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Sister Frevisse #12
The Bastard's Tale
AMBITION, TREACHERY, AND THE THRONE OF ENGLAND
It is the year 1447, and powerful men from all of England have been summoned to Parliament in the great pilgrimage town of Bury St. Edmunds. Most come to make laws and pass taxes. But a small group of nobles will use this chance to bring down their greatest rival through treachery...
From her nunnery, Dame Frevisse is brought into this swirl of politics and plotting by the ambitious Bishop of Winchester. While she is meant to merely observe and report to him what she sees, she is instead drawn into the dangerous maelstrom encircling the throne of England.
And what Dame Frevisse will soon discover is that desperate acts of loyalty and love are not always enough to save men from murder... or an innocent man from the gallows...
"Anyone who values high historical drama will feel amply rewarded by Edgar-nominee Frazer's latest Dame Frevisse mystery... History fans will relish every minute they spend with the characters in this powerfully created medieval world. Prose that at times verges on the poetic." - Publishers Weekly
It is the year 1447, and powerful men from all of England have been summoned to Parliament in the great pilgrimage town of Bury St. Edmunds. Most come to make laws and pass taxes. But a small group of nobles will use this chance to bring down their greatest rival through treachery...
From her nunnery, Dame Frevisse is brought into this swirl of politics and plotting by the ambitious Bishop of Winchester. While she is meant to merely observe and report to him what she sees, she is instead drawn into the dangerous maelstrom encircling the throne of England.
And what Dame Frevisse will soon discover is that desperate acts of loyalty and love are not always enough to save men from murder... or an innocent man from the gallows...
"Anyone who values high historical drama will feel amply rewarded by Edgar-nominee Frazer's latest Dame Frevisse mystery... History fans will relish every minute they spend with the characters in this powerfully created medieval world. Prose that at times verges on the poetic." - Publishers Weekly
Hardcover
First published January 7, 2003
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345 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 54 reviews
July 12, 2008
I think this is one of Margaret Frazer's better books in the Dame Frivasse mystery series. It is based on actual historical events and gives a good look at England's governing style in the 1400s. This was also not a murder first with the book dedicated to solving the crime. Actually, this book had me biting my nails at the end:-)
January 9, 2014
Twelfth in the Sister Frevisse medieval mystery series and revolving around Dame Frevisse, a Benedictine nun, and Joliffe, a player-writer turned spy for the bishop. Events take place in Bury St. Edmunds in England in 1447.
If you're following the Sister Frevisse stories (and if you enjoyed her Joliffe, the Player series), you must read this one as events in this affect Frevisse and her relationship with Alice and Bishop Beaufort. Joliffe also plays in this.
My Take
It's not a typical Frevisse, for there's only the one bit of detecting—and Frevisse does have help from Joliffe and Pecock. Even Beaufort is stepping out of his usual role!
This story does make me grateful for the Internet and a justice system with rules and regulations. Yes, those rules can get put aside---hello NSA, CIA, FBI---but it's more than Gloucester had back in 1447. Jesus.
This is a sad tale with no happily-ever-after for anyone. It's mostly a tale of greed, but a greed for power, not money with actions that destroy families. Yes, there are politics involved, but no real discussion of strategy or true affairs of state. The best is simply mentions of Suffolk's influence on the king and how Suffolk's ego is affecting his relationship with Alice. I can't imagine future installments without Alice, so it will be interesting to see how Frazer resolves this.
My favorite part is the play Wilde is putting on. It's a brilliant-sounding piece, and I do wish I could have been there. Joliffe is his usual witty self even as he's flying about, trying to do what he can for the bishop.
There's a mention of Chaucer's translation of Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy, Boece, and it sounds like an interesting read. One to pick up, read a few pages, and think about it before continuing for another few. I very much appreciated Pecock's assessment of confession and penance. Such a very realistic viewpoint.
The best of The Bastard's Tale is the why of all these people helping Arteys who's between a rock and a hard place; there are none of whom he would have expected to find aid. It's too bad there aren't more people willing to step up this way. Luckily, he does make good choices under the circumstances. Now if only Gloucester had been a bit more suspicious and Henry paying more attention...
The Story
Lured by the promise of his beloved wife's pardon, the out-of-favor Gloucester travels to Bury St. Edmunds where Parliament has been moved. And so gather the spies of lords and bishops.
The Characters
Dame Frevisse is a Benedictine nun at St. Frideswide with the Lady Alice of Suffolk her cousin. Suffolk has the king's ear and believes himself his equal. John de la Pole is the four-year-old Suffolk son and heir with his own part to play. Domina Elisabeth is still the prioress, and she sends Frevisse and Dame Perpetua as companion at the request of Henry Beaufort, Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester to spy for him in Bury. It's Sister Amicia who accompanies Frevisse back to London.
Arteys is the bastard son of the Duke of Gloucester with no sense of his place or future. Humphrey, the Duke of Gloucester, is, until Henry has an heir, the heir to the throne of England with the Duke of York behind him. Gloucester's men include Sir Richard Middleton, Gryffydd ap Nicholas, Sir Roger Chamberlain, Yevan ap Jankyn, Jenkin ap Rhys, Master Richard Needham who is the member of Parliament for Dover and employed by Gloucester, Tom Herbert, Hal, Sir John Cheney, and Sir Robert Wer. Gloucester's wife, the Lady Eleanor, has been imprisoned for the past five years for witchcraft.
