The Boy's Tale

Sister Frevisse #5

by Margaret Frazer

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN...

"Sanctuary! In God's name you must give it!"

A dark lady rides back into the life of Dame Frevisse, bearing with her two small boys haunted by the touch of death and scandal. Nine men lie dead on the road behind them, victims of the grim fate which relentlessly pursues them. Some seek to turn them away, but when they request sanctuary Frevisse is bound by her holy oaths to grant it.

But in welcoming them within the walls of St. Frideswide, has Dame Frevisse allowed death to stalk the nunnery's halls? When she begins to untangle the mystery of these strange guests, the truth she discovers may be enough to doom them all. Forced to keep secrets better left untold even from the nuns of her own order, Frevisse is caught in a crucible between faith and duty.

To learn the boy's name is to be drawn into a conspiracy of shame. To hear the boy's tale is to face death.

PRAISE FOR THE BOY'S TALE

"Frazer's writing is both erudite and vivid, and she has the ability to bring characters to life within a strong, clear story." - The Drood Review of Mystery

"Seeing events through the eyes of small children not understanding royal politics was an especially pleasing part of experiencing this story." - Books 'n Bytes

"Frazer starts to glow. Each action is a natural progression. Each character has wants, needs, and desires. The mystery is engaging. It brought tears to my eyes." - Epinions.com

"This fast-paced historical mystery comes complete with a surprise ending - one that will hopefully lead to another Tale of mystery and intrigue." - Affaire de Coeur

PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES

"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 Weekly

"Sister Frevisse is a stalwart, appealing sleuth." - Mostly Murder

"Truly shocking scenes and psychological twists." - Mystery Loves Company

"Frazer uses her extensive knowledge of the period to create an unusual plot ... appealing characters and crisp writing." - Los Angeles Times

Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award.
Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

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

233 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

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

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy’s Tale by Margaret Frazer is the fifth book in the Sister Frevisse Series and it’s a sad one because we will have to say goodbye to prioress Domina Edith, who is dying. Dame Frevisse gets into trouble once more (and don’t we love her for it) when Henry VI’s 2 young half-brothers and their retenue claim sanctuary at the cloister.

At Dame Claire's gesture, they all sat down together in a rustle of skirts and slight scraping of stool legs on the wooden floor but otherwise in scrupulous silence. Dame Claire's present authority was imposed on her, not desired, but that did not save her from her responsibilities nor excuse any of them from obedience to her. She regarded them wordlessly. Impatient to begin, they looked back at her, amusing Frevisse by how their faces gave away so much of who they were and what they were thinking. Or not thinking, as the case might be. Dame Alys was surly, ill-tempered as always against the world but more particularly today because of the present intrusion into the cloister. Sister Emma and Sister Amicia, shallow as a pair of plates, leaned toward one another, stifling nervous giggles of anticipation in their sleeves. Sister Lucy, Sister Juliana, and Dame Perpetua were on their dignity, attempting to show they were noticing neither the would-be gigglers nor Dame Alys's swelling ire. Only Sister Thomasine was, as usual, apparently oblivious, seated on her preferred stool well to one side and to the back, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes downcast, ready for whatever was to come.

I love Dame Frevisse! And discovering this series is one of my reading highlights of this year for sure.

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.

Themes: Oxfordshire, 1436, a sad time for the nuns of St. Frideswide’s, the roles are changed once more, naughty Lady Adela, sanctuary.

5 Stars

[Pauline Calkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her secret has been found out. The widow of Henry V has married and borne 3 children to Owen Tudor, and now the king’s council knows. The various factions seek control of the children and some (Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester?) may prefer to have them dead if they cannot control them. So the Queen Dowager sends 6-year-old Edmund and 5-year-old Jasper off to safety in Wales. They are intercepted before they get there, and their custodians ask for sanctuary in St. Frideswide’s Priory.

Dame Frevisse has had previous contact with one of the boys’ minders and she is the only one at the priory who knows who the boys are and why they are targets for assassination. At the same time she and the other nuns are dealing with the imminent death of their prioress, the wise and gentle Domina Edith. Two attempts are made to assassinate the boys and two men are subsequently murdered, but in the end Frevisse solves the puzzle.

Another solid mystery, and even with my own Ricardian biases, I cannot hate the boys. ( Jasper is more sympathetically portrayed than Edmund who is more demanding at this early age—someone who might insist on his marital rights to bed a young Margaret Beaufort.). They are just young boys who are bored to tears in a nunnery and take several opportunities to escape when tempted by the priory’s other child resident Lady Adela. The latter is a daughter of Lord Warenne who has been sent to the nunnery because of her disability—a hip deformity—and is not marriageable. Alas, this is the last book I’ve read in the series—I have not read them in order—but at least I can look forward to reading them again.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sixth entry in Margaret Frazer’s Sister Frevisse series about a nun who solves murders in the second quarter of the 15th century, often featuring cameos from some notable figures from that era. In The Boy’s Tale, Frazer constructs a murder mystery around Catherine de Valois’s marriage with Owen Tudor and their children.

I am a bit in two minds about this. The series, on a whole, is a great cosy read – I love the world that Frazer has created and love spending time there even without a murder to solve, I enjoy the gentleness of the world and the distinct lack of farcical humour that has turned me off other historical crime novels. There’s a feminist slant to the work without ever feeling too modern – Frevisse remains firmly rooted in her context as a 15th century nun. It also helps that this is set in the second quarter of the 15th century, a time that fascinates me and often features figures I’m familiar with in supporting roles.

And The Boy’s Tale is all those things – it’s a great cosy read, the characters are well-developed and sympathetic. I did really enjoy reading it. But then – then, the central concept of the mystery is one I find objectionable. Catherine de Valois’s secret marriage has been ‘found out’ and this is a huge scandal. Fearing for her children’s lives, she sends them away for safety – and as the children take refuge at Dame Frevisse’s convent, murder claims the lives of their small, desperate party.

For a start, it’s not known who knew about Catherine’s ‘secret’ marriage when but the idea that she was ‘found out’ and forced into an abbey is a relatively modern invention. The reality is that she likely retired to Bermondsey Abbey where she died due to a severe illness she, in her own will, mentions having suffered. It might even be that her marriage was an open secret amongst the highest levels of the nobility that was tolerated until her death (which is the view of Henry VI’s biographer, Lauren Johnson). But all that pales into comparison by the fact that Gloucester apparently wanted all her Tudor children murdered in The Boy’s Tale. Er, what? There is literally no evidence for this (again, he might have known about this already!) and is quite an outlandish accusation to make. I was actually surprised by this as Frazer gave him a fairly sympathetic treatment in the first book of hers I read.

[Vickey Kall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up till 2 am to finish this; that rates 4 stars. If you like history, especially the kind of history that backs Shakespeare's plays, you will enjoy this series.
This is the 5th book in the series, I think, and perhaps if I'd read the first 4 I'd warm up to the character a bit more. We see the daily doings of a 15th-century nunnery through the eyes of several characters, but mostly through Sister Frevisse's. She's the "Miss Marple" of the series, but stern and no-nonsense.
This particular murder mystery has two boys--age 5 and 6--in the center, and I found it so interesting that, while some scenes were viewed from their perspective and others from the adults' perspective, NO ONE responded to or acted toward these kids as we would towards young children today. No coddling. No talking down to. I've read that children were considered little adults in the Medieval Era, and this book bears that out.
I love history, so the only time I read mysteries is if history is involved. I've read some Brother Cadfael and Sister Fidelma, that sort. I'd put this book--one of a series about Sister Frevisse in 15th century England--right between them. If Bro. Cadfael is a 10 and Sr. Fidelma a 5, then The Boys' Tale gets an 8.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

