This is the 12th book in the Cadfael series and the 12th Cadfael I have read. While the plot in this book is relatively simple, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It made for a rewarding escape read in the Christmas holidays. She gazed upwards in silence for a moment. Then she turned her cheek a little into the flat pillow under her, belched resoundingly, and lay quiescent and it was loads half closed, infinitesimal fingers cold into small, easy fests under her chin.”

You are a devious creature. I wonder why I bear with you?” Hugh turned in the doorway to give him a flashing glance over his shoulder. “Like calling to like, I daresay!”When Brother Cadfael talks to some monk or similar in the abbey that has never been seen before. He would either be the main suspect or the victim. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2020-12-09 21:52:16 Bookplateleaf 0004 Boxid IA40002401 Camera Sony Alpha-A6300 (Control) Collection_set printdisabled External-identifier The next day, the woman who came to Cadfael is no where to be found. She soon is found dead--drowned by an apparent suicide. When this is brought to Ailnoth's attention, he tells everyone that she was a whore and he refused to give her absolution when they met. It is assumed she killed herself following this.

It is December, 1141. Abbot Randulfus has a problem on his hands. The parish of Holy Cross and the Abbey of St Peter and St Paul share the same church building; the Abbey is responsible for appointing the parish priest. Father Adam has died and the Abbot needs to find a replacement for the long-time and much beloved parish priest. What results in a fairly straightforward murder mystery with well-defined suspects with rationale motives. Other characters and their relationships are well-drawn too. I enjoyed getting a look at the personality of the townspeople and their relationship to the religious hierarchy. The book also manages to have good scenes and further insight into some series regulars such as Abbot Radulfus and Sheriff Hugh, and even some fun with Brother Jerome’s anal activities. Around the same time, a young lady comes to Cadfael and tries to confess to him. Cadfael was technically correct in telling her that she MUST go to her priest (Ailnoth), as a Monk's duties do NOT include receiving confessions. However, Cadfael's manner was brusque--much more so than usual for this normally gentle monk.

Contribute to This Page

Hugh Beringar: Sheriff of Shropshire. He is in the King's service, about 26 years old, and a close friend of Cadfael. His manors are in the north of Shropshire. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff by King Stephen three years earlier, and has acted as Sheriff since the death of Stephen's prior choice earlier in 1141. [2] In this novel, he is appointed as Sheriff by the King. He was introduced in One Corpse Too Many. He refused absolution to an unmarried pregnant young woman whose confession he had reluctantly heard. The scene where the Abbot does his sermon at the burial of the murdered priest. I could see no reason at all to include his sermon in the book. It had nothing to do with the story and was incredibly boring. Diota Hammet: She is a widow, housekeeper to Father Ailnoth. She served him for the last two or three years when he was in Winchester and comes with him to his new post. She is about 40 years old; her hair is greying.

Lccn 86016397 Ocr_converted abbyy-to-hocr 1.1.20 Ocr_module_version 0.0.17 Openlibrary OL2722836M Openlibrary_edition Shrewsbury Abbey was begun about 58 years before the story with French monks from Seez, [19] as mentioned in the later novel The Confession of Brother Haluin, possibly explaining the vineyard and wine making. Shrewsbury Abbey had a reliquary of Saint Winifred, translated from Wales in 1137, which story is told in the opening book of the series [20] and in the annals of the Abbey. [1] The character Torold Blund, squire to a supporter of the Empress, featured in One Corpse Too Many, when Shrewsbury was taken by the King, and Cadfael and Hugh Beringar began their close friendship. Hugh had been betrothed to Godith. She escaped with Blund, and in this novel we learn they have married. Their escape was aided by Cadfael. Hugh married another that summer, and is much pleased with his wife. When Father Ailnoth is found dead, most of the town are suspects – and none will give the others up. What is justice following the death of a rigid, moralistic man with little empathy? What is justice when one finds a traitor? The answers Cadfael and Hugh Berringar arrive at are likely different than what you expect if your culture's approach to jurisprudence is like mine. The ruling theme is the importance of humility and human kindness, as the letter of the law is not sufficient for goodness or justice.

I really enjoyed this tale. It wrapped up the year 1141 and exterior story line of King Stephen and Empress Maud. Keep him out of sight. I’m no mind to clap a good lad into prison for being loyal to a cause which isn’t mine.” Torold Blund: Young squire of FitzAlan [3] in service of Empress Maud. He has married Godith, settling in Anjou. Both were introduced in One Corpse Too Many. He is again sought by King Stephen for his work in support of his enemy; sent as scout from Normandy, believed by Hugh to have returned there. Ralph Giffard: He is the stepfather to Sanan, father to Ralph, age 16, and twice widowed. His early loyalty to the cause of Empress Maud led to losses of land for him and for his stepdaughter. He is now more interested in passing his remaining lands to his son. He married Sanan's mother when she was widowed. He owns two or three manors in the shire and a town house in Shrewsbury. Tall, handsome, just over 50 years old. A thaw lets Cynric dig the grave for Ailnoth. The baker Jordan Achard was seen out early Christmas morning, and two will attest he was not at home. Hugh will announce this after the funeral as a way to get the guilty person talking, a scheme Cadfael terms devious. The funeral is well attended. Word that Hugh will charge the murderer draws many to the end of the funeral, including Ninian out of hiding. As the baker loudly protests his innocence of murder and guilt of adultery, Ralph Giffard mistakes Ninian as one to hold his horse. Ninian hides in his country-boy role again.

This installment of "Cadfael" begins with a new priest, Father Ailnoth, being installed in the town. To say that Ailnoth is a nasty, judgmental jerk is a gross understatement and he immediately seems to try his best to alienate himself from the townsfolk.

In the meantime, the parish of Holy Cross (comprising the Foregate and the rural areas out of town) has lost its beloved priest, Father Adam, aged before his time (he was only sixty), by worry for his fallible parishioners. His death leaves many people bereaved, but most especially Cynric the Verger, a taciturn but kindly man. Cynric eulogizes him succinctly: "A sad,kind man,...a tired man with a soft spot for sinners." Others may condescend toward Father Adam for his want of learning, but his parishioners loved him for his compassion. A man with every virtue, except humility and human kindness. That is what I have brought upon the Foregate, Robert. And now what are we to do about him?”