Books On Board

Sister Frevisse Books in Order

  • 22 Books
  • 1992 – 2011 Published

Amazon links here are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reading order
2 of 2 reading orders shown

Where to Begin: The Recommended Reading Path

For the best experience, we highly recommend reading the Sister Frevisse series in publication order. Because the internal timeline of the series aligns almost perfectly with the order in which the books were published, starting with the very first novel, The Novice's Tale, is the easiest and most satisfying way to watch the characters and the world of St. Frideswide’s priory develop naturally.

While each mystery is self-contained and can technically be enjoyed on its own, Dame Frevisse's personal journey, her growing web of political connections, and the background historical setting of the pre-Wars of the Roses era evolve continuously. Reading them in order ensures you won't miss the subtle shifts in her character or the grander political context of Henry VI's troubled reign.

Publication Order of Sister Frevisse Novels

The main series consists of 17 novels published between 1992 and 2007. Here is the order in which they were released:

  1. The Novice's Tale (1992)
  2. The Servant's Tale (1993)
  3. The Outlaw's Tale (1994)
  4. The Bishop's Tale (1994)
  5. The Boy's Tale (1995)
  6. The Murderer's Tale (1996)
  7. The Prioress' Tale (1997)
  8. The Maiden's Tale (1998)
  9. The Reeve's Tale (1999)
  10. The Squire's Tale (2000)
  11. The Clerk's Tale (2002)
  12. The Bastard's Tale (2003)
  13. The Hunter's Tale (2004)
  14. The Widow's Tale (2005)
  15. The Sempster's Tale (2006)
  16. The Traitor's Tale (2007)
  17. The Apostate's Tale (2007)

The Chronological Timeline (Weaving in Novellas)

For dedicated fans who want to experience Dame Frevisse's world in its exact historical order, Margaret Frazer wrote several short stories and novellas that fit between the novels. The author's official master chronology sets the timeline from 1431 to 1454. Here is the complete integrated order:

  • The Novice's Tale (Set in September 1431)
  • The Witch's Tale (Short Story — Set in Spring 1432)
  • The Servant's Tale (Set in New Year's 1434) — Note: This book introduces the beloved character Joliffe.
  • The Outlaw's Tale (Set in May 1434)
  • The Midwife's Tale (Short Story — Set in June 1434)
  • The Bishop's Tale (Set in November 1434)
  • The Boy's Tale (Set in Summer 1436)
  • The Murderer's Tale (Set in Spring 1437)
  • The Prioress' Tale (Set in October 1439)
  • The Maiden's Tale (Set in November 1439)
  • The Reeve's Tale (Set in June 1440)
  • The Squire's Tale (Set in Spring 1444)
  • The Clerk's Tale (Set in January 1446)
  • The Bastard's Tale (Set in February 1447)
  • The Hunter's Tale (Set in Summer 1448)
  • The Widow's Tale (Set in Spring-Summer 1449)
  • The Sempster's Tale (Set in Summer 1450)
  • The Traitor's Tale (Set in Summer-Autumn 1450)
  • The Apostate's Tale (Set in Spring 1452)
  • The Stone-Worker's Tale (Short Story — Set in 1454)
  • Winter Heart (Short Story — Set in 1454)

Note: The short story "Shakespeare's Mousetrap" (originally published as "That Same Pit") is an exception. While it is grouped with Frazer's shorter works, it features William Shakespeare himself and is set in the late 16th century, long after Sister Frevisse's time.

The Joliffe the Player Spin-off Series

Joliffe, the charismatic actor first introduced in the second novel The Servant's Tale, went on to star in his own spin-off series, Joliffe the Player Mysteries. Also written by Margaret Frazer, this seven-book series follows Joliffe as he travels through 15th-century England performing plays and acting as a spy for the Crown. These books can be read alongside the main Frevisse series to enrich the historical backdrop:

  1. A Play of Isaac (2004) — Set in June 1434
  2. A Play of Dux Moraud (2005) — Set in September-October 1434
  3. A Play of Knaves (2006) — Set in Spring 1435
  4. A Play of Lords (2007) — Set in Autumn 1435
  5. A Play of Treachery (2009) — Set in Winter 1436
  6. A Play of Piety (2010) — Set in August 1436
  7. A Play of Heresy (2011) — Set in Early Summer 1438

Co-Authorship and Series History

Behind the pseudonym "Margaret Frazer" lies a fascinating collaborative history. The first six novels (from The Novice's Tale through The Murderer's Tale) were co-written by Gail Lynn Brown and Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld. After the sixth novel, Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld left the project to pursue other writing, and Gail Lynn Brown continued the series solo under the Margaret Frazer name until her death in 2013. The transition is seamless, and the meticulous historical detail remains a hallmark of the entire run.

What to Know Before You Start

Unlike many cozy historical mysteries, the Sister Frevisse series does not shy away from the complex social structures, religious devotions, and harsh realities of medieval England. Dame Frevisse is a devout Benedictine nun, and her investigations are deeply colored by her faith, her monastic vows, and her aristocratic background (she is a cousin to the powerful Alice Chaucer). The stories successfully balance quiet priory life with high-stakes national politics, making it a perfect fit for fans of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series.

Frequently Asked

What is the best starting point for the Sister Frevisse series?

The best starting point is the first novel, The Novice's Tale (1992). Starting here introduces you to Dame Frevisse, the setting of St. Frideswide, and the core cast of characters in the order the author intended.

Can the Sister Frevisse books be read as standalones?

Yes, each novel features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the end. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to follow the overarching character development and chronological historical timeline.

Who wrote the Sister Frevisse series?

The books were written under the pen name Margaret Frazer. The first six novels were a collaboration between Gail Lynn Brown and Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld. The remaining books and novellas were written solely by Gail Lynn Brown.

How does the Joliffe the Player series connect to Sister Frevisse?

Joliffe is first introduced as a traveling player in the second Frevisse novel, The Servant's Tale. His spin-off series, starting with A Play of Isaac, takes place in the same universe and chronological timeline, showing the medieval world from an actor's perspective.

Where do the short stories fit into the reading order?

Most of the short stories, such as The Witch's Tale and The Midwife's Tale, are collected in the book Sins of the Blood. They fit chronologically between the early novels, with The Stone-Worker's Tale and Winter Heart serving as epilogues set after the final novel.