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73rd out of 738 books
—
1,613 voters
The Novice's Tale (Sister Frevisse #1)
It is the year of Our Lord's grace 1431, and the nuns of England's St. Frideswide sweetly chant their Paternosters behind gracious, trellised walls. But their quiet lives are shattered by the unwelcome visit of the hard-drinking, blaspheming dowager Lady Ermentrude, with her retinue of lusty maids and men, baying hounds, and even a pet monkey in tow. The lady demands wine,...more
Paperback, 229 pages
Published
November 1st 1993
by Berkley
(first published 1992)
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First in the Sister Frevisse medieval mystery series revolving around a group of nuns, Dame Frevisse in particular. The series is based in St. Frideswide's priory, a Benedictine order, in Oxfordshire. This particular story takes place in September in the Year of Our Lord's grace 1431.
My Take
Okay, do not read this too soon after reading her Joliffe series as it incorporates the same Bishop of Winchester in both series. I made the mistake of reading both at the same time and I kept waiting for Jol...more
My Take
Okay, do not read this too soon after reading her Joliffe series as it incorporates the same Bishop of Winchester in both series. I made the mistake of reading both at the same time and I kept waiting for Jol...more
This is the first of Frazer's Sister Frevisse mysteries, introducing Frevisse, hosteler to her priory and niece of Walter Chaucer (son of the poet and a figure of some standing in the court of Henry V's son). This mystery revolves around a young novice, Thomasine, who is within two weeks of taking her vows when her disliked aunt, one of the priory's most important patronesses, apparently goes off her chump, tries to drag her bodily out of the convent, has fits, seems to recover, then has more fi...more
The Novice's Tale is a medieval murder mystery in which one Sister Frevisse must find the person responsible for 2 deaths by poison in her once-peaceful English nunnery. The titular novice is Thomasine, a devout 17 year old about to take her vows to enter the nunnery of St Frideswide. She becomes the chief but suspect in the murders and it is up to Frevisse to prove her innocent.
Frazer has clearly undertaken massive amounts of research. The nunnery of St Frideswide and the lifestyle within it is...more
Frazer has clearly undertaken massive amounts of research. The nunnery of St Frideswide and the lifestyle within it is...more
Jan 14, 2011
Lisa (Harmonybites)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Lovers of Historical Mysteries
Recommended to Lisa (Harmonybites) by:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Ultimate Reading List
This has been compared to Ellis Peter's Brother Cadfael stories, and I certainly can see several superficial similarities. Like Brother Cadfael, sleuth Sister Frevisse is a monastic in the Benedictine order in an abbey in medieval England. However, I didn't find this first novel in the series anywhere near as engaging. Part of that is I believe Peters is the stronger writer and in particular Cadfael is a stronger character, one who had an active life in the world as a sailor and crusader before...more
Great start to the Sister Frevisse series which I probably would have ranked 4* if I hadn't recently finished #6 in the Joliffe series, A Play of Piety, which had a somewhat similar plot/mystery. I'm enjoying these fairly light mysteries set in the 1400s with timeless themes of love, greed, power, politics, religion, etc.
They do remind me of Alexander McCall Smith, in their repetitiveness and easy-reading, but a bit more of a mystery involved and the historical setting also sets them apart....more
They do remind me of Alexander McCall Smith, in their repetitiveness and easy-reading, but a bit more of a mystery involved and the historical setting also sets them apart....more
I happened to pick up the 10th of this series a few weeks ago, and since I thought it was amazing I naturally decided to round up the first (from the library) and read them in order.
This first of the series is nearly as good as the 10th, but lacks the depth of emotion and characterization that makes a book amazing to me. It's a very good book, however: a well-developed historical setting (15th-century England), interesting and well-differentiated characters, but not spectacular. The identity of...more
This first of the series is nearly as good as the 10th, but lacks the depth of emotion and characterization that makes a book amazing to me. It's a very good book, however: a well-developed historical setting (15th-century England), interesting and well-differentiated characters, but not spectacular. The identity of...more
The first in the series of Sister Frevisse medieval mysteries--this series is somewhat similar to the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters, but the protagonist is a nun, Sister Frevisse, rather than a monk, and the books are set in the 1430s rather than in the 1100s. I love medieval history and so I am a sucker for these. As mysteries, the author takes her time in getting to the central murder that forms the crux of the tale, but the set-up is so interesting and is needed to unravel the thr...more
First in a series of short mysteries that take place at a 'nunery' ? in 1430's. It was a short, fun read but I probably won't pick up another for awhile.
Favorite Quotes:
"Why were patience and courage always called for when there was the least supply of the available?"
"It was easy to forget among the quiet patterns of St. Frideswide's that its nuns were the daughters, granddaughters, sisters of men who held their inheritance by right of arms and battle skills. As nuns and women their daily life...more
Favorite Quotes:
"Why were patience and courage always called for when there was the least supply of the available?"
