Medieval sleuth Dame Frevisse is back to tackle her twelfth
mystery. The year is 1447. Parliament is about to begin its session
in Bury St. Edmonds, an event that brings the most powerful men of
England together as they strut, posture and vie for favor. As would
be expected in a gathering of politically driven personalities,
egos and ambitions clash. A rumor is set afoot that the Duke of
Gloucester plans to arrive with a throng of men to overthrow his
nephew, King Henry. Where the rumor started is anybody's guess, but
many are betting that the individual responsible is Suffolk, a
bitter rival and hateful conniver. The beloved Frevisse of St.
Frideswide's nunnery travels to Bury St. Edmonds with a mission ---
to act as the eyes and ears for Bishop Beaufort of Winchester. In
her attempts to mingle and listen, she encounters an old friend,
the all-too clever Master Joliffe Noreys, as he rehearses for a
play. Although she is quite happy to see him, she wonders about his
allegiances. He seems a bit too oily to fully trust. Is his name
really Joliffe and who does he work for? Then a lucky meeting with
Bishop Pecock, a scholar and dry wit, wins her another welcome
friend.

While tensions mount, word ripples through Bury St. Edmonds that
the Duke of Gloucester has been arrested for treason. Frevisse,
more than mildly skeptical, wonders who set him up and why. Could
the rancorous gossip about him be coming from Suffolk and his
cronies, or maybe Dorset, or even York? Fortunately, Gloucester's
illegitimate son Arteys eludes his father's accusers and falls into
the care of wry Bishop Pecock, Master Noreys and Frevisse, who have
joined out of necessity to form an investigative team to aid the
duke, if possible.

Despite her life's chosen work as a nun, Dame Frevisse does not
come across as all sweetness and light --- she's very human too.
Her courage, coupled with her stalwart sense of good, averts many
disasters and rights many wrongs. In the course of conversations,
she delivers some philosophical insights with both religious and
lay undertones. And, in the end, she delivers a satisfying
conclusion.

THE BASTARD'S TALE is an engaging story, despite its slow pace. It
is pleasantly peppered with medieval details and historical side
trips that give us a glimpse into life in 15th century England.
Most of the action comes in the latter half, allowing the reader
time to savor Ms. Frazer's storytelling talents. And there is
enough action to keep you turning the pages once it reaches speed.
I don't know if this will be a favorite in the series (not having
read any of the others) but it is sure to be a hit with loyal
fans.