England in the summer of 1436. The King's mother Katherine of Valois, send her two little sons Edmund and Jasper (aged six and five) to safety in Wales from evil and ambitious men who want them out of the way. They are waylaid by thugs and must take refuge. with five members of their household, in St Fridewides Abby, where they are put under Dame Frevisse's protection, as Dame Frevisse is unable to turn away children. They become friends with a charge of the abbey of their own age, the Lady Adela. A series of mishaps followed by two murders leads Dame Frevisse to suspect evil is afoot in the Abbey and someone has infiltrated the sanctuary to try to harm the young princes. Another medieval murder mystery unravels. English history aficionados will find it of interest that the older of the two boys is Edmund Tudor, who will sire Henry VII, and therefore be an ancestor to all subsequent English monarchs. The author does well in capturing the sights, sounds, smells and culture of 15th century England.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry in a great series. I wish that Frazer had somehow managed to inject a little more of the historical background for the sake of readers who don't have all these medieval royal machinations in memory, but it is a great read even without that. I didn't guess whodunit until quite late in the game, which was fun.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily in the best in the series so fa, the combination of the description of the political intrigue around the Tudor family, and the rapid dense plotting and coverage of nunnery life, made this one of those rare mysteries I didn't want to end.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absorbing story with historical background of the politics of the fifteenth century, and insights into medieval life, particularly that of a nunnery.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Boy’s Tale (Frevisse #5)
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed November 19, 2023


The year is 1436. At an undisclosed location, two boys are enjoying an idyllic life with their mother and father. There’s 6-year-old Edmund and 5-year-old Jasper. They also have a infant brother, but because of his age he is seldom in the boys’ company. Out of the blue, Edmund and Jasper are told to pack up and be ready to leave immediately for the safety of Wales. After their mother bids them a tearful good-bye, they set off with Sir Gawyn, Mistress Maryon, and a couple of retainers, their exit done in the utmost secrecy.

Those familiar with their history of England in the 15th century will immediately recognize these boys as Edmund and Jasper Tudor, their mother Katherine, the dowager queen of England who has been living in seclusion, secretly married to Owen Tudor. Their peaceful life has been disrupted because the secret has slipped out, and someone wants the boys out of the way, either bustled off to a monastery to live out their lives in anonymity, or worse…But who wants them out of the way? Could it be Henry Beaufort, the Bishop of Winchester, or Duke Humphrey of Gloucester? Someone else at court?

At first, the boys look upon their trek as an adventure, but that adventure turns deadly when several days out they are ambushed. A fight ensues and the boys along with the women in the party flee to the safety of a nearby religious house – St Frideswide. There, Maryon is recognized by Dame Frideswide, the two of them having had a previous encounter in a book I haven’t read yet (because I’m not reading these in order).

Later, the rest of the party shows up, minus a couple of the men who were killed in the skirmish, which left the five attackers dead as well. Sir Gawyn sustained a serious shoulder injury in the fighting, and the sudden presence of men and children within the confines of the nunnery causes quite a stir, especially with the domineering Dame Alys, who is better at following the letter of The Rule (which governs life in the nunnery) than the spirit of it. On top of this, there is more tension than usual among the nuns as their beloved Domina Edith is dying, and this knowledge hangs like a pall over everything at St Frideswide’s.

Dame Frevisse quickly figures out who the children are thanks to her familiarity with Maryon, but agrees that such information should be kept quiet. Soon it become evident that someone else knows who they are, and events take a dark turn as the boys, who are naturally bored to tears at having to behave while living amongst a bunch of nuns, have a couple of “accidents” – someone pushing them from behind into a pool, and another time jiggling the fence their sitting on and causing them to fall into the pig sty. Worse yet, two more members of the party are murdered, including Sir Gawyn’s squire who’s been with him for 20 years.

In The Boy’s Tale we have another excellent story of mystery and mayhem with a well drawn historical background. It’s no secret that the boys survive, and as adults will be instrumental in the founding of the Tudor dynasty – Edmund the father of Henry Tudor (Henry VII), and Jasper the uncle who practically raised the boy during his years in exile.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a 3.5, but definitely not up to par with the first four, hence the lower rating.

