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Joliffe the Player #3
A Play of Knaves
In the spring of 1435, Joliffe and his fellow players are sent to the village of Ashewell not only to stage plays, but to uncover some dark secrets about the town’s three wealthy families: the Ashewells, the Medcotes, and the Gosyns. A rivalry has been brewing among the families, entangling the entire town in a web of seduction, deception, and blackmail.Matters go beyond the breaking point when someone turns to murder to settle their grievances. And if one murder is good, why not another? If all the world is a stage, then it’s up to Joliffe to bring the curtain down on this tragedy—before another man takes his final curtain call...
276 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
15 people are currently reading
222 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 41 reviews
October 16, 2018
Third in the Joliffe medieval mystery series revolving around a group of players who roam the English countryside in the early 1400s.
My Take
Beautifully crafted mystery which I can really appreciate after watching all those CSIs! We've come to expect that DNA and fingerprint matches along with cellphones and computers are necessary to solve crimes that it's almost more difficult to understand how they were ever solved before this.
I love Frazer's depiction of life in medieval England and the uncertain life of this family of actors. It's a unique way in which to create an empathy between the reader and her characters and helps us to better understand how precarious life was for those not of the noble class. Being on the outside of any local hierarchy, the players see the people in each town/village/city as though they are on a stage with their individual dramas never seen through to their ends.
It certainly makes me appreciate the Safeways of my world when I read of the meals Rose pulls together! It also makes me appreciate how far women have come in terms of their rights!! Eeek!
The Story
It is the year of Our Lord 1435 and after spending Easter week entertaining their patron, Lord Lovell's family, the players are asked to explore a problem that has cropped up in White Horse Vale. The bailiff can't find the core of the trouble and it is hoped that Joliffe's curious nature may help root it out.
Lucky for the players that Master Ashewell has some sway in Ashewell village when they first arrive as Father Hewgo comes ranting at them to leave. Instead Master Ashewell overwhelms the not-so-good father and invites them to camp in one of his fields where the subtle gamesmanship requires the players to placate all the "ruling" families. The politics of placating the Church are also played. And played to a most unnatural end with the first murder. A murder in which everyone appears to rejoice.
Being strangers with no obvious protection, Basset's players are very much at risk if the Crowner isn't interested in justice but speedy resolution. Fortunately, they have some protection in being Lord Lovell's players and the bailiff in White Horse Vale reports to his lordship.
The Characters
Lord Lovell's Players include:
Joliffe, writer, actor, musician; Basset is the leader of the group with his daughter Rosa who handles their money, mothers them, and ensures that their costumes are in order along with his grandson, Rosa's son, Piers, who acts in the female and male roles; Ellis is Rosa's hopeful lover — her conscience smites her often as she is still married even if the lowlife has run off and no one has heard from him; Gil is a young lad who joined from the home manor of Minster Lovell and, Tisbe, their very patient horse.
This story's characters include:
Master Lionel Ashewell who bought his way out of villeiny into a nice manor house in his village and his family: Mistress Ashewell and their son Nicholas. Walter Gosyn and his ailing wife Geretruda have a daughter Claire who wishes to wed with Nicholas. A mystery here as Ashewell and Gosyn are best friends and their children wish to marry. But, Nicholas is intended for Eleanor with Claire to Hal. Matches strenuously opposed by Nicholas and Claire. Master Kyping is the Lovell's bailiff and in charge of the murder investigations until the Crowner arrives.
Father Hewgo is the parish priest. In name only. I suspect the only man more despised is Master John Medcote, another who rose up in the world albeit under dubious circumstances. Hmmm, no one likes Medcote's family either. The wife, the daughter, Eleanor, or most especially the son Hal, a real chip off the old block.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a bit odd. There's the running White Horse of Uffington in the hills in the upper half of the cover with a crowd of medieval-costumed people below and a huge thicket of white in between.
I suppose the title is entitled to be A Play of Knaves since there are two of them.
My Take
Beautifully crafted mystery which I can really appreciate after watching all those CSIs! We've come to expect that DNA and fingerprint matches along with cellphones and computers are necessary to solve crimes that it's almost more difficult to understand how they were ever solved before this.