Master Wilde is producing a play to present to the king as a gift from Abbot Babington. Wilde's wife, Joane, puts Frevisse to work hemming costumes. His son, Giles, has a part. John Lydgate is a Benedictine monk pushing to impose his taste upon the company.
Master Noreys, a.k.a., Joliffe, is the Devil in so many ways.
Master Grene is the warden of St. Saviour's where Gloucester will stay along with the king. Bishop Pecock of St. Asaph is a minor religious figure with a quick intellect. Runman is his servant, and Master Orle is his chaplain. Both are willing to do whatever the bishop needs. Brother Adam is in charge of the library and is forced to allow Dame Perpetua in.
Isabella Tresham's husband, William, is Speaker for the Commons in Parliament.
King Henry VI and his queen, Margaret, are in the toils of the Marquis of Suffolk. Sir John Stourton and Sir Thomas Stanley are lickspittles for Henry. The Marquis of Dorset, the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Salisbury, Viscount Beaumont, and Lord Sudeley are some of Suffolk's cronies. Edward Griggs is one of his yeomen.
The Cover
The cover is a pale golden yellow split vertically with the left a long perspective of the river with its variously arched bridges and homes lining the banks. The right side is text-filled with the blue foil-backed title, the series name, the author's name, and informational data.
The title is true enough, for it's The Bastard's Tale Frazer tells.
If you're following the Sister Frevisse stories (and if you enjoyed her Joliffe, the Player series), you must read this one as events in this affect Frevisse and her relationship with Alice and Bishop Beaufort. Joliffe also plays in this.
My Take
It's not a typical Frevisse, for there's only the one bit of detecting—and Frevisse does have help from Joliffe and Pecock. Even Beaufort is stepping out of his usual role!
This story does make me grateful for the Internet and a justice system with rules and regulations. Yes, those rules can get put aside---hello NSA, CIA, FBI---but it's more than Gloucester had back in 1447. Jesus.
This is a sad tale with no happily-ever-after for anyone. It's mostly a tale of greed, but a greed for power, not money with actions that destroy families. Yes, there are politics involved, but no real discussion of strategy or true affairs of state. The best is simply mentions of Suffolk's influence on the king and how Suffolk's ego is affecting his relationship with Alice. I can't imagine future installments without Alice, so it will be interesting to see how Frazer resolves this.
My favorite part is the play Wilde is putting on. It's a brilliant-sounding piece, and I do wish I could have been there. Joliffe is his usual witty self even as he's flying about, trying to do what he can for the bishop.
There's a mention of Chaucer's translation of Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy, Boece, and it sounds like an interesting read. One to pick up, read a few pages, and think about it before continuing for another few. I very much appreciated Pecock's assessment of confession and penance. Such a very realistic viewpoint.
The best of The Bastard's Tale is the why of all these people helping Arteys who's between a rock and a hard place; there are none of whom he would have expected to find aid. It's too bad there aren't more people willing to step up this way. Luckily, he does make good choices under the circumstances. Now if only Gloucester had been a bit more suspicious and Henry paying more attention...
The Story
Lured by the promise of his beloved wife's pardon, the out-of-favor Gloucester travels to Bury St. Edmunds where Parliament has been moved. And so gather the spies of lords and bishops.
The Characters
Dame Frevisse is a Benedictine nun at St. Frideswide with the Lady Alice of Suffolk her cousin. Suffolk has the king's ear and believes himself his equal. John de la Pole is the four-year-old Suffolk son and heir with his own part to play. Domina Elisabeth is still the prioress, and she sends Frevisse and Dame Perpetua as companion at the request of Henry Beaufort, Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester to spy for him in Bury. It's Sister Amicia who accompanies Frevisse back to London.
Arteys is the bastard son of the Duke of Gloucester with no sense of his place or future. Humphrey, the Duke of Gloucester, is, until Henry has an heir, the heir to the throne of England with the Duke of York behind him. Gloucester's men include Sir Richard Middleton, Gryffydd ap Nicholas, Sir Roger Chamberlain, Yevan ap Jankyn, Jenkin ap Rhys, Master Richard Needham who is the member of Parliament for Dover and employed by Gloucester, Tom Herbert, Hal, Sir John Cheney, and Sir Robert Wer. Gloucester's wife, the Lady Eleanor, has been imprisoned for the past five years for witchcraft.
Master Wilde is producing a play to present to the king as a gift from Abbot Babington. Wilde's wife, Joane, puts Frevisse to work hemming costumes. His son, Giles, has a part. John Lydgate is a Benedictine monk pushing to impose his taste upon the company.
Master Noreys, a.k.a., Joliffe, is the Devil in so many ways.
Master Grene is the warden of St. Saviour's where Gloucester will stay along with the king. Bishop Pecock of St. Asaph is a minor religious figure with a quick intellect. Runman is his servant, and Master Orle is his chaplain. Both are willing to do whatever the bishop needs. Brother Adam is in charge of the library and is forced to allow Dame Perpetua in.
