Margins
Sister Frevisse book cover 1
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Sister Frevisse
Series · 21
books · 1992-2011

Books in series

The Novice's Tale book cover
#1

The Novice's Tale

1992

The arrival of lusty, blaspheming dowager Lady Ermentrude at St. Frideswide convent in 1431 causes quite a stir, but before the obnoxious woman can get what she came for—her niece, the novice Thomasine—she is murdered.
The Servant's Tale book cover
#2

The Servant's Tale

1993

Sister Frevisse is sinfully good at discerning the mysteries of the soul—and solving the crimes of the human heart in this charming series. It's Christmastime, and the sisters of St. Frideswide cannot turn away travellers, even the players knocking at the nunnery door. But along with the motley troupe comes the grievously wounded husband of the cloister's scullery maid, Meg. They swear they found the drunken wastrel in a ditch, but the tale sounds like another song and dance. Especially when two dead bodies are waiting in the wings.... Now Sister Frevisse must find out if one of the actors is a murderer in masquerade—or face a very unmerry Yuletide season.
The Outlaw's Tale book cover
#3

The Outlaw's Tale

1994

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 Bishop's Tale book cover
#4

The Bishop's Tale

1994

"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 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 Boy's Tale book cover
#5

The Boy's Tale

1995

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 Murderer's Tale book cover
#6

The Murderer's Tale

1996

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 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 Prioress' Tale book cover
#7

The Prioress' Tale

1997

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 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 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.
The Maiden's Tale book cover
#8

The Maiden's Tale

1998

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
The Reeve's Tale book cover
#9

The Reeve's Tale

1999

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 Squire's Tale book cover
#10

The Squire's Tale

2000

HONEST LOVE, DISHONEST LUST... Years ago, young Robert Fenner was forced into marriage with Lady Blaunche. Now, in 1442, he is being forced toward warfare over the property to which she wrongfully claims ownership. To make matters worse, a wealthy young heiress has captured hearts on both sides of the feud - including his - and it is up to Robert to decide whom she will marry. Drawn from her nunnery's contemplative quiet by Lady Blaunche's need, Dame Frevisse is caught up among the passions of a man desperate for what he cannot have; a powerful knight blocked from what is rightfully his; and a young woman trapped in the eye of the storm. Who will see that justice is done after honest love and dishonest lust spawn anger, greed, and finally... murder? "As exquisitely woven as a medieval tapestry... Frazer's research is dazzling." - The Cleveland Plain Dealer "Written with the graceful rhythms that have garnered her two Edgar nominations... transports the reader to a medieval England made vivid and a world of emotions as familiar then as now." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
The Clerk's Tale book cover
#11

The Clerk's Tale

2002

A MAN HATED BY HIS WIFE, HIS CITY... AND HIS KILLER In Margaret Frazer's latest medieval mystery, the "pious and perceptive" ( New York Times ) Dame Frevisse accompanies her prioress on a visit of mercy to a nunnery. St. Mary's nunnery is a place of prayer and healing for women - so it is surprising to see a man sprawled out in the cloister garden. Dead. Less surprising, to Dame Frevisse, was the identity of the victim: Master Montfort was not particularly liked by anyone in the town of Goring. Even his own wife and clerk despised him. And as royal escheator he was trying to settle a heated dispute between a wealthy woman and her supposed nephew. Now Dame Frevisse must step in and untangle the fortunes and felonies in a rivalry of wealth, family, and politics. But the true challenge will be putting aside her own feelings and serving justice for the murder of an unjust man... "The devout yet human Dame Frevisse is back... another well-wrought tale of intrigue and murder. History aficionados will delight and fans will rejoice that the devout yet human Dame Frevisse is back...." - Publishers Weekly "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 The Queen's Man ) "Meticulous detail that speaks of trustworthy scholarship and a sympathetic imagination." ( The New York Times ) "Full of the richness of the fifteenth century...Margaret Frazer's tales are charmingly and intelligently contrived." ( Minneapolis Star Tribune )
The Bastard's Tale book cover
#12

The Bastard's Tale

2003

In Margaret Frazer's eagerly-awaited latest medieval mystery, the devout yet human nun Dame Frevisse, with her "common sense and humor" (Sharon Kay Penman), finds herself in the lavish world of England's royal court and high politics. There she learns that even the thickest of walls cannot keep out a threat against the royal family...
The Hunter's Tale book cover
#13