I love Frazer's depiction of life in medieval England and the uncertain life of this family of actors. It's a unique way in which to create an empathy between the reader and her characters and helps us to better understand how precarious life was for those not of the noble class. Being on the outside of any local hierarchy, the players see the people in each town/village/city as though they are on a stage with their individual dramas never seen through to their ends.
It certainly makes me appreciate the Safeways of my world when I read of the meals Rose pulls together! It also makes me appreciate how far women have come in terms of their rights!! Eeek!
The Story
It is the year of Our Lord 1435 and after spending Easter week entertaining their patron, Lord Lovell's family, the players are asked to explore a problem that has cropped up in White Horse Vale. The bailiff can't find the core of the trouble and it is hoped that Joliffe's curious nature may help root it out.
Lucky for the players that Master Ashewell has some sway in Ashewell village when they first arrive as Father Hewgo comes ranting at them to leave. Instead Master Ashewell overwhelms the not-so-good father and invites them to camp in one of his fields where the subtle gamesmanship requires the players to placate all the "ruling" families. The politics of placating the Church are also played. And played to a most unnatural end with the first murder. A murder in which everyone appears to rejoice.
Being strangers with no obvious protection, Basset's players are very much at risk if the Crowner isn't interested in justice but speedy resolution. Fortunately, they have some protection in being Lord Lovell's players and the bailiff in White Horse Vale reports to his lordship.
The Characters
Lord Lovell's Players include:
Joliffe, writer, actor, musician; Basset is the leader of the group with his daughter Rosa who handles their money, mothers them, and ensures that their costumes are in order along with his grandson, Rosa's son, Piers, who acts in the female and male roles; Ellis is Rosa's hopeful lover — her conscience smites her often as she is still married even if the lowlife has run off and no one has heard from him; Gil is a young lad who joined from the home manor of Minster Lovell and, Tisbe, their very patient horse.
This story's characters include:
Master Lionel Ashewell who bought his way out of villeiny into a nice manor house in his village and his family: Mistress Ashewell and their son Nicholas. Walter Gosyn and his ailing wife Geretruda have a daughter Claire who wishes to wed with Nicholas. A mystery here as Ashewell and Gosyn are best friends and their children wish to marry. But, Nicholas is intended for Eleanor with Claire to Hal. Matches strenuously opposed by Nicholas and Claire. Master Kyping is the Lovell's bailiff and in charge of the murder investigations until the Crowner arrives.
Father Hewgo is the parish priest. In name only. I suspect the only man more despised is Master John Medcote, another who rose up in the world albeit under dubious circumstances. Hmmm, no one likes Medcote's family either. The wife, the daughter, Eleanor, or most especially the son Hal, a real chip off the old block.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a bit odd. There's the running White Horse of Uffington in the hills in the upper half of the cover with a crowd of medieval-costumed people below and a huge thicket of white in between.
I suppose the title is entitled to be A Play of Knaves since there are two of them.
April 6, 2010
The book A Play of Knaves is one of a series of historical mysteries that follow the player Joliffe as he ends up in a variety of situations that require some serious sleuthing to stay out of trouble.
While it is not difficult to follow and enjoy the mystery of A Play of Knaves without having read the rest of the series, some of the introspection of the main character seemed misplaced because I had not read earlier works and had not yet formed a connection of any sort with Joliffe. I still felt like I hadn't by the end of the book either. It is very apparent that there is an arc through the series following Joliffe and this was just one small part of it, but since I was reading a book somewhere in the middle it ended up being just confusing to have those themes thrown in.
The historical mystery on its own was a fun read. I don't know much about the period so I'm not sure what of it is accurate and what not, but the characters were lively and fun and the mystery was definitely interesting, though I wouldn't call it gripping by any means. The dialogue was definitely not accurate for the times, but that was probably a blessing considering the year. A lot of the circumstance and background for a band of traveling players in the 1400's ended up being pretty interesting. And, the humor of the book was at times laugh out loud funny as their performances were described, plus they often had license to poke fun at figures in society that the average person could not.
A Play of Knaves was a light and fun read but might I suggest starting with A Play of Issac? That might make things make a lot more sense and you can follow Joliffe the player from the very beginning.
