Once again Frazer has produced a great mystery with the wonderful characterization and in-depth research that brings the 15th century to life. St. Frideswide's priory has to deal with a prodigal's return, as the apostate nun Sister Cecely, who had run away with a man nine years ago, returns with her bastard son when she has nowhere else to turn. But her protestations of penitence are proven to be lies when her deceased husband's family arrive at the priory demanding the return of deeds she has stolen, as well as custody of her son. The prioress decides to wait for her brother Abbot Gilberd's judgement on the matter; but while awaiting him, one of the guests, the man who was to assist Cecely in escaping once more, is suddenly poisoned. When a second poisoning occurs, Dame Frevisse must race to discover the truth before another attempt is made.
Another vivid and masterful tale, the only reason I gave this 4 1/2 stars rather than 5 is some trace of what appears to be sloppy editing - in Cecely's thoughts there are phrases that keep repeating to the point of annoyance, though it's possibly deliberate on the author's part in showing the character's obsession; there is also another paragraph repeated almost word for word with another character, which make me think that in the rewrite or editing these minor flaws were missed, maybe due to haste? Regardless, the story is another gem in the series, but there is a finality about it the way it ends that makes me uneasy that the author may not write more. I so hope that fear is unfounded, as this is one of my favorites.
Another vivid and masterful tale, the only reason I gave this 4 1/2 stars rather than 5 is some trace of what appears to be sloppy editing - in Cecely's thoughts there are phrases that keep repeating to the point of annoyance, though it's possibly deliberate on the author's part in showing the character's obsession; there is also another paragraph repeated almost word for word with another character, which make me think that in the rewrite or editing these minor flaws were missed, maybe due to haste? Regardless, the story is another gem in the series, but there is a finality about it the way it ends that makes me uneasy that the author may not write more. I so hope that fear is unfounded, as this is one of my favorites.
âDame Frevisse is hosteler of the St. Frideswide priory and an amateur sleuth. 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 a safe haven for her child. By the law of the Church, neither she nor the child 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 the enclosed life they live. However, these doubts become the least of the problems Dame Frevisse must confront. Contrite Sister Cecely may be -- however much Frevisse may doubt it -- but truthful she is not, and as the apostate nun's lies begin to overtake her, dangers of more than one kind become an unwanted part of life in the priory."
The story ends with the death of the current Domina of St.Frideswide, and the election of Dame Freviesse as the new Domina. And this is the last book the author completed. It was printed in 2008. I hope to find other volumes in this series to add to my bookshelf.
The story ends with the death of the current Domina of St.Frideswide, and the election of Dame Freviesse as the new Domina. And this is the last book the author completed. It was printed in 2008. I hope to find other volumes in this series to add to my bookshelf.
