UNHOLY PASSIONS AND DEMONIC DEATHS... In the fair autumn of Our Lord's grace 1431, the nuns of England's St. Frideswide's prepare for the simply ceremonies in which the saintly novice Thomasine will take her holy vows. But their quiet lives of beauty and prayer are thrown into chaos by the merciless arrival of Lady Ermentrude Fenner and her retinue of lusty men, sinful women, and baying hounds. The hard-drinking dowager even keeps a pet monkey for her amusement. She demands wine, a feast... And her niece, the angelic Thomasine. The lady desires to enrich herself and her reputation by arranging a marriage for the devout novice. She cares nothing for the panic and despair she leaves behind her. But all her cruel and cunning schemes are brought to a sudden end with strange and most unnatural murder. As suspicious eyes turn on the pious Thomasine, it falls to Sister Frevisse, hosteler of the priory and amateur detective, to unravel the webs of unholy passion and dark intrigue that entangle the novice and prove her innocence... or condemn her. THE FIRST VOLUME OF THE NATIONAL BESTSELLING SISTER FREVISSE NOVELS! PRAISE FOR THE NOVICE'S TALE "Frazer uses her extensive knowledge of the period to create an unusual plot ... appealing characters and crisp writing." - Los Angeles Times "A fast-paced and seamless story." - St. Paul Pioneer Press PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "It's a fine time to introduce yourself to this smart and sensible nun... Weaves a budding romance and a grand, unrequited passion with a bold and dangerous plot... A historical tale that teems with period detail. Great fun for all lovers of history with their mystery!" - Alfred Hitchcock Magazine "I look forward to more murders at St. Frideswide." - Carolyn Thompson, The Mystery Review "Frazer's books will be among those I read as soon as I see them... The author's note at novel's conclusion, in which Frazer reveals the historical facts and actual people behind the story she created, adds immeasurably to its interest." - Houston Facts "Exquisitely written... a brilliantly realized vision of a typical medieval English village, peopled with full-blooded men and women who experience the human range of joys and sorrows. Suspenseful from start to surprising conclusion." - Publisher's Weekly A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

The Novice's Tale (A Dame Frevisse Mystery)

Literature & Fiction

Frazer, Margaret

Genre Fiction

BERKLEY

THE PLAY'S THE THING, TO CATCH THE CONSCIENCE OF A KILLER... The Christmas season brings strange guests to the medieval nunnery of St. Frideswide's when a troupe of penniless players comes knocking at the gate. They bear with them the badly mangled body of a villager, swearing they found the drunken fool lying in a ditch. But Meg, the victim's wife and a scullery maid of the cloister, thinks there are far fouler deeds afoot. As the players rehearse for the nativity, ancient scandals lick at their heels and dark desperation haunts Meg's steps as she finds cruel feudal laws threatening to strip away the lands that would support both her and her sons in the wake of her husband's death. Dame Frevisse must thrust herself between these violent feuds, awakening dreams of her youth that she had believed long buried. Her very faith may be threatened, but Frevisse knows she must unravel a path to true salvation... before false raptures of lust bring ruination upon them all. NOMINATED FOR THE 1994 EDGAR AWARD PRAISE FOR THE SERVANT'S TALE "Period detail, adroit characterizations, and lively dialogue add to the pleasure of this labyrinthine tale." - Publishers Weekly "This mystery is so rich with place and time that they become characters in the story. Dame Frevisse is a stalwart, appealing sleuth and the cold, dark priory and the squalor of Medieval England are fascinating backdrops." - New Orleans Times-Picayune "The writing is seamless... The atmosphere of the book is cold and blustery, danger afield. A well-steeped sense of history prevails... They make this novel more than a mystery, but a wonderful historical dark tapestry. We are transported back to the 14th century. One of the 10 best mystery novels of 1993." - Minneapolis Star Tribune "I look forward to more murders at St. Frideswide." - The Mystery Review "Frazer never falters in this magnificent historical... This is a perfect mystery: It's flawless." - Drood Review of Mystery PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSEE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "Exciting writing, colorful characters, and historical accuracy." - St. Paul Pioneer Press "Tale[s] of mystery, intrigue, jealousy and ambition, well drawn, well paced, and a pleasure to read." - Historical Novels Review "The series gets better and better as it goes along." - Grounds for Mystery "Margaret Frazer has quietly claimed her place as one of the preeminent writers of historical crime fiction, delivering the whole package - a good mystery, wonderful characters, and a fascinating period of history. [...] Her novels are a dream to read." - Aunt Agatha's Newsletter "Frazer's quiet yet intense medieval mysteries are so vividly and gracefully written you just float back in time..." - The Poisoned Pen "A smooth and absorbing saga of conspiracy and treachery in 15th-century England..." - Publishers Weekly A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

