A Play of Knaves (A Joliffe Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Margaret Frazer (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Joliffe Mystery | Publication Date: August 1, 2006

In the spring of 1435, Joliffe and his fellow players are sent to the village of Ashewell not only to stage plays, but to uncover some dark secrets about the town’s three wealthy families: the Ashewells, the Medcotes, and the Gosyns. A rivalry has been brewing among the families, entangling the entire town in a web of seduction, deception, and blackmail.

Matters go beyond the breaking point when someone turns to murder to settle their grievances.  And if one murder is good, why not another?  If all the world is a stage, then it’s up to Joliffe to bring the curtain down on this tragedy—before another man takes his final curtain call...

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Set in the same [world] as Margaret Frazer’s Dame Frevisse mysteries…Historical mystery fans will love this series.”—Midwest Book Review



 



 



 



 

About the Author

Margaret Frazer was a finalist for an Edgar Award for Best Original Paperback for both The Servant’s Tale and The Prioress’ Tale. The Sister Frevisse series includes The Novice’s Tale, The Servant’s Tale, The Outlaw’s Tale, The Bishop’s Tale, The Boy’s Tale, The Murderer’s Tale, The Prioress’ Tale, The Maiden’s Tale, The Reeve’s Tale, and The Squire’s Tale. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; First Thus edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425211118
• ISBN-13: 978-0425211113
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Margaret Frazer is a full-time writer. She has twice been a finalist for the Edgar(r) in the paperback original category. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Group of Players!, January 12, 2007

By 

Miami Old Lady "Elsa" (MIAMI, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Play of Knaves (A Joliffe Mystery) (Mass Market Paperback)

I read this book in less than 3 hours, because it held my interest completely and I just had to finish it. I read the previous three books about Joliffe and the players, but this is among the best by far. The interaction of the players is superb, with their easy friendship and good humored chiding. The new member of the troupe, Gil, can use some additional exposure -- and further development of what may be an interesting character.
I hate to give any part of the plot away, but consider reading the book because it is well written and beautifully researched. The crime and its solution are simply an added and well brought about bonus. A most for hystorical mysteries fans!
Enjoy!!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Start with A Play of Issac!, April 8, 2010

By 

Elizabeth A. Hart (St Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Play of Knaves (A Joliffe Mystery) (Mass Market Paperback)

The book A Play of Knaves is one of a series of historical mysteries that follow the player Joliffe as he ends up in a variety of situations that require some serious sleuthing to stay out of trouble.

While it is not difficult to follow and enjoy the mystery of A Play of Knaves without having read the rest of the series, some of the introspection of the main character seemed misplaced because I had not read earlier works and had not yet formed a connection of any sort with Joliffe. I still felt like I hadn't by the end of the book either. It is very apparent that there is an arc through the series following Joliffe and this was just one small part of it, but since I was reading a book somewhere in the middle it ended up being just confusing to have those themes thrown in.

The historical mystery on its own was a fun read. I don't know much about the period so I'm not sure what of it is accurate and what not, but the characters were lively and fun and the mystery was definitely interesting, though I wouldn't call it gripping by any means. The dialogue was definitely not accurate for the times, but that was probably a blessing considering the year. A lot of the circumstance and background for a band of traveling players in the 1400's ended up being pretty interesting. And, the humor of the book was at times laugh out loud funny as their performances were described, plus they often had license to poke fun at figures in society that the average person could not.

A Play of Knaves was a light and fun read but might I suggest starting with A Play of Issac? That might make things make a lot more sense and you can follow Joliffe the player from the very beginning.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Series--Why Paperback Only?, October 19, 2008

By 

Portianay "portianay" (KY, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Play of Knaves (A Joliffe Mystery) (Mass Market Paperback)

The Joliffe mysteries are every bit as enjoyable as The Dame Frevisse, but the nun gets the hadcover. huh!
Love Gil, the new player, and have found he does get more developed as the series goes on.
The titles are intriguing, and very apt.