Isabella Tresham's husband, William, is Speaker for the Commons in Parliament.
King Henry VI and his queen, Margaret, are in the toils of the Marquis of Suffolk. Sir John Stourton and Sir Thomas Stanley are lickspittles for Henry. The Marquis of Dorset, the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Salisbury, Viscount Beaumont, and Lord Sudeley are some of Suffolk's cronies. Edward Griggs is one of his yeomen.
The Cover
The cover is a pale golden yellow split vertically with the left a long perspective of the river with its variously arched bridges and homes lining the banks. The right side is text-filled with the blue foil-backed title, the series name, the author's name, and informational data.
The title is true enough, for it's The Bastard's Tale Frazer tells.
February 5, 2025
Чергова серія пригод дами Фревісси, черниці і родички Чосера. Це власне більше історичний роман, ніж детективна історія, бо часи непевні, у короля спадкоємця немає, а дядьки між собою гризуться. Дама Фревісса прибуває на допомогу кузині Алісі, чоловік якої аж занадто загрався і чи то замовив убивство герцога Глостера, а то чи тільки збирався. Але повісять за це зовсім іншого і невинного.
Наче і непогано, але якось без просвітку. Кузині Алісі все одно спокійного життя не буде, розгардіяш у королівстві, єпископ помирає, і тільки один старий знайомий менестрель старається, однак і той шпигує на пів ставки. Воно може й реалістично, та хотілося чогось підбадьорливішого.
Наче і непогано, але якось без просвітку. Кузині Алісі все одно спокійного життя не буде, розгардіяш у королівстві, єпископ помирає, і тільки один старий знайомий менестрель старається, однак і той шпигує на пів ставки. Воно може й реалістично, та хотілося чогось підбадьорливішого.
June 4, 2018
Places and people show off historical research. Best for those who appreciate such; I'm not in so patient a mood. Fitz to precede surname identifies illegitimate son, featured behind Dame present at murder and solution.
October 5, 2023
Dame Frevisse becomes involved in political intrigue when she attends her cousin Alice, Duchess of Suffolk, at Bury St. Edmunds during the time of the 1447 Parliament. The ailing Bishop Beaufort has requested (required, as the Bishop has made her presence there a condition of granting largesse to her priory) to observe and render aid to another of his agents who requests it. That agent is Joliffe the player with whom she has been previously acquainted.
The king’s uncle, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, has not been active in national politics for a few years after the imprisonment of his beloved wife Eleanor Cobham on charges of witchcraft. Now, he is lured to attend this Parliament with the king’s promise of a pardon for Eleanor. He goes to Parliament attended by some 80 knights, including his bastard son, Arteys (“Arthur” in English.). The Duke of Suffolk., the king’s favorite, has trumpeted that Gloucester is planning to commit treason and has brought thousands. As history tells us Gloucester is arrested and dies in custody. While his death may be due to natural causes, Arteys witnesses an attempt on his life which precipitates a stroke. Who ordered the attempt? Probably Suffolk. Frevisse, Joliffe, and Bishop Pecock join forces to find out, but more importantly to save young Arteys from being hanged, drawn and quartered. Pecock thinks of a clever ploy to do this, but it requires Frevisse to lie to Suffolk—and she does tell a couple of whoppers.
Very engaging story based on historical fact—the only mention of Arteys is in connection with the happenings of 1447 and he disappears from the historical record after that. For Ricardians there are several favorable mentions of the Duke of York who also helps out in the end.
The king’s uncle, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, has not been active in national politics for a few years after the imprisonment of his beloved wife Eleanor Cobham on charges of witchcraft. Now, he is lured to attend this Parliament with the king’s promise of a pardon for Eleanor. He goes to Parliament attended by some 80 knights, including his bastard son, Arteys (“Arthur” in English.). The Duke of Suffolk., the king’s favorite, has trumpeted that Gloucester is planning to commit treason and has brought thousands. As history tells us Gloucester is arrested and dies in custody. While his death may be due to natural causes, Arteys witnesses an attempt on his life which precipitates a stroke. Who ordered the attempt? Probably Suffolk. Frevisse, Joliffe, and Bishop Pecock join forces to find out, but more importantly to save young Arteys from being hanged, drawn and quartered. Pecock thinks of a clever ploy to do this, but it requires Frevisse to lie to Suffolk—and she does tell a couple of whoppers.
Very engaging story based on historical fact—the only mention of Arteys is in connection with the happenings of 1447 and he disappears from the historical record after that. For Ricardians there are several favorable mentions of the Duke of York who also helps out in the end.
