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Sister Frevisse #8
The Maiden's Tale
INTRIGUES MOST ROYAL... MURDER MOST FOUL
Sister Frevisse has made an unusual journey to London to meet the new prioress of St. Frideswide's. At the urging of her abbot, she stays with her wealthy cousin Alice, lady wife of the earl of Suffolk.
But Frevisse suspects more is involved than a friendly visit - for this London home houses a secret that has turned Alice is involved in the dangerous political machinations of the Duke of Orleans and King Henry VI. Their private correspondence is being routed through the Suffolk's home. But when one of the messengers dies under mysterious circumstances and Frevisse is asked to carry letters in his place, she finds herself faced with a deadly Can she find the traitor before the murderer strikes again when she herself has become the target?
"One of the most enjoyable of the Sister Frevisse mysteries. The sights and sounds of medieval London are vividly described... Dame Frevisse herself is a formidable character, pious, intellectual and shrewd. I love reading her adventures... A delightful book." - L. O'Connor, Amazon.com.
"Great fun for all lovers of history and their mystery." - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Sister Frevisse has made an unusual journey to London to meet the new prioress of St. Frideswide's. At the urging of her abbot, she stays with her wealthy cousin Alice, lady wife of the earl of Suffolk.
But Frevisse suspects more is involved than a friendly visit - for this London home houses a secret that has turned Alice is involved in the dangerous political machinations of the Duke of Orleans and King Henry VI. Their private correspondence is being routed through the Suffolk's home. But when one of the messengers dies under mysterious circumstances and Frevisse is asked to carry letters in his place, she finds herself faced with a deadly Can she find the traitor before the murderer strikes again when she herself has become the target?
"One of the most enjoyable of the Sister Frevisse mysteries. The sights and sounds of medieval London are vividly described... Dame Frevisse herself is a formidable character, pious, intellectual and shrewd. I love reading her adventures... A delightful book." - L. O'Connor, Amazon.com.
"Great fun for all lovers of history and their mystery." - Minneapolis Star Tribune
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
41 people are currently reading
374 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 58 reviews
July 6, 2012
A quote from Geoffrey Chaucer is at the beginning of each of the Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries. This is relevant because Sister Frevisse is the (fictional) grand-daughter of Chaucer and because the mysteries are set in the 1400s when Chaucer's works works were far more known than today. There is also the connection between The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories about varied characters, and the Sister Frevisse Mysteries which are each about a different character with whom Sister Frevisse becomes involved.
Set in 1439, the Maiden's Tale, #8 in the series, finds Sister Frevisse visiting her cousin, Lady Alice, who is involved in political maneuvering with the Duc de Orleans, King Henry VI, and other political figures of the time. Traitors and murder give Frevisse a complicated political mystery to solve.
Set in 1439, the Maiden's Tale, #8 in the series, finds Sister Frevisse visiting her cousin, Lady Alice, who is involved in political maneuvering with the Duc de Orleans, King Henry VI, and other political figures of the time. Traitors and murder give Frevisse a complicated political mystery to solve.
September 14, 2023
Sorry to say that this is sort of a clunker in the series. Dame Frevisse is sent to London to escort the new prioress back to St. Frideswide’s, but before she can return to the priory she is asked to stay with her cousin, Alice Chaucer, Duchess of Suffolk. There Frevisse gets caught up in the political and personal intrigue involving the Duke of Orleans. Orleans has been a prisoner of the English since his capture at Agincourt. Henry V had proclaimed Orleans should never be released, but now 24 years later peace between England and France may hinge on Orleans’s release. The late king’s brother, Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, is opposed to Orleans’s release while Bishop Beaufort is fully in favor of it.
In order to sway Henry VI, Beaufort is trying to arrange a meeting between him and Orleans. Orleans’s life is in danger so he must be hidden before the meeting, and the hiding place is at Cold Harbour, the London residence of the Duke of Suffolk. Orleans had been in his custody for several years before this and had grown close—perhaps, too close—to Alice. Secret messages have been passed among these parties for sometime, but when one of the messengers in the Suffolk’s household dies and another’s identity is compromised, Alice presses Frevisse to act as a substitute. Frevisse is resentful that she is forced into this position, and is even more troubled when she suspects—correctly as it turns out, that some of the messages are actually love poems that Orleans has been sending Alice. Beaufort, too, suspects the relationship and wants to hold that over her to make her do what he wants. He also has a spy in Suffolk’s household tasked with obtaining the love poems.
This is where the maiden of the story becomes important. She is Lady Jane de la Pole, the youngest daughter of Suffolk’s late older brother. She has a large red birthmark on one side of her face. The only option for her was to be placed in a convent and eventually become a nun, and that’s what her mother did. But Jane did not want to become a nun and refused to take vows. Her uncle, the Duke of Suffolk, agreed to take her into his household and betrothed her to one of his yeomen. A yeoman was below her station, but given her deformity that was the best that could be done for her. Meanwhile, she became one of Alice’s ladies-in-waiting—and the one who was entrusted with the knowledge of the love poems. Beaufort’s spy is a handsome charmer who tries to seduce Jane, showing her the poems and threatening to reveal that fact. What doesn’t make sense is that the spy has already obtained the poems from someone else—it is never revealed who that was—but may not have informed Beaufort (how stupid is that). Nevertheless he continues to pursue Jane who, after all, is lovely except for one side of her face. Even the characters, who know that the spy has the poems, inexplicably take action to protect them from discovery.
