Helpful Score: 1
When the steward responsible for the prioy's business is accused of being a villein instead of a freeman, Dame Freisse must act in his stead at the village court. Set in 1440 and a painless way of learning history.
Pamela S. (pastorsgarden) reviewed The Reeve's Tale (Sister Frevisse, Bk 9) on + 2 more book reviews
Really liked this book in her series much more than I liked The Bastard's Tale. It had more depth to it. Am going to pass it around a bit before I repost it.
As reeve of the small village of Prior 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... As death casts a cloud over Prior Byfield, fear and suspicion reign-and Frevisse's keen deductions lead her closer to the disturbing truth. Superbly researched, The Reeves's Tale offers a brilliantly realized vision of a typical medieval English village. (from the back of the book)
This was a tricky one! I like how the author invented the way for Frevisse to be involved with this one. I kind of fgiured it out but had no idea who HE was going to be ;o)
Another 'Tale' for Dame Frevisse! When the steward of a small village is accused of dishonesty, Dame is sent in to replace him. Her new duties include conflicts, rivalries and domestic dramas--not to mention a devastating illness and murder.
Another incredible novel about Dame Frevisse and her investigation of two murders. This novel is set during the reign of Henry V (I believe) and the mystery is both well written and fascinating.
The more I read of this series, the more I like it. This is one of the best-crafted tales - Frazer's research is in-depth and detailed, and really brings the 15th century to life. Some may find the pace slow and pondering, but I find it more deliberate, in keeping with the character of the nun who is the clever sleuth. In this installment Dame Frevisse is asked to temporarily replace the nunnery's steward in his duties when an accusation of dishonesty is leveled against him and he is incarcerated while awaiting trial. When the measles sweeps through the town, the sisters Frevisse and Thomasine are compelled by duty to tend the sick, but soon Frevisse's full plate overflows when she has to turn her skills to solving two brutal murders. I thoroughly enjoy visiting another time with such fascinating characters, as well as trying to follow the convoluted trails of a well-wrought mystery, and this series has not disappointed me yet.
