The Hunter's Tale
Dame Frevisse Medieval Mystery, #13 
By Margaret Frazer

     Sir Ralph Woodrove is hated by his family, his tenants and by nearly all who know him. Perhaps it is no surprise when he is found violently murdered, and it is hard to imagine who would not want him dead. But murder is still illegal and an investigation is called for, so it is lucky that Dame Frevisse is on the spot to keep the widow company. Especially when the deaths don't just stop with one…

     After the political shenanigans of The Bastard's Tale (also reviewed on this site) the series is back with another whodunit. This story is a lot more than just a crime novel, being a detailed study of a family whose head is a tyrant intent on ruining the lives of all around him. Like all Fraser's books, this is not a pacy novel, but it does contain a teasing plot with plenty of red herrings, and I certainly didn't guess them all. Religious life takes a backseat this time; instead, readers are treated to a meticulous evocation of life in a country manor in mid-15th century England. The murder and mystery are nicely balanced out by descriptions of keeping hunting dogs, ordering an estate and daily life with meals and chores. This makes the story seem very immediate, and the characters in it seem true flesh and blood. Thought provoking, well paced and satisfying.

Reviews of other titles in this series

The Servant's Tale, 2
The Outlaw's Tale, 3
The Bishop's Tale, 4
The Prioress’s Tale, 7
The Bastard’s Tale, 12
The Hunter's Tale, 13
The Sempster's Tale, 15
The Traitor’s Tale, 16