A Play of Lords (Joliffe, Book 4)

I found the backdrop of the political powerplays added to the intrigue. I enjoyed this one more than any of the other Joliffes. Frazer's attention to detail is so greatly appreciated!

This is the first book that I have read by Margaret Frazer but I was so impressed by the attention to historical detail that I will now be on the lookout for any others that I can lay my hands on. It is very refreshing at a time when a lot of the historical novels being churned out at the moment are mediocre in the extreme to find an author who loves her subject and is prepared to take the time to research it. Many authors think that the research time is better used by churning out another book. Some reader's may say that there is too much historical detail but I thought that it added more credence to the story. The characters are both believable and likable and the storyline revolves around Joliffe a traveling actor and playwright and the insight into the theatrical world of the time is both interesting and enlightening. In this particular story Joliffie and the company of players act as spies among the Lords of the land as they vie for the coveted position of regent to young Henry VI. However when men begin to die violent deaths, the players become fearful for their own lives.

If you like history, especially that of medieval times, you have to love the books of Margaret Frazer. Starting with her Sister Frevisse series (loosely based on the character types of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) one is treated to sensible solutions of difficulties encountered by human beings since day one. Frevisse was a nun, and convents seemed to be no more immune from such problems as any other sector of society. There were sixteen in this series, and then the author turned to another small, but very visible and busy, portion of the world of that time - the players. Theater, in other words. Ante-dating Shakespeare by more than a hundred years, we learn all about the traveling groups of actors and writers, for whom any element of society is fair game to be satirized or used as a learning tool. Joliffe is a young man (mid-twenties, maybe) who is both a gifted writer and a crafty actor. He becomes part of a small group of actors headed by Bassett (50-ish), his daughter Rose, her son Piers, Ellis (Rose's sometime lover) and Gil, the younger man who plays most of the women's parts. In this, the fourth of this series, the troupe (which has become part of Lord Lovell's household) comes to London for the opening of Parliament in the autumn of 1435. Henry VI is but 14, and not old enough to rule on his own, setting up constant battles for the right to supervise him. His father had brothers, and so did his father's father. It's all these uncles and great-uncles who clutter up the scene, keeping everyone off balance! [Eventually (but not in this book) all these uncles (and their off-spring) will lead the country into the Wars of the Roses.] Until that happens, however, do read Margaret Frazer's fascinating stories. She's as good as it gets, and her writing is so graceful and evocative that you feel you are there - in 1435, along with the rest of the actors. Her insight into the theatrical world of that time is marvelous, and should be considered must reading for anyone who loves theater. I'd happily give it ten stars if I could!

I just love Margaret Frazer's books. The only problem is that I can't put them down until I've finished reading them. I highly recommend this historical mystery series with the Players (traveling acting troupe) and the other with Sister Frevisse. They are a lot of fun and you learn something too. A combination that I appreciate. Please keep them coming.

As a fan of the Joliffe (and Frevisse) series, I would say that "A Play of Lords" is among Frazer's best. Frazer is exceptionally skilled at writing these medieval history-mysteries. She is quite deft at integrating historical facts with fiction. "A Play of Lords" is no exception. It includes facts about intriguing political events that took place during the time period in which the book is set. The mores of that medieval time period are fascinating. Frazer puts factual and fictional elements together and produces (as she always does) a remarkable story and one that transports the reader to Medieval England, which comes alive with her detailed descriptions. As I read, I 'saw' the streets of London and 'walked' along the Thames. I enjoyed the conversations between the characters. It is always a joy spending time with 'the company' and the other characters that Frazer creates. She puts such depth to her characters that it is impossible not to respond to them one way or another. In this book, Mak proves to be an appealing addition, especially in light of Joliffe's assessment of him and then Mak's reaction to that assessment. Of course, Joliffe is an enticing character, and he makes a few decisions that are surprising. Actually, there are several surprises that will keep you turning the pages. The plot held my attention all the way to the end, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments along the way. All in all, "A Play of Lords" is educational; it is humorous, and it is edifying (one of Frazer's many skills includes her astonishing ability to capture the different aspects of human nature, not least the moral aspect). I completely enjoyed reading "A Play of Lords"; I am already awaiting the next Joliffe. In the meantime, thank goodness, there is a Frevisse coming out in Jan.'08 (and that is not soon enough).