While it is not difficult to follow and enjoy the mystery of A Play of Knaves without having read the rest of the series, some of the introspection of the main character seemed misplaced because I had not read earlier works and had not yet formed a connection of any sort with Joliffe. I still felt like I hadn't by the end of the book either. It is very apparent that there is an arc through the series following Joliffe and this was just one small part of it, but since I was reading a book somewhere in the middle it ended up being just confusing to have those themes thrown in.
The historical mystery on its own was a fun read. I don't know much about the period so I'm not sure what of it is accurate and what not, but the characters were lively and fun and the mystery was definitely interesting, though I wouldn't call it gripping by any means. The dialogue was definitely not accurate for the times, but that was probably a blessing considering the year. A lot of the circumstance and background for a band of traveling players in the 1400's ended up being pretty interesting. And, the humor of the book was at times laugh out loud funny as their performances were described, plus they often had license to poke fun at figures in society that the average person could not.
A Play of Knaves was a light and fun read but might I suggest starting with A Play of Issac? That might make things make a lot more sense and you can follow Joliffe the player from the very beginning.
August 24, 2023
After spending Easter week at Minster Lovell, Joliffe’s troupe of players is dispatched to the White Horse Vale by Lady Lovell to see if they can find the source of the trouble brewing among the three wealthiest families in the area. It is a rural area with some land held by St. Mary’s Abbey in Winchester. It is the bailiff in the area who has made the request for assistance to the abbess who contacted her friend Lady Lovell. The tale traces the rise of villeins who purchased their freedom to become wealthy landowners. The rise of one of the families, the Medcotes, had more to do with advantageous marriages and unscrupulous business dealing than hard work, however. Although there is dissension between the families, at the same time they are planning marriages between their children to increase their land holdings. The bad blood results in two murder which Joiffe has to solve.
I look forward to read about the latest happenings of tha small band of players. As a reader of the first two books, I am acquainted with Joliffe’s need to be alone to reflect on life. Here he meets an old love—well, it was a one night stand—but he has loving memories of their brief time together, and that seems to have been enough for both of them. This causes Joliffe to reflect on the choices he has made in life and that he does not regret his life as a player. All well and good, but it became tedious about the third, or perhaps it was the fourth time, that he mused about his life and choices.
However, the pretext for Joliffe’s mission is pretty thin. The bailiff is an intelligent competent man who knows the people in the area very well. Joliffe provides one piece of information, but it wasn’t something that would have been that hard for the bailiff to discover for himself. At least, the murderer turns out to be a thoroughly evil man who committed his crimes not only for gain but because of the feeling of power that killing gives him. Disgusting, but immensely satisfying when he was caught. An entertaining mystery and the depictions of rural medieval life and the powerful societal shift taking place are fascinating and well done.
I look forward to read about the latest happenings of tha small band of players. As a reader of the first two books, I am acquainted with Joliffe’s need to be alone to reflect on life. Here he meets an old love—well, it was a one night stand—but he has loving memories of their brief time together, and that seems to have been enough for both of them. This causes Joliffe to reflect on the choices he has made in life and that he does not regret his life as a player. All well and good, but it became tedious about the third, or perhaps it was the fourth time, that he mused about his life and choices.
However, the pretext for Joliffe’s mission is pretty thin. The bailiff is an intelligent competent man who knows the people in the area very well. Joliffe provides one piece of information, but it wasn’t something that would have been that hard for the bailiff to discover for himself. At least, the murderer turns out to be a thoroughly evil man who committed his crimes not only for gain but because of the feeling of power that killing gives him. Disgusting, but immensely satisfying when he was caught. An entertaining mystery and the depictions of rural medieval life and the powerful societal shift taking place are fascinating and well done.
October 2, 2020
As with all of Frazer's mysteries, this book gives great insight into day-to-day life in 15th century England. The characters are complete and enjoyable to spend time with. The story has twists that make for a good amount of suspense. Definitely worth a read.
