. Heartbreaking. But eventually,
Deciding to get back to mysteries after a few months in m/m romance, I wanted to pick up where I left off with Frevisse. However, the local library didn't cooperate as books #3-9 were checked out. So I checked out #10, The Squire's Tale.
Imagine my delight when I discovered the squire of title was Robert Fenner, all grown up, a father, and now a land-owner via marriage—a marriage he was forced into because he didn't love his wife, but his choices were marriage or poverty. (Well, he must not have hated his wife too much, because he had three children with a fourth on the way.)
The complaints about the book on GoodReads are valid, but they didn't bother me in the least. In fact, there was plenty of conflict, drama, and tension before the first murder took place; and I enjoyed how Frazer used the time to bring the large cast of characters to life.
One thing that highly moved me was the aftermath of the first murder, how those remaining have to carry on with constant reminders of a life no longer with promise. Heartbreaking. But eventually,
July 14, 2017
This is the first of the Sister Frevisse mysteries where almost all of the story takes place away from St. Frideswide nunnery. The story was intriguing and as usual I learned a great deal of history of times in the 1400's. As usual there is a whole cast of characters, with pretty good development of each of them, of course there is a murder (in this one, fairly late in the story) and sister Frevisse is called upon to solve the mystery. This is the first one that I read that I figured out the guilty party and waited anxiously to find out.
December 10, 2024
Черговий детектив з дамою Фревіссою, в якому вона приїжджає до маєтку свого старого знайомого, а там повний набір - у голови господи якісь не ті почуття до дами під опікою (але він опирається), у дружини вагітність, в управителя щось не сходиться по бухгалтерії, а ще діти бігають, врожай треба збирати, коротше, купа справ. А потім ще вбивство.
Вбивцю знайдуть, і це буде досить класичне розслідування, але без особливого натхнення. Знову гарні замальовки побуту, за що й оцінка. Вже десята книжка серії, підозрюю, що авторка сильно втомилася від героїні і світу, а перепочити не має можливості.
Вбивцю знайдуть, і це буде досить класичне розслідування, але без особливого натхнення. Знову гарні замальовки побуту, за що й оцінка. Вже десята книжка серії, підозрюю, що авторка сильно втомилася від героїні і світу, а перепочити не має можливості.
March 19, 2013
Tenth in the Dame Frevisse medieval mystery series revolving around Dame Frevisse, a nun in a Benedictine order in 1442 England.
My Take
I do love how easy it is to sink into the time period in Frazer's Dame Frevisse stories. The language, the architecture, the food, the dress, the manners, and the legal system when it comes to marriage and wards.
Thank god for today's customs as I would have hated being a commodity to be traded and used. I believe it's this attitude against women and men that made me so uncomfortable with this story. It's excellent, but it made my heart race with fear for Katherine and pity for the younger Robert. Then Lady Blaunche's reactions to that first death...oh, god. Madness can be universal. Fortunately, peoples' reaction to it is also universal.
Robert Fenner is between a rock and a hard place: in love with Katherine, his ward, but married to the self-absorbed, demanding Lady Blaunche. It's a sorry household, and we see the raw underside with the anger and greed, the love and the hate.
Lord, that woman is such a spoiled brat, contaminating those around her. Destroying lives, destroying herself.
The Story
A failed abduction and the worry over the Allesleys' demands have caused Robert to decide to place Katherine with the sisters at St. Frideswide's to keep her out of harm's way. And provides Frazer with the opportunity to interject Dame Frevisse into the Fenners' lives.
Forced to choose between marriage and being turned out into the streets, Lady Blaunche seemed the better alternative at the time, but it's been a difficult number of years, now culminating in her insistence on keeping a dower estate that doesn't belong to her as well as replaying a variation on how she originally trapped Robert, only with Katherine.
It's Lady Blaunche who arrives to collect Katherine, and she requests Dame Claire's aid in returning home, which means another sister must accompany them. A very fortunate turn of events as it happens when Dame Frevisse's detecting skills are required.