Only the fifth book into the series and already I am quite fond of Domina Edith's character which meant an aura of sadness permeated this book. I'll miss her.

Also, there seemed little in the way of fleshing out this particular plotline and the book became repetitious to a degree as a result. Also, Dame Alys was particularly annoying in this book, far more so than the previous installments. Too bad there is no way the other nuns can expel one nun for acting in such an exceedingly unchristian-like manner at all times. And I fear she is only going to cause further trouble in future books. I really hope she doesn't mess up the vote for the succeeding prioress. If I open book six and Dame Alys is in charge instead of Dame Claire, I won't be happy. One other drawback. I thought the choice of culprits (Jenet, Sir Gawain, Maryon) was obvious and was surprised it took Frevisse so long to figure it out.

One aspect I really like about these books. A decent amount of time has passed between one installment and the next, so the reader can sense that Dame Frevisse is allowed the chance to live in the way she is meant at the priory; given to prayers, devotion and inner reflection. Months, sometimes years, pass between the upsets in her life.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifth in the Sister Frevisse medieval mystery series revolving around Dame Frevisse, a Benedictine nun with a talent for deduction.

My Take
Frazer effortlessly pulls us into an intriguing story about the medieval world of a house of nuns with its manners, mores, and style of living and one that makes me want to dig deeper into the history of Owen Tudor. I seem to recall that his children are the start of the Tudor line of kings. This particular tale is incited by the secret life of Katherine of Valois and her second marriage with the meat of the story revolving around Katherine and Owen's two oldest sons and the behind-the-scenes battle between King Henry VI's guardians.

Politics is always dangerous and never more so than when you are the weaker side. This fact is what influences Dame Frevisse to keep the truth of Edmund and Jasper's identities between her and Domina Edith.

Frazer portrayed the attention span (and expectations) of the two young boys very well!

I did love how Frazer teased us along, keeping Edmund and Jasper's parents' identity hidden, forcing us into assumptions with her hints.

I'm terrified that Dame Alys may be elected prioress after Domina Edith dies. She is stupid, short-sighted, and completely lacking in Christian spirit.

Adults should never lie to children.

An old Welsh belief in the "winding sheet" formed from the dripping wax of a candle. Death for the person to whom it points.

A story of bored children under threat and the jockeying for power inside this medieval nunnery. Ten women—a saint, three bright women, three silly ones, two average and a termagant eager to hurt. The Boy's Tale slides back and forth between a look back at our own childhood and its strictures and the clash of normal human children and...gasp...a man with all the dangers they bring. Combined with Domina Edith's end, all sorts of fears abound. Nor are those fears helped when murder occurs.

The Story
A small party of travelers is attacked near St. Frideswide and the more vulnerable of the party races for the abbey, desperate to reach its safety.

A dubious safety for the two women and the two little boys. Dangerous to the sisters inside. It's politics behind this attack. Possession or death of the boys could swing the tide of power.

The Characters
Dame Frevisse is now the sacrist in charge of maintaining the priory church. Dame Alys is the oh-so-inappropriate hosteler while Dame Claire is the cellarer and has also taken charge of running the priory while Domina Edith lies dying. Sister Lucy is the only one who can remember when Domina Edith was not the prioress. Sisters Emma, Juliana, and Amicia are simply silly while Sister Thomasine has the makings of a saint, even if Frevisse dislikes her intensely. She is also their infirmarian. Part of the Benedictine rule is that the chores of the priory rotate amongst the women, whether they are capable or not.

Lady Adela Warren has been given to the Church. With other siblings and her lame hip, she is not needed to bolster her father's power. So, at the age of seven, she is bound for the sisterhood. Then again, maybe not. Roger Naylor is the priory's steward. He may not like Frevisse, but he does respect her, especially after their adventures in The Outlaw's Tale ! Tibby is a village girl in need of work and employed at the monastery to watch over Domina Edith. Father Henry is the priest for the priory. A simple man, his saving grace is his faith.

