4.13
Part of "Joliffe the Player" series
"A Play of Knaves" by Margaret Frazer is a captivating historical mystery that transports readers to medieval England. The novel, which is the eighth installment in Frazer's Sister Frevisse series, follows the clever and resourceful nun as she investigates a series of suspicious deaths at a traveling theater troupe. The story begins when Sister Frevisse is sent to accompany her young charge, the Lady Anne, to a nearby manor house. Upon their arrival, they discover that the household is in chaos due to the recent death of the lord's steward. The steward's body was found near the manor's theater, leading many to believe that he was murdered by one of the actors. Determined to uncover the truth, Sister Frevisse begins her investigation by questioning the members of the theater troupe. She quickly discovers that the steward was not well-liked and that many people had motive to want him dead. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and revenge that threatens to destroy the entire community. Frazer's vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the world of medieval England to life, immersing readers in a time and place that is both familiar and foreign. Her characters are richly drawn and complex, with their own secrets and motivations that are slowly revealed throughout the novel. One of the strengths of "A Play of Knaves" is Frazer's ability to weave historical detail into the story without overwhelming the reader. She provides just enough context to help readers understand the social and political dynamics of the time, while still keeping the focus on the mystery at hand. Overall, "A Play of Knaves" is a satisfying and engaging historical mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Frazer's masterful storytelling and deep knowledge of medieval England make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery novels alike...
Umberto Eco
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Fans of Margaret Frazer's 'A Play of Knaves' might enjoy 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. This intellectual mystery is set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, where a series of murders has occurred. A Franciscan friar and his young apprentice must use their knowledge of philosophy, theology, and semiotics to solve the case. Like Frazer's book, 'The Name of the Rose' combines historical detail with a complex and thought-provoking plot.
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Fans of Margaret Frazer's 'A Play of Knaves' might enjoy 'The Hangman's Daughter' by Oliver Pötzsch. This historical thriller is set in 17th century Germany, where a hangman and his daughter must solve a series of gruesome murders that threaten their community. Like Frazer's book, 'The Hangman's Daughter' combines a vividly realized historical setting with a fast-paced and suspenseful plot.
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If you enjoyed the historical setting and intricate plot of 'A Play of Knaves', you might like 'The Distant Hours' by Kate Morton. This sweeping family saga follows a young woman as she uncovers the secrets of her mother's past, which are linked to a mysterious old house and a reclusive family of writers. Like Frazer's book, 'The Distant Hours' combines a richly detailed historical setting with a complex and engaging plot.
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If you enjoyed the historical detail and atmospheric setting of 'A Play of Knaves', you might like 'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry. This literary novel is set in 19th century England, where a young widow becomes obsessed with the legend of a sea monster that is said to inhabit the local waters. Like Frazer's book, 'The Essex Serpent' combines a richly detailed historical setting with a complex and thought-provoking plot.
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Fans of Margaret Frazer's 'A Play of Knaves' might enjoy 'The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane' by Katherine Howe. This historical novel is set in 1991, when a young graduate student discovers a manuscript that may hold the key to a centuries-old mystery involving witchcraft and hidden treasure. Like Frazer's book, 'The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane' combines a richly detailed historical setting with a complex and engaging plot.
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If you enjoyed the historical detail and complex characters of 'A Play of Knaves', you might like 'The Heretic's Daughter' by Kathleen Kent. This novel tells the story of Martha Carrier, one of the victims of the Salem witch trials in 17th century Massachusetts. Like Frazer's book, 'The Heretic's Daughter' combines a richly detailed historical setting with complex and compelling characters.
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