In theory I am opposed to reading series, but in practice, I like the easy investment in characters with enough color to make me feel as if the reading was worth my time. This was. I'll be thinking of love which is fertile and love which is not. The author does seem to like opposing characters. ( )

Once again, high politics intrudes in Sister Frevisse's world. This time, she has gone to London to stay with her highly- placed cousin Alice, and gets involved against her well in a possibly treasonous scheme. A particularly good book in a good series. ( )

Dame Frevisse likes a quiet life of devotion--that is, after all, why she became a nun. But she is called out of that sphere to visit a wealthy cousin, Alice, countess of Suffolk, and is soon asked to pass messages between King Henry VI and the duc of Orleans, a French captive, toward promoting peace with France. While she wishes only to have time for her prayers and to go to bed early, Frevisse nonetheless finds herself investigating the suspicious death of the previous messenger. In both, she is assisted by Lady Jane, the earl's young cousin marred by a large red birthmark on her face, about to enter into an arranged marriage of convenience. This is the first of the series that I've read. I found that it stood alone quite well. The characters, moreover, were very appealing, especially the very different, but equally strong, heroines Frevisse and Jane. I like the sense of purpose that seems to pervade medieval mysteries (these and Cadfael, of which these are very much in the spirit). The mystery plot is deeply political in nature without being dry--it is personal at the same time. ( )

Very slow beginning and not the quickest read. It got better the further I got into it. I would be willing to give the series another look. ( )