by Ellis Peters
Part of Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, book 10
First published 1984
The year 1141 brings pilgrims from across England to Shrewsbury Abbey for the fourth anniversary of Saint Winifred's relics arriving at the monastery. Brother Cadfael prepares for the celebration, but news arrives from Winchester that casts a shadow over the festivities. A knight has been killed, and the murder may connect to the civil war tearing England apart. The dead man supported Empress Maud in her claim to the throne against King Stephen. The killer could be among the faithful gathered at Shrewsbury. Cadfael must use his skills as both herbalist and detective to identify the murderer hiding within the crowd of pilgrims. He faces the challenge of separating genuine devotion from deadly deception while the abbey fills with visitors seeking spiritual renewal.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime, detective
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-detective, found-family
Setting: Shrewsbury Abbey, England, Winchester
Period: 1141
256 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Mysterious Press