Margaret Frazer is the pen name of the American author Gail Frazer, who wrote historical mysteries and other historical fiction. Frazer was born on November 26, 1946, in Kewanee, Illinois. She grew up in her hometown and later moved to Elk River, Minnesota, where she lived and worked. Frazer is best known for her Sister Frevisse and Joliffe the Player mysteries. Her writing career began in the summer that she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, and she continued to write for over twenty years despite her illness.
Frazer's first novel was published in the same summer that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the disease for over twenty years, but unfortunately, she passed away only months after her 25th novel was published. Frazer's writing career was marked by her ability to write historical mysteries that were both engaging and informative. She made her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was surrounded by her books. Frazer's writing was inspired by her interest in medieval England, and she sought to explore medieval perceptions in her work.
Frazer's Sister Frevisse series, which includes the Edgar-nominated novel "The Novice's Tale," is set in medieval England and features Dame Frevisse. Frazer's second series of novels, featuring the player/minstrel Joliffe, is also set in the same time and place. Frazer's writing was highly regarded, and she was twice a finalist for the Edgar(R) in the paperback original category. Frazer's work as an author allowed her to delve into medieval England from a medieval perspective, providing readers with a unique and engaging view of the past. Frazer's website, which was previously available online, provided more information about her and her work.