A monk embarks on a dangerous quest to find a trio of missing travelers in this medieval mystery by an Edgar Award-winning author. The winter of 1139 will disrupt Brother Cadfael’s tranquil life in Shrewsbury with the most disturbing of events. Raging civil war has sent refugees fleeing north from Worcester. Among them are two orphans from a noble family, a boy of thirteen and an … thirteen and an eighteen-year-old girl of great beauty, and their companion, a young Benedictine nun. The trio never reaches Shrewsbury, having disappeared somewhere in the wild countryside.
Cadfael is afraid for these three lost lambs, but another call for help sends him to the church of Saint Mary. A wounded monk, found naked and bleeding by the roadside, will surely die without Cadfael’s healing arts. Why this holy man has been attacked and what his fevered ravings reveal soon give Brother Cadfael a clue to the fate of the missing travelers. Now Cadfael sets out on a dangerous quest to find them. The road will lead him to a chill and terrible murder and a tale of passion gone awry. And at journey’s end awaits a vision of what is best, and worst, in humankind.
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This is the best of the Cadfael books that I have read. The plot was varied from many of them. I recommend this book highly.
A medieval mystery with a man with a detective’s bent, that rings true for the times. Great read.
I have read all the books in the series and love them all !!
I got into Cadfael when Derek Jacobi played the title character on the old TV series (on PBS in those days). Didn’t have room on shelves, but now am collecting them on Kindle!
I like the time period. I like the characters and I like that they have to figure
out what happen ended with DNA etc.
All of the books in the series are wonderful. Brother Cadfael is wonderful.
This book is a little different from some earlier titles in the “Brother Cadfael Chronicles” because there is no female hero. Cadfael deals with 2 mysteries in this story and solving the murder is near the end. This title has a happier ending in some ways than other titles in this series. I read these mysteries because I enjoy the main character’s wisdom and gentle energy.
Cadfael never fails to hold your attention. With his unusual background and powers of deduction, he always solves the case. But this time, it was more complicated, as other characters’ actions befuddled the search for clues… While unknowingly providing clues! All the way through, you’re entertained with rabbit trails, yet our man recognizes when they converge to get his man!
This is one of the best mystery series out for those who don’t want the plot to be so twisted you wonder how the hero ever figured it out, yet you haven’t guessed the solution by page 10.
Love the historical setting
Love this whole series. Can’t wait for the next books to go on sale.
another great brother cadfael mystery
A fascinating window into the 12th century by way of a riviting mystery.
Brother Cadfael is always interesting, and I love the historical settings of these books.
Really enjoyed the book
Tedious
Enjoyed this book and subsequent books. It was thought provoking.
A good story, good characters. I think a little more detail about everyday life would add a lot.
A new author for me and interesting twists and turns.
It’s really nothing special, but I do enjoy keeping up with Brother Cadfael. I like reading about that period in history.