July 21, 2025
I am on a roll, reading all of Margaret Fraser’s books because she is so good. It’s an unbeatable combination of very good writing - which subtly hints at that period of history of the mid 1400’s - stellar storytelling and accurate historical context. I’ve rarely liked an author as much. The Player Joliffe series appear to each contain a couple of sexy scenes - this one does also -which I could fo without (one reason I slightly prefer the Dame Frevisse series). Joliffe himself is of course, and intensely likeable character as is Bassett, the leader of their troupe. None of the characters are flat, each have their own dimension and evolve over the course of the books. One of my favorite features of each of her books is the Author’s Notes at the end where she tells you what event or person is historically accurate what is not, but could have happened and she often explains certain characteristics or mores that time period. I cannot get enough of her storytelling.
November 30, 2015
This is a very appealing series to me, and I think much of that has to do with the lives of itinerant players. Neither fish nor fowl, they are at the edges of society and their lives are both difficult and fascinating. The mysteries in these books are often nearly afterthoughts, but I'm okay with that.
June 28, 2009
Margaret Frazer's books (pen name) of medieval mystery are entertaining, light reading, and give the reader what seems to be a close to true picture of life in those times, both for the common folk and for the landed gentry. Very fun reads.
January 14, 2024
A Play of Knaves
Joliffe the Player #3
Reviewed January 14, 2024
It is spring in the year 1435, and Joliffe along with his fellow players, now under the patronage of Lord Lovell, are headed to the village of Ashewell. The local bailiff has sent a request to have rumors of potential trouble a-brewing looked into, as apparently he’s having trouble putting his finger on the problem, so Lady Lovell wants Joliffe to do some discreet investigating while at Ashewell, located in the White Horse Vale.
While the villagers are happy with the arrival of traveling players whose antics will bring some laughter into their lives, the players receive a less than warm welcome by the local priest, Father Hewgo, who has a low opinion of players and their kind.
It doesn’t take long to learn that Ashewell is run by its three wealthiest families – the Ashewells,the Medcotes, and the Gosyns – all of which are at loggerheads over potential marriage alliances, with hints of a family secret and blackmail lurking in the background.
Among the less likeable characters is Hal Medcote, who continues to make crude and unwanted advances towards Rose, the widowed daughter of the players’ boss, and when he’s later found murdered near where he planned to meet up with Rose, suspicion naturally falls on the players, as well as just about everyone else in the village because Hal was a thoroughly unlikable man.
A secondary thread woven through this story is the meeting of Joliffe with a woman, Mary, with whom he once had a brief but heartfelt liaison.
All in all, this is another good entry in this series, although Joliffe sure likes to ruminate on his life choices a lot, sometimes to the point of slowing down the action a bit, although it never reached the point of detracting seriously from my reading.
Once again, the author does a good job of creating the historical background that we can live vicariously through her characters, and this time bringing to the fore the changing social conditions that followed in the wake of the Black Death that swept through England a few generations back, and how that affected village life and the shifting positions of villeins and lords.
While not the most difficult of mysteries to solve, A Play of Knaves is a satisfying read on a cold winter’s day.
Joliffe the Player #3
Reviewed January 14, 2024
It is spring in the year 1435, and Joliffe along with his fellow players, now under the patronage of Lord Lovell, are headed to the village of Ashewell. The local bailiff has sent a request to have rumors of potential trouble a-brewing looked into, as apparently he’s having trouble putting his finger on the problem, so Lady Lovell wants Joliffe to do some discreet investigating while at Ashewell, located in the White Horse Vale.
While the villagers are happy with the arrival of traveling players whose antics will bring some laughter into their lives, the players receive a less than warm welcome by the local priest, Father Hewgo, who has a low opinion of players and their kind.
It doesn’t take long to learn that Ashewell is run by its three wealthiest families – the Ashewells,the Medcotes, and the Gosyns – all of which are at loggerheads over potential marriage alliances, with hints of a family secret and blackmail lurking in the background.
Among the less likeable characters is Hal Medcote, who continues to make crude and unwanted advances towards Rose, the widowed daughter of the players’ boss, and when he’s later found murdered near where he planned to meet up with Rose, suspicion naturally falls on the players, as well as just about everyone else in the village because Hal was a thoroughly unlikable man.
A secondary thread woven through this story is the meeting of Joliffe with a woman, Mary, with whom he once had a brief but heartfelt liaison.
All in all, this is another good entry in this series, although Joliffe sure likes to ruminate on his life choices a lot, sometimes to the point of slowing down the action a bit, although it never reached the point of detracting seriously from my reading.
