A Play of Treachery

Joliffe, an actor and spy in 15th century England, travels to France on a secret mission for the Duke of York. Under the guise of joining a nobleman's acting troupe, he must gather intelligence about political tensions between England and France. The action takes place in a French castle, where Joliffe navigates complex relationships between French nobles, their English guests, and fellow performers. When a murder occurs within the castle walls, Joliffe must balance his investigative duties with maintaining his cover as a simple player. The story combines elements of espionage and medieval detective work against the backdrop of historical French-English relations. The setting provides insight into the period's theatrical traditions and the precarious life of traveling players. Through its exploration of loyalty, deception, and the nature of performance, the novel examines how people adapt different roles to survive in dangerous political landscapes. The story raises questions about the true cost of serving multiple masters.

Readers describe this as a slower-paced mystery compared to other Joliffe books, with more political intrigue and espionage than traditional sleuthing. Many readers note that the switch in setting to Burgundy provides rich historical detail about 15th century diplomatic relations. Readers appreciated: - The accurate historical background - Complex characterization of Joliffe - Details about medieval court life and politics Common criticisms: - Less action than previous books in the series - Too much focus on political maneuvering - Some found the pacing too slow in the middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (166 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) Multiple readers commented that this entry works better as historical fiction than as a mystery novel. One reviewer noted: "The espionage plot takes precedence over any mystery elements, making this feel like a different series entirely." Some readers suggested starting with earlier books in the series to better understand the character relationships.

The Death of Kings by Michael Evans A medieval murder mystery follows a court physician investigating suspicious deaths among English nobility during the reign of Henry II.

The Apothecary Rose by Candace Robb A 14th-century apothecary in York becomes entangled in a series of murders linked to political intrigue and church corruption.

Wine of Violence by Priscilla Royal A young prioress at a remote priory in medieval England must uncover the truth behind the murder of a monk while navigating religious politics.

The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazer Sister Frevisse investigates the death of a wealthy widow whose son seeks refuge in the nunnery during a time of political upheaval.

Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman A medieval spy serving Eleanor of Aquitaine investigates murders and conspiracies in 12th-century England while navigating court politics.

🎭 "A Play of Treachery" is part of the Joliffe medieval mystery series, following a former traveling player who becomes an amateur sleuth and spy in 15th century England. 📚 Margaret Frazer was actually two people initially - Mary Monica Pulver and Gail Frazer - though Gail Frazer later continued writing the series solo after their split in 1995. ⚔️ The book is set against the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War between England and France, specifically during the reign of Henry VI, when English control over Normandy was beginning to crumble. 🎪 The protagonist Joliffe's background as a player (actor) reflects the authentic medieval practice of traveling theater troupes, who would perform religious plays and secular entertainment in towns across England. 📜 The author conducted extensive research on medieval entertainment, spy networks, and daily life in 15th-century France and England to create historically accurate details throughout the series.