A Play of Piety (A Joliffe Mystery) Original edition

Ripped from the pages of the award-winning author's Dame Frevisse novels...

A PLAGUE OF DEATH...

While his troupe leader recovers from grievous injury, Joliffe is forced to find work in the treacherous world of a medieval hospital. Plagued almost to despair by the endless complaints and imaginary ailments of the elderly widow Mistress Cisily Thorncoffyn, the erstwhile spy and theatrical player is almost relieved to discover that patients are dying from more than their illnesses. Care for the sick and elderly in both body and soul is a sacred and holy duty, but Death's cruel scythe can always use a helping hand...

Now, with Mistress Thorncoffyn loudly proclaiming that someone is trying to kill her and swearing her wrath on anyone who allows it to happen, Joliffe has no choice but to find the sickening anger which has claimed so many lives before more of the innocent ill are afflicted with a final rest.

PRAISE FOR THE PLAYER JOLIFFE SERIES

"Everything I'd hoped to find: memorable characters, a meticulously detailed world, an intriguing crime, and a satisfying conclusion." - Roundtable Reviews

"Will entertain and confound you with its intricately plotted mystery and richly detailed writing... Ms. Frazer knows the fifteenth century and it shows..." - Romance Readers Connection

"Deftly drawn characters acting in a stage of intricate and accurate details of medieval life." - Affaire de Couer

Carefully and faithfully rendered, 15th-century England and France and all the political difficulties come easily to life... Medieval mystery fans will once again enjoy the clever player Joliffe and his adventures. - The Mystery Reader

PRAISE FOR MARGARET FRAZER

"Prepare to be enchanted as Margaret Frazer transports you back to the 15th century." - Romantic Times

"More than just a good read. The reader comes away sadder and wiser, knowing that what tehy've read is that stuff of real life. Brava!" - Historical Novels Review

"A smooth and absorbing saga of conspiracy and treachery in 15th-century England... A tantalizing secret turns out to have stunning political implications." - Publishers Weekly

"Finely plotted and subtly shaded. Frazer has the detailed substance that brings an era to life, while her characters' psychological makeup is as cunningly wrought as the historical background." - Publishers Weekly

"Margaret Frazer has quietly claimed her place as one of the preeminent writers of historical crime fiction, delivering the whole package - a good mystery, wonderful characters, and a fascinating period of history. Her novels are a dream to read." - Aunt Agatha's Newsletter

Herodotus Award Winner.
Twice nominated for the Edgar Award
Twice nominated for the Minnesota Book Award
A Romantic Times Top Pick.