Once again, the author does a good job of creating the historical background that we can live vicariously through her characters, and this time bringing to the fore the changing social conditions that followed in the wake of the Black Death that swept through England a few generations back, and how that affected village life and the shifting positions of villeins and lords.
While not the most difficult of mysteries to solve, A Play of Knaves is a satisfying read on a cold winter’s day.
October 20, 2022
A Play of Knaves by Margaret Frazer is the third book in the Joliffe the Player Series, a Dame Frevisse spin-off.
"Another wonderful entry in the author's long series of medieval mysteries ... As always, the author provides a treasure trove of historical detail ... In less assured hands, this detail might be intrusive; here, it simply adds to the ambiance..." - The Romance Reader's Connection
The third book is set in the spring of 1435, where Joliffe and his fellow players are sent to the village of Ashewell not only to stage plays, but to uncover some dark secrets about the town’s three wealthy families: the Ashewells, the Medcotes, and the Gosyns. A rivalry has been brewing among the families, entangling the entire town in a web of seduction, deception, and blackmail. Matters go beyond the breaking point when someone turns to murder to settle their grievances. And if one murder is good, why not another? If all the world is a stage, then it’s up to Joliffe to bring the curtain down on this tragedy—before another man takes his final curtain call...
Joliffe reflects over the choices he made in life, Rose and Ellis have a falling out, feuding families, arranged marriages, blackmail, and of course, a murder most foul. Enough ingredients to make for another interesting and entertaining story set in medieval England. Learned something about the feudal system.
4.5 Stars
"Another wonderful entry in the author's long series of medieval mysteries ... As always, the author provides a treasure trove of historical detail ... In less assured hands, this detail might be intrusive; here, it simply adds to the ambiance..." - The Romance Reader's Connection
The third book is set in the spring of 1435, where Joliffe and his fellow players are sent to the village of Ashewell not only to stage plays, but to uncover some dark secrets about the town’s three wealthy families: the Ashewells, the Medcotes, and the Gosyns. A rivalry has been brewing among the families, entangling the entire town in a web of seduction, deception, and blackmail. Matters go beyond the breaking point when someone turns to murder to settle their grievances. And if one murder is good, why not another? If all the world is a stage, then it’s up to Joliffe to bring the curtain down on this tragedy—before another man takes his final curtain call...
Joliffe reflects over the choices he made in life, Rose and Ellis have a falling out, feuding families, arranged marriages, blackmail, and of course, a murder most foul. Enough ingredients to make for another interesting and entertaining story set in medieval England. Learned something about the feudal system.
4.5 Stars
February 5, 2024
Oh, this world is lovely! I love the characters, and I want to know where this story started and where it is going.
In this story, Joliffe and a bunch of players are in the protection of Lord Lovell. In fact, Lady Lovell sends them to a village to uncover what is going on there. I'm quite sure she did not expect them to get involved with not one but two murders.
Joliffe apparently gas a brain for it because he asks all the right questions. He also arrives at who the murderer is at the same time as the man in charge of investigating it does. I'd be willing to bet anyone who was reading this book figured out who did it long before that.
I'm really invested in the Ellis and Rose romance. How did it get started? Does her husband 's body show up in one of the books? That would be interesting. I liked how her guilt pushed the plot further, but how her feelings made her find her way back to Ellis.
I feel pretty invested in all of this group, and I feel fairly certain that I will read more books in this world.
In this story, Joliffe and a bunch of players are in the protection of Lord Lovell. In fact, Lady Lovell sends them to a village to uncover what is going on there. I'm quite sure she did not expect them to get involved with not one but two murders.
Joliffe apparently gas a brain for it because he asks all the right questions. He also arrives at who the murderer is at the same time as the man in charge of investigating it does. I'd be willing to bet anyone who was reading this book figured out who did it long before that.
I'm really invested in the Ellis and Rose romance. How did it get started? Does her husband 's body show up in one of the books? That would be interesting. I liked how her guilt pushed the plot further, but how her feelings made her find her way back to Ellis.
I feel pretty invested in all of this group, and I feel fairly certain that I will read more books in this world.