February 1, 2013
Margaret Frazer's intertwining of real history and fiction continues to enthrall me. Dame Frevisse, sometime sleuth and ever nun at St. Frideswide's convent in Oxfordshire, and Joliffe, also sometime sleuth and occasional minstrel and actor, are simply grand characters. As cousin to the powerful Lady Alice of Suffolk, Dame Frevisse has entree into the world of kings, bishops, and nobles, despite her modest vocation. Joliffe, as a player, has all the flexiblity and none of the social connections of Dame Frevisse, so, together they make a formidable pair. In this story, set in 1447 and in Bury St. Edmunds where Parliament is meeting, Arteys, a young Welshman and bastard son to the powerful Duke of Gloucester, accompanies his father's retinue to the town. Meanwhile, on promise of lands and monies to come to her poor convent, Frevisse and Dame Perpetua also travel to Bury at the secret bidding of Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester and archrival to Gloucester. Frevisse is to meet her contact in Bury to learn what observations she is to make and what secrets to learn. Her contact is the player Joliffe, presently attached to Master Wilde's company that is to perform the plays to entertain King Henry VI, his young wife Queen Margaret, and all the notables attending Parliament. Another contact is her noble cousin Alice, who is becoming increasingly alarmed at the ambition and ruthlessness of her own husband. Joliffe and Frevisse become friends and protectors of Arteys, whose relationship to Gloucester is not widely known at the beginning of the story and an increasing threat as the tale progresses. Bidden to his father's chamber, he finds Gloucester unwell; during the visit, Gloucester confides in the young man and gives him gifts of valuable rings in lieu of a legal inheritance. An intruder surprises the two and attempts to kill Gloucester. The intruder is later himself found murdered, and Arteys, Frevisse, and Joliffe--with a little help from the Lady Alice and visiting Bishop Pecock of St. Asaph's--must sort their way through the court intrigue and the murder mystery. Gloucester's retinue including Arteys is arrested as traitors at the instigation of Suffolk and sentenced at a kangaroo-court trial to being hanged, drawn, and quartered. Frevisse must venture to London to rendezvous with Joliffe, Lady Alice, and Bishop Pecock to save Arteys and the other men. But to do so, Frevisse must tell several whoppers of lies directly to Suffolk. "The Bastard's Tale" is about two literal and several figurative bastards, a crafty actor, a spirited minor Bishop, some far-from-noble nobles, a disillusioned wife, and a nun who must lie. To see how it all unfolds is a magical mystery.
December 5, 2009
Margaret Frazer's series is about nuns in a convent in the last few years of the 1400s. Her book titles are styled after Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, e.g., The Servant's Tale, The Bishop's Tale, The Clerk's Tale, etc. The heroine of the stories is Dame Frevisse, a nun in the convent. Many of the stories take place in the convent or the nearby town, but this one takes our nun (with a companion nun) to Bury St. Edmunds, where the King is calling a Parliament.
The story is taken right from history. The nun's connection, which is fictional, is that her cousin is a lady in waiting to the queen. The "Bastard" in the title is the illegitimate son of a duke, and if legitimate, would be in line for the throne. There is much political intrigue and jockeying for power. We are also treated to a medieval mystery play, which the author also took from historical writings.
I only gave this book three stars because the action was slow in starting, though the description of a town crowded by the king, his hangers on, the queen, and her ladies, and all of parliament, plus their people, is quite colorful.
The story is taken right from history. The nun's connection, which is fictional, is that her cousin is a lady in waiting to the queen. The "Bastard" in the title is the illegitimate son of a duke, and if legitimate, would be in line for the throne. There is much political intrigue and jockeying for power. We are also treated to a medieval mystery play, which the author also took from historical writings.
I only gave this book three stars because the action was slow in starting, though the description of a town crowded by the king, his hangers on, the queen, and her ladies, and all of parliament, plus their people, is quite colorful.
June 8, 2013
This is the second Dame Frevisse Medieval Mystery by Margaret Frazer that I've read and I enjoyed this one as thoroughly as the first. My enjoyment came, not only from her excellent research and style of writing, but also because this period of history is one of my favorites. Ms. Frzer made the events surrounding the arrest (for treason) of the Duke of Glouchester come alive where reading straight historical excerpts never did. I like best historical novels that stay as close to actual events/people as possible while rounding out the story with daily details. The Frazer storylines remind me very much of another mystery series I favor... those of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael.
May 25, 2011
Very believable dialogue, and precise description of the social mores of the time. I am always pleasantly taken with how Frazer manages to make Dame Frevisse seem so absolutely true-to-form. I did not find it slow-paced, but then, I grab every new Frazer as soon as I can, and have yet to be disappointed.
April 6, 2018
As usual, Margaret Frazer seamlessly weaves historical detail into the narrative. I feel bad for Alice, having to face just how base her husband, Suffolk, has grown in his quest for power. I also fear what Suffolk might do in retaliation against Dame Frevisse. I do not want her reputation sullied, though I fear it happening. How unfair to a woman who has spent her entire adult life trying to be the best person she can be. The only positive considering Suffolk's directive to Alice that she cut off all ties and communication with Frevisse is knowing he'll be dead in about three years. I wonder if the next book will jump that far ahead in time? Probably not, but I have hopes of seeing Frevisse and Alice together again before the series ends.
The only negative was I felt there was too much Arteys and not enough Frevisse (and Joliffe being present also lessens Frevisse's role to a degree).
Now I must impatiently await the next book which won't arrive for a few days at least, hoping my fears for Dame Frevisse's reputation are unfounded.
The only negative was I felt there was too much Arteys and not enough Frevisse (and Joliffe being present also lessens Frevisse's role to a degree).
Now I must impatiently await the next book which won't arrive for a few days at least, hoping my fears for Dame Frevisse's reputation are unfounded.
