4.06
Part of "Joliffe the Player" series
"A Play of Dux Moraud" by Margaret Frazer is a captivating historical mystery that transports readers to the 15th century England. This novel is the eighth installment in the Dame Frevisse series, which features a nun who uses her intelligence and wit to solve crimes and uncover the truth. In "A Play of Dux Moraud," Dame Frevisse is called upon to investigate the murder of a wealthy landowner, Sir John Trillowe. The victim's body is found in the woods near his estate, and the only clue to his killer's identity is a mysterious playing card left at the scene of the crime. As Dame Frevisse delves deeper into the case, she discovers a web of deceit and treachery that threatens to destroy the lives of those around her. The playing card leads her to a group of traveling players, who become suspects in the murder. However, as she uncovers more about the players and their connection to Sir John, she realizes that the truth is far more complex than she could have ever imagined. Frazer's attention to detail and rich historical context bring the world of 15th century England to life. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end. One of the strengths of this novel is Frazer's ability to weave together historical facts with a compelling mystery. The playing card motif is a clever device that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. The author's extensive research into the lives of nuns and traveling players during this time period is evident throughout the novel. Overall, "A Play of Dux Moraud" is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. The combination of a complex plot, rich historical context, and well-developed characters make this a standout novel in the genre. Whether you're a fan of Margaret Frazer's work or new to the Dame Frevisse series, this book is sure to leave you wanting more...
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Fans of Margaret Frazer's 'A Play of Dux Moraud' might appreciate 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. This intellectual mystery novel, set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, follows Brother William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar and former inquisitor, who investigates a series of murders. Eco's book, like Frazer's, offers a richly detailed historical setting, complex characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of faith, reason, and power.
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If you enjoyed the historical setting and supernatural elements of 'A Play of Dux Moraud', you might like 'The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane' by Katherine Howe. This novel, set in 1991, follows a graduate student who discovers a manuscript that may hold the key to a centuries-old witch trial. Howe's book, like Frazer's, combines historical detail with a gripping story, exploring the lives of women accused of witchcraft in colonial New England.
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If you enjoyed 'A Play of Dux Moraud' for its historical setting and suspenseful plot, you might like 'The Hangman's Daughter' by Oliver Pötzsch. Set in 17th-century Germany, this novel follows a hangman and his daughter who investigate a series of murders linked to a powerful family. Pötzsch's book, like Frazer's, combines historical detail with a gripping story, exploring the lives of ordinary people in a time of fear and suspicion.
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