In the twelfth century, merchants gather at a summertime fair–but when one of them is found dead in a river, a crime-solving monk must step in. St. Peter’s Fair is a grand, festive event, attracting merchants from across England and beyond. There is a pause in the civil war racking the country in the summer of 1139, and the fair promises to bring some much-needed gaiety to the town of … town of Shrewsbury–until the body of a wealthy merchant is found murdered in the river Severn. Was Thomas of Bristol the victim of murderous thieves? And, if so, why were his valuables abandoned nearby?
Brother Cadfael, that shrewd but kindly monk, offers to help the merchant’s lovely niece Emma. But while he is searching for the killer, Thomas of Bristol’s wares are ransacked and two more men are murdered. Emma almost certainly knows more than she is telling–as others will soon realize. Cadfael desperately races to save the young girl, knowing that in a country at war with itself, betrayal can come from any direction, and even good intentions can kill.
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A good read. Great story with a very realistic picture of life in the Middle Ages.
Part of a series of light mysteries set in medieval England. Great characters that I have followed through the entire series.
Always enjoy reading Brother Cadfael, good series.
I have always enjoyed the Cadfael tv series on PBS. The book was very good. It illuminated parts of the character that couldn’t be shown in a tv series.
Excellent Read.
The Cadfael books have been a pleasure for me for years, and during this pandemic time, the level of soulful wisdom along with realistic optimism is great!
I love the books by Ellis Peters
Buy it as an introduction to a wonderful series and cast of characters. Once you have read this one get the other books in the series and enjoy how the various characters including Brother Cadfael develop over time. There are many twists and turns in their lives. And, interesting characters with insights into the period of history
Love all of the Brother Cadfael books!
Wonderful, historical mystery. Brother Cadfael is one of a kind.
I love the Ellis Peters series!!! Glad to see it back on the ‘need to read’ lists. The TV series is wonderful too.
Here’s a different kind of mystery. Go back in time about a thousand years & get caught up in the English civil war with very realistic characters.
I love Ellis Peters and her Cadfael series.
The Brother Cadfael series takes us to twelfth century England. Shrewsbury, close to the Welsh border, if often becomes embroiled in the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud. The brothers of the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul go about their daily tasks, but the outside world often comes into the cloister to wreak havoc.
I have enjoyed all the Ellis Peters Cadfael stories I’ve read and shall continue until there aren’r any more.
Brother Caedfel solves cimes in medieval times. Well-written. It brings these usualy obscure times to life.
I love Brother Cadfael. Ellis Peters does a great job incorporating the herbal lore and the flavor of the Benedictine life in these mysteries.
I’ve read all the Brother Cadfael books and loved them all.
Love Name of the Rose – Cadfael is a similar type of historical mystery series-great fun.
A monk detective solves another mystery in the wonderful Caedfel series. The details of life in the 13th century are portrayed as the clues to a murder are revealed.