The Characters
The scrivening business is slowly pulling St. Frideswide's out of the hole it fell into with Domina Alys at the helm. Domina Elisabeth is still in charge, and she, Dames Perpetua, Johane, and Frevisse are busily finishing a commission. Dame Emma and Sister Amicia are helping Dame Juliana in the garden. Abbot Gilberd, Elisabeth's brother, has sent them a wealthy novice, Sister Margrett, and the Domina has also enticed a couple of students, Helen and Lucy, into being schooled with the sisters. Sister Cecely fled back into the world. Dame Claire and Sister Thomasina are in charge of the medicinals. Father Henry is still the priory's priest.
We first met the honorable Robert Fenner in The Novice's Tale , 1, when he fell in love with Sister Thomasine. Lady Blaunche was widowed, again, and took a fancy to Robert seven years ago. She's the type who must have it all her way and will work herself into a frenzy to ensure it. Emelye and Avys are her waiting-women; Mistress Avys is teaching Katherine about herbs and their uses. Benedict is Blaunche's eighteen-year-old [now] son from her second marriage. Their children are Robin, John, and Tacine, a nickname for Thomasine, with whom Benedict gets on very well. Katherine Stretton, an orphaned heiress, is Robert and Blaunche Fenner's ward; Mistress Dionisia is her waiting-woman.
Master Geoffrey Hannys is the household clerk. Jack and Matthew are two of Robert's men who guard Lady Blaunche and Katherine on their journeys. Eudo is a watchman. Master Skipton is the steward. Father Laurence is the household priest. Gil is Robert's manservant.
Ned Verney is Robert's friend. Ralph Verney is Ned's younger brother and a lawyer in the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster. Sir Walter is the head of the Fenner family. Master Humphrey is the bailiff in charge of one of Sir Walter's properties.
Will Hayton tried to abduct Katherine; the Haytons figure it's safe to thwart the Fenners as Sir Walter's star seems to be waning.
The Sir Lewis Allesley is demanding the manor of Northend back; it should never have been part of Blaunche's dower. Drew is Sir Lewis' heir, likely to marry Katherine. Masters Durant, Hotoft, and Fielding are three of the six arbiters.
The Cover
The cover is split between a subdued red on the right and an elongated graphic of Brinskep Manor with a body visible through the window.
The title refers to Robert, for it is The Squire's Tale.
My Take
I do love how easy it is to sink into the time period in Frazer's Dame Frevisse stories. The language, the architecture, the food, the dress, the manners, and the legal system when it comes to marriage and wards.
Thank god for today's customs as I would have hated being a commodity to be traded and used. I believe it's this attitude against women and men that made me so uncomfortable with this story. It's excellent, but it made my heart race with fear for Katherine and pity for the younger Robert. Then Lady Blaunche's reactions to that first death...oh, god. Madness can be universal. Fortunately, peoples' reaction to it is also universal.
Robert Fenner is between a rock and a hard place: in love with Katherine, his ward, but married to the self-absorbed, demanding Lady Blaunche. It's a sorry household, and we see the raw underside with the anger and greed, the love and the hate.
Lord, that woman is such a spoiled brat, contaminating those around her. Destroying lives, destroying herself.
The Story
A failed abduction and the worry over the Allesleys' demands have caused Robert to decide to place Katherine with the sisters at St. Frideswide's to keep her out of harm's way. And provides Frazer with the opportunity to interject Dame Frevisse into the Fenners' lives.
Forced to choose between marriage and being turned out into the streets, Lady Blaunche seemed the better alternative at the time, but it's been a difficult number of years, now culminating in her insistence on keeping a dower estate that doesn't belong to her as well as replaying a variation on how she originally trapped Robert, only with Katherine.
It's Lady Blaunche who arrives to collect Katherine, and she requests Dame Claire's aid in returning home, which means another sister must accompany them. A very fortunate turn of events as it happens when Dame Frevisse's detecting skills are required.