Edmund, six, and Jasper, five, are the oldest sons of Owen Tudor and Katherine of Valois, the widow of Henry V. The boys have had a very restricted life and have never been told the political ramifications of their existence. Well, they are only six and five! And they are bored, bored, bored.

Mistress Maryen certainly knows how to reinvent herself! First met in The Novice's Tale , she is now the lady in charge of Edmund and Jasper's childhood AND their flight to Wales. Jenet is the soppy nursemaid who doesn't keep her mind on her charges. Sir Gawayn is in charge of their safe getaway and delivery to Wales. Will Tendril is his squire; Hery Simon is Jenet's beloved; and, Hamon and Colman are the rest of their guard.

Alice is the Countess of Suffolk and Frevisse's cousin. Her husband is deep in the circles around young King Henry and a member of the Royal Council.

Master Monfort is the Crowner and an idiot. Naturally, this also means that he hates Frevisse. Not only is she a mere woman, but she shows him up! Him!! Master Worleston is the sheriff and he knew Frevisse's Uncle Thomas Chaucer. While murder is never good, it has provided him the opportunity to meet the niece of whom Thomas had so often spoke.

The Cover
The cover is consistent with earlier ones, although missing the outermost frame of columns and moldings. The particulars in The Boy's Tale are a simpler stained glass window divided into three parts: the bottom two shapes reflect the window's Gothic arch with a repeating pattern of rounded triangular shapes of glass in red, blue, and green while the upper middle shape is a yellow background with a red cross of glass. The inset picture is of a folded paper sealed with red wax on the wooden table top with an elaborately hilted dagger thrust through the letter and into the table.

The title is a bit off as it is not one Boy's Tale, but a tale of two boys.

[Adelais · Rating 3 out of 5]

Діти в середньовічному монастирі - не таке вже непересічне явище, але не тоді, коли в нас детектив, надворі початок п'ятнадцятого століття, а в свідоцтвах про народження мамою записана удова королева Англії, а татком якийсь Овейн Тюдор. Дамі Фревіссі на голову падають двоє бешкетників-першокласників, які за бажання можуть рознести хоч увесь монастир, а ще їх хтось хоче вбити, бо див. вище. Тому головна героїня однією рукою і з допомогою сестер намагається втримати дітей від шкоди, а іншою порозслідувати змову, бо тільки після її розкриття хлопчиків зможуть забрати у безпечні валлійські землі.
Детектив вийшов змішаний з солідним історичним романом, і воно не зовсім на користь, бо стиль зависає десь посередині. Але інтрига досить жвава, і описи чернечого побуту так само гріють мені серце.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable book. I had not read this one, it was out of print for awhile and unavailable.

It has much historical information and figures of the 15th century. It is unfortunate that children had to suffer because of greed, power and control of men of that time or of any time. Children are the victims not the perpetrators.

It is fitting that Edmund goes on to foster the Tutor dynasty and the royals of today as well. Sister is awesome, penitent and even though she feels unworthy, she is eminently worthy. She is a role model not of a nun or lady of that era but of women in general. I had forgotten she was the niece of Chaucer.

[Terry Polston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The duties for the nuns have been rearranged, as is supposed to happen regularly. The changes do not seem to fit the nuns strengths and personalities though. The Abbey does not seem to be running as smoothly as usual. Plus, Domina Edith is on her deathbed. Into this stirred pot ride two women and two young boys, seeking sanctuary (later changed to safety). Then three men, one injured. The hosteler wants none of them to be admitted.
Someone wants to harm the boys and when they have two close calls, and then two more deaths happen, Sister Frevisse is desperate to solve the mystery before the identity of the boys puts the Abbey in danger.

