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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Love the entire series. They are great reads, and one picks up a bit of British history along the way.
One note. Al the end of many of the books, the author requests donations. Just know that the current church in shrewsbury is a Victorian building. I know as I have been to Shrewsbury and not only visited the church, it met the American wife or the minister. And if you ever find yourself I. The U.K., Shrewsbury is well worth a few days visit.
Ellis Peters is one of my favorite authors! Highly recommend her books!
This is older mystery series. After watching series on PBS, I read books. Very much enjoyed. I love a well written mystery
intriguing setting and interesting characters
Middle ages who-done-it
One of Peters’ Brother Cadfael series. While each book stands alone, reading them in consecutive order gives a great picture of 12th Century England and Wales. The characters are well drawn and the world Peters creates is totally believable. The plot twists are unexpected. I’ve read the series several times and plan to read them again this year.
The Father Cadfael books I’ve read so far seem to start out slowly but then finally get into the mystery at hand. This one is like that. There were a couple of twists to the mystery that I didn’t see coming, but it was entertaining in any case.
Medieval sleuthing and natural medicine, and the feudal lords don’t get everything they want. What’s not to like?
I enjoy this whole series
Obtuse is the synopsis and example of the writing style in this novel
I have been reading her books for the past twenty years. Every so often I like ro reread them even though I am familiar with the plot and the characters. Why you ask? I always seem to find some I have missed. The first time is usually a gobble-them up they are so good where-as the second is a longer, slower read. And guess what? The read is just as good that time around. I have enjoyed the TV series just the same! This time around I’ve brought several copies. Now this may sound silly but there is a Scoth woman woman who watches every cent I spend and I haven’t heard a peep out of her. So I guess she thinks the books are a good read also. Helena Beavers. Roanoke, VA.
Great series!
Cascara never disappoints. Good old sleuthing without fancy forensics.
I love Brother Caedfel, he is a fourteenth century Poirot
I always enjoy Cadfael stories, historical fiction plus mystery fun reads.
Very ordinary. Not interested in reading more of the series.
I enjoy the Cadfael books because of their insights into the history of the Middle Ages.
An easy read and held my interest.
Love this whole series! Very disappointed when subsequent offer withdrawn before I could purchase.
Another Enjoyable book about Brother Cadfael. Enjoyed the background of England, village life and the Church.