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THE HUNTER'S TALE
by Margaret Frazer
Berkley, January 2004
336 pages
$23.95
ISBN: 0425194019


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Sir Ralph takes joy in hunting with his hounds and abusing his family. His grandson Miles armors himself with sardonic humor, while his son Tom matches him fury for fury, and his son Hugh escapes by tending the hounds. His wife, Lady Anneys, while deeply loving her family, is careful to never show that Sir Ralph's actions upset her. Any attempt to shield someone would focus his wrath on that person and make matters worse. She is too wise to create a situation in which her children's pain can be used as a ready weapon against her. Any crack in her defenses would make life much worse for them.

His neighbor, Sir William, is his only friend. Sir William shares Sir Ralph's passion for hunting as well as his disregard for others. Sir Ralph and Sir William hunt together, with families accompanying them. The males participate in the hunt. The females meet them at a pre-determined spot near the woods with food to sustain them after their morning's ride. After eating everyone relaxes for a while, resting, singing, exploring the woods. One of the hounds suddenly rushes into the woods and, many of the party, including Sir Ralph, follow after her. An hour later he is found dead. They raise the hue and cry for a murderer and search the woods; all the while wondering if one of them killed him.

The terms of Sir Ralph's will are calculated to deny his wife any sort of happiness. They specify that his wife will be cut off if she remarries or is in any way unchaste or unvirtuous, and set up a situation where others will profit if they can prove her so.

Fearing that one of the executors is trying to compromise her reputation, she takes herself off to St. Frideswide's priory. When she is pursued by a suspect suitor even in the nunnery she enlists Dame Frevisse's help, and when another death causes her family to send for her, she requests Dame Frevisse's company. Domina Elisabeth sends Dame Frevisse and Dame Johane to accompany her home. There Dame Frevisse sets herself to uncovering the secrets of this unhappy family.

I loved this 13th book in the Dame Frevisse series. This series is noted partly for the historical accuracy and partly for the beauty of the writing. I also love it for the character of Dame Frevisse. She is growing in her faith and in her wisdom. I particularly like the ending of this book when I compare it to the ending of THE OUTLAW'S TALE. Highly recommended for any reader who likes historical mysteries, strong female protagonists, excellent character development, psychologically believable stories, and wonderful writing.

Reviewed by Jill Long, March 2004

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