A Play of Lords (A Joliffe Mystery) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Margaret Frazer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Joliffe and company play spies amongst the British aristocracy as lords and clergymen vie for the coveted position of regent to the young King Henry VI. But when men who know too much begin to die in violent ways, the players start to fear for their own lives.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (August 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425216683
• ISBN-13: 978-0425216682
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #114,931 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 4 in The Joliffe Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Play of Lords, September 3, 2007

By	PGalanis "Phyl" (USA) - See all my reviews

I've read almost all of the Dame Frivesse books as well as the A Play of... books by Margaret Frazer. This book again features Joliffe as a member of the acting troupe, but it is a much slower pace than most of the author's books. She spends most of the book on the machinations of power in England in the early to mid 1400's. I usually enjoy the historical detail, but, for me, this time the story suffered for it.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, August 13, 2007

By	Colonel Jenna (Overland Park, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews

I have no idea how this book would strike someone who had not read the others starring Joliffe, the travelling actor and playwright living during the reign of Henry VI of England. Having read those books, I like this one right well. As a part-time historian myself I am not jarred by any painful inaccuracies, the feel of the time and place and people is right. The mysteries are why I read the books however, and this one is OK although not the author's best effort ever.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, August 14, 2007

By	SuperFan (New York) - See all my reviews

As a fan of the Joliffe (and Frevisse) series, I would say that "A Play of Lords" is among Frazer's best. Frazer is exceptionally skilled at writing these medieval history-mysteries. She is quite deft at integrating historical facts with fiction. "A Play of Lords" is no exception. It includes facts about intriguing political events that took place during the time period in which the book is set. The mores of that medieval time period are fascinating. Frazer puts factual and fictional elements together and produces (as she always does) a remarkable story and one that transports the reader to Medieval England, which comes alive with her detailed descriptions. As I read, I 'saw' the streets of London and 'walked' along the Thames. I enjoyed the conversations between the characters. It is always a joy spending time with 'the company' and the other characters that Frazer creates. She puts such depth to her characters that it is impossible not to respond to them one way or another. In this book, Mak proves to be an appealing addition, especially in light of Joliffe's assessment of him and then Mak's reaction to that assessment. Of course, Joliffe is an enticing character, and he makes a few decisions that are surprising. Actually, there are several surprises that will keep you turning the pages. The plot held my attention all the way to the end, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments along the way. All in all, "A Play of Lords" is educational; it is humorous, and it is edifying (one of Frazer's many skills includes her astonishing ability to capture the different aspects of human nature, not least the moral aspect). I completely enjoyed reading "A Play of Lords"; I am already awaiting the next Joliffe. In the meantime, thank goodness, there is a Frevisse coming out in Jan.'08 (and that is not soon enough).