Margaret Frazer

Margaret Frazer (1946-2013) was an American historical mystery author best known for her medieval-era Dame Frevisse and Joliffe the Player series. Writing under a pen name, she produced over 20 novels and numerous short stories set in 15th century England. The Dame Frevisse series follows a Benedictine nun who solves murders and mysteries in medieval Oxfordshire, combining detailed historical accuracy with traditional mystery elements. Her second series features Joliffe, a traveling player turned spy, whose adventures take place against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses. Before her success as Margaret Frazer, she wrote under her real name, Gail Frazer, and initially collaborated with Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld on the first six Dame Frevisse novels. After the partnership ended, Frazer continued the series independently, maintaining its scholarly attention to medieval life and culture. Frazer's work earned multiple nominations for the Edgar Award and the Minnesota Book Award. Her thorough research and authentic portrayal of medieval English life has been recognized by historians and mystery readers alike.

Readers consistently highlight Frazer's detailed historical accuracy and immersive portrayal of medieval life. Many reviews note how the mysteries feel authentic to the time period rather than modern plots in period dress. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "The historical details make you feel like you're walking through a 15th century monastery." Readers appreciate: - Deep research and period authenticity - Complex characters, especially Dame Frevisse - Balance of historical detail with engaging mysteries - Religious and political context without being preachy Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in some books - Heavy use of period vocabulary can be challenging - Later books in series seen as less engaging by some readers - Some find the historical details overshadow the mystery plots Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.0/5 across all books Amazon: 4.3/5 average Most individual titles maintain 4+ star ratings The first book "The Novice's Tale" rates slightly lower (3.8/5) than later entries, with readers noting the series improves as it progresses.

The Dame Frevisse Medieval Mystery Series: The Novice's Tale - A nun investigates the murder of her cousin amid family tensions at St. Frideswide's priory. The Servant's Tale - Dame Frevisse uncovers secrets when a servant is found murdered during Christmas celebrations. The Outlaw's Tale - A wounded outlaw seeking sanctuary leads to political intrigue and murder at the priory. The Bishop's Tale - Dame Frevisse must solve a murder during a bishop's visit that threatens the priory's future. The Boy's Tale - Two young nobles fleeing Lancaster forces seek refuge at St. Frideswide's, bringing danger. The Murderer's Tale - A death during a winter pilgrimage reveals complex motivations among the travelers. The Prioress' Tale - Political schemes and murder surround the election of a new prioress. The Maiden's Tale - A young woman's murder leads Frevisse to investigate both town and gentry suspects. The Reeve's Tale - Dame Frevisse investigates deaths connected to a property dispute in a nearby village. The Squire's Tale - A squire's murder reveals corruption among the local gentry. The Clerk's Tale - Oxford scholars become entangled in a death at St. Frideswide's. The Bastard's Tale - Political intrigue surrounds the death of the Duke of Suffolk's messenger. The Hunter's Tale - A poaching dispute leads to murder in the forest near St. Frideswide's. The Widow's Tale - Dame Frevisse investigates deaths connected to a wealthy widow's inheritance. The Sempster's Tale - Murder follows a group of London cloth merchants to St. Frideswide's. The Traitor's Tale - Political conspiracies and murder intertwine during the reign of Henry VI. The Apostate's Tale - A former nun's return to St. Frideswide's leads to murder and intrigue.

The Joliffe Mystery Series: A Play of Isaac - Player-turned-spy Joliffe investigates murder during a mystery play performance. A Play of Dux Moraud - Joliffe's acting troupe encounters murder while performing at a nobleman's estate. A Play of Knaves - Murder follows the players to a cathedral town during their summer tour. A Play of Lords - Joliffe must solve a murder while serving as a spy in London. A Play of Treachery - Political intrigue surrounds Joliffe during a diplomatic mission to France. A Play of Heresy - Joliffe investigates deaths connected to religious dissent. A Play of Piety - Murder disrupts a religious festival where Joliffe's troupe is performing.

Ellis Peters writes medieval mysteries featuring Brother Cadfael, a Welsh Benedictine monk solving crimes in 12th century England. Her work shares similar historical detail and monastery settings with Frazer's Dame Frevisse series.

Candace Robb sets her Owen Archer mysteries in 14th century York with a former military captain turned sleuth. Her books focus on medieval medicine and political intrigue during the reign of Edward III.

Priscilla Royal creates mysteries centered on Prioress Eleanor of Tyndal in 13th century England. Her stories deal with conflicts between church and state while incorporating period medical knowledge.

Peter Tremayne writes about Sister Fidelma, a 7th century Irish religious who is also a legal advocate in ancient Celtic law. His work emphasizes historical accuracy in depicting Celtic church practices and Irish legal systems.

C.J. Sansom authors the Matthew Shardlake series about a lawyer-detective in Tudor England during Henry VIII's reign. His mysteries explore religious reformation themes and political tensions while incorporating real historical figures and events.