The Hunter's Tale

2004

FAMILY SECRETS AND A LEGACY LOST... In the summer of 1448, when Sir Ralph Woderove is found murdered near his estate, not even his family mourns. A hard, vicious man of many quarrels, Sir Ralph could have been killed by almost anyone. And though the consensus is that his soul has surely gone to Hell, Sir Ralph will continue to infuriate his heirs in death through the grossly inadequate terms of his estate's settlement. It falls to Dame Frevisse to escort Sir Ralph's widow and daughter back to their manor, when another death occurs under questionable circumstances - making it clear that not all grievances have been laid to rest. And as family secrets are dragged out into the light, Dame Frevisse realizes that there is a murderer among them who will not rest until the Woderove legacy has been settled once and for all... "Beautifully written and captures the essence of the characters in a way that's bittersweet as well as accurate." - The Best Reviews "Frazer's latest will please both Frevisse afficionados and historical mystery readers new to the series." - Booklist
The Widow's Tale book cover
#14

The Widow's Tale

2005

A WIDOW'S LAST HOPE... In the spring of 1449, widow Cristiana Helyngton has been kidnapped, defamed, and imprisoned in a nunnery - as her late husband's duplicitous relatives seek to obtain control over her lands and children. To secure her freedom and save her daughters, Cristiana must use a secret entrusted to her by her husband as he was dying - a secret that could bring down those lords nearest the king and destroy those most dear to her. Dame Frevisse of St. Frideswide's nunnery must decide where her loyalties lies - to the crown, to the truth, or to England's peace. And whatever she chooses, in the end her help may be of little use against the ruthless men threatened by the secret on which all of Cristiana's hopes depend... "The suspense builds steadily ... in this well-wrought tale involving murder, treason, and 'layers of ambition and betrayal'." - Publishers Weekly "[Frazer] uses many real historical persons in her books, deftly and flawlessly weaving them into the story. Her fictitious characters are also well-defined, and Cristiana will break the reader's heart." - Romantic Times
The Sempster's Tale book cover
#15

The Sempster's Tale

2006

TRAPPED BY REBELS, THREATENED BY THE INQUISITION... AND A GOLDEN FORTUNE IN THE BALANCE! Since the death of her husband, Anne Blakhall has carried on their shared business as a tailor and embroiderer in the heart of London. Rather than remarry as prosperous London widows usually do, she has taken a lover - David Weir, a foreign merchant who is secretly a Jew and therefore in constant deadly peril so long as he remains in England, where Jews have been banished for over a hundred years. Anne, sharing in his secrets, knows that both his life and hers would be forfeit if ever he is found out. Dame Frevisse of St. Frideswide's nunnery is in London to arrange the funeral vestments for her cousin's murdered husband, the Duke of Suffolk. But she is also charged with secretly recovering - and then conveying to her cousin - the gold the late duke sent out of England shortly before his death. But her duty and their love become more dangerous a rebel army advances on London - and a murdered body is discovered in the crypt of a London church, mutilated with what a Franciscan friar of the Inquisition claims are Hebrew letters. Frevisse must discover not only who is guilty... but whether anyone is innocent at all. "What Frazer, a meticulous researcher, gets absolutely right in The Sempster's Tale are the attitudes of the charactrs." - Detroit Free Press "Medieval English society, culture, and politics come to life in Margaret Frazer's skillful application of vivid imagery, complex characterizations, and an intriguing plot." - BookLoons
The Traitor's Tale book cover
#16

The Traitor's Tale

2007

A REBELLIOUS WAR, A TRAIL OF DEAD TRAITORS, A CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE CROWN... Rebellious factions, determined to unseat King Henry VI from the throne, have been staging uprisings throughout England. London has been under siege for three days and the populace is ready to repel the invading rebels and reclaim the city. In the midst of this unrest, Dame Frevisse of St. Frideswide's nunnery has come to her cousin's side. Lady Alice, widowed duchess of Suffolk, needs Frevisse's support in burying her husband, as the late but not lamented duke was so hated that even being in the presence of his corpse is unsafe. And when men in Suffolk's employ start disappearing, Frevisse fears for her cousin's safety. Wandering player Simon Joliffe has also come to London, filling the role of courier for the exiled duke of York and bringing vital information - a list bearing the names of the English noblemen who purportedly betrayed their King by conspiring with the French. Included on this list are several of Suffolk's men, whom Joliffe has been seeking and finding dead at every turn... If charges of treason are brought against Suffolk, Lady Alice fears her son will be disinherited. Joining Joliffe on his search for men on the list, Frevisse starts to wonder whether or not the list is real or part of an even greater conspiracy against the crown... "Painted on a much broader canvas... Ms. Frazer portrays the curse of 'living in interesting times', making it all seem fresh and vibrant as a news bulletin. Possibly the best in the series to date, and that is saying a lot. Miss it at your peril." - MyShelf.com "When you pick up a Margaret Frazer novel, you know you're in for a treat. She has a marvelous way of weaving historical details, facts, politics, and the ins and outs of everyday medieval life into the fabric of her novels. If history texts were written in such a fascinating way, I'm convinced that every schoolchild would become a scholar." - CA Reviews
The Apostate's Tale book cover
#17

