After years of studying with the Bishop, young Father Ailnoth has come to take over the parish of Holy Cross. But soon Ailnoth's true nature surfaces-harsh, cold-hearted, and merciless-and someone lures him from his home and murders him. Who in Shrewsbury would kill a priest on Christmas Day?
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"I love Brother Cadfael, and now that I've seen the series with Derek Jacobi, I find myself picturing him in my head when I read Ellis Peters's books starring the former Crusader-turned-monk/detective. I really like Peters's writing style, and this book is no exception. The plot in this novel was a page-turner, as usual, and more than one suspect seemed to be the likely culprit in the death of Father Ailnoth, who lacks the quality of mercy so vital to a man of the cloth. My favorite quote from this one is: "Bitter though it may be to many, Cadfael concluded, there is no substitute for truth, in this or any case." I concur."
— Mad_Maudie (5 out of 5 stars)
" One of my favorites in the entire series. "
— Cat, 2/9/2014" The Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters is a wonderful set of mysteries that take place in 12th century England. Ellis Peters does a wonderful job of describing all the characters and she is a great mystery writer. The cases are complicated enough to make them interesting. "
— Hazel, 2/3/2014" An interesting story with a hard to figure out ending. "
— Beka, 1/21/2014" These suspenseful stories include pinches of romance, devotion, and humor, as well as truly unique characters. The mysteries use as background superb portrayals of 12th Century England. The author is a noted Medieval scholar. Positive. Caution: the series is aimed at adults, not adolescents. Many themes of these mystery novels are ADULT themes, including rape, abuse of various sorts, etc. They are all positive, ultimately. "
— Sandra, 1/20/2014" Again, an excellent read from Ellis Peters. "
— Brenda, 1/17/2014" Oh how I adore Brother Cadfael! "
— Trever, 1/14/2014" A former knight and now religious monk, Brother Cafreal investigates mideveil murder. A truely great writer. "
— Fredrick, 1/11/2014" I'd say this is one of my favorites in the series. I love the pleasure EP takes in language. Her characters are so well drawn you can miss it. But listening to the book, you can hear the sheer pleasure she took in the sound of English. "
— Margaret, 12/20/2013" I love the Brother Cadfael series. Not only is the mystery aspect great but the medieval monk detective is a very relatable character and always clever and amusing. "
— Sara, 11/22/2013" I liked it, but for me it didn't quite match up to some of her earlier novels. I will admit I couldn't figure out who the murderer was until the final revelation, but that is good mystery writing. "
— Frode, 8/10/2013" Slower paced than usual, I had the feeling she needed to stretch the conclusion to suit a contract or editor's whim. Still and all not a bad book, with much Cadfael and Hugh interaction to make it wholly satisfying. "
— Kris, 6/22/2013" This quaint mystery lacked substance and really did not hold my interest. "
— Laurel, 6/4/2013" Took my time re-reading. Savored the rhythmic style of Ellis Peters. "
— Bonnie, 5/7/2013" A pretty good mystery, with some good twists and turns. I suppose there is some satisfaction in the idea that haughty people will someday get their comeuppance. "
— Jeremy, 3/15/2013" At least Brother Cadfael had a murder to solve in this one unlike the last one. "
— Susan, 6/12/2012" I did not enjoy this Brother Cadfael book. I'm not saying that I won't try another later; but I'm not as keen to get started on the series at this time. "
— Mary, 12/23/2011" I don't think there was one of the Brother Cadfael books that I *didn't* like! "
— Elaine, 12/3/2011" Bad priest comes to Shrewsbury. Bad priest dies. Everyone has a motive. Enter Cadfael. "
— Daniel, 8/27/2011" It took me a while to get into this one, but once I did it was a pretty quick read. I liked the humorous twist at the end. "
— Miriam, 7/25/2011" It took me a while to get into this one, but once I did it was a pretty quick read. I liked the humorous twist at the end. "
— Miriam, 4/4/2011" An interesting story with a hard to figure out ending. "
— Beka, 11/12/2010" One of my favorites in the entire series. "
— Cat, 4/17/2010" I don't think there was one of the Brother Cadfael books that I *didn't* like! "
— Elaine, 4/5/2010" I love the Brother Cadfael series. Not only is the mystery aspect great but the medieval monk detective is a very relatable character and always clever and amusing. "
— Sara, 9/1/2009" Entertaining enough, although it generated a sense of deja vu. <br/> <br/><em>Charity shop find</em>. "
— Debbie, 3/22/2009" The prose of Ellis Peters is phenomenal in it's own way. This time out the mystery has clues and red herrings a plenty, with the background of the civil war still thrown in to keep us entertained. A much better addition to the canon then some of the other previous ones of late. "
— D.w., 1/21/2009Ellis Peters (1913–1995) was the pen name of English novelist Edith Pargeter, author of scores of books under her own name. She was a recipient of the Silver Dagger Award and the Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, conferred by the Crime Writers’ Association of Great Britain, as well as the coveted Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America.
Patrick Tull (1941–2006), born in the United Kingdom, was a multitalented actor of the stage, screen, and television, as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He acted in numerous American television shows from 1962 to 1996, including Crossroads, and he had roles in six Broadway plays between 1967 and 1992, including Amadeus. His film credits from 1969 to 1996 included roles as Cecil in Parting Glances and Jerry the bartender in Sleepers. He served as narrator for the television series Sea Tales. He narrated nearly forty audiobooks, and his readings of The Canterbury Tales, The Letter of Marque, Monk’s Hood, The Vicar of Wakefield, and How Green Was My Valley each earned him an AudioFile Earphones Award. His narration of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels was praised by novelist Stephen King as among his ten favorite audiobooks of 2006.