When Orleans is in hiding at Cold Harbour, he is attended by Jane and Frevisse and occasionally by Jane’s betrothed, William. (William turns out to be a good guy who is developing some affection for Jane.) This episode drags on far too long, with unnecessary details thrown in, such as when Edmund and Jasper Tudor (9 and 7-year old, respectively) make an appearance. Because of this and some of the inconsistencies, I have to downgrade my rating. As always, however, I appreciated reading about Frevisse. On the outside, she may seem to be a worldly nun, but she longs to be back at Frideswide and a life of prayer. She has a sharp mind and is an astute observer, who observes that the nobles who all seek power. In Beaufort’s case, he seeks to have power over others. Additionally, the story of Jane with the affection that develops between her and William was a highlight. Jane and William were real people described in an historical record as Jane “with the Blymysh” who was put secretly in a convent but who refused to take her vows and married William “an honest rich yeoman’s son of Sufflolk.” They had three grandchildren living in 1490 when the record was made. 3–3.5⭐️
In order to sway Henry VI, Beaufort is trying to arrange a meeting between him and Orleans. Orleans’s life is in danger so he must be hidden before the meeting, and the hiding place is at Cold Harbour, the London residence of the Duke of Suffolk. Orleans had been in his custody for several years before this and had grown close—perhaps, too close—to Alice. Secret messages have been passed among these parties for sometime, but when one of the messengers in the Suffolk’s household dies and another’s identity is compromised, Alice presses Frevisse to act as a substitute. Frevisse is resentful that she is forced into this position, and is even more troubled when she suspects—correctly as it turns out, that some of the messages are actually love poems that Orleans has been sending Alice. Beaufort, too, suspects the relationship and wants to hold that over her to make her do what he wants. He also has a spy in Suffolk’s household tasked with obtaining the love poems.
This is where the maiden of the story becomes important. She is Lady Jane de la Pole, the youngest daughter of Suffolk’s late older brother. She has a large red birthmark on one side of her face. The only option for her was to be placed in a convent and eventually become a nun, and that’s what her mother did. But Jane did not want to become a nun and refused to take vows. Her uncle, the Duke of Suffolk, agreed to take her into his household and betrothed her to one of his yeomen. A yeoman was below her station, but given her deformity that was the best that could be done for her. Meanwhile, she became one of Alice’s ladies-in-waiting—and the one who was entrusted with the knowledge of the love poems. Beaufort’s spy is a handsome charmer who tries to seduce Jane, showing her the poems and threatening to reveal that fact. What doesn’t make sense is that the spy has already obtained the poems from someone else—it is never revealed who that was—but may not have informed Beaufort (how stupid is that). Nevertheless he continues to pursue Jane who, after all, is lovely except for one side of her face. Even the characters, who know that the spy has the poems, inexplicably take action to protect them from discovery.
When Orleans is in hiding at Cold Harbour, he is attended by Jane and Frevisse and occasionally by Jane’s betrothed, William. (William turns out to be a good guy who is developing some affection for Jane.) This episode drags on far too long, with unnecessary details thrown in, such as when Edmund and Jasper Tudor (9 and 7-year old, respectively) make an appearance. Because of this and some of the inconsistencies, I have to downgrade my rating. As always, however, I appreciated reading about Frevisse. On the outside, she may seem to be a worldly nun, but she longs to be back at Frideswide and a life of prayer. She has a sharp mind and is an astute observer, who observes that the nobles who all seek power. In Beaufort’s case, he seeks to have power over others. Additionally, the story of Jane with the affection that develops between her and William was a highlight. Jane and William were real people described in an historical record as Jane “with the Blymysh” who was put secretly in a convent but who refused to take her vows and married William “an honest rich yeoman’s son of Sufflolk.” They had three grandchildren living in 1490 when the record was made. 3–3.5⭐️
November 30, 2012
Eighth in the Sister Frevisse medieval mystery series revolving around Dame Frevisse and her talent for ferreting out the truth. This story takes place in London at her cousin Alice's home, Coldharbour House.
This takes place after Joliffe's adventures in Normandy in A Play of Treachery .
My Take
It's all about politics and love. From the mess Domina Alys made of the priory's finances to the abbot's various plans to rescue it to the dangerous dance of courtiers who are looking to get ahead. The love between the doomed couple and the promised. The love for worldly things and the love for power. The love Frevisse has for the silence of God.
I just adore Frazer's stories. She makes you feel as though you're there. The smells, the food, the cold. She creates an authentic atmosphere using the culture, mores, style, and killing politics of the time. You will feel as though you are there.
I do love how Jane and William's romance begins to blossom. It's also rather fun to ride around London, hearing the old street names and marketplaces.
I don't understand why Jane doesn't warn the countess.
Oh, no...naked peacocks!! Horrors…!
The Story
Domina Alys has been dealt with and Abbot Gilberd has decided that Dames Perpetua and Frevisse will accompany him and Lady Adela to London to escort the new Domina back. In the meantime, the abbot wants Frevisse making nice with Alice, her cousin.
Between the fine new habit, undergarments, and shoes Alice has given her and the subterfuge Alice requires of her, Frevisse is feeling quite awkward and uncomfortable. And it only gets worse when there's murder and attempted assassinations followed by Alice's illicit love. Worse is Bishop Beaufort insisting on her investigating matters, for nothing is as it seems.
The Characters
Dame Frevisse is an extremely intelligent and devout woman with a passion for knowing. Lady Alice is Frevisse's cousin and the countess of Suffolk. She's the smart half of this marriage and she loves all the political intrigue. Lady Jane de la Pole is one of three daughters of the previous Earl of Suffolk, but her mother essentially disowned her and Jane is dependent upon this Suffolk, her uncle, for her future. She is one of Lady Alice's ladies along with Lady Sibill. She is betrothed to William Chesman, a yeoman in the earl's service.
Master Bruneau is a Frenchman and the earl's secretary. He's brilliant at his job, but recently lost his wife, Jeannette. Eyon Chesman is William's cousin. Master Hyndstoke is the household doctor. Robyn Helas is a gorgeous but smarmy little git, serving the earl and stabbing the countess and Lady Jane in the back. Herry Elham is a quick-thinking courtier. Master Gallard, the master of ceremonies, appears again.
Abbot Gilberd is in charge of St. Frideswide's and has judged the sisters, taking charge of their finances, and settling both Domina Alys' fate as well as choosing their next prioress, Dame Elisabeth of St. Helen's Bishopsgate. His sister and she does have a brilliant idea to help restore the priory's finances. For obviously, none of the sisters are competent enough to choose. Lady Adela's fate has also been altered.