The Servant's Tale (A Dame Frevisse Mystery)

"MAY GOD STRIKE ME DOWN WITHIN THE HOUR!" To the guests at the mourning feast for Thomas Chaucer, the last words of Sir Clement Sharpe had been enough to damn him in the eyes of God. Detested by all who knew him, his final blasphemy had turned even God's anger against him and his death would be a lesson well-remembered. None among them would ever forget the sight of God striking down a sinning man, and each would keep in their heart the need to honor God's charity and love in all the hours of their lives. But the crafty Dame Frevisse and cunning Bishop Beaufort suspect that there may be an all-too-mortal hand at work in Sir Clement's death. If their suspicions can be proved, then the only lesson to be learned is the bleakest secret of the blackest heart. PRAISE FOR THE BISHOP'S TALE "The setting for another tale of mystery, intrigue, jealousy and ambition, well drawn, well paced, and a pleasure to read." - Historical Novels Review "Rich period detail, canny characterization, and a lively plot should endear Sister Frevisse and her tales to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries." - Minneapolis Star Tribune "Truly this is a winter's tale, wintry in setting and in themes. The most powerful emotions are chilled and subdued: Cool authority, icy determination, cold despair - these are stronger than the widow's stormy, self-pitying grief, the petulant anger of a pair of young lovers, the heat of a proud man's anger, and the fiery rash which clutches and kills him." - Jeanne M. Jacobson, Drood Review of Mystery PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "Frazer is writing one of the most consistently excellent historical series in print today." - Murder Ink "Frazer successfully captures the essence of 15th century England - the sights, smells, and sounds fill the pages, drawing us in as we become immersed in the language, manners, and customs of a far off time and place." - Rendezvous "Dame Frevisse, the pious and perspective nun gives focus to this sober series... [Frazer] shows a meticulous detail that speaks of trustworthy scholarship and a sympathetic imagination." - New York Times Book Review "Once you begin to read this series, you will want to follow your new friends to the end of their personal story." - Cross Point Book Reviews "Exquisitely written... A superbly researched medieval mystery series!" - Publisher's Weekly "Everything about it bespeaks quality and care... Frazer draws us into a medieval village in England with a story of lust, greed, and murder." - St. Paul Pioneer Press A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

The Bishop's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries)

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Mystery

Berkley_Pub Group

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN... "Sanctuary! In God's name you must give it!" A dark lady rides back into the life of Dame Frevisse, bearing with her two small boys haunted by the touch of death and scandal. Nine men lie dead on the road behind them, victims of the grim fate which relentlessly pursues them. Some seek to turn them away, but when they request sanctuary Frevisse is bound by her holy oaths to grant it. But in welcoming them within the walls of St. Frideswide, has Dame Frevisse allowed death to stalk the nunnery's halls? When she begins to untangle the mystery of these strange guests, the truth she discovers may be enough to doom them all. Forced to keep secrets better left untold even from the nuns of her own order, Frevisse is caught in a crucible between faith and duty. To learn the boy's name is to be drawn into a conspiracy of shame. To hear the boy's tale is to face death. PRAISE FOR THE BOY'S TALE "Frazer's writing is both erudite and vivid, and she has the ability to bring characters to life within a strong, clear story." - The Drood Review of Mystery "Seeing events through the eyes of small children not understanding royal politics was an especially pleasing part of experiencing this story." - Books 'n Bytes "Frazer starts to glow. Each action is a natural progression. Each character has wants, needs, and desires. The mystery is engaging. It brought tears to my eyes." - Epinions.com "This fast-paced historical mystery comes complete with a surprise ending - one that will hopefully lead to another Tale of mystery and intrigue." - Affaire de Coeur PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "This series is full of the richness of the fifteenth century, handled with the care it deserves. Margaret Frazer's tales are charmingly and intelligently contrived." - Minneapolis Star Tribune "Accurate period detail, adroit characterization, and lively dialogue add to the pleasure." - Publishers Weekly "Sister Frevisse is a stalwart, appealing sleuth." - Mostly Murder "Truly shocking scenes and psychological twists." - Mystery Loves Company "Frazer uses her extensive knowledge of the period to create an unusual plot ... appealing characters and crisp writing." - Los Angeles Times Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries)