The Characters
The scrivening business is slowly pulling St. Frideswide's out of the hole it fell into with Domina Alys at the helm. Domina Elisabeth is still in charge, and she, Dames Perpetua, Johane, and Frevisse are busily finishing a commission. Dame Emma and Sister Amicia are helping Dame Juliana in the garden. Abbot Gilberd, Elisabeth's brother, has sent them a wealthy novice, Sister Margrett, and the Domina has also enticed a couple of students, Helen and Lucy, into being schooled with the sisters. Sister Cecely fled back into the world. Dame Claire and Sister Thomasina are in charge of the medicinals. Father Henry is still the priory's priest.
We first met the honorable Robert Fenner in The Novice's Tale , 1, when he fell in love with Sister Thomasine. Lady Blaunche was widowed, again, and took a fancy to Robert seven years ago. She's the type who must have it all her way and will work herself into a frenzy to ensure it. Emelye and Avys are her waiting-women; Mistress Avys is teaching Katherine about herbs and their uses. Benedict is Blaunche's eighteen-year-old [now] son from her second marriage. Their children are Robin, John, and Tacine, a nickname for Thomasine, with whom Benedict gets on very well. Katherine Stretton, an orphaned heiress, is Robert and Blaunche Fenner's ward; Mistress Dionisia is her waiting-woman.
Master Geoffrey Hannys is the household clerk. Jack and Matthew are two of Robert's men who guard Lady Blaunche and Katherine on their journeys. Eudo is a watchman. Master Skipton is the steward. Father Laurence is the household priest. Gil is Robert's manservant.
Ned Verney is Robert's friend. Ralph Verney is Ned's younger brother and a lawyer in the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster. Sir Walter is the head of the Fenner family. Master Humphrey is the bailiff in charge of one of Sir Walter's properties.
Will Hayton tried to abduct Katherine; the Haytons figure it's safe to thwart the Fenners as Sir Walter's star seems to be waning.
The Sir Lewis Allesley is demanding the manor of Northend back; it should never have been part of Blaunche's dower. Drew is Sir Lewis' heir, likely to marry Katherine. Masters Durant, Hotoft, and Fielding are three of the six arbiters.
The Cover
The cover is split between a subdued red on the right and an elongated graphic of Brinskep Manor with a body visible through the window.
The title refers to Robert, for it is The Squire's Tale.
September 6, 2024
I always enjoy this series, and as always, it was a slow burn. Though the tension of the plot starts right away, the mystery doesn't really occur until the last 1/3 of the novel.
I enjoy the main character, Dame Frevisse, as she is smart and while a nun, very independent. She knows where her skills lie.
These books are never super quick reads because they are dense with information, the historical accuracy is wonderful
I enjoy the main character, Dame Frevisse, as she is smart and while a nun, very independent. She knows where her skills lie.
These books are never super quick reads because they are dense with information, the historical accuracy is wonderful
March 19, 2018
I might have read this about fifteen years ago, since evidently it was a gift I gave to my mom and I seldom let a book escape my clutches without going cover-to-cover. It didn't seem at all familiar, except for the kidnap-so-you-don't-have-to-pay-dowry plot that also shows up in Cadfael. On the other hand, I figured out whodunnit right away, so there's that.
June 19, 2020
It has been my least favorite. For the first time I felt the dialogue stilted and the ending contrived. It's as if she finished in a rush, or that she was really only interested in drawing the character's inner struggles and once described, the author lost interest. Nonetheless, I am happily planning to read the next. The other 9 in the series were great.
August 28, 2022
I'm reading this Dame Frevisse series in order. This is not the best of those I've read, but still it's full of Fraser's revelations about the culture of the Middle Ages, her beautiful and unusual descriptions, and. her true-to-life characters. It's a bit slow to start, but stick with it and you will be swept up.
May 8, 2023
This time the story plays outside the convent and there is more drama for Dame Frevisse and Dame Claire than you can shake a stick at. Lol!
