Book Review: The Squire's Tale

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Squire'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 # 10
Berkley, Dec 2000, $21.95, 288 pp.

In 1442 in the nineteenth year of the reign of King Henry VI, the war with France is going poorly, but inside England, for the most part, peace rules the land. The St. Frideswide nunnery reflects the overall state of England, enjoying the prosperity that has occurred since Domina Elisabeth became Prioress. One of the nuns Dame Frevisse has relished her two decade stay at the convent where she avoids earthly concerns whenever possible.

Unfortunately, Frevisse is forced to go out into the world when she and another sister are asked to accompany Katherine and her guardian to Brinskep Manor, land controlled by Lady Blaunche and Sir Robert, but contested by the Allesley family. Sir Robert agrees to arbitration knowing he really does not own the land, but the pregnant Blaunche desperately wants to keep it. Katherine wants to do right by Robert who cared for her since she was a child, but Blaunche interferes seeking a match between her son and the former. Tempers flare leading to something nasty occurring with Frevisse on the scene to insure justice happens.

Readers will savor the taste of fifteenth century England after reading the fabulous SQUIRE’S TALE. Arbitration is beginning to supersede minor battles as a sense of enlightenment shows that peaceful settlement of disputes is good for everyone. Dame Frevisse retains her freshness and authenticity in her tenth tale as fans will believe she is both a nun and an amateur sleuth. Margaret Frazier’s latest story is another triumphant medieval mystery.

Harriet Klausner

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