The sleuthing monk unravels a thorny case of murder in this “accomplished whodunit meticulously wrought with a wealth of medieval detail” (Booklist). A late spring in 1142 brings dismay to the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, for there may be no roses by June 22. On that day the young widow Perle must receive one white rose as rent for the house she has given to benefit the abbey, or the … given to benefit the abbey, or the contract is void. When nature finally complies, a pious monk is sent to pay the rent—and is found murdered beside the hacked rosebush.
The abbey’s wise herbalist, Brother Cadfael, follows the trail of bloodied petals. He knows the lovely widow’s dowry is far greater with her house included, and she will likely wed again. Before Cadfael can ponder if a greedy suitor has done this dreadful deed, another crime is committed. Now the good monk must thread his way through a tangle more tortuous than the widow’s thorny bushes.
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All of the Ellis Peters, Brother Cadfael books are very good reads. This one is my favorite, but read them all, you will find your favorite.
Another masterclass in how to write a mystery. The characters are flawlessly drawn with a few deft strokes and the reader is kept guessing who the killer might be. I enjoyed the detail of the medieval world — what they wore, how they lived and worked, the town and the countryside. This was a delight to read.
Always a great historical story.
I’m a fan. I think that if Cadfael was real he would be the Father of forsenic medicine.
Well-written historical fiction.
I love this series. It was hard to get started on the first book in the series, but once I got oriented to the time and setting, I was totally drawn into this world. I have read others in this series as books on tape and they are wonderful also. I highly recommend.
haven’t read a Cadfael book yet that i have ever been disappointed. I’m always
sad when one ends.
The Caedfel books are great fun. This one stands out.
Love Cadfael…
Great series
In my experience, Ellis Peters never turns in a bad performance. In this particular outing of the Cadfael series, she presents a clever and character-driven mystery that will intrigue and beguile the reader through to the last pages. From the prose itself to the world-recreation of 12th century England, this book (and others in the series) brings the reader into a realm both familiar and mysterious. Every moment is enjoyable. Read, savor, bask in it.
As a mystery reader, I enjoy the Cadfael series because the books transport me to a completely different time and place. It’s interesting to get a sense of what life might have been like in 12th century England and Wales. They are well-written and are fairly straight-forward, unlike some mystery novels. Cadfael is a pleasing character with whom to spend some time.
A wonderful mystery
Love the whole series
I just like having the opportunity to live in this era for a while and to get a sense of the period. Plus, Caedfel is so smart. It’s fun to watch him solve the crime.
Brother Cadfael always a treat to visit with him and his adventures. Enjoy immersing into that period of history. He has worldly wisdom in a spiritual environment. Usually has an interesting twist in the end.
This is going to be one of my favorite of the Cadfael series. A touch of romance was found throughout the story. The plot was original and different.
I enjoy historical fiction that is reasonably historical. I like protagonist I can like. I have read the whole series, and purchased this to reread.
I loved the historical (fiction) setting, the mystery plot itself, but the great characters most.
Another good story in the Cadfael series. It takes place in and builds on the already established world of the Benedictine Abbey at Shrewsbury that Cadfael inhabits. Sin and greed enters the sanctuary and leads to murder (actually multiple murders, attempted murder and a kidnapping). It takes Cadfaels’ shrewd mind to solve the mystery, find the murderer and keep a valuable asset within the abbeys control.