"It was easy to forget among the quiet patterns of St. Frideswide's that its nuns were the daughters, granddaughters, sisters of men who held their inheritance by right of arms and battle skills. As nuns and women their daily life...more
I love this series. Sister Frevisse, the protagonist, is a nun in a small convent in medieval England. She loves the religious life and it is central to her identity. She is also unusually educated, and related to some powerful people, which is how she gets involved in intrigue and mystery.
The rhythm of the Divine Office (the Liturgy of the Hours) governs her days when she is at home in the convent, and to a lesser extent when she is out visiting. Because she is educated, she understands the Lat...more
The rhythm of the Divine Office (the Liturgy of the Hours) governs her days when she is at home in the convent, and to a lesser extent when she is out visiting. Because she is educated, she understands the Lat...more
I'm never sure how 'good' historical fiction is, having started my adult reading with what I later realised to be some pretty dreadful 'historical' books. I chose this book because it looked as if it would be light and different to what I usually read, and it was. I liked the central character very much, the historical detail was interesting but not laboured and it worked well as a whodunnit. Most importantly, to my enormous surprise, it had one of those sharp-intake-of-breath moments near the e...more
The Novice's Tale is the first in a collection of "Dame Frevisse" medieval mysteries. Dame Frevisse is a Benedictine nun in a small priory, St Frideswide's in Oxfordshire, in the 1430s,1440s and 1450s. The historical background is richly detailed (without weighing you down) and the mysteries keep you turning the pages. If you read them in chronological order, you also get a superb portrait of Dame Frevisse herself over the years. If you like mysteries, historical fiction and strong women protago...more
Well, I simply loved this book and am looking forward to reading the whole series. Dame Frevisse is a wise and wonderful sleuth in Northern Oxfordshire in the reign of Henry VI. Had she met Brother Cadfael, they would have had lots to chat about. Like Cadfael, Frevisse is prized at her convent of St. Frideswide (patron saint of Oxfordshire) for her wisdom, abilities, and insights into the frailties of the Lord's human flock. These, of course, make excellent qualities for mystery-solvers of any d...more
TO THE PRIORY A LADY CAME FOR MISCHIEF... AND FOR MURDER
It is the year of Our Lord's grace 1431, and the nuns of England's St. Frideswide sweetly chant their Paternosters behind gracious, trellised walls. But their quiet lives are shattered by the unwelcome visit of the hard-drinking, blaspheming dowager Lady Ermentrude, with her retinue of lusty maids and men, baying hounds, and even a pet monkey in tow. The lady demands wine, a feast, and a her niece, the frail and saintly novice Thomasine.
W...more
It is the year of Our Lord's grace 1431, and the nuns of England's St. Frideswide sweetly chant their Paternosters behind gracious, trellised walls. But their quiet lives are shattered by the unwelcome visit of the hard-drinking, blaspheming dowager Lady Ermentrude, with her retinue of lusty maids and men, baying hounds, and even a pet monkey in tow. The lady demands wine, a feast, and a her niece, the frail and saintly novice Thomasine.
W...more
I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow going in places but the history given and the slice of life from the 1400's was fascinating.
Sister Frevisse is the hosteler in the nunnery of St. Frideswide. Novice (Thomasine) is threatened by her great-aunt, Lady Ermentrude wants to remove her from the convent. When Lady Ermentrude is later found dead the prime suspect is Thomasine and Sister Frevisse is determined to save her from the hangman.
It might be a while before I read another, these are a litt...more
Sister Frevisse is the hosteler in the nunnery of St. Frideswide. Novice (Thomasine) is threatened by her great-aunt, Lady Ermentrude wants to remove her from the convent. When Lady Ermentrude is later found dead the prime suspect is Thomasine and Sister Frevisse is determined to save her from the hangman.
It might be a while before I read another, these are a litt...more
Well written and interesting, much as Agatha Christie books are. There is quite a bit too much description of deaths, though. I don't like having that go on and on.
I did like the little historical touches, such as one of the main male characters being Chaucer's son, and they key female character having a Wycliffe Bible, which she kept hidden. The religious aspects are dealt with respectfully, as well, which I appreciated.
I did like the little historical touches, such as one of the main male characters being Chaucer's son, and they key female character having a Wycliffe Bible, which she kept hidden. The religious aspects are dealt with respectfully, as well, which I appreciated.
Very interesting perspective on solving murders. In the 1400s no one preserved the crime scene or collected evidence. Basically criminals had to be badgered into confessing or convinced that God would strick them dead on the spot. I really liked the convent setting. Learned alot about that life that has always been a mystery to me. I did do some internet searches to see the clothing of the era so I could picture the characters better.
