Another page-turner from Ellis Peters which causes dishes to be left in the sink and beds unmade until the mystery is revealed. In Holy Thief we witness the bones of Saint Winifred stolen from off the High Altar at the Abbey of Shrewsbury during a major flood from the River Severn. We have the murder of an innocent shepherd who would be able to identify the thief and we have a developing love between a traveling troubadour and a young visiting Brother from another Abbey who has the voice of an angel. Every character is finely drawn by Ellis Peters and each reveals something of their medieval place in society. There is a fine tuning of Peter's word choice creating atmosphere, insight into character and vivid word pictures. Brother Cadfael, herbalist and amateur sleuth from the Abbey, displays his humanity and lack of clerical legalism in all of his dealings with the miscreants involved in the Holy theft. ( )

Number nineteen and all the elements are in place for a good tale. We have Red Herrings and misdirection, we have a body and multiple suspects. We have motives and misdeeds. Peters delivers a good story.

Way back when, Cadfael did something that he probably shouldn't have in regards to Saint Winifred who is the prize of Saint Peters and Saint Pauls monastery/Cathedral. Well the act was such that it could never be undone, and what takes place in this book could expose Cadfael's indiscretion. Yet larger misdeeds abound once a body is found.

Cadfael, as always, is perfectly positioned with his study of human nature and careful sleuthing to uncover the truth behind all the mysteries. Encompassing the telling is more of the politics surrounding the stagnating civil war. Here we meet Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester and the candid dialogue between and Hugh Beringar, sheriff of our home county, adds further to the linear time frame in which the canon takes place. We see the faith of the times put to the test also and it highlights how much more faith was relied on then as to now. That alone elevates this tale of our Medieval past above the rest. ( )

The Earl of Essex is dying and trying to save his soul by giving back the lands he annexed. One of these is a abbey. The abbey is in a very poor condition and they ask for help from other houses of the Benedictine Order.

Sub-prior Herluin has Tutilo, a novice, with him. When the abbey is flooded the holy relics of St Winifred have to be moved. When the flood recedes a theft is discovered. To add to this there's a murder. Cadfael has to investigate to find what happened and who is responsible, and to find the lost item!

Interesting and engaging, I've been enjoying this series and it doesn't seem to lose it's freshness, though I'd be reluctant to go anywhere near Cadfael if I knew him! ( )