The Reeve's Tale

This is one series that really deserves the comparison with Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series (first book, A Morbid Taste for Bones: The First Chronicle of Brother Cadfael). Fortunately, I don't believe in hierarchies, because I'd be hard-pressed to choose between the two. Frazer is a very gifted writer and these work both as historical novels and as mysteries. Since Frevisse, like Cadfael is a Benedictine, it is interesting to see glimpses of how the order had changed over the centuries. This is typical of Frazer: the characterizations are excellent and often complex, the background is well drawn and the story is gripping. Frevisse, having more experience in dealing with the outside world than most of her sisters is sent to serve as temporary representative for lands that her convent co-owns. This is a complex job; she must manage to work and share authority with people whose interests are opposed to the convent's. Frazer gives us a vivid account of the machinations that underly the struggle to control land and wealth, even among the peasantry.

This is the first book of this author that i read. I picked up the book purely because it was set in the 15th century England and wanted some idea about a typical English village of that time. And I was not disappointed. Very well written and good characterisation. The story starts slowly but I think this is required for a sound understanding of the settings, the characters, their relationships and their respective roles in the village. In addition to the intriguing mystery, the descriptions of the local governemnt and the role of church in those times is a good learning. In particular, the judicial process of those times has been described well. The dialogue is sharp and at times, witty as well. But dont look for a murder from the first chapter. Be fascinated by the judicial process in the beginning and then get into the nystery as it starts to develop and soon couple of corpses appear. The finger of suspicion does point several ways. Also, there are several sub plots as well. A very engrossing book. Worth reading for the description of the village life, the court and judicial process,and the lifes of the ordinary people. You will not be disappointed in reading this.

Margaret Frazer has done it again with her mystery the Reeve's Tale. Ms Frazer continues to provide us with an interesting slice of life in a medieval setting. This time we journey from the cloister to the village to take a look at the judicial system . Sister Frevisse the sharp witted and sharp tongued sleuth participates in the search for a murderer with in the village after the steward of the nunnery is placed under house arrest.While Frevisse is fighting crime her saintly friend Sister Thomasine is battling an outbreak of the Measles.Entertaining throughout for those fond of the Medieval Mystery genre

This series has run to several books, varying in quality -- Sister Frevisse, a well-born nun and niece to Geoffrey Chaucer, is the investigator. Previous books have dealt with life inside the cloister, court life (Frevisse's cousin is married to nobility) and the intrigues between the princes of the church and English nobility in the 14th century. The present book, however, deals with village life and government and simple human greed. Master Naylor, the priory's steward, is part of the village court of Prior Byfield, as is Simon Perryn, reeve. After some decisions in favor of the village's richest man, Gilbey Dunn, rumor and murder appear to threaten the positions of Naylor, Perryn and Dunn -- Naylor is accused of being a runaway villein and Perryn and Dunn are incriminated in the death of Perryn's sister's lover. After Naylor is accused of not being freeborn, Sister Frevisse is instructed by her prioress to take Naylor's position in the court. Despite the non-cooperation of the crowner, several misdirections and a measles outbreak, Frevisse not only involves herself in the life of the village and its government, but also determines the identity of the miscreant or miscreants and helps bring them to justice. I found the final scene of the book quite special; I could envision the end of harvest and what it meant to the villagers.

In 1440, England slowly recovers from a three-year draught that destroyed many crops and left many people hungry. Prior Byfield was a bit more fortunate than most of England because the sisters of the nearby St. Frideside Nunnery provided food to the villagers. Perhaps the difference between here and much of England is the cooperation between the nunnery and the local secular Lord Lovellard. In fact Lovellard's reeve Simon Perryn and Frideside's steward Master Naylor run the quarterly court together.At the current session, Perryn rules against his brother-in-law Matthew Woodgrove who wants to renew his lease on some family land. Instead the area's most prosperous individual, Gilby Drum, wins the bid. Perhaps it's simple jealousy, but Gilby is an unpopular figure among villeins. Meanwhile, tragedies occur. Someone murders Matthew and the lover of his wife is also found dead. Evidence points towards Gilby and Simon. One of the nuns, Dame Freuisse happens to be nursing villagers through a deadly measles epidemic. Having experience with sleuthing, she begins to investigate who is actually the diabolical person behind these crimes.Margaret Frazier combines a scholar's touch with a fascinating story telling talent that turns her medieval mysteries into some of today's best historical fiction. Fans will enjoy an intriguing who-done-it while learning much about local government and the power of the Church in Medieval England. Sister Freuise is a delightful, believable character who combines a calling to God with secular awareness. Anyone who reads about her adventures will want to peruse the other eight novels in this excellent series.Harriet Klausner