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 medieval cosy mystery? Who would have believed it? What a good read.
i love the brother cadfael series
Fascinating historical setting.
I love the Cadfael series!
The author paints a very vivid of the world. She also provides believable daily details about food and clothing.
The age and times of this story make it informative entertaining and a delight to read.
Great medieval mystery genre.
Very good series.
Like visiting an old friend.
The Father Cadfael mysteries are all excellent. Cadfael is became a monk after fighting in the Crusades. The setting is historically accurate, his herb knowledge is accurate, and the mysteries are fascinating. Saint Peter’s Fair deals with a murder at a fair sponsored by the monastery. A good read!
This is my second book in the series; I will read them all! The author shows great knowledge of medieval times in England/Wales. His characters are well-drawn, engaging. This book might not be an action-packed page turner, but the plot moves along well & holds one’s interest.
Worth re-reading!
I love the Brother Cadfael mysteries. They are entertaining, light, intriguing, and well plotted. They make a pleasant diversion from heavier reading.
Wonderful series. Obviously written by someone who knows the history of the period. And I’m impressed that the author understands why someone might choose monastic life. I’ve read them all I think. Some more than once. Also liked the TV series. Real people.
You can’t beat the Cadfael series for originality, realistic characters, and learning more about medieval life.
Great series!
Great story and well-defined characters. If you like historical fiction and mysteries, you’ll love this one.
This is a medieval CSI. Brother Cadfael works his magic to search out the truth.
It is an ancient “Who Doneit”.
This is not my favorite Brother Cadfael–that position belongs to One Corpse Too Many–but it it well-written and a good play in which the characters can act. This series is made of stories and mysteries, and questions about Judgment and Justice, God’s realm and the king’s, that at first seem quite straightforward and even simple. But they are, rather, like the stained glass windows and the manuscripts of their era. The simplicity is deceptive: the longer you look at them, the deeper you are drawn into their world. They are Canterbury tales, every one. This one show the practices of the medieval fair, and the odd combinations of the religious and secular rules that governed them.
A wonderful character in Brother Cadfael, and the setting in 1100 England combined w an intriguing mystery makes for a delightful read.