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The Simple Logic of It
CAUGHT IN A GAME OF KINGS...The bright sun of the Wars of the Roses is painting the eastern sky with a false dawn and in London the politicians are whetting their blades to claim the blood of Richard, Duke of York. Can the young noble -- a true prince of the realm -- clear his name before the dark shadows of civil war settle over fair England's lands?Margaret Frazer, the author of the Edgar-nominated and award-winning Sister Frevisse and Player Joliffe novels, weaves the hidden details of history into a taut thriller. A game of kings is being played, and the throne of England may be the prize!PRAISE FOR MARGARET FRAZER'S BOOKS“The setting brims with historical details... A brilliant study of human nature... Ms. Frazer reveals her genius… Highly recommended.” – Historical Novels Review“Mystery… Suspense… Frazer executes with audacity and ingenuity.” – Kirkus Reviews"Prepare to be enchanted as Margaret Frazer transports you back to the 15th century." - Romantic Times“A smooth and absorbing saga of conspiracy and treachery in 15th-century England… A tantalizing secret turns out to have stunning political implications.” – Publishers Weekly“Margaret Frazer has quietly claimed her place as one of the preeminent writers of historical crime fiction, delivering the whole package – a good mystery, wonderful characters, and a fascinating period of history. Her novels are a dream to read.” - Aunt Agatha’s NewsletterHerodotus Award Winner.Twice nominated for the Edgar AwardTwice nominated for the Minnesota Book AwardA Romantic Times Top Pick.(This short story is one of the Bishop Pecock Tales.)
18 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2010
17 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Frazer
63 books210 followersMargaret 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/minstrel Joliffe.
See also: Monica Ferris, Mary Monica Pulver
Series:
* Sister Frevisse
* Joliffe
See also: Monica Ferris, Mary Monica Pulver
Series:
* Sister Frevisse
* Joliffe
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 23, 2025
A courier in the employ of Richard, Duke of York is found murdered and on his body is found a note incriminating the duke in some unspecified wrongdoing. York suspects that he is being set up by a court faction, the Duke of Suffolk and others, who want to destroy him. It is Raynold Pecock, the bishop of St. Asaph, who proves by Holmesian logic the Duke suspicions are true. A nice short story which manages to explain the conflict between York and the court faction while telling a tidy little mystery.
October 28, 2023
The Simple Logic of It
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed June 17, 2023
Richard, Duke of York, has recently returned from Normandy only to find himself caught up in the increasing political factionalism at court. One of his couriers is found dead, carrying a letter for the duke. Duke Richard is not allowed to see the letter, however, as it is taken to his political opponent and the man who has the king’s ear these days, the Earl of Suffolk, instead. Duke Richard smells a trap but can do nothing about it at the moment.
Later, Duke Richard is summoned to explain himself to Suffolk and other lords who pretty much rule in the king’s stead. He finally learns the contents of the letter:
‘Moleyns has the answers he sought. All is known. Do what you can.’
The letter implies that York has done something wrong, but before anything further happens, before any kind of charges can be brought against York, in steps Raynold Pecock, Oxford scholar, warden of Whittington College in London, and now Bishop of St. Asaph's. By using Reason and Logic, Pecock is able to show the truth about the incriminating letter.
This is a short story only about 18 pages long, but even in that short amount of time we get an intriguing mystery with interesting characters, especially Bishop Pecock who, like a 15th century Sherlock Holmes, can look at a letter and tell you when it was written, and where. It is set in the days before the outbreak of hostilities that will later be known as the Wars of the Roses, and I for one am hoping that Ms Frazer will write more stories featuring Bishop Pecock (if she hasn't already) and maybe, another appearance or two by the Duke of York.
By Margaret Frazer
Reviewed June 17, 2023
Richard, Duke of York, has recently returned from Normandy only to find himself caught up in the increasing political factionalism at court. One of his couriers is found dead, carrying a letter for the duke. Duke Richard is not allowed to see the letter, however, as it is taken to his political opponent and the man who has the king’s ear these days, the Earl of Suffolk, instead. Duke Richard smells a trap but can do nothing about it at the moment.
Later, Duke Richard is summoned to explain himself to Suffolk and other lords who pretty much rule in the king’s stead. He finally learns the contents of the letter:
‘Moleyns has the answers he sought. All is known. Do what you can.’
The letter implies that York has done something wrong, but before anything further happens, before any kind of charges can be brought against York, in steps Raynold Pecock, Oxford scholar, warden of Whittington College in London, and now Bishop of St. Asaph's. By using Reason and Logic, Pecock is able to show the truth about the incriminating letter.
This is a short story only about 18 pages long, but even in that short amount of time we get an intriguing mystery with interesting characters, especially Bishop Pecock who, like a 15th century Sherlock Holmes, can look at a letter and tell you when it was written, and where. It is set in the days before the outbreak of hostilities that will later be known as the Wars of the Roses, and I for one am hoping that Ms Frazer will write more stories featuring Bishop Pecock (if she hasn't already) and maybe, another appearance or two by the Duke of York.
March 20, 2021
Excellent
Margaret Frazer writes some of the very best historical mysteries, hands down. Whether short stories like this one or her full length novels, it's hard to beat the beautiful writing and the delightful mysteries.
Margaret Frazer writes some of the very best historical mysteries, hands down. Whether short stories like this one or her full length novels, it's hard to beat the beautiful writing and the delightful mysteries.
January 31, 2021
Love all things Margaret Frazer.
November 13, 2020
Well Plotted Mystery. Short
Well written. Wish there were more Bishop Peacock Stories and Novels! Loved his wir, character, and quirky personality and demeanor...what a fun and interesting character he is! Anyhoo, really liked this introduction to him. A wet and intriguing short story. Explains succinctly what palace intrigue and murder was like.
Well written. Wish there were more Bishop Peacock Stories and Novels! Loved his wir, character, and quirky personality and demeanor...what a fun and interesting character he is! Anyhoo, really liked this introduction to him. A wet and intriguing short story. Explains succinctly what palace intrigue and murder was like.
July 28, 2013
I'm really enjoying Bishop Peacock!
August 24, 2014
Unsurprisingly, I ended up wanting of the political intrigue and less of the mystery. Pecock is well drawn, but these short stories aren't really enough to satisfy.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews