Forsaken Soul - A Medieval Mystery

FOR THEY THAT WORK WICKEDNESS...

One man has been kidnapped. Another has been murdered.

In the bleakest depths of winter, Frevisse finds her soul chilled with the heavy burdens of duty and responsibility. Even the warmth of charity is in short supply as the villagers of Prior Byfield turn against each in bloody feuds of greed and rage, weaving knots of treachery which even the clever Frevisse may find hard to unwind.

Award-winning author Margaret Frazer gathers shadows around the hearth to tell a tale of frigid winter and icy passion. Join Frevisse in her fervent prayers for a true peace of mind and body as she pits all her forceful will against the most cunning of evils. Fear for the lives which may be destroyed in unlocking the secrets of the winter heart...

PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE SERIES

“This is a perfect mystery: It’s flawless.” – Drood Review of Mystery

“Frazer’s grasp of the society and tangled politics in England in the mid-1400s is masterful.” – Firsts, the Book Collector’s Magazine

“Keeps readers turning the pages.” – Marina Oliver, Historical Novels Review

“Frazer’s quiet yet intense medieval mysteries are so vividly and gracefully written you just float back in time…” – BookNews from The Poisoned Pen

"Whether good or evil, her characters are vibrant and compelling. While we might like to believe that the prejudices of that era have passed into history, we are reminded that we are not so very different after all.” – Lorraine Gelly, Romantic Times Book Club

THROUGH A MURDERER'S EYES...

Caught under the tyrannical thumb of her new prioress, Dame Frevisse finds welcome relief in leaving St. Frideswide nunnery on pilgrimage. But the road brings with it unwelcome company: The wealthy Lionel Knyvet has been possessed by a foul demon. Seeking relief from the horrific terrors visited upon his body each fortnight, Lionel has dragged his entire household on an endless pilgrimage across the breadth and length of England. Frevisse wants nothing more than the peaceful bliss of travel, but must instead endure the incessant chattering of a mob.

Lionel's possession, however, may only mask a darker sin. When the pilgrims make their way to the manor house at Minster Lovell, Frevisse begins to unwind the bitter poisons of jealousy and betrayal eating at the hearts of both Lionel and his brother Giles. Against her will, the innocent nun is drawn into the vilest depths of the human soul and there she unlocks the mysteries of a blackened heart. But even when the truth comes out, can justice be done? The pure of heart will find no peace when murder and death come knocking at the manor's door...

PRAISE FOR THE MURDERER'S TALE

“Frazer has created the most despicable villain since Iago.” - Patricia W. Julius, Detective as Historian

“Historical readers will be charmed with the story; feminists will be delighted with the strong female characters. Ellis Peters has a worthy successor in Margaret Frazer.” – Meritorious Mysteries

“Expertly captures the flavor of the period with vivid descriptions and creates dimensional characters true to the times.” – Rendezvous

“A diabolically smooth and logical frame-up… Frazer springs substantial surprises. A moving portrait of how afflictions torment body and mind and a meditation on selfless friendship. It’s a treat, with memorable characters and a thoughtful, bittersweet ending.” – S.M. Tyson, The Armchair Detective

PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FREVISSE MYSTERIES

“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

“Mystery… Suspense… Frazer executes with audacity and ingenuity.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Margaret Frazer is on a rip. Each book is better and stronger than the last, and it’s almost a privilege to be on the journey as the skillful Frazer takes her heroine, Dame Frevisse, all over Britain solving crimes.” – Aunt Agatha’s

“There is action aplenty and intrigue in abundance.” – Historical Novels Review

A Romantic Times Top Pick.

Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award.

Twice nominated for the Edgar Award.