October 24, 2019
Frazer's Sister Frevisse novels have all been very enjoyable. Her research and exactness in telling this tale in the year 1437 is supreme. Once again, Frevisse has been called to her cousin for assistance in a very sticky situation. The murder comes late in the story. And it is not so much the solving of this murder, but of arrests and possible hangings that create the tension that leads to the end of the story.
This is the 11th "tale" I have read and the one with the least amount of information on the nun's religious life and practice, but her dedication to God is still very apparent.
This is the 11th "tale" I have read and the one with the least amount of information on the nun's religious life and practice, but her dedication to God is still very apparent.
December 4, 2020
I always enjoy a visit to Dame Frevisse and her medieval world.
In this volume, Dame Frevisse has been reluctantly dragged into the world of politics. Her role was supposed to be that of observer, but then a contender for the throne is murdered and an innocent man is in danger. Dame Frevisse and her sometime-friend Joliffe work together with a very unusual bishop to do what they can to see justice prevail.
In the end, Dame Frevisse is faced with a considerable ethical dilemma that will save an innocent man but put a black blot on her name.
In this volume, Dame Frevisse has been reluctantly dragged into the world of politics. Her role was supposed to be that of observer, but then a contender for the throne is murdered and an innocent man is in danger. Dame Frevisse and her sometime-friend Joliffe work together with a very unusual bishop to do what they can to see justice prevail.
In the end, Dame Frevisse is faced with a considerable ethical dilemma that will save an innocent man but put a black blot on her name.
February 19, 2025
A very timely story of political intrigue and abuse of power. This is not Frazer's usual murder mystery where Dame Frevisse must figure out who did it. From the start the reader knows who committed the murder and why. The murderer doesn't deny the murder to those who can be trusted. Instead, Frevisse and friends must prevent a young man from being condemned for treason, a crime he did not commit. It's well plotted but there are lots of typos and missing words.
May 6, 2019
It was slow going, but I liked how the prayers and rhythms of monastic life weren't conveniently set aside for plot, but the main character weighed each decision. The characters were intricate and overall well written. I will definitely look up her earlier books in this series (not realizing I started mid-late series).
April 1, 2018
The ending was way out of character. I do enjoy her writing but the lie was pushing her character into an unbelievable direction IMHO and hence the two star ‘it was okay’ rating. Also, I’m not sure I will be reading anymore of the Suffolk-era books- and will try to find earlier books from this series I haven’t read yet.
November 21, 2022
One of my favorite books in the series so far. I like the character Joliffe, who returns in this story. Filled with Margaret Fraser's usual mix of mystery, drama, historical enlightenment, and sly humor.
July 13, 2020
Of course it's a series, and how much of my enjoyment is based on the slow development of characters? But very satisfying. It's what I want in a mystery.
December 31, 2023
this is probably the very best Sister Frevisse book of them all. It helps that it is the most political of the series, rather than a mere domestic drama
February 16, 2024
A pleasant rewarding read. Love historical fiction. Very descriptive - the downside for me. But the end made it worthwhile. The thing I liked about this particular one that’s set in Henry VI England is this - she repeats over and over, reminding the reader of who this person is and what relationship he/she has to the throne or to other characters. Loved that.
January 28, 2024
The Bastard’s Tale: #12 in the Dame Frevisse Medieval Mystery series
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed October 6, 2023
Set in 1447, The Bastard’s Tale revolves around the events surrounding the final days of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the bastard in the title being Humphrey’s 19-year-old son, Arteys.
After spending most of his life in the political limelight and making his fair share of enemies, Humphrey is now out of favor at his nephew’s court.
Six years earlier, his wife Eleanor was forcibly divorced from Humphrey and sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of treasonable necromancy, a scandal that in all likelihood was politically motivated by Humphrey’s enemies who have the king’s ear, most notably William de la Pole, Marquess of Suffolk.
Wanting nothing more than to have Eleanor pardoned and reunited with him, Humphrey allows himself to be lured to the Parliament that is to be held at Bury St Edmund’s, even when his friends caution him that this is most likely a trap. But Humphrey’s mind is made up as he is certain that the king is willing to show mercy. So he sets off with a modest retinue of 80 men, including his son Arteys. Unfortunately, Humphrey should have listened to the words of warning as he is arrested on charges of treason shortly after his arrival, while young Arteys is able to sneak out of the room during the ensuing confusion and chaos.
From here, we follow Arteys as he tries to find out what is going on with his father. He is aided by a trio of characters we’ve met in previous books by Frazer – Dame Frevisse, the nun who is a cousin of Alice Chaucer (wife of William de la Pole) and is in Bury at this time on a request from the dying Bishop Beaufort; Joliffe, the former player who now is in the spy business and in the service of Beaufort; and Bishop Pecock, who uses logic and deduction to solve puzzles, and who more than once has found himself on the wrong side of the Establishment.
The story is more of a thriller than a who-done-it, as the conspiracy that has caused his father to be arrested is closing in on the son, too. Yes, there’s a murder, but that isn’t central to the story, as Arteys is forced to kill a man who is attempting to smother his ailing father who, following his arrest, has suffered a medical event (likely a stroke) and is now bedridden. Instead, it’s more along the lines of we know who’s behind the plots, but how can it be proved? The fact that the second most powerful man in the kingdom is involved only adds to the hopelessness of the situation and leaves us wondering if Arteys can avoid the same fate as his father.
