Another in the excellent Joliffe series. The story drags just a bit in the middle. There is not a lot of character growth - this is more of a traditional mystery than some others in the series. There is a wealth of historical information, even more so than usual - and as Frazer always makes the 1400's come alive, it is a treasure. This is the best part and great strength of this book. It is much more fulfilling to read if you have already read the prior books in the series. This is one of my favorite series along with the Dame Frevisse stories that Joliffe spun off of. I enjoyed this book very much but, it lacked the spark that the other books have had. Joliffe spent too much time ruminating various things in his head. He spent a lot of time just walking around thinking - not a lot of doing. It made the story drag in spots for me. I missed the interactions with Basset and the other players too - the warmth of those moments was lacking in this book.I enjoyed learning more about the plays done in medieval times and as usual Margaret Frazer brings that time period to life in wonderful ways.
Not as good as the Dame Frevisse books, in my mind, but still well written and engrossing.
—hunie
A slow, stately story. A nice read, especially if you've read any of the other stories.
—dizzy
Actually, 3 1/2. Not as good as others in the series, but enjoyable.
—th3l4wy3r