His Grace Cardinal Bishop Beaufort is meddling everywhere. The Duke of Gloucester is the enemy. Charles, the Duke of Orleans, has been held hostage in England for the past twenty-some years ever since the Battle at Agincourt. He's bright and sensitive, pouring his emotions out through his poetry. Gloucester refuses to give him back and the Duke of Burgundy insists there will be no peace without his release. I do feel sorry for the guy. All that he's lost and will lose. He is such a lovely man. It just made me cry. Jasper and Edmund Tudor from The Boy's Tale make an appearance. They are the duke of Orleans' cousins after all.
The Cover
The cover has a gold background with an elaborately framed red-and-gold carved frame creating a rectangular picture of three women cowering inside an arched opening with its open gate where Bishop Beaufort and one of his flunkies are standing as a barge pulls up to the dock on the Thames.
The title references The Maiden's Tale, for Jane is sadly beset and torn in her loyalties.
This takes place after Joliffe's adventures in Normandy in A Play of Treachery .
My Take
It's all about politics and love. From the mess Domina Alys made of the priory's finances to the abbot's various plans to rescue it to the dangerous dance of courtiers who are looking to get ahead. The love between the doomed couple and the promised. The love for worldly things and the love for power. The love Frevisse has for the silence of God.
I just adore Frazer's stories. She makes you feel as though you're there. The smells, the food, the cold. She creates an authentic atmosphere using the culture, mores, style, and killing politics of the time. You will feel as though you are there.
I do love how Jane and William's romance begins to blossom. It's also rather fun to ride around London, hearing the old street names and marketplaces.
I don't understand why Jane doesn't warn the countess.
Oh, no...naked peacocks!! Horrors…!
The Story
Domina Alys has been dealt with and Abbot Gilberd has decided that Dames Perpetua and Frevisse will accompany him and Lady Adela to London to escort the new Domina back. In the meantime, the abbot wants Frevisse making nice with Alice, her cousin.
Between the fine new habit, undergarments, and shoes Alice has given her and the subterfuge Alice requires of her, Frevisse is feeling quite awkward and uncomfortable. And it only gets worse when there's murder and attempted assassinations followed by Alice's illicit love. Worse is Bishop Beaufort insisting on her investigating matters, for nothing is as it seems.
The Characters
Dame Frevisse is an extremely intelligent and devout woman with a passion for knowing. Lady Alice is Frevisse's cousin and the countess of Suffolk. She's the smart half of this marriage and she loves all the political intrigue. Lady Jane de la Pole is one of three daughters of the previous Earl of Suffolk, but her mother essentially disowned her and Jane is dependent upon this Suffolk, her uncle, for her future. She is one of Lady Alice's ladies along with Lady Sibill. She is betrothed to William Chesman, a yeoman in the earl's service.
Master Bruneau is a Frenchman and the earl's secretary. He's brilliant at his job, but recently lost his wife, Jeannette. Eyon Chesman is William's cousin. Master Hyndstoke is the household doctor. Robyn Helas is a gorgeous but smarmy little git, serving the earl and stabbing the countess and Lady Jane in the back. Herry Elham is a quick-thinking courtier. Master Gallard, the master of ceremonies, appears again.
Abbot Gilberd is in charge of St. Frideswide's and has judged the sisters, taking charge of their finances, and settling both Domina Alys' fate as well as choosing their next prioress, Dame Elisabeth of St. Helen's Bishopsgate. His sister and she does have a brilliant idea to help restore the priory's finances. For obviously, none of the sisters are competent enough to choose. Lady Adela's fate has also been altered.
His Grace Cardinal Bishop Beaufort is meddling everywhere. The Duke of Gloucester is the enemy. Charles, the Duke of Orleans, has been held hostage in England for the past twenty-some years ever since the Battle at Agincourt. He's bright and sensitive, pouring his emotions out through his poetry. Gloucester refuses to give him back and the Duke of Burgundy insists there will be no peace without his release. I do feel sorry for the guy. All that he's lost and will lose. He is such a lovely man. It just made me cry. Jasper and Edmund Tudor from The Boy's Tale make an appearance. They are the duke of Orleans' cousins after all.
The Cover
The cover has a gold background with an elaborately framed red-and-gold carved frame creating a rectangular picture of three women cowering inside an arched opening with its open gate where Bishop Beaufort and one of his flunkies are standing as a barge pulls up to the dock on the Thames.
The title references The Maiden's Tale, for Jane is sadly beset and torn in her loyalties.
March 25, 2018
Wow, kind of a stinker when compared to the other books in the series. A lot of interesting historical detail, but the mystery seemed like an afterthought. And for a good portion of the book, Dame Frevisse seemed a bit uninvolved, more's the pity. The action (and the pace) didn't really pick up until about the last fifty pages or so.
Good riddance to Dame Alys, but I'll miss Lady Adela even though I think she'll be better off in London with girls her own age. And at least the new prioress seems like a plus. I'm interested to see how this will play out in the succeeding books.
I didn't like how Frevisse was trapped by the Bishop into her role as inquisitor. And, to me, it seemed somewhat unbelievable that someone as naïve and unworldly as Lady Jane did not confide the trouble regarding the poems and Robyn to Alice. Or even William once she realizes he believes Eyon's death was not accidental. For that matter why not tell Alice her suspicions regarding Eyon's death? Lady Jane's actions just did not ring true given the background for her character. The book also grows slightly repetitious in regards to the storyline with Robyn.
I did really like the ending where Dame Frevisse ponders all the different kinds of love. The worse being the love of power Bishop Beaufort craves. The true love between Lady Jane and William. The sad type of love shared by Alice and Orleans. And the love shown by God, open to all, the love which Frevisse most cherishes. I only wish the entire book had been as satisfying as the last 50+ pages.
Good riddance to Dame Alys, but I'll miss Lady Adela even though I think she'll be better off in London with girls her own age. And at least the new prioress seems like a plus. I'm interested to see how this will play out in the succeeding books.
I didn't like how Frevisse was trapped by the Bishop into her role as inquisitor. And, to me, it seemed somewhat unbelievable that someone as naïve and unworldly as Lady Jane did not confide the trouble regarding the poems and Robyn to Alice. Or even William once she realizes he believes Eyon's death was not accidental. For that matter why not tell Alice her suspicions regarding Eyon's death? Lady Jane's actions just did not ring true given the background for her character. The book also grows slightly repetitious in regards to the storyline with Robyn.
I did really like the ending where Dame Frevisse ponders all the different kinds of love. The worse being the love of power Bishop Beaufort craves. The true love between Lady Jane and William. The sad type of love shared by Alice and Orleans. And the love shown by God, open to all, the love which Frevisse most cherishes. I only wish the entire book had been as satisfying as the last 50+ pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2015
It's lovely to see Dame Frevisse at the house of her aristocratic cousin, joking about their girlhood memories. It's not as sweet to see her drawn into intrigue that could end--or prolong--the wars between England and France. She doesn't like it. She doesn't want it. She would tell Bishop Beaufort to go to hell if she dared (and if hell weren't such a real concept for a medieval Catholic). But it makes for an intriguing mystery.
Still, I wonder: will she ever get a chance to serve God the way she years to do? You know the saying about two masters.
Still, I wonder: will she ever get a chance to serve God the way she years to do? You know the saying about two masters.
June 12, 2020
The worst of the Sister Frevisse series I've read so far. I enjoy the series for a cosy, comfortable crime read and this mystery was convoluted and sensationalist without delivering what I've come love from the series. I enjoyed how grey the Suffolks and Cardinal Beaufort were and Frevisse's frustrations with them but there was a serious plot hole around in the secondary protagonist, Jane, that dampened my liking of her. The mystery was slow to develop and then solved in rapid-fire succession and, in the meantime, a lot of talk about nothing.
January 14, 2013
Lady Jane de la Pole is the maiden in "The Maiden's Tale", and she begins the story with her dreams and hopes of her upcoming marriage, one she is fortunate to have promised to her, given the dreadful birthmark she bears. Lady Jane serves the Countess of Suffolk who is married to one of the wealthiest men in medieval England and is the duaghter of Thomas Chaucer (recently deceased) and granddaughter to Geoffrey Chaucer. Thomas Chaucer was also uncle to Dame Frevisse, a nun in the modest convent of St. Frideswide's in Oxfordshire. St. Frideswide's was brought to its knees by the mismanagement of Prioress Domina Alys, now disgraced and sent elsewhere. A new Prioress has been found in London and must be escorted to St. Frideswide's. Dame Frevisse and Dame Perpetua are despatched to the big city where they are to stay with Frevisse's cousin Alice. Alice and her husband are embroiled in the fierce politics of England's conflict over retaining territories in France. They have come to recognize that the return to France of the Duc de Orleans, long in exile in England and hidden in fear of his life, is the only hope for peace in the young reign of King Henry VI. Rival factions led by Cardinal Bishop Beaufort and the Duke of Gloucester vie over Orleans, peace, and the future of France. Cardinal Beaufort knew of Frevisse through his best friend, Thomas Chaucer, and previously used her in some spying and sleuthing for the country's good (and also his own wealth and power). He demands her assistance again in running messages between him and Countess Alice, while Frevisse is nominally visiting her new Prioress and arranging their travel. Lady Jane and her betrothed become players in the mysteries of a death (and suspected murder), the love poems of Orleans, and an attempt on the life of Orleans. The young lovers, the all-powerful Beaufort, the pivotal Countess, and the crafty Dame Frevisse have many threads to unravel and lives to protect, including their own in this powerful mystery author Margaret Frazer has layered over the complex history of the age.
February 5, 2009
I wrote a rather long review of this book, and then when switching between programs on my computer it got lost. Grrrrr. Anyway, I don't usually pick up a mystery, but this one was set in Medieval England and has a nun as the main character, so I thought it could be interesting. And I liked it. There wasn't much time spent on the actual mystery--one death at the beginning, an attempted murder at the end, and a couple of chapters to wrap it up, without much of a climax to speak of.
What made the book enjoyable were the strong female characters of Dame (Sister) Frevisse, Lady Jane, and Frevisse's cousin Lady Alice, a very wealthy noblewoman who is deeply involved in the political intrigue surrounding a peace treaty between England and France. Frevisse is as assertive as she is devout and caring of those around her, highly intelligent, and definitely not your typical nun. Her prayers actually come off as authentic and not cheesy (which is really hard to write!) Lady Jane, born with a large birthmark on her face, faces a marriage with one of the household's yeomen, William, and also has to contend with the nasty playboy Robyn, who keeps trying to corner her for reasons I won't give away. Her story is one of the best parts of the book.
And then of course there is the Duke of Orleans, whose freedom is the deal-breaker of the peace treaty between France and England. Even though you don't actually get to see a picture of him, he's pretty attractive, and it's no wonder one of the characters has fallen for him....
So that's that. A much shortened and more straight-forward version of what I was going to write, which is probably a good thing.
What made the book enjoyable were the strong female characters of Dame (Sister) Frevisse, Lady Jane, and Frevisse's cousin Lady Alice, a very wealthy noblewoman who is deeply involved in the political intrigue surrounding a peace treaty between England and France. Frevisse is as assertive as she is devout and caring of those around her, highly intelligent, and definitely not your typical nun. Her prayers actually come off as authentic and not cheesy (which is really hard to write!) Lady Jane, born with a large birthmark on her face, faces a marriage with one of the household's yeomen, William, and also has to contend with the nasty playboy Robyn, who keeps trying to corner her for reasons I won't give away. Her story is one of the best parts of the book.
And then of course there is the Duke of Orleans, whose freedom is the deal-breaker of the peace treaty between France and England. Even though you don't actually get to see a picture of him, he's pretty attractive, and it's no wonder one of the characters has fallen for him....
So that's that. A much shortened and more straight-forward version of what I was going to write, which is probably a good thing.
July 4, 2016
After spending the whole of last year with Brother
Cadfael created by Peter Ellis, the stories of Dame
Frevisse appeared to be just the series to provide me
with my daily dose of medieval mysteries. But the
feeling of complacency was not to last.
