Book Review: The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazer

The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazer
Length: 229 Pages
Genres: Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Trigger Warnings in this book for Graphic Descriptions of a Death by Poisoning, and Fatphobia

"Help us, Seinte Frideswyde!
A man woot litel what him shal bityde."

-Geoffrey Chaucer

I love a good cozy mystery, and if it happens to also be a historical mystery, then I can't say no! This is the first part of the Sister Frevisse (pronounced FRAY-viss) mysteries, and was originally published in 1992.

In 1431, England, there is little freedom for women. It is no shock then, that those of a pious nature, and a wit beyond men's measure or recognition, often found solace within convent walls. Dame Frevisse, the lady detective of this series, is as pragmatic as she is smart, strong-willed and unafraid to speak up when she feels others are being mistreated. She is the hosteler of St. Frideswide's, and is thus one of the only nuns that move freely from the cloister to the guest halls where pilgrims, both rich and poor, stay. One of the most dreaded visitors to this peaceful place is Lady Ermentrude, who is full of bluster and most often drunk. Her great-niece by marriage, the novice Thomasine, lives in fear of her lady aunt, who threatens to rip her from the convent and force her into marriage at every visit.

It is not too surprising, then, when Lady Ermentrude is poisoned. What is is that a servant in the kitchen, the nosy Martha, is accidentally poisoned when she drinks the Lady's medicated wine and eats her milksops, prepared by Thomasine. Now, Frevisse must use both wit and cunning to exonerate Thomasine, and bring the real killer to justice.

Full of fascinating and vivid detail on both medieval life and the inside workings of a nunnery, this is a short and pleasing read for any historical fiction lover. Highly recommended for a lazy day in the sun, preferably with a cold glass of tea!