Margaret Frazer

UNHOLY PASSIONS AND DEMONIC DEATHS... In the fair autumn of Our Lord's grace 1431, the nuns of England's St. Frideswide's prepare for the simply ceremonies in which the saintly novice Thomasine will take her holy vows. But their quiet lives of beauty and prayer are thrown into chaos by the merciless arrival of Lady Ermentrude Fenner and her retinue of lusty men, sinful women, and baying hounds. The hard-drinking dowager even keeps a pet monkey for her amusement. She demands wine, a feast... And her niece, the angelic Thomasine. The lady desires to enrich herself and her reputation by arranging a marriage for the devout novice. She cares nothing for the panic and despair she leaves behind her. But all her cruel and cunning schemes are brought to a sudden end with strange and most unnatural murder. As suspicious eyes turn on the pious Thomasine, it falls to Sister Frevisse, hosteler of the priory and amateur detective, to unravel the webs of unholy passion and dark intrigue that entangle the novice and prove her innocence... or condemn her. THE FIRST VOLUME OF THE NATIONAL BESTSELLING SISTER FREVISSE NOVELS! PRAISE FOR THE NOVICE'S TALE "Frazer uses her extensive knowledge of the period to create an unusual plot ... appealing characters and crisp writing." - Los Angeles Times "A fast-paced and seamless story." - St. Paul Pioneer Press PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES "It's a fine time to introduce yourself to this smart and sensible nun... Weaves a budding romance and a grand, unrequited passion with a bold and dangerous plot... A historical tale that teems with period detail. Great fun for all lovers of history with their mystery!" - Alfred Hitchcock Magazine "I look forward to more murders at St. Frideswide." - Carolyn Thompson, The Mystery Review "Frazer's books will be among those I read as soon as I see them... The author's note at novel's conclusion, in which Frazer reveals the historical facts and actual people behind the story she created, adds immeasurably to its interest." - Houston Facts "Exquisitely written... a brilliantly realized vision of a typical medieval English village, peopled with full-blooded men and women who experience the human range of joys and sorrows. Suspenseful from start to surprising conclusion." - Publisher's Weekly A Romantic Times Top Pick. Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award. Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.