Midway through the journey something happened.
The style of storytelling changed, the characters
transformed and Dame Frevisse herself metamorphosed
into someone totally different - uncertain of herself,
no longer quite the sleuthing nun and to be honest not
very likeable either. Most importantly, the classical
'whodunnit' format suddenly gave way to meandering
sequence of events where the solution presented itself
mostly by luck rather than by cunning logic.
Then everything fell into place. According to one of
the internet sources - "Margaret Frazer was the joint
pen-name used, for the first 6 books only, by Gail Frazer
and Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld. Then Mary Monica
Pulver Kuhfeld "half tired of the series" and pulled
out, so the remaining books were written by Gail Frazer
alone." Gail Frazer went on to write many a medieval
novels and made a name for herself in this genre. But
for me, the Dame Frevisse stories lost their attraction
after Frazer went solo.
Cadfael created by Peter Ellis, the stories of Dame
Frevisse appeared to be just the series to provide me
with my daily dose of medieval mysteries. But the
feeling of complacency was not to last.
Midway through the journey something happened.
The style of storytelling changed, the characters
transformed and Dame Frevisse herself metamorphosed
into someone totally different - uncertain of herself,
no longer quite the sleuthing nun and to be honest not
very likeable either. Most importantly, the classical
'whodunnit' format suddenly gave way to meandering
sequence of events where the solution presented itself
mostly by luck rather than by cunning logic.
Then everything fell into place. According to one of
the internet sources - "Margaret Frazer was the joint
pen-name used, for the first 6 books only, by Gail Frazer
and Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld. Then Mary Monica
Pulver Kuhfeld "half tired of the series" and pulled
out, so the remaining books were written by Gail Frazer
alone." Gail Frazer went on to write many a medieval
novels and made a name for herself in this genre. But
for me, the Dame Frevisse stories lost their attraction
after Frazer went solo.
February 27, 2024
The Maiden’s Tale
Dame Frevisse #8
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed February 27, 2024
Domina Alys, the corrupt prioress from the last story (The Prioress’ Tale), is gone from St. Frideswide’s. Her malfeasance in office has led to her being removed as prioress by the bishop and sent to another nunnery to remain there as an ordinary nun, and Dame Frevisse is sent to London to escort the new prioress, the bishop’s sister, back to St. Frideswide’s. While in London, Frevisse is encouraged to spend some time with her cousin, Alice Chaucer, the wife of the Earl of Suffolk, Michael de la Pole.
But this is more than just a friendly, familial visit. High politics are going involving Suffolk and Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who has been a prisoner since Agincourt, more than 20 years ago. The late king, Henry V, insisted that Orleans should never be released, but secret peace talks are in progress and it is hoped by those involved that if Orleans can have a private audience with the young King Henry VI, a peace can be brokered with France. This must all be kept hush-hush, with secret messages being passed back and forth, and when one of the messengers is found dead (thought to have drunk himself to death), Frevisse is pressed into serving in a similar capacity. Frevisse is uncomfortable with such a responsibility, but how do you say no to the Bishop of Winchester, Henry Beaufort?
Although all do their best to keep these matters secret, someone has learned what’s going on (suspects include the Duke of Gloucester, who is dead set against peace with France) and an attempt is made on Orleans’ life. To protect him, he is brought to Coldharbour (the Suffolks’ London home) and when she’s taken into her cousin Alice’s confidence about this arrangement, Frevisse begins to notice that there is something going on between her cousin and the French duke.
Along with this story line is that of Jane de la Pole, Suffolk’s niece who was born with a blemish, what today would be referred to as a port wine birthmark, that covers half her face. She is essentially an orphan, as her father died before she was born, and her mother, seeing a child born disfigured, wanted nothing to do with the babe. After signing away any birthright she might have had, Jane’s mother gave her away to a nunnery with the idea that the child would grow up to be a nun. Out of sight, out of mind. But even as a child, Jane refused to take the veil. Eventually she contacted her uncle, asking for his help and now lives with the Suffolks, but though a marriage has been arranged for her, she is being pressed by a handsome but obnoxious member of the household who knows something of what is going on between Alice and Orleans, and if Jane doesn’t do what he wants, he’ll reveal the secret.
While Orleans is in hiding at Coldharbour, he is attended by Lady Jane and Dame Frevisse with occasional assistance by Jane’s husband-to-be, William (who turns out to be a decent fellow and not just someone willing to marry her because of the dowry Suffolk is providing).
During all of this, it is learned that the death mentioned previously was not accidental but murder. Is the person responsible for that death also responsible for the attempt on Orleans’ life? Who is behind this? Is it an agent of the Duke of Gloucester or someone else? And what is going on between Alice and Orleans that can never be revealed?
I am working my way through all the books in this series, though not in order. The good thing is that while reading in order may help when it comes to continuity, I’ve found that it’s not important to do so. The author provides enough information for the reader to pick up on what happened before without it slowing down the story telling, and as always, the attention to detail, historical and cultural, only adds to the enjoyment.
Dame Frevisse #8
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed February 27, 2024
Domina Alys, the corrupt prioress from the last story (The Prioress’ Tale), is gone from St. Frideswide’s. Her malfeasance in office has led to her being removed as prioress by the bishop and sent to another nunnery to remain there as an ordinary nun, and Dame Frevisse is sent to London to escort the new prioress, the bishop’s sister, back to St. Frideswide’s. While in London, Frevisse is encouraged to spend some time with her cousin, Alice Chaucer, the wife of the Earl of Suffolk, Michael de la Pole.
But this is more than just a friendly, familial visit. High politics are going involving Suffolk and Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who has been a prisoner since Agincourt, more than 20 years ago. The late king, Henry V, insisted that Orleans should never be released, but secret peace talks are in progress and it is hoped by those involved that if Orleans can have a private audience with the young King Henry VI, a peace can be brokered with France. This must all be kept hush-hush, with secret messages being passed back and forth, and when one of the messengers is found dead (thought to have drunk himself to death), Frevisse is pressed into serving in a similar capacity. Frevisse is uncomfortable with such a responsibility, but how do you say no to the Bishop of Winchester, Henry Beaufort?