Not much mystery but plenty of histericals. Ah well. The writing remains splendid.
5 Stars
Not much mystery but plenty of histericals. Ah well. The writing remains splendid.
5 Stars
August 1, 2020
A romance again. Readers must have like A maiden's tale. Also fun to see a character from Book 1 return
September 20, 2020
As a mystery, not particularly good, but as a novel of Middle Ages household drama, very entertaining. Her characters, even the "bad" ones, are sympathetic and believable.
August 6, 2025
I could not finish, I lost the book at an amusement park.
Good news, Disneyland found the book and returned it to me. I can now finish it
My biggest trouble with this story was trying to figure out who was a Squire. This series often keeps the tell-tale death until the middle of the book (pg 190 of 274). There is lots of time to learn about each character. At one point I was hoping it would be the weepy ladies maid because she was so annoying.
There was a comment about how self Dame Frevisse was away from the abbey but I think she is gone quite a bit. Maybe not during Lent though.
Another interesting medieval mystery where I learned about c-sections in the 1400's. (not the term they used).
Good news, Disneyland found the book and returned it to me. I can now finish it
My biggest trouble with this story was trying to figure out who was a Squire. This series often keeps the tell-tale death until the middle of the book (pg 190 of 274). There is lots of time to learn about each character. At one point I was hoping it would be the weepy ladies maid because she was so annoying.
There was a comment about how self Dame Frevisse was away from the abbey but I think she is gone quite a bit. Maybe not during Lent though.
Another interesting medieval mystery where I learned about c-sections in the 1400's. (not the term they used).
August 26, 2025
My least favorite so far. Too much female hysteria trope for my taste — and the age gap love story was ROUGH (even though I know that it’s probably accurate to the time).
January 31, 2013
"The Squire's Tale" is the tenth in the Dame Frevisse series of medieval mysteries by Margaret Frazer. The year is 1442, during the reign of King Henry VI of England, and the squire in question is Robert Fenner who encountered Dame Frevisse in an earlier mystery and became a friend but whose life has changed considerably since their last encounter. Fenner escaped poverty by marrying Lady Blaunche, the wealthy owner of several manors. They have small children, and Blaunche is pregnant again and highly fractious with both hormonal mood swings and threats to one of her properties by Sir Lewis Allesley who is, in fact, the manor's rightful owner. Fenner realizes and accepts this even though his wife is rebelling with all her might against the independent arbitration Fenner has arranged with Allesley. Fenner seeks to marry his lovely ward Katherine to Allesley's son Drew; however, Blaunche wants Katherine to marry her grown son from a previous marriage named Benedict so that they may keep not only all the properties but Katherine's considerable dowry in the family. Katherine has been staying at St. Frideswide's convent, home to Dame Frevisse and Dame Claire, the resident expert in medical matters and an herbalist. The convent hoped--rather in vain--that Katherine would become a nun and her dowry would come to St. Frideswide's. Instead, Frevisse and Claire escort her to Fenner's manor and become ensnared in the property and legal matters, as well as Blaunche's erratic "humours". Frevisse quickly suspects that Fenner may be indebted to his wife and a devoted father, but he has fallen out of love with his wife and in love with his beautiful ward Katherine. As the arbitration is beginning, a murder occurs, and Dame Frevisse with her well-established sleuthing skills becomes entangled in solving the murder, perhaps preventing more, and guiding the destinies of the several overlapping pairs of star-crossed lovers. Although the topics of medieval medicine and land ownership figure heavily in the story, they only slow it down rightfully, given the author's historical scholarship. The medieval period was vital and alive; new classes were arising as land laws changed, and these evolutions opened the doors to the Renaissance. I recommend this book and, indeed, the entire series, but this particular story may not be to every taste.
June 27, 2015
This may be my favorite book of the series so far. I realize now that most of the books will familiarize us with characters and situations and build up tensions for more than half the book, and then Dame Frevisse will solve a murder with far more acuity and alacrity than I could imagine possessing in those circumstances. Since I like that structure, it seems obvious that what I really like is the setting and the characters. The mystery is an excuse to read the rest, and the solution is both obvious and underdeveloped.
