The Maiden's Tale

A WEB OF LIES, INTRIGUE... AND ROMANCEIt is an hour of desperate need for St. Frideswide's. Thrust into financial ruin by the incompetence and corruption of their former prioress, the nuns have become trapped under the thumb of Abbott Gilberd as he pries into every possible corner of the priory's life.In an effort to escape their desperate straits, Dame Frevisse is forced to journey to London in order to seek both a new prioress and financial aid for her beleaguered sisters. Once there, she turns to her wealthy cousin Alice, lady wife of the influential earl of Suffolk. But with a new Parliament warming to its arguments, Frevisse discovers that Alice's need may be even greater than her own. Caught between the powerful Gloucester, the machiavellian Bishop Beaufort, and the darkly handsome Duke of Orleans, Alice is torn by the broken loyalties of those she loves the most.Before she can unravel the twisted turns of romance and deception, Frevisse herself is caught up in the intrigue, carrying secret messages which will determine England's future. But the mystery deepens when one of the other messengers is killed, and Frevisse must solve the murder in order to save not only herself, but Alice's immortal soul.PRAISE FOR THE MAIDEN'S TALE"Frazer's books will be among those I read as soon as I see them..." 0́3 Houston Facts"Frazer successfully captures the essence of 15th century England 0́3 the sights, smells, and sounds fill the pages, drawing us in as we become immersed in the language, manners, and customs of a far off time and place." 0́3 Rendezvous"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!" 0́3 Alfred Hitchcock MagazinePRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES"Dame Frevisse, the pious and perceptive nun gives focus to this sober series... [Frazer] shows a meticulous detail that speaks of trustworthy scholarship and a sympathetic imagination." - New York Times Book Review"Frazer is writing one of the most consistently excellent historical series in print today." - Murder Ink"Frazer uses her extensive knowledge of the period to create an unusual plot ... appealing characters and crisp writing." - Los Angeles Times"Within the graceful prose rhythms that have garnered her two Edgar nominations, Frazer's tale of 15th-century nun Dame Frevisse transports the reader to a medieval England made vivid and a world of emotions as familiar then as now." - Publisher's Weekly