Although all do their best to keep these matters secret, someone has learned what’s going on (suspects include the Duke of Gloucester, who is dead set against peace with France) and an attempt is made on Orleans’ life. To protect him, he is brought to Coldharbour (the Suffolks’ London home) and when she’s taken into her cousin Alice’s confidence about this arrangement, Frevisse begins to notice that there is something going on between her cousin and the French duke.
Along with this story line is that of Jane de la Pole, Suffolk’s niece who was born with a blemish, what today would be referred to as a port wine birthmark, that covers half her face. She is essentially an orphan, as her father died before she was born, and her mother, seeing a child born disfigured, wanted nothing to do with the babe. After signing away any birthright she might have had, Jane’s mother gave her away to a nunnery with the idea that the child would grow up to be a nun. Out of sight, out of mind. But even as a child, Jane refused to take the veil. Eventually she contacted her uncle, asking for his help and now lives with the Suffolks, but though a marriage has been arranged for her, she is being pressed by a handsome but obnoxious member of the household who knows something of what is going on between Alice and Orleans, and if Jane doesn’t do what he wants, he’ll reveal the secret.
While Orleans is in hiding at Coldharbour, he is attended by Lady Jane and Dame Frevisse with occasional assistance by Jane’s husband-to-be, William (who turns out to be a decent fellow and not just someone willing to marry her because of the dowry Suffolk is providing).
During all of this, it is learned that the death mentioned previously was not accidental but murder. Is the person responsible for that death also responsible for the attempt on Orleans’ life? Who is behind this? Is it an agent of the Duke of Gloucester or someone else? And what is going on between Alice and Orleans that can never be revealed?
I am working my way through all the books in this series, though not in order. The good thing is that while reading in order may help when it comes to continuity, I’ve found that it’s not important to do so. The author provides enough information for the reader to pick up on what happened before without it slowing down the story telling, and as always, the attention to detail, historical and cultural, only adds to the enjoyment.
March 7, 2023
I struggled with this 8th book in the Dame Frevisse series. I read it chapter by chapter quite slowly over a period of a week or two, as I was a little bored by the political plot.
I really enjoy the way each book in this series has two narrators - Dame Frevisse + one other character who is important to the plot of that book in some way. The additional narrator for this book, the 'maiden', was "Jane with the blemysh", a character who was given away at birth to a nunnery but didn't feel the calling to be a nun and in spite of a lot of pressure to become one, refused to take the vows and refused and refused until she was able to escape into the life she wanted to live - to become a wife, a mother, and a woman with some independence, running her own manor home. The latter hasn't happened yet as the novel begins though. Jane is free of the nunnery, but not yet wed to the yeoman her uncle, the Duke of Suffolk, has selected for her to wed.
I prefer the Dame Frevisse novels set at the nunnery or about the ecclesiastical world, but this one was very focused on politics. It is only a few short weeks since the end of book 7, when the abbot swept in to reorder the nunnery, and Dame Frevisse and Dame Perpetua have been chosen to accompany the abbot to London to collect their new prioress, his sister. While there, Dame Frevisse becomes caught up in the business of a character we remember well from the 4th book in the series, the powerful Bishop Beaufort, and the business of her cousin, Alice, the wife of the Duke of Suffolk.
The plot revolves around a political effort to end the long war between France and England by freeing the Duke of Orleans, who has been a political prisoner in England for twenty years. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Duke - he was an interesting and well-drawn character. I enjoyed observing how much Dame Frevisse has grown over time, and how deeply she is now devoted to her prayers. I even enjoyed reading about Alice and Jane, but somehow my overall feeling as I read was one of boredom with the plot. I admit I also didn't find Jane's motivation to protect Alice and not tell her of what Robyn was up to very sensible or convincing, but I did enjoy watching Jane's relationship with William develop and the denouement when Robyn and some other characters were sent packing.
Looking forward to the next installment with a return to the nunnery and introduction of the new prioress.
I really enjoy the way each book in this series has two narrators - Dame Frevisse + one other character who is important to the plot of that book in some way. The additional narrator for this book, the 'maiden', was "Jane with the blemysh", a character who was given away at birth to a nunnery but didn't feel the calling to be a nun and in spite of a lot of pressure to become one, refused to take the vows and refused and refused until she was able to escape into the life she wanted to live - to become a wife, a mother, and a woman with some independence, running her own manor home. The latter hasn't happened yet as the novel begins though. Jane is free of the nunnery, but not yet wed to the yeoman her uncle, the Duke of Suffolk, has selected for her to wed.
I prefer the Dame Frevisse novels set at the nunnery or about the ecclesiastical world, but this one was very focused on politics. It is only a few short weeks since the end of book 7, when the abbot swept in to reorder the nunnery, and Dame Frevisse and Dame Perpetua have been chosen to accompany the abbot to London to collect their new prioress, his sister. While there, Dame Frevisse becomes caught up in the business of a character we remember well from the 4th book in the series, the powerful Bishop Beaufort, and the business of her cousin, Alice, the wife of the Duke of Suffolk.
The plot revolves around a political effort to end the long war between France and England by freeing the Duke of Orleans, who has been a political prisoner in England for twenty years. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Duke - he was an interesting and well-drawn character. I enjoyed observing how much Dame Frevisse has grown over time, and how deeply she is now devoted to her prayers. I even enjoyed reading about Alice and Jane, but somehow my overall feeling as I read was one of boredom with the plot. I admit I also didn't find Jane's motivation to protect Alice and not tell her of what Robyn was up to very sensible or convincing, but I did enjoy watching Jane's relationship with William develop and the denouement when Robyn and some other characters were sent packing.
Looking forward to the next installment with a return to the nunnery and introduction of the new prioress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
The Maiden’s Tale by Margaret Frazer is book 8 in the Sister Frevisse Series.
"Within the graceful prose rhythms that have garnered her two Edgar nominations, Frazer's tale of 15th-century nun Dame Frevisse transports the reader to a medieval England made vivid and a world of emotions as familiar then as now." -Publisher's Weekly.