Once again, Margaret Frazer gives us a well developed medieval mystery with a taut storyline and a background that enhances the plot but never overwhelms the reader by trying to show off how much history she knows. Instead, history blends in seamlessly with the story, making the reader feel “you are there.”
Frazer also does an excellent job of making the reader feel Arteys’es anguish and fear. Two scenes in particular stand out for me – first is when Arteys is able to sneak into his father’s bedroom for what will end up being their last meeting and later when Arteys finds himself facing execution. Never explicit, the author is nonetheless able to conjure up the fear and terror of a person facing a traitor’s death and help the reader understand just how horrific such a fate was.
Another highly recommended book for those who like mysteries and thrillers with a historical or medieval setting.
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed October 6, 2023
Set in 1447, The Bastard’s Tale revolves around the events surrounding the final days of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the bastard in the title being Humphrey’s 19-year-old son, Arteys.
After spending most of his life in the political limelight and making his fair share of enemies, Humphrey is now out of favor at his nephew’s court.
Six years earlier, his wife Eleanor was forcibly divorced from Humphrey and sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of treasonable necromancy, a scandal that in all likelihood was politically motivated by Humphrey’s enemies who have the king’s ear, most notably William de la Pole, Marquess of Suffolk.
Wanting nothing more than to have Eleanor pardoned and reunited with him, Humphrey allows himself to be lured to the Parliament that is to be held at Bury St Edmund’s, even when his friends caution him that this is most likely a trap. But Humphrey’s mind is made up as he is certain that the king is willing to show mercy. So he sets off with a modest retinue of 80 men, including his son Arteys. Unfortunately, Humphrey should have listened to the words of warning as he is arrested on charges of treason shortly after his arrival, while young Arteys is able to sneak out of the room during the ensuing confusion and chaos.
From here, we follow Arteys as he tries to find out what is going on with his father. He is aided by a trio of characters we’ve met in previous books by Frazer – Dame Frevisse, the nun who is a cousin of Alice Chaucer (wife of William de la Pole) and is in Bury at this time on a request from the dying Bishop Beaufort; Joliffe, the former player who now is in the spy business and in the service of Beaufort; and Bishop Pecock, who uses logic and deduction to solve puzzles, and who more than once has found himself on the wrong side of the Establishment.
The story is more of a thriller than a who-done-it, as the conspiracy that has caused his father to be arrested is closing in on the son, too. Yes, there’s a murder, but that isn’t central to the story, as Arteys is forced to kill a man who is attempting to smother his ailing father who, following his arrest, has suffered a medical event (likely a stroke) and is now bedridden. Instead, it’s more along the lines of we know who’s behind the plots, but how can it be proved? The fact that the second most powerful man in the kingdom is involved only adds to the hopelessness of the situation and leaves us wondering if Arteys can avoid the same fate as his father.
Once again, Margaret Frazer gives us a well developed medieval mystery with a taut storyline and a background that enhances the plot but never overwhelms the reader by trying to show off how much history she knows. Instead, history blends in seamlessly with the story, making the reader feel “you are there.”
Frazer also does an excellent job of making the reader feel Arteys’es anguish and fear. Two scenes in particular stand out for me – first is when Arteys is able to sneak into his father’s bedroom for what will end up being their last meeting and later when Arteys finds himself facing execution. Never explicit, the author is nonetheless able to conjure up the fear and terror of a person facing a traitor’s death and help the reader understand just how horrific such a fate was.
Another highly recommended book for those who like mysteries and thrillers with a historical or medieval setting.
May 10, 2019
In 1447, Humphrey, the Duke of Gloucester and the last surviving brother of Henry V, was arrested, accused of treason. Within three days, he was dead. Although modern historians tend to believe that he died of a stroke brought on by the stress of his situation, it was commonly believed at the time that he was murdered. Margaret Frazer dramatizes this event in history in The Bastard’s Tale, the twelfth book in her Sister Frevisse series.
I really enjoyed this. I’m somewhat leery of historical mysteries – they can be very good, but also weighed down by the novelty of their premise. The Bastard’s Tale, however, didn’t read so much as a crime novel but a thriller about historical events rather than a whodunnit dilemma. Even though I knew what would happen, I found this a thoroughly suspenseful read.
The characters were also quite well-drawn and I found that there was quite a lot of detail and depth in the way Frazer writes about the characters – these aren’t people who just sprung into existence from their first appearance on the page, but people with a real history. I personally loved the relationship between Gloucester and his illegitimate son, Arteys, particularly their last scene together. But then, all you have to do is so much as whisper “Gloucester hero-worshipped Henry V” and I’m a mess of emotion.
I don’t know too much about the reign of Henry VI (this is an issue I need to rectify), but nothing struck me as inaccurate. I know a little more about Gloucester and I have to say I was very happy with his depiction. Frazer probably drew most of her characterisation of him from his popularity and reputation as “Good Duke Humphrey”, but there are enough references to prior events (prior books?) that we get the sense that he is a rather more complicated character. Personally, I’ve read more than enough books that vilify him or don’t know what to do with him so I’d be happy to overlook a simplistic, ‘good guy’ take on him, but Frazer doesn’t go for that route. I also liked the twists Frazer gave, showing .
I haven’t read any other books of the Sister Frevisse series, but my experience with this was such that I’d happily start the series from the beginning.
I really enjoyed this. I’m somewhat leery of historical mysteries – they can be very good, but also weighed down by the novelty of their premise. The Bastard’s Tale, however, didn’t read so much as a crime novel but a thriller about historical events rather than a whodunnit dilemma. Even though I knew what would happen, I found this a thoroughly suspenseful read.
The characters were also quite well-drawn and I found that there was quite a lot of detail and depth in the way Frazer writes about the characters – these aren’t people who just sprung into existence from their first appearance on the page, but people with a real history. I personally loved the relationship between Gloucester and his illegitimate son, Arteys, particularly their last scene together. But then, all you have to do is so much as whisper “Gloucester hero-worshipped Henry V” and I’m a mess of emotion.
I don’t know too much about the reign of Henry VI (this is an issue I need to rectify), but nothing struck me as inaccurate. I know a little more about Gloucester and I have to say I was very happy with his depiction. Frazer probably drew most of her characterisation of him from his popularity and reputation as “Good Duke Humphrey”, but there are enough references to prior events (prior books?) that we get the sense that he is a rather more complicated character. Personally, I’ve read more than enough books that vilify him or don’t know what to do with him so I’d be happy to overlook a simplistic, ‘good guy’ take on him, but Frazer doesn’t go for that route. I also liked the twists Frazer gave, showing .
I haven’t read any other books of the Sister Frevisse series, but my experience with this was such that I’d happily start the series from the beginning.
February 15, 2021
Unlike previous titles Margaret Frazer only allows Dame Frevisse a rather dull 'listener' role here amidst the highly complex spy vs spy machinations of the parliamentary gathering during England's political power struggles ca 1447. I've served my post graduate time in medieval studies and while not adverse to it, I have to admit that Frazer's desire to include everything she has ever researched a sincerely dedicated but an entrenched and less than charming trait. A history win, a literary fail.
So dense is the political machiavellian manoevering layered into this work, I was truly unable to keep track even by the fourth chapter and rapidly losing the will to live. The un-mysterious death finally surfaces (literally in a stream) finally by Chapter 17 and the single real action extant in this tome, that of the obligatory 'saving the day', only occurs within the final twenty pages. Good grief. How do I know that? Because I cheated and (Handy Hint) found reading the last paragraph of each chapter helped me jump over a lot of historical detail that may turn the crank of other readers but was just making my head hurt.
This definitely remains a series for medieval history/mystery cultists: Naturally Frazer's obsessive research cannot be faulted for winkling out story premises from actual, if incredibly obscure, historical situations. Unfortunately, while her connective writing style is sound, I feel too many of her titles suffer from a serious imbalance: potential character development disappears, dramatic tension evaporates and the actual story line bogs down regularly while she burbles on with even more arcane information, like some genteel but incredible bore who firmly blocks your way to the tempting table of good wine.
Rabid fans only for this one methinks.
So dense is the political machiavellian manoevering layered into this work, I was truly unable to keep track even by the fourth chapter and rapidly losing the will to live. The un-mysterious death finally surfaces (literally in a stream) finally by Chapter 17 and the single real action extant in this tome, that of the obligatory 'saving the day', only occurs within the final twenty pages. Good grief. How do I know that? Because I cheated and (Handy Hint) found reading the last paragraph of each chapter helped me jump over a lot of historical detail that may turn the crank of other readers but was just making my head hurt.
This definitely remains a series for medieval history/mystery cultists: Naturally Frazer's obsessive research cannot be faulted for winkling out story premises from actual, if incredibly obscure, historical situations. Unfortunately, while her connective writing style is sound, I feel too many of her titles suffer from a serious imbalance: potential character development disappears, dramatic tension evaporates and the actual story line bogs down regularly while she burbles on with even more arcane information, like some genteel but incredible bore who firmly blocks your way to the tempting table of good wine.
Rabid fans only for this one methinks.
July 24, 2011
Margaret Frazer has created a very compelling character in Dame Frevisse, a Medieval nun. Despite living in a small, cloistered priory, Frevisse manages to emerge in the center of a "worldly problem" in each book. The pleasure in reading this series is that Frazer's principal character remains true to her role as a religious woman while also discreetly engaging in outside family or political events. Frazer is navigating a fairly slippery slope to keep her character true to the period and her calling while also working against "evil-doers."
The Bastard's Tale centers around the dangerous politics of succession to the throne and a member of Dame Frevisse's family is closely involved in the maneuvering. It was bone chilling as well as fascinating to become immersed in the dirty politics of that era.
My advice to prospective readers in this series is to start at Book 1 and read them sequentially. I have NOT done that and, although each book stands on its own, there are recurring characters and it would help to understand their history and back-story when reading the later books. I love this series and perhaps this book deserves more than three stars but I have come to expect Frazer's books to be so good so I am less impressed than I should be.
