Book Review: The Widow's Tale

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

The Widow's Tale Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Margaret Frazer
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Cozy Woman Main Character Religious Fiction
Series: Dame Frevisse Medieval Mysteries # 14
Berkley, Jan 2005, $22.95, 272 pp.

Though he spends a lot of time at the royal court, Edward and Cristiana Helyngton have been have been happily married for years raising two preadolescent daughters Jane and Mary. However, in 1449 when Edward returns to Hertfordshire from his latest stint with the royals, he is very ill. His avarice cousin Laurence, coveting Edward’s larger estate, demands the ailing man place Jane in a nunnery and marry Mary to his son Clement. Edward says no, but soon afterward, he dies.

Cristiana is unable to grieve her loss because Laurence abducts her and places her in St. Frideswide's nunnery. Dame Frevisse sees Cristiana as another dumped obligation, but soon events take deadly twists. Before dying Edward entrusted his beloved spouse with a secret that could destroy the noble inner circle. Cristiana will use that knowledge to risk her life in order to save her children from her vile in-law. The imperturbable Sister Frevisse feels caught in a growing storm in which those who know the truth are subject to murder but she realizes if revealed could lead to civil war.

The fourteenth Sister Frevisse medieval mystery is a fantastic refreshing entry as the “unflappable” nun finds even she feels overwhelmed with the momentous events swirling around the widow who will do anything perhaps even murder to protect her children. As usual Margaret Frazier provides an action-packed story line that focuses deeply at mid fifteenth century England starring a terrific protagonist. However, the machinations in a deadly game between nobles, Laurence, and Cristiana make for a fabulous WIDOW’S TALE that shows why Ms. Frazier has received Edgar nominations for this series (could this be her award winner?).

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner