Prior Byfield is a small village of which Simon Perryn is the reeve. Because of cooperation with and help from a local nunnery, St. Frideswide, it is a little easier for Simon to keep his villagers reasonably well fed and happy. When the steward of St. Frideswide falls under suspicion, the prioress instructs Dame Frevisse to put aside her prayers and assist Simon in the secular world for awhile.

Against her wishes Frevisse goes to help the villagers, but finds herself amid several land disputes, a measles outbreak and two murdered men. Simon and Gilbey Dunn, an unlikable, ambitious man, are initially suspected of the crimes. Despite her previously semi-cloistered life, Frevisse has much insight into human nature and suspects there is more to these murders than meets the eye and ably sorts them out, recognizing the real murderer and motives.

The English feudal system of the Middle Ages is a very complex one. Margaret Frazer’s careful research and attention to detail helps simplify the system to make this book accessible even to those unfamiliar with this time period. The characters are well drawn and even though they may have lived over five hundred years ago, basic traits and emotions seem to have stayed the same and motives are easily understood. Dame Frivesse is a very strong, admirable heroine, one who does not let her devotion to her office blind her to the truth.

Historical fiction readers will be delighted with this mystery series that models its titles after books in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. A very detailed setting, a strong-willed, determined heroine, and an intricately plotted mystery with many surprises make this a good choice for Middle Age fans as well as mystery fans looking to try something new.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry