Karen F. (cosmichomicide) reviewed The Bastard's Tale (Dame Frevisse, Bk 12) on + 134 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Wow, I really love this series but this book just dragged on and on. Normally I can't put a Frevisse book down, but this one I just couldn't get into. Maybe too much focus on setting up Joliffe's character for the other series, but the ending seemed rushed and unsatisfying after so much development. Read it if you are already into the series, if you've not read any, go back to the beginning and start there instead.
Helpful Score: 1
(From cover)It is the year 1447, and powerful men from all of England have been summoned to Parliament in the great pilgrimage town of Bury St.Edmunds. Most come to make laws and pass taxes. But a small group of nobles will use this chance to bring down their greatest rival through treachery... From her nunnery, Dame Frevisse is brought into this swirl of politics and plotting by the ambitious Bishop of Winchester. Meant to observe and report to him what she sees, she instead is drawn into the dangerous maelstrom encircling the throne of England. The pity is that desperate acts of loyalty and love are not always enough to save men from murder-and an innocent man from the gallows..."Anyone who values high historical drama will feel amply rewarded by Edgar nominee Frazier's latest Dame Frevisse mystery...History fans will relish every minute they spend with the characters in this powerfully created medieval world." Publishers Weekly
This one is exceptional! We get to meet old friends! I liked the team approach and the deeper involvement into the historical situation.
A medieval mystery with suspense and humor
I've read all the Sister Frevisse series by Frazer except for The Sempster's Tale, and I believe this is the best. Fine writing.
Another excellent Sister Frevisse story! This one is centered around the actual historical events of the Duke of Gloucester's death in 1447, which was believed to have been murder despite the claim of those who arrested him that he died from natural causes. His bastard son Arteys also existed, as well as the Bishop Pecock who befriends Sister Frevisse and Arteys as they attempt to escape the deadly tangle of political threads they find themselved enmeshed within. Frevisse is in the middle of the court politics because she is the cousin of the wife of the Marquis of Suffolk, who is believed to have been involved in Gloucester's arrest and subsequent death. More than in any of her previous books, Frazer cleverly weaves her story among events chronicled in history, which makes it all the more fascinating.
Pamela S. (pastorsgarden) reviewed The Bastard's Tale (Dame Frevisse, Bk 12) on + 2 more book reviews
A good historical novel. Nuns and kings and treachery. Good reading. Am going to pass it around before I post it again.
Arlene L. (poolmysteryreader) reviewed The Bastard's Tale (Dame Frevisse, Bk 12) on + 63 more book reviews
enjoyable entry in this interesting series.
