Reviews

The Clerk's Tale by Margaret Frazer

beckykirk's review

4.0

I liked getting to know Christopher better. And all the characters in this book were interesting. Frazer always writes quality mysteries.

victoria92's review

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

relf's review

4.0

This is the first I've read in this mystery series featuring 15th-century fictional nun Dame Frevisse. My late friend Francis, who gave it to me years ago, knew me too well: it combines two of my favorite things--mysteries and medieval monastic life--and sprinkles in a nice touch of Latin. Enjoyable! I may have to go back and read some of the early books in the series. I read it quickly--for me--because I feared losing track of the names in the complicated inheritance case at the center of this story. (I still might prefer Brother Cadfael . . . )

amayeda's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

Flat, plodding. Few likable characters; the main likable one killed off. Our detective (SF) also flat, uninteresting, was not challenged, did not change. Reasons for the killer to confess are not believable. Are all the author's books this flat? Perhaps her main goal is to set up books to follow by giving SF a more interesting secular detective partner (Christian Montfort) and a likable sidekick (boy Dickon).

archytas's review

4.0

There is a certain satisfaction to regular readers of this series in the victim of this piece. Mostly, however, the book is memorable for the character of the clerk, and the gentle exploration of the uncertainty of life in such a system of sinecure.