The Bastard's Tale centers around the dangerous politics of succession to the throne and a member of Dame Frevisse's family is closely involved in the maneuvering. It was bone chilling as well as fascinating to become immersed in the dirty politics of that era.
My advice to prospective readers in this series is to start at Book 1 and read them sequentially. I have NOT done that and, although each book stands on its own, there are recurring characters and it would help to understand their history and back-story when reading the later books. I love this series and perhaps this book deserves more than three stars but I have come to expect Frazer's books to be so good so I am less impressed than I should be.
November 17, 2010
This mystery was, if possible, even more historical than usual, with Dame Frevisse in the middle of political intrigue. While it sounds far-fetched, nuns did come from influential families and most likely were not always completely cut off from the rest of the world. What was particularly interesting was that it dealt with an unsolved and unproved murder and the author didn't try to rewrite history to serve the ends of the mystery. She followed the historical record of the gossip of the time but gave no verbal confirmation that the man behind the murder was really guilty, just left the reader assuming that he was. Also, the "real" story had just as many unexpected turns as the fiction, with the exception of Dame Frevisse's lie at the end. It proved a nice explanation as to why the men were pardoned but makes me wonder what the real reason was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2013
Was looking for a historical whodunit, but there was no mystery to solve (the reader knows pretty much from the beginning who is behind the black deeds of the plot and why). Was more of a political thriller, which is fine if that's what you're looking for (but I wasn't).
Of the four protagonists, Dame Frevisse was the least interesting. Of the three "investigators" (Frevisse, Joliffe, Pecock), she seemed the least effective. This is my first Dame Frevisse novel. According to some of the other reviews I have read, it may not be a "typical" Frevisse story (no mystery to speak of), so maybe this isn't the best introduction to the character. May try another of her novels if I happen upon it in the bookstore, but, based upon this book, won't go out of my way to look for one.
Of the four protagonists, Dame Frevisse was the least interesting. Of the three "investigators" (Frevisse, Joliffe, Pecock), she seemed the least effective. This is my first Dame Frevisse novel. According to some of the other reviews I have read, it may not be a "typical" Frevisse story (no mystery to speak of), so maybe this isn't the best introduction to the character. May try another of her novels if I happen upon it in the bookstore, but, based upon this book, won't go out of my way to look for one.
June 13, 2013
Ms. Frazer does a good job of opening a window into life in the fifteenth century. In a male dominated world in which the nobility and the church were the two primary bases of power, we get to follow a nun with a penchant for finding out the truth of things. It helps that said nun, Dame Frevisse, has ties through a cousin's marriage to the Duke of Suffolk, a major player in this tale of murderous ambition that takes place in the time of Henry VI, whose father and uncle fought side by side at Agincourt.
This story, apparently the twelfth in the series, is certainly good enough to make me want to read more from Margaret Frazer.
This story, apparently the twelfth in the series, is certainly good enough to make me want to read more from Margaret Frazer.
November 18, 2024
I still had a review for this book to do, so here it goes.
Margaret Frazer's The Bastard's Tale, the twelfth installment in the Dame Frevisse series, is a captivating journey into the intricacies of medieval life, rich with historical detail and engaging characters.
It's 1447, and Dame Frevisse finds herself outside St. Frideswide’s once again. Plotting noblemen, politics and drama, and murder! What's not to love when you discover alongside our clever Dame the whodunnit of book 12. Love the series, love Frevisse, and hate that the author is alas no more. So 5 more tales and a handful of short stories it is truly over. Sigh.
5 Stars
Margaret Frazer's The Bastard's Tale, the twelfth installment in the Dame Frevisse series, is a captivating journey into the intricacies of medieval life, rich with historical detail and engaging characters.
It's 1447, and Dame Frevisse finds herself outside St. Frideswide’s once again. Plotting noblemen, politics and drama, and murder! What's not to love when you discover alongside our clever Dame the whodunnit of book 12. Love the series, love Frevisse, and hate that the author is alas no more. So 5 more tales and a handful of short stories it is truly over. Sigh.
5 Stars
July 12, 2025
This entry in the Sister Frevisse series is notable for its insights into history, taking place at a Parliament at Bury St. Edmunds where Henry VI reigns and the heirs to the throne, his uncle the Duke of Gloucester and his cousin the Duke of York, present threats to the power behind the throne, the Marquis of Suffolk--who happens to be married to Frevisse's cousin, Alice Chaucer. Also delightful are Bishop Pecock, the always-welcome Joliffe, Alice, and the bastard, Arteys. A most enjoyable story with several suspenseful moments, including a nail-biter ending.
December 22, 2014
One way to divide the books in this series is to separate those that deal with high politics and include real people of the 15th century from those that are more concerned with lesser folk. This is one that concerns jockeying for royal favor and power with the Duke of Gloucester and the Marquis of Suffolk as major characters. I generally prefer those about lesser folk but this was a riveting story. The bastard refers to the Duke's illegitimate son, who gets caught up by all the plotting around him.
August 9, 2012
Sister Frevisse series #12, set in 1447, in which Frevisse is working again in reluctant connection with Joliffe of the Joliffe the Player series, this time in a very political way involving the bastard son of Gloucester, and Suffolk, Frevisse's cousin's husband.
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