I love Dame Frevisse more with every book. This story takes Frevisse outside of St. Frideswide’s once more and to Coldharbour House , London, where she visits her cousin Lady Alice (Countess of Suffolk) who got herself involved in political maneuvering with the Duc de Orleans, King Henry VI, and the brokering of a possible peace with France. As usual there is murder, intrigue, and the return of Bishop Beaufort (he of the many fingers in many pies). Frevisse has to solve the riddle much against her will. Another exceptional medieval mystery!
Themes: London, the winter of 1439, Jane with the blemish, compromising poetry, blackmail.
5 Stars
"Within the graceful prose rhythms that have garnered her two Edgar nominations, Frazer's tale of 15th-century nun Dame Frevisse transports the reader to a medieval England made vivid and a world of emotions as familiar then as now." -Publisher's Weekly.
I love Dame Frevisse more with every book. This story takes Frevisse outside of St. Frideswide’s once more and to Coldharbour House , London, where she visits her cousin Lady Alice (Countess of Suffolk) who got herself involved in political maneuvering with the Duc de Orleans, King Henry VI, and the brokering of a possible peace with France. As usual there is murder, intrigue, and the return of Bishop Beaufort (he of the many fingers in many pies). Frevisse has to solve the riddle much against her will. Another exceptional medieval mystery!
Themes: London, the winter of 1439, Jane with the blemish, compromising poetry, blackmail.
5 Stars
November 28, 2024
3.5
Даму Фревіссу відрядили у Лондон за новою абатисою, бо попередню терпіти вже було несила, і вона завітала в гості до кузини Аліси, теж не останньої леді у королівстві. Звичайно, всі інтригують, передають один одному цидулки у справах чи й ні, а ще в господі тимчасово живе герцог Орлеанський, принц, поет, політик і романтик (і що характерно, чиста історична правда). Тобто цидулки набувають трагічно-любовного забарвлення, а там і до вбивства недалеко.
Ще тут є окрема історія про Джейн, яка високого походження, але через велику родиму ��ляму на обличчі їй мало що світить, але насправді все для неї добре складається (і це теж історична правда).
В цілому гарна історія, хоча якась незбалансована, але за прекрасного герцога пів бала докладу.
Даму Фревіссу відрядили у Лондон за новою абатисою, бо попередню терпіти вже було несила, і вона завітала в гості до кузини Аліси, теж не останньої леді у королівстві. Звичайно, всі інтригують, передають один одному цидулки у справах чи й ні, а ще в господі тимчасово живе герцог Орлеанський, принц, поет, політик і романтик (і що характерно, чиста історична правда). Тобто цидулки набувають трагічно-любовного забарвлення, а там і до вбивства недалеко.
Ще тут є окрема історія про Джейн, яка високого походження, але через велику родиму ��ляму на обличчі їй мало що світить, але насправді все для неї добре складається (і це теж історична правда).
В цілому гарна історія, хоча якась незбалансована, але за прекрасного герцога пів бала докладу.
October 18, 2018
Once again, true historical events are part of this Sister Frevisse mystery. She is in London in 1439 to accompany a new prioress back to her nunnery, but of course events interfere. She is immediately taken to the home of her cousin, Alice who is married to a nobleman. A murder occurs, which evidently occurred because the man was taking messages from Charles, the duc of Orleans to those in high places. The rivalry between church officials, noblemen and others for attention of King Henry VI is weaved into the progression of the story. The maiden in the story is obviously a pawn to be used and obviously has no choice in what happens in her life.
September 15, 2017
Loved this one by Margaret Frazer, who was a fine author, I thought I had read them all.
Alice Chaucer, Countess of Suffolk is Dame Frevisse's cousin, and I am pulling out the Sister Frevisse books with Alice or her father to reread. Apparently this was not a reread or, if it was I do not remember it. Lady Jane de la Pole was the maiden, and was a real life character married to a yeoman, in addition to being Suffolk's cousin.
Throw in two attempted murders of the Duke of Orleans, Lady Jane and others and you will have the gist of it. It was delightful!
Alice Chaucer, Countess of Suffolk is Dame Frevisse's cousin, and I am pulling out the Sister Frevisse books with Alice or her father to reread. Apparently this was not a reread or, if it was I do not remember it. Lady Jane de la Pole was the maiden, and was a real life character married to a yeoman, in addition to being Suffolk's cousin.
Throw in two attempted murders of the Duke of Orleans, Lady Jane and others and you will have the gist of it. It was delightful!
March 21, 2018
Among the best historical mysteries.
This book is among the best historical mysteries I have read. The characters are well rounded and believable. The protagonist solves the mysteries [Yes, there are multiple mysteries in this novel.], by combining insights into human beings with an analysis of physical clues. This is an exceptional historical mystery novel, among the best in this genre.
This book is among the best historical mysteries I have read. The characters are well rounded and believable. The protagonist solves the mysteries [Yes, there are multiple mysteries in this novel.], by combining insights into human beings with an analysis of physical clues. This is an exceptional historical mystery novel, among the best in this genre.
April 14, 2025
I assume the 'Maiden' in this story is Lady Jane, although I don't think she had a tale to tell. it seems the higher up the people involved are, the worse the transgressions and the least likely that they will pay the price. Poor Dame Frevisse who is used to the routine, silence, and hours of the Abbey is thrown into London society nights with lavish feasts, scores of people, and nights without end. It was nice to find out how Edmund and Jasper were doing. ( from The Boy's Tale)
September 3, 2021
While there are mysteries, this is more a tale of intrigue among the nobility with deceit and treachery at full tilt. And, yet, it is equally a tale of romance, one chivalric and the other domestic. Dame Frevisse is not seen in full detective mode until the last few chapters, but her powers of observation and her internal discernment are evident throughout.
November 7, 2021
I will be sorry when this series ends. Dame Frevisse's character .is so clearly drawn that I feel like she is an old friend. This story is about politics and also about Jane's success in overcoming her handicap. There's also a sweet and subtle love story between Jane and William. And a clandestine love affair between two members of the nobility. And of course a mystery for Dame Frevisse to solve.