Here we see a middle-aged Frevisse, unhappy about being dragged out of St. Frideswide's and away from the routine of prayer that has come to mean so much to her. She is a good woman, but not a simply good woman. She struggles with suspicion, lack of charity, a sharp tongue that goes with a sharp mind, and a bit too much willfulness to find obedience a comfortable virtue. The character traits that make being a nun difficult are the things that make her a detective.
Here we also see medieval courts of arbitration, the rise of "nobodies" through marriage, and the use of women's weddings to settle property on men. We see herbal medicine and the beginnings of a theory of hormonal imbalance (in the theory of the four humors).
We welcome back Robert Fenner, the young man who nobly sacrificed his love for Thomasine in an earier book, now an older and unhappily married man, relying on Frevisse as he did before to solve two murders that have destroyed his family. The book ends with a wedding, so it's a comedy in the classical sense. But oh, what a lot of misery it has to hold in its fingers before it can grasp that happy ending.
Here we see a middle-aged Frevisse, unhappy about being dragged out of St. Frideswide's and away from the routine of prayer that has come to mean so much to her. She is a good woman, but not a simply good woman. She struggles with suspicion, lack of charity, a sharp tongue that goes with a sharp mind, and a bit too much willfulness to find obedience a comfortable virtue. The character traits that make being a nun difficult are the things that make her a detective.
Here we also see medieval courts of arbitration, the rise of "nobodies" through marriage, and the use of women's weddings to settle property on men. We see herbal medicine and the beginnings of a theory of hormonal imbalance (in the theory of the four humors).
We welcome back Robert Fenner, the young man who nobly sacrificed his love for Thomasine in an earier book, now an older and unhappily married man, relying on Frevisse as he did before to solve two murders that have destroyed his family. The book ends with a wedding, so it's a comedy in the classical sense. But oh, what a lot of misery it has to hold in its fingers before it can grasp that happy ending.
January 22, 2016
It was a pleasure reading The Squire's Tale, which takes Dame Frevisse and Dame Claire OUT of their beloved St. Frideswide's nunnery during the Lenten Season and to Brinskep, the home of Sir Robert and Lady Blaunche. Their ward Katherine, had been at the nunnery for safekeeping after an attempt was made to force her into marriage. Now, she must be returned home and the nuns are asked to accompany her. When they arrive at Brinskep, Dame Frevisse is caught up in a whirlwind of family problems as well as possible warfare with another clan over land that Lady Blaunche claims should belong to her from long ago. Dame Frevisse must negotiate the desires of many, all the while trying to maintain her Lenten Fasting and prayers. When a dead body is discovered, she is tasked with finding the cause...or the one who caused it.
I LOVE the Dame Frevisse mysteries!! They are so well-written, filled with interesting characters, and without the graphic-ness with which so many of today's novels are filled. Each of these books are the best of what a good book/novel/mystery should be: superb research of the times in which the story is set; distinctive individuals within the plot; a touch of romance; a mystery that is truly difficult to know "who-done-it;" and, above all, excellent prose.
I LOVE the Dame Frevisse mysteries!! They are so well-written, filled with interesting characters, and without the graphic-ness with which so many of today's novels are filled. Each of these books are the best of what a good book/novel/mystery should be: superb research of the times in which the story is set; distinctive individuals within the plot; a touch of romance; a mystery that is truly difficult to know "who-done-it;" and, above all, excellent prose.
August 13, 2008
Emotionally overwrought at times, this book still delivers on character development and sense of a particular time, a particular place, and a particular family. Interestingly the murder does not happen until very close to the end of the book yet despite that and despite the fact the solution to the murder is a bit manufactured yet oddly predictable, the book is very satisfying as a story independent of the mystery. Reading the book is more like spending time in the middle ages than trying to solve a mystery.
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