The Apostate's Tale

2007

As the nuns of St. Frideswide's priory prepare for the welcome end of Lent, their peaceful expectations are overset by the sudden return of long- vanished Sister Cecely. Nine years ago she fled from the nunnery with a man. Now her lover is dead and she has come back, bringing her illegitimate son with her. She claims she is penitent, that she wants only to redeem her sin and find safe haven for the child. Neither she nor her son can be turned away, but their presence begins to stir doubts and questions in the hearts of some of the nuns about their own faithfulness to this enclosed life they've chosen to live. Sister Cecely may be penitent-however much Frevisse may doubt it-but fully truthful she is not, and as the apostate nun's lies begin to overtake her, dangers of more than one kind-and maybe murder-become an unwanted part of life in the priory.
The Witch's Tale book cover
#17.1

The Witch's Tale

2010

Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live... Witchcraft has come to the peaceful village near St. Frideswide, and its foul touch is striking down those closest to the church. Can Dame Frevisse thwart the servants of the devil before the hellfire of hysteria sears the souls of the faithful? Or is there more to this magic than meets the eye? The truth can only be found in the Witch's Tale. (The Witch's Tale is part of the Margaret Frazer's Tales series of short stories.) PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES “There is action aplenty and intrigue in abundance.” – Historical Novels Review "Frazer uses her extensive knowledge of the period to create an unusual plot ... appealing characters and crisp writing." - Los Angeles Times "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 "Exquisitely written... A superbly researched medieval mystery series!” – Publisher’s Weekly
The Midwife's Tale book cover
#17.2

The Midwife's Tale

2010

"Sisters! Come back! Please don't leave us yet!" Cisily Fisher has died in childbirth and now the village of Priors Byfield is held in a grip of fear. Can Dame Frevisse find the root of misery behind a murderer's sin before the next lethal blow falls? Or will be the village be lost in a hue and cry of terror? The gentling touch of the midwife may calm the tortured soul... or give birth to a bitter death. (The Midwife's Tale is part of the Margaret Frazer's Tales series.)
The Stone-Worker's Tale book cover
#17.3

The Stone-Worker's Tale

2011

A LOVE TO DIE FOR... When Frevisse is given bishop-pardoned leave to visit her cousin Alice at Ewelme, she is enchanted by the work of the sculptor Simon Maye. Charged with carving the angels upon Alice's tomb, Simon has been truly touched by God's gift - there was an otherworldiness to their stone features, an aliveness to the very feathers of their wings. He saw beauty that others could not, and brought it to life through his craft. But Simon also saw the beauty of Elyn, one of Alice's ladies in waiting. Clandestine meetings have given way to sinful lust, and now the two lovers have disappeared. The servants whisper that the lovers have eloped, and secretly pine for the passion to do the same. Lady Alice believes her sculptor has been stolen away by jealous rivals and rages at the injustice. But Frevisse alone suspects there may be some darker truth behind the midnight vanishing... A story from Margaret Frazer's Tales. PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES “Frazer’s quiet yet intense medieval mysteries are so vividly and gracefully written you just float back in time…” – The Poisoned Pen “There is action aplenty and intrigue in abundance.” – Historical Novels Review “Frazer weaves historical details into the life of the fictitious nun… Whether good or evil, her characters are vibrant and compelling. While we might like to believe that the prejudices of that era have passed into history, we are reminded that we are not so very different after all.” – Romantic Times Book Club A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.
Winter Heart book cover
#17.4

Winter Heart

2011

FOR THEY THAT WORK WICKEDNESS... One man has been kidnapped. Another has been murdered. In the bleakest depths of winter, Frevisse finds her soul chilled with the heavy burdens of duty and responsibility. Even the warmth of charity is in short supply as the villagers of Prior Byfield turn against each in bloody feuds of greed and rage, weaving knots of treachery which even the clever Frevisse may find hard to unwind. Award-winning author Margaret Frazer gathers shadows around the hearth to tell a tale of frigid winter and icy passion. Join Frevisse in her fervent prayers for a true peace of mind and body as she pits all her forceful will against the most cunning of evils. Fear for the lives which may be destroyed in unlocking the secrets of the winter heart... A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.

Author

Margaret Frazer
Margaret Frazer
Author · 40 books

Margaret Frazer is a pen name used at first by Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld and Gail Lynn Frazer writing in tandem for a series of historical medieval mysteries featuring Dame Frevisse. After the sixth novel, the works are written by Gail Frazer alone, and the name has subsequently been used exclusively by her. A second series of novels by Ms Frazer set in the same time and place feature the player/minstrel Joliffe. See also: Monica Ferris, Mary Monica Pulver Series: * Sister Frevisse * Joliffe

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