- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group (Dec 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0425172325
- ISBN-13: 978-0425172322
- Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 13.8 x 2.6 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 813,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Synopsis
Sister Frevisse is sent to a small village of Prior Byfield to find that she must resolve the conflicts, rivalries and domestic dramas of the locals and when a measles epidemic sweeps through the town, she must stay to tend the sick. But the brutal murders of two villagers means she must divide her time butween nursing and sleuthing.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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12 reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
One of the best of the series
6 April 2000
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Excellent mediveal mystery !!!!!
27 Mar 2001
Format:Hardcover
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.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Excellent historical mystery-try this series
12 Dec 1999
Format:Hardcover
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
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