United States

ACT OF MERCY, ACT OF MURDER Leaving the safety of her nunnery walls behind, Dame Frevisse is drawn into an unholy web of treachery and deceit. Waylaid on the King's Highway by a band of outlaws, Frevisse is shocked to discover that their leader is her long-lost cousin Nicholas. When he pleads with her to help him obtain a pardon for his crimes, she finds herself trapped between the harsh edicts of the law and the mercy of her vows. But even as she struggles to restore his fortunes, Frevisse must fight to save his soul... and his life. Before the outlaw's tale can be told, the saintly nun will find herself trapped in a manor house of murder, caught between the holy passions of the heart and the sinful greeds of man. PRAISE FOR THE OUTLAW'S TALE "A tale well told, filled with intrigue and spiced with romance and rogues." - School Library Journal "...a meticulous recreation of not only how people lived more than five hundred years ago, but how they loved, suffered and sinned. Just the thing for anybody who usually disparages the genre to show how well it can be done, in the right hands." - Myshelf.com "Dame Frevisse is well-born, well-educated, and not at all afraid to stick her inquisitive nose into anything which just does not seem right." - Tower Books Mystery Newsletter PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "Frazer's writing is both erudite and vivid, and she has the ability to bring characters to life within a strong, clear story." - Drood Review of Mystery "This series is full of the richness of the fifteenth century, handled with the care it deserves. Margaret Frazer's tales are charmingly and intelligently contrived." - Minneapolis Star Tribune "Accurate period detail, adroit characterization, and lively dialogue add to the pleasure." - Publishers Weekly A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

The Outlaw's Tale

THROUGH A MURDERER'S EYES... Caught under the tyrannical thumb of her new prioress, Dame Frevisse finds welcome relief in leaving St. Frideswide nunnery on pilgrimage. But the road brings with it unwelcome company: The wealthy Lionel Knyvet has been possessed by a foul demon. Seeking relief from the horrific terrors visited upon his body each fortnight, Lionel has dragged his entire household on an endless pilgrimage across the breadth and length of England. Frevisse wants nothing more than the peaceful bliss of travel, but must instead endure the incessant chattering of a mob. Lionel's possession, however, may only mask a darker sin. When the pilgrims make their way to the manor house at Minster Lovell, Frevisse begins to unwind the bitter poisons of jealousy and betrayal eating at the hearts of both Lionel and his brother Giles. Against her will, the innocent nun is drawn into the vilest depths of the human soul and there she unlocks the mysteries of a blackened heart. But even when the truth comes out, can justice be done? The pure of heart will find no peace when murder and death come knocking at the manor's door... PRAISE FOR THE MURDERER'S TALE "Frazer has created the most despicable villain since Iago." - Patricia W. Julius, Detective as Historian "Historical readers will be charmed with the story; feminists will be delighted with the strong female characters. Ellis Peters has a worthy successor in Margaret Frazer." - Meritorious Mysteries "Expertly captures the flavor of the period with vivid descriptions and creates dimensional characters true to the times." - Rendezvous "A diabolically smooth and logical frame-up... Frazer springs substantial surprises. A moving portrait of how afflictions torment body and mind and a meditation on selfless friendship. It's a treat, with memorable characters and a thoughtful, bittersweet ending." - S.M. Tyson, The Armchair Detective PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MYSTERIES "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 "Mystery... Suspense... Frazer executes with audacity and ingenuity." - Kirkus Reviews "Margaret Frazer is on a rip. Each book is better and stronger than the last, and it's almost a privilege to be on the journey as the skillful Frazer takes her heroine, Dame Frevisse, all over Britain solving crimes." - Aunt Agatha's "There is action aplenty and intrigue in abundance." - Historical Novels Review A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

The Murderer's Tale (A Sister Frevisse Medieval Mystery)

