A despised priest is drowned in a pond in this medieval mystery filled with “lively period detail” (Kirkus Reviews). In a mild December in the year of our Lord 1141, a new priest comes to the parishioners of the Foregate outside the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Father Ailnoth brings with him a housekeeper and her nephew—and a disposition that invites murder. Brother Cadfael quickly sees … murder.
Brother Cadfael quickly sees that father Ailnoth is a harsh man who, striding along in his black cassock, looks like a doomsaying raven. The housekeeper’s nephew, Benet, is quite different—a smiling lad, a hard worker in Cadfael’s herb garden, but, as Brother Cadfael soon discovers, an impostor. And when Ailnoth is found drowned, suspicion falls on Benet, though many in the Foregate had cause to want this priest dead. Now Brother Cadfael is gathering clues along with his medicinals to treat a case of unholy passions, tragic politics, and perhaps divine intervention.
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A great mystery in a compelling setting with wonderful characters.
The Brother Cadfael books are fun and interesting mysteries that give pretty good insight into a historical period. We love them so much that we went to visit Shrewsbury Abbey on a recent trip to England.
Loved the language from 1400’s. I was using the dictionary on every other page.
Book better than the award-winning tv show. History you want to understand, with characters you want to know. Have them all and as good a series in re read as originally.
Love this series!
I’m a fan of all Cadfael books.
I love this series. This was a really good one!!
interesting setting medieval
Classic Ellis Peters.
Ellis Peters is probably depicting the birth of forsenic science.
As with all the Cadfael series, this is a good read.
I love the entire Cadfael series, and this book is right in there!
The writing style was interesting, including many historical details. The story was very intriguing, although my mind sometimes wandered. There were many plot twists and turns.
Love this series
Love all Ellis Peters’ books
Love the Brother Cadfael books
I have read several of the Cadfael books. I am fascinated with the time period, the use of herbal cures and the way Cadfael solves the crimes.
This is a unique series about a 12th century monk and his adventures. Through them, we learn a great deal of the history of England during this time.
Brother Cadfael is a cleaver fellow indeed, and just great fun to curl up with. I started with the first in the series, and am working my way through the books.
They truly take you back to Merry Old England in the twelfth century!
Loved it .Great plot and wonderful characters! Every Brother Cadfael book I’ve read has been delightful!!!
The entire Cadfael series is a must read for those who enjoy English historical novels. I just finished all 21 for the second time and they were even better the second read.
Love Brother Cadfael and the 12th Century. Lots of interesting historical tidbits and genuine herb loire.