October 29, 2025
The reason I reread Margaret Frazer's mystery series every few years is that there is more than just accurate historical detail and an interesting mystery to solve. I keep running across gems like this rumination of the main character Joliffe:
Had he thought the power to make folk miserable was a greater power than to play fair with them? That was a mistake common to small-witted people--to think good was a weaker thing than evil. From all that Joliffe had seen, evil--in both its greater ways and such petty ones as bullying--was the weak man's way, taking a fool's pleasure in strength to destroy. To destroy was easy. To create was hard. And solid goodness to others was harder still, and maybe the hardest thing being to stand strong in the good against the anger and force of those who understood only ugliness and destruction. (p.164)
Had he thought the power to make folk miserable was a greater power than to play fair with them? That was a mistake common to small-witted people--to think good was a weaker thing than evil. From all that Joliffe had seen, evil--in both its greater ways and such petty ones as bullying--was the weak man's way, taking a fool's pleasure in strength to destroy. To destroy was easy. To create was hard. And solid goodness to others was harder still, and maybe the hardest thing being to stand strong in the good against the anger and force of those who understood only ugliness and destruction. (p.164)
July 16, 2022
I looked back on my reviews for the first two books in the series and they’re the same - not enough mystery. That continues through the first half of this book. If you want to know about traveling players, how they pick a play, how they find food and cook it, how they put up the stage and perform, etc., this is the book for you. I did find this part to be quite interesting along with enjoyable player characters. But there’s no mystery until over half way through. After that, it’s pretty good although the killer is obvious from the beginning.
It’s a great time and place novel and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, but don’t read these books for the mysteries.
It’s a great time and place novel and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, but don’t read these books for the mysteries.
June 18, 2019
Life has become easier since Lord Lovell became the patron of Master Bassett’s small company of traveling players. In return, the company and especially their actor-playwright Joliffe are sometimes asked to do a little investigating on their travels. Lady Lovell sends the company to the village of Asheville because the abbey steward has heard of some trouble there. What Joliffe finds is two young people at risk of being forced into unwanted marriages. The 15th century setting is well researched and, even though the villain is not too hard to figure out, the plot is suspenseful.
September 16, 2022
I really pushed myself through this one because I wanted to read something by
the author. Admittedly, mystery is not my genre, as I usually figure out “who dunnit “ well before it’s revealed. This one was no different. That aside, I found it to be overwritten, over descriptive and a whole lot of to do about, well, nothing. The historical setting was interesting, though. Normally, I don’t continue reading a book that slogs on as this one did (for me) but I endured to the end.
the author. Admittedly, mystery is not my genre, as I usually figure out “who dunnit “ well before it’s revealed. This one was no different. That aside, I found it to be overwritten, over descriptive and a whole lot of to do about, well, nothing. The historical setting was interesting, though. Normally, I don’t continue reading a book that slogs on as this one did (for me) but I endured to the end.
August 10, 2017
This was a good counterpoint to the Fools Guild Novels, The Main character is only an actor in the troupe NOT A fool attached somewhere trying to unravel a problem or mystery. In this novel the players are asked to look into a problem and the mystery unfolds from there, If you Like the Fools Guild mysteries you will like this.
January 3, 2018
I am really enjoying the Joliffe mysteries. Intriguing, great depictions of medieval life, and well written.
September 14, 2019
Joliffe wins again.
Wonderful read. Not pleasant, but wonderful as the life of the secondary characters is painful, but realistic and riveting. Perfect get-away!
Wonderful read. Not pleasant, but wonderful as the life of the secondary characters is painful, but realistic and riveting. Perfect get-away!
March 6, 2023
A little slow getting started but lots of interesting descriptions about a group of actors during the Middle Ages. I was happy to see who the killer was.
May 6, 2024
The story is entertaining but Frazer is not a very skilled writer. To be sure, I've read worse.