DARK CORRUPTION AND THE PENITENCE OF DEATH... Under the harsh hand of its newly elected prioress, St. Frideswide's has become a place of deadly sin. The corruption has grown subtly and slowly, but it has found fertile soil in the rage and greed of Domina Alys, who has turned the priory into a boarding house for her relatives, the Godfreys. Dame Frevisse is horrified to discover that the modest stores of the priory - desperately needed if the nuns are to survive the coming winter - are being completely consumed by the rapacious Godfrey clan. But the Godfreys bring with them more immediate terrors: Torture. Madness. Kidnapping. Murder. The sanctuary of the cloister has been violated and even the holy rites of the nuns have been ripped apart. Despite the growing crisis, Frevisse's best efforts to save the nunnery from itself are met with scorn and torment as bitter hatreds and old rivalries turn nun against nun. Suspicion, paranoia, and despair clutch the cloister's heart. If Frevisse cannot unlock the riddles of penitence for her prioress and for herself, then St. Frideswide's may be no more... NOMINATED FOR THE 1998 EDGAR AWARD PRAISE FOR THE PRIORESS' TALE "When this series debuted, its publisher hailed Frazer as the logical successor to Ellis Peters... With a number of strong books already under her belt, Frazer may actually make her publisher's dream come true." - Star Tribune "Often chastised for her disobedience and made to do penance, Sister Frevisse's curious nature still wins out as she uses logic and her intelligence to sleuth with the best of them." - Rendezvous "Frazer is writing one of the most consistently excellent historical series in print today." - Murder Ink "Clearly, the setting is the star here, and Frazer is generous with her details of abbey life." - Publishers Weekly "Margaret Frazer continues her splendid series of medieval mysteries... She has a sure grasp of the realities of medieval life: Its careless cruelty, effortless hypocrisy - particularly in matters of religion - and its disregard for women who could wield influence only in the most indirect ways." - MLB News PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "A smooth and absorbing saga of conspiracy and treachery in 15th-century England..." - Publishers Weekly "Margaret Frazer has quietly claimed her place as one of the preeminent writers of historical crime fiction, delivering the whole package - a good mystery, wonderful characters, and a fascinating period of history... Her novels are a dream to read." - Aunt Agatha's Newsletter "Exciting writing, colorful characters, and historical accuracy." - St. Paul Pioneer Press "The setting brims with historical details... A brilliant study of human nature... Ms. Frazer reveals her genius... Highly recommended." - Historical Novels Review "Mystery... Suspense... Frazer executes with audacity and ingenuity." - Kirkus Reviews A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

Prioress' 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 deadly: 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 question: 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

The Maiden's Tale

Contemporary

MURDER, PLAGUE, AND DEATH... As reeve of the small village of Pryor Byfield, Simon Perryn must rule on many local disputes - a task he often shares with the steward of St. Frideswide's nunnery. But when the steward is accused of dishonesty and forced to step aside, the worldly Dame Frevisse is sent to replace him. Her new duties thrust the reluctant Frevisse into the conflicts, rivalries, and domestic dramas of the locals - and when a plague sweeps through the town, the overworked nun must stay so as not to expose the nunnery to the disease. But after two villagers are brutally killed, Frevisse must divide her time between tending for the sick and searching for the truth. As death casts a cloud over Prior Byfield, fear and suspicion reign - and Frevisse's keen deductions lead her ever closer to the disturbing truth... MINNESOTA BOOK AWARD NOMINEE "Offers a brilliantly realized vision of a typical medieval English village... Suspenseful from start to surprising conclusion... another gem." - Publisher's Weekly (starred review) PRAISE FOR MARGARET FRAZER AND THE DAME FREVISSE MYSTERIES "This is a wonderful series. Frevisse, with her common sense and humor and tang of salt, is one of my favorite sleuths."-- Sharon Kay Penman, author of Cruel as the Grave "This series is full of the richness of the fifteenth century, handled with the care it deserves. Margaret Frazer's tales are charmingly and intelligently contrived."-- Minneapolis Star Tribune "Excellently drawn....very authentic."-- Anne Perry "An unusual plot....appealing characters and crisp writing."-- Los Angeles Times "A tale well told, filled with intrigue and spiced with romance and rogues."-- School Library Journal "Frazer's writing is both erudite and vivid, and she has the ability to bring characters to life within a strong, clear story."-- The Drood Review of Mystery

The Reeve's Tale: A Sister Frevisse Medieval Mystery

Berkley Hardcover

MURDER, PLAGUE, AND DEATH... As reeve of the small village of Pryor Byfield, Simon Perryn must rule on many local disputes - a task he often shares with the steward of St. Frideswide's nunnery. But when the steward is accused of dishonesty and forced to step aside, the worldly Dame Frevisse is sent to replace him. Her new duties thrust the reluctant Frevisse into the conflicts, rivalries, and domestic dramas of the locals - and when a plague sweeps through the town, the overworked nun must stay so as not to expose the nunnery to the disease. But after two villagers are brutally killed, Frevisse must divide her time between tending for the sick and searching for the truth. As death casts a cloud over Prior Byfield, fear and suspicion reign - and Frevisse's keen deductions lead her ever closer to the disturbing truth... MINNESOTA BOOK AWARD NOMINEE "Offers a brilliantly realized vision of a typical medieval English village... Suspenseful from start to surprising conclusion... another gem." - Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

The Reeve's Tale (Sister Frevisse)

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