July 21, 2022
This is a provocative medieval tale of love and politics, made infinitely more interesting because the protagonist is Dame Frevisse. For those of us who learn their history through novels, this is a fascinating lesson on medieval households and worldly religious leadership. I loved every minute I spent with this book.
October 19, 2025
The best so far!
Wow, and I thought Dame Frevisse couldn't get any smarter, that Frazer's language any more cleverer, that these novel's plots any more wonderfully tangled.
What a good read!
Wow, and I thought Dame Frevisse couldn't get any smarter, that Frazer's language any more cleverer, that these novel's plots any more wonderfully tangled.
What a good read!
May 6, 2017
Tedious for most parts with a heavy handed writing style. One sentence lasted over 10 lines! The author manages to drain any suspense or tension out of a situation.
July 9, 2019
So readable and interesting, but a failure as a mystery.
August 1, 2020
Romance against a background of the beginning of the War of Roses
March 14, 2021
Good read. The plot was well thought-out. It provides a fun new setting with hope and solitude combined.
October 23, 2023
The plot is OK but the writing is sloppy.
July 11, 2024
Excellent
June 2, 2025
*frantically googles to figure out if Geoffrey Chaucer’s daughter knew Charles I in the 1440s*
January 16, 2017
After my thoroughly enjoyable re-read of "The Prioress's Tale", I was excited to see that my family had a copy of the next book in the Sister Frevisse series, "The Maiden's Tale". I couldn't wait to return to the small community of nuns and villagers I had just become re-acquainted with, and I delved into the book eagerly. Though I was slightly disappointed at the beginning to realize that this book would be set in London instead of the priory, the characters and intrigues that were introduced were interesting and I was game to get sucked into the new mystery. I ignored the first historical info dump, figuring the story would emerge on its own. I soon realized, however, some pet peeves I didn't know I had about the genre of historical mysteries:
1) Trying too hard to accurately incorporate historical events into the story. This is a work of fiction, go ahead and take creative license. If I want the real story, I'll read a non-fiction book about the time.
2) Info dumps and over-explaining. So over it. Just put me in the waters and let me swim. I'll figure it out.
3) Incorporating real historical figures. This can sometimes work with a highly skilled author, but more often than not in genre fiction, it seems like a bad re-enactment you'd see in a second or third rate documentary. I love documentaries, but I loathe re-enactments. This was where "The Maiden's Tale" finally lost me. When the main characters spent what seemed like 50 pages having afternoon tea and a chat with the Duke of Orleans, I checked out, skimming to the end to find out what happened. I figure I'll give this series one more shot before I write it off as a one hit wonder for myself.
1) Trying too hard to accurately incorporate historical events into the story. This is a work of fiction, go ahead and take creative license. If I want the real story, I'll read a non-fiction book about the time.
2) Info dumps and over-explaining. So over it. Just put me in the waters and let me swim. I'll figure it out.
3) Incorporating real historical figures. This can sometimes work with a highly skilled author, but more often than not in genre fiction, it seems like a bad re-enactment you'd see in a second or third rate documentary. I love documentaries, but I loathe re-enactments. This was where "The Maiden's Tale" finally lost me. When the main characters spent what seemed like 50 pages having afternoon tea and a chat with the Duke of Orleans, I checked out, skimming to the end to find out what happened. I figure I'll give this series one more shot before I write it off as a one hit wonder for myself.
December 28, 2023
“Men wear armor into their battles, women wear their velvet, silk, and jewels.”
This was my first Sister Frevisse mystery, although I started a little bit along in the series. Was this a mistake? I’m not sure. I think that every book can be read as a standalone, however, there are a few mentions of characters that were important in previous books. But, it doesn’t affect the story much.
In this book, we follow Sister Frevisse as she is in London to meet the new prioress of her abbey. During this trip, she meets with her cousin, Lady Alice, and is soon whisked away with everything going on with her. Politics, murder, attempted murder, disgusting entitled men, poison, etc. This is where we also meet “the Maiden” the book is named after, Lady Jane.
Now, Lady Jane’s side story could have been its own book, imo. She’s the cousin of Suffolk, recently brought to London from a nunnery to be married. She’s Lady Alice’s right hand woman, and keeps all of her secrets, which puts her life at risk. Unfortunately blemished on half of her face, we learn about Lady Jane’s life, her betrothal to William, and the schemes she attempts on Lady Alice’s behalf. By far the most fleshed out character in the book.
Does my review sound a little clunky and all over the place? Well, kids coincides with this book, then. The mystery was fun, the characters lively, the setting impeccable. However, this book just felt very clunky, all over the place.
I’ll be reading more, but not my favorite cozy read. A shame too, because the medieval Europe setting is where I want to be.
This was my first Sister Frevisse mystery, although I started a little bit along in the series. Was this a mistake? I’m not sure. I think that every book can be read as a standalone, however, there are a few mentions of characters that were important in previous books. But, it doesn’t affect the story much.
In this book, we follow Sister Frevisse as she is in London to meet the new prioress of her abbey. During this trip, she meets with her cousin, Lady Alice, and is soon whisked away with everything going on with her. Politics, murder, attempted murder, disgusting entitled men, poison, etc. This is where we also meet “the Maiden” the book is named after, Lady Jane.
Now, Lady Jane’s side story could have been its own book, imo. She’s the cousin of Suffolk, recently brought to London from a nunnery to be married. She’s Lady Alice’s right hand woman, and keeps all of her secrets, which puts her life at risk. Unfortunately blemished on half of her face, we learn about Lady Jane’s life, her betrothal to William, and the schemes she attempts on Lady Alice’s behalf. By far the most fleshed out character in the book.
Does my review sound a little clunky and all over the place? Well, kids coincides with this book, then. The mystery was fun, the characters lively, the setting impeccable. However, this book just felt very clunky, all over the place.
I’ll be reading more, but not my favorite cozy read. A shame too, because the medieval Europe setting is where I want to be.
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