Prioress' Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) (edition 1997)

This is the first book I've read of Frazer's and now I am looking for some more in this series. It's got got fascinating characters, a feel that is true to the time period and seems authentic, and a reasonably good mystery. The protagonist is very different from most other detectives, especially in the sense that she is in a very proscribed environment. ( )

A particularly good installment of this very good series. The new abbess of the 15th century convent of St. Frideswide is not a good leader and not a good manager, and she particularly dislikes Sister Frevisse. In the midst of this, Frevisse has to contend first with unwelcome guests, and then with murder. The interactions among the sisters add another layer of interest. ( )

This is a story which has enough interesting facts about the 1400s to hold my attention and help me feel that I'm a part of that age. The mysteries are not overwhelmingly complicated, but the characters are drawn well and live for me.
In this book, Dame Alice is Prioress and is raising havoc in the nunnery. I enjoy reading of the struggles Sister Frevisse has with her spirit and her character. They seem very true to life for me. ( )