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beesarenotflies's review
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book had a different tone and characterization that I'm not sure I like. Frevisse seemed a bit out of character, reckless and ill-tempered in a way I feel can't fully be attributed to the interpersonal drama in the priory. Apparently this is the last book the original authors wrote together so maybe I'm sensing the end of the partnership affecting the final product.
martydah's review
5.0
Things are not all they should be at St. Frideswide convent. Domina Edith is dead, replaced by the loud, ambitious and difficult Domina Alys. Sister Frevisse is far more quick witted than the average nun at St. Frideswide and often, to her shame, less than diplomatic in speech when it comes to her new superior. She chafes under Alys' rule and is glad to escape on an errand to Minster Lovell, with her friend Dame Claire, to sort out a property dispute with Lord Lovell.
Along the way, they meet up with Lionel and Giles Knyvet's party. Lionel is afflicted with 'a demon' aka epilepsy and is dependent on his servant Martyn when his seizures render him helpless. Giles bitterly resents Lionel's status, wealth and his preference for Martyn's company. He is coldly concocting a way to be rid of both the men he hates and get his hands on Lionel's fortune.
Sister Frevisse is reluctantly drawn into this deadly family drama. Tragedy strikes, and Lionel, because of his most recent seizure, is implicated as the unwitting cause. Frevisse is the only one who can follow the subtle clues that point to a more sinister, calculating murderer's hand.
I've read several of the Sister Frevisse mysteries in the past. It was good to reacquaint myself with her prickly personality and razor sharp detective mind. I do wonder if Domina Alys will be the next victim in this series - the brief descriptions of books 7 and 8 suggest that her reign at St. Frideswide's will be coming to and end, whether because she's deposed or murdered.
Along the way, they meet up with Lionel and Giles Knyvet's party. Lionel is afflicted with 'a demon' aka epilepsy and is dependent on his servant Martyn when his seizures render him helpless. Giles bitterly resents Lionel's status, wealth and his preference for Martyn's company. He is coldly concocting a way to be rid of both the men he hates and get his hands on Lionel's fortune.
Sister Frevisse is reluctantly drawn into this deadly family drama. Tragedy strikes, and Lionel, because of his most recent seizure, is implicated as the unwitting cause. Frevisse is the only one who can follow the subtle clues that point to a more sinister, calculating murderer's hand.
I've read several of the Sister Frevisse mysteries in the past. It was good to reacquaint myself with her prickly personality and razor sharp detective mind. I do wonder if Domina Alys will be the next victim in this series - the brief descriptions of books 7 and 8 suggest that her reign at St. Frideswide's will be coming to and end, whether because she's deposed or murdered.
archytas's review
4.0
Mostly worth reading for the exploration of medieval approaches to epilepsy, the book also looks at marriage laws and customs in more detail. The unusual device of telling the story from a murderers point of view provides a nice counterpoint to the rest of the series.
julieputty's review
4.0
I enjoy hanging out with Dame Frevisse, who strives for serenity and often has to settle for irritated acceptance.
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