[Carol Flatten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read five of the sister Frevisse mysteries before this one. In each, I learn a little more about how nunneries operated and about the history of the time. In this one, a plot to rid two possible contenders to the throne is the crux of the story. There are more murders in this one than in any of the previous ones I have read. And, the hurdles that Frevisse has to overcome to solve the mystery are very complex, as is the secrets she had to keep because of the royalty involved.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another top-notch Dame Frevisse mystery! This one is extra-fun, as it includes young children taking up residence (Sanctuary) in the Cloister. The nuns of St. Frideswide nunnery have their hands full with two young boys, a small girl and others who are under their care as they hide from those seeking their lives. Definitely worth the read!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent medieval mystery. Dame Frevisse is the female counterpart of Brother Cadfael. They both solve mysteries without any modern electronics or forensics. This book gave a fascinating insight into the politics and intrigue of the British ruling class of the period, while most of the action took place within the walls of a convent.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to find this book and Sister Frivisse #3 as well at a Friends of the Library book store. Gail Brown, writing as Margaret Frazier , was one of the best historic fiction writers. Set in medieval England, Sister Frivisse struggles to save two young boys and their entourage who seek sanctuary at St. Frideswide. Excellent.

[Elizabeth Dresser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet in this series!

I’m reading Dame Frevisse’s series from the beginning. This book captured me in the beginning, meandered a bit in the middle, and captured me again as people began dying! I didn’t guess who the culprit was until right before the big “reveal.” Very Satisfying Who-done-it?!”

[Harriet Lindblom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite Dame Frevisse mystery so far. . The children (two boys who are royal and a lame girl who lives at the nunnery) are precious AND precocious! Ms. Frazer captures both the innocence and deviltry of the children perfectly. An engaging and well crafted mystery.

[Rosemary Rinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this series. Well written, intriguing characters, medieval atmosphere, some authentic covering of social issues of the day, monastery/convent life as a 'profession' for intelligent independent women, and of course good will triumph.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/28/18

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved interaction with actual historical characters

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good plot, sloppy writing.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plus side - this kept me guessing till the end. The down side for me was the time period did not come through as thoroughly as I would have liked.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

All of the Tudor intrigue/history went over my head, but this was a good solid nun detective mystery.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved the incorporation of real figures of history in this one!

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good mystery. Really slow in a couple parts, but others that just whizzed by.

[Debbiebandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Dame Frevisse mystery!

[Jill Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Frideswide's convent is more quiet than even the usual Benedictine near silence. Its esteemed and beloved Prioress Domina Edith is slowly, slowly approaching her last hours on earth. Prayers for her peaceful leave-taking fill the hearts of all the nuns including Dame Frevisse. But the peace is shattered as, near the convent's walls, an attempt is made to abduct or perhaps kill two small boys. The attackers are slain, and their knight and guard Sir Gawyn is seriously injured. The lady accompanying them, named Maryon, knows from a previous visit about St. Frideswide's and begs for sanctuary. She and Dame Frevisse had encountered each other when Maryon was suspected of murder during her earlier stay, but Maryon entrusts Frevisse--and none of the other sisters--with the information that the boys are the sons of Katherine of Valois, mother to the young King Henry VI. Katherine is now remarried to a lowly Welshman named Owen Tudor. Edmund and Jasper not only have Royal blood, they can be seen as potential threats to the reign of the young king as well as public embarassments to the English Royal establishment and government. To protect the boys and a young ward of the convent named Lady Adela, Frevisse learns more than she ever wanted to know about the wiles of children. She also learns that private faces can conceal ambition and greed for money and power. While within the walls of St. Fridewide's, other attempts are made on the boys' lives and those of their caretakers. Frevisse must question motive and observe actions while protecting these innocents and worrying about her Prioress and her own grief.

This is the fifth novel in Margaret Frazer's mystery series centered on Dame Frevisse. Her knowledge of medieval times and ways brings the time period to life around her compelling heroine. I highly recommend not only "The Boy's Tale" but the entire Dame Frevisse series and the companion series featuring Joliffe, a player with a traveling company and also sometime sleuth.