I'm besides myself on this one. I *really* liked Margaret Frazer's Joliffe series, and since that's a very similar concept to the Sister Frevisse stuff, I figured I'd love this. But I didn't. I'm going to read a few more of the series and see how they go - I'm of a mind that this one felt a little off to me because it was one of the first, whereas the Joliffe series is after she's really rolling and on her A game.
I think what I liked least about this book was that it took place completely in th...more
I think what I liked least about this book was that it took place completely in th...more
Because I had read all the Cadfael books this one, set in a nunnery, had a familiar feel to it. Was surprised that by mid-book Dame Fevrisse had not really had a lot to do with the story. She seemed very peripheral to the action. I thought sure I had the ending figured out but Frazer fooled me. I still didn't find Fevrisse as enjoyable or compelling a character as Brother Cadfael but I may read a few more of her Tales.
While the setting (convent/nunnery in the mid 1400s) is interesting and the murder details were pulling me, wanting me to continue reading to the conclusion, this book just didn't resonate with me. However, I'm not a good judge as mysteries are generally not my favorite genre. To add to my disappointment, I just finished a very good medieval mystery series by Sharon Kay Penman which I enjoyed much more.
If you love Ellis Peters and her medieval mysteries and have yearned for more, you will love this book. This time we have a nun rather than a monk, but the details are excellent and the mystery is good. She may not offer quite the degree of richness enjoyed in Peters’ prose, but she is good. Very satisfying and more to enjoy, as this novel is the first of a series.
It's fun to finally get to the beginning of this series. Kind of backwards but that's ok. Good intro to the characters and setting. It's also timely for me because I've been reading Shakespeare's Henry VI plays and this is set when he was a 9 year old king, about to be crowned in France. So, it's a bit more historically accurate than the Bard and a fun read to boot.
June 2010: I just have to say ... I would probably never have stumbled upon this book series on my own, but a chance meeting with the author Mary Monica Pulver aka Monica Ferris has piqued my interest. What a delightful lady. I'll give some of her series books (this medieval mystery which was written in collaboration with another author as well as a needlework mystery series) a try ... but not yet.
June 28 2010: I decided to start with the first one in the medieval series, The Novice's Tale. It...more
June 28 2010: I decided to start with the first one in the medieval series, The Novice's Tale. It...more
Ahh, the satisfaction of lying back, secure in the knowledge that you are in the hands of a master of language. In memory of the death of Margaret Frazer and in honor of her life, I am rereading my way through her canon. I was only a reader when I first found her. Now as a writer, I admire her craft as well. I find myself underlining passages that are particularly effective for further study to answer the question "how does she do that?"
I had never come across this author although I loved Cadfael. I enjoyed this first murder mystery very much and will read some more. The sense of the Benedictine monastery comes through very well and it made a nice change not to have a romance at the heart of the story.
This is one of the really early novels in the Sister Frevisse series, and in this one Frevisse, who is still trying to find her way as a nun, has to investigate two murders to protect the novice Thomasine, a saintly young woman who irritates Frevisse. In the course of the novel, Frevisse sifts through a large number of suspects, trying to figure out who had both motive an opportunity to murder the obnoxious Lady Ermentrude. The solution is quite a surprise, and Frevisse's uncle, Thomas Chaucer,...more
The first in a medieval mystery series.... The "detective" is a nun in a convent...sort of a medieval Miss Marple..I'm going to read the next one....good if you like a little mystery,lots of period detail and none of the "grittiness" of more contemporary mysteries.
Dame Frevisse may be a 15th century Benedictine nun but she is also rather worldly in outlook since she is the hosteller of the priory, so when passions run amok she is capable of unraveling the personalities & motives of lay or ordained, noble or common. The priory's quiet is shattered by the dowager, Lady Ermentrude, with her large retinue of guards and maids in tow, demanding her niece, the novice Thomasine, return to life outside the cloister.
Dominica Edith has been prioress for 32 years...more
Dominica Edith has been prioress for 32 years...more
I read all the Sister Frevisse books awhile ago - enjoyed them all. Cannot comment on them individually now or remember if I thought any were better than any other, so I have rated them all the same, very good, not spectacular!
While in tone this is very much like Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael books, the story was interesting and I missed the killer until Frazer's reveal toward the end of the book. Will probably pick up the next book in the series.
Not the most mysterious of mysteries. It was clear 'whodunit' with just a few details left for the final reveal. Pacing a little off but enjoyable for the first of a series and I'm willing to give the rest a try.
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Margaret Frazer is a pen name used at first by Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld and Gail Lynn Frazer writing in tandem for a series of historical medieval mysteries featuring Dame Frevisse. After the sixth novel, the works are written by Gail Frazer alone, and the name has subsequently been used exclusively by her. A second series of novels by Ms Frazer set in the same time and place feature the player/...more
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Feb 29, 2012 09:38am