Charges of heresy and murder are complicated by the contents of a mysterious treasure chest In the summer of 1143, William of Lythwood arrives at the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, but it is not a joyous occasion–he’s come back from his pilgrimage in a coffin. William’s body is accompanied by his young attendant Elave, whose mission is to secure a burial place for his master on … burial place for his master on the abbey grounds, despite William’s having once been reprimanded for heretical views.
An already difficult task is complicated when Elave drunkenly expresses his own heretical opinions, and capital charges are filed. When a violent death follows, Sheriff Hugh Beringar taps his friend Brother Cadfael for help. The mystery that unfolds grows deeper thanks to a mysterious and marvelous treasure chest in Elave’s care.
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Any of the Cadfiel series books are good reads
Enjoy reading about the era and the Character
I really like the Brother Cadfael novels. They bring to life the Kingsbridge Priory.
Outstanding characters and great stories. The Cadfael books bring history to life as well as being highly enjoyable to read. My hat is off to Ellis Peters!
Brother Cadfael is tasked with assisting the Sheriff to solve the death of the servant who has returned his master to the Abby for burial. The mystery is twisted and the characters are wonderfully crafted!
An excellent book, as are all of Ellis Peter’s works!
I love the Cadfael series, and have read all of them!
Have all her books
Always enjoy Cadfael
All of the Cadfael’s books are marvelous. True to the period, an off center stage romance with a happy ending, and a very likable protagonist with a bit of mystery cleverly solved.
I enjoy reading Ellis Peters’ “Cadfael” mysteries because of the glimpse it gives me into a world and a time period I can only dream about.
I am not a Catholic, but I have studied a good deal of ancient history (Greek & Roman) & the beginnings of the Reformation, as well as the Meridian of Time. Cadfael gives me a window into what has been a gap in my historical understanding of people and culture (albeit a fictitious one!) after the loss of Christ’s apostles and before Martin Luther.
The only difficulty is, if one reads the novels very quickly in succession, one can get the impression that one is retreading the same story over and over again, with different characters acting out essentially the same plot….
I enjoyed the twist and turns of this story. I love how Cadfael and Hugh work together to solve the mystery. The apprentice character was very believable.
All Brother Cadfael’s books are entertaining and a welcome change from current day mystery novels.
Love the whole series and this is no exception.
All the Caedfael series are interesting, with original plots. Easy read; enjoyable and entertaining.
Elave returns to Shrewsbury after a lengthy absence. He brings with him Lord William of Lythwood’s body, his master, and a beautiful decorative box. It was William’s dying wish he be buried in his home town. He also asked Elave to give the box, and it’s unknown contents, to his foster daughter Fortunata as a dowry.
As Elave recounts his time in the Holy Land with his master to the family, he voices his opinion of the faith. The clerk of the house, Aldwin, rushes off to Abbot Radulfus and charges Elave with heresy. The charge is also heard by Canon Gerbert, a visiting Augustinian from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
By the next morning, Aldwin is found dead and Elave is the chief suspect. Brother Cadfael and Sherriff Hugh Beringar scour the home, and the occupants, for clues to Aldwin’s death. As the pieces come together, they discover the box is much more than what it seems.
Ellis does a wonderful job of showing how the Church worked in the summer of 1143 England. A heresy charge can’t be heard and ruled upon by anyone. Even Canon Gerbert can’t condemn the man. Bishop Robert de Clinton of Coventry becomes the judge because it is in his jurisdiction that the heresy occurred. I enjoyed learning through this book how the Church operated.
Hope you enjoy this cozy mystery.