June 6, 2025
adequate mystery, interesting details about life in the 1400s, slow burn, kinda predictable
January 13, 2013
It is the spring of 1435, just after Easter week, when the player Joliffe and his fellow actors go on the road at the behest of their Patroness, Lady Lovell, to the village of Ashewell in White Horse Vale beneath the chalky hoofs of the White Horse of Uffington. The ancient horse and its hillfort cast a mystical presence over all the villages in the Vale, but Ashewell has caught the attention of a Prioress friend of Lady Lovell who suspects the village's three leading families are no longer passive rivals but have moved on to murder and other sorts of mayhem. Lady Lovell despatches the players because they can quickly blend into village life to suss out the assorted mysteries and because Joliffe--ably assisted by Master Basset, the company's leader--has had some success in playing both spy and detective. The Ashewells are the players' hosts, and, at their first performance, they encounter the the Gosyn family and gossip with servants about the rival Medcote clan and the unsavory village priest Father Hewgo. The anger had begun brewing years before when young Nicholas Ashewell accidently killed a Medcote relation. Issues of purchased and won freedom, land acquisition, seduction of the womenfolk, and other complications must be untangled by Joliffe; but another murder occurs before he can sort through the puzzle pieces. When public officials of various abilities and ineptitudes become involved, the players themselves are most suspect because of their wandering ways and questionable profession. As Joliffe says, it comes down to "loins and greed"--but whose and why? This is a terrific glimpse into medieval village life that seems real enough, especially in the shadow of the very real White Horse.
December 24, 2011
This mystery, set in the 1400s, started strong, but ended flatly. Not much suspense, seemed to take too long to get to the mystery which then went on longer than necessary. I was disappointed as it started out so well. I do like the characters, the time period, and the historical details Frazer includes.
Found out after I was half way through that this is #3 in the Joliffe series and I had thought it was #2, will now read #2, A Play of Dux Moraud next.
Found out after I was half way through that this is #3 in the Joliffe series and I had thought it was #2, will now read #2, A Play of Dux Moraud next.
February 5, 2016
This finishes my reading of the series. Since I own the books I may some day in the future revisit them because they retain standards of humanity I hope for in a body of work, as well as the added interest of the Middle Ages being represented as accurately as we might know from study of recognized resources. I find it sad that many of my admired authors have left life behind and with that the ability to continue creating books I would enjoy. Selfish, I know.
January 30, 2009
This is the third book in a series by Margaret Frazer about the player Joliffe, who solves murders in medieval England. I read this book back-to-back with the second book, A Play of Dux Moraud. I still like the series, but have the same reservations.
Still good characterizations, milieu, plot. Still lots of crazy people. But I still read the next one.
Still good characterizations, milieu, plot. Still lots of crazy people. But I still read the next one.
August 10, 2011
If you like Ellis Peters' Cadfael mysteries, you will probably like these as well. Set in medieval times, this series stars traveling players, one of whom has an investigative turn of mind. Highly recommended if you like mysteries set in historical settings.
Margaret Frazer is another favorite author of mine.
Margaret Frazer is another favorite author of mine.
February 21, 2014
Another satisfying tale from Margaret Frazer. This one is about .the slow demise of villeinage in medieval England. Change always comes with conflict and this tale is filled with jealousy,greed, villainy, and murder. An interesting stew with pre-Shakespearean drama thrown in to add another dimension.
January 6, 2017
Another magnificent medieval mystery
I can always trust Margaret Frazer to deliver a well written, believable mystery that carries me back to medieval society and culture. Her insights into human nature and her ability with turning a phrase makes reading richly rewarding. This is true of her books in general, and of this one in particular. Read it, you'll love it.
I can always trust Margaret Frazer to deliver a well written, believable mystery that carries me back to medieval society and culture. Her insights into human nature and her ability with turning a phrase makes reading richly rewarding. This is true of her books in general, and of this one in particular. Read it, you'll love it.
June 25, 2009
The Joliffe mysteries are every bit as enjoyable as The Dame Frevisse, but the nun gets the hardcover. huh!
Love Gil, the new player, and have found he does get more developed as the series goes on.
The titles are intriguing, and very apt.
Love Gil, the new player, and have found he does get more developed as the series goes on.
The titles are intriguing, and very apt.
August 17, 2014
A fun read set in the world of a medieval village, with all the intrigues of it's wealthier and ruling families at the centre of the conflict. The world of the travelling players remains engaging. Great distraction reading at a time I badly needed it.
February 15, 2010
Joliffe and his troupe of medieval traveling players visit a village near an ancient chalk cliff horse and become immersed in local feuds and murders.
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