by Ellis Peters
Part of Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, book 12
First published 1986
Christmas arrives in Shrewsbury in 1141 when Abbot Radulfus returns from London with a new priest for Holy Cross in the Foregate. The priest brings impressive credentials and stern discipline, but his arrogance alienates the local community. Brother Cadfael discovers the man's body floating in the millpond on a cold winter morning. Suspicion falls immediately on a young stranger who came with the priest's entourage and now works in Cadfael's herb garden. The youth's identity proves false when Cadfael uncovers his deception. Multiple motives emerge as Cadfael questions the townspeople who clashed with the unpopular cleric. The monk must separate truth from lies while protecting an innocent man from accusations of murder. Cadfael faces a web of secrets that threatens to destroy lives in his quest for justice during the holy season.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, small-town
Setting: Shrewsbury, Foregate, London
Period: 1141, Christmas
228 pages · Paperback · Mysterious Press