In this ninth Brother Cadfael mystery, Sister Magdalen, formerly Avice of Thornbury, is featured, another unlikely late addition to the Benedictine Order living with a small group of sisters in the cell of Polesworth. Brother Cadfael of the Abbey at Shrewsbury, as Avice, joined the order only after living a full life in the world. These two worldly-wise, but now devoted members of the cloister, met before when Avice was the mistress of a baron and now in habit she is still a troubling, but respected distraction to the men. Once more we are in fractious times with the Empress Maud and King Stephen warring over the right to the throne. In the midst of battle, Sheriff Gilbert Prestcote is captured and held for ransom. Hugh Beringar, the able under-sheriff must now deal with a prisoner exchange involving a young Welshman of noble birth who is turned over to Hugh by his captors, Sister Magdalen and friends. There is the untimely death, nay murder of Prestcote and two tangled love affairs to keep Brother Cadfael busy, and finally there is a thoughtful discourse on the quality of mercy. We have a questionable release of the confessed murderer of Gilbert Prestcote involving many accomplices including Sister Magdalen and Brother Cadfael. Cadfael later muses to a wondering Hugh Beringar," I hope we have made, between us all, the best of a great ill, and who could do more? Once, I remember, Father Abbot said that our purpose is justice, and with God lies the privilege of mercy. But even God, when he intends mercy, needs tools to his hand." And yet, in such determinations, there is an overlying sadness with justice perhaps a trifle askew. ( )

This book has one of my favorites scenes in the whole series, where Cadfael questions the cattle-man Anion in Owain Gwynedd's court. ( )

Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. ( )

An exchange of prisoners after the battle of Lincoln goes wrong when one of the prisoners is murdered at Shrewsbury Abbey. Everyone thinks the other prisoner is guilty -- except Cadfael.

i must admit I do have qualms in this one about Cadfael's attitude that the murder wasn't in character so we'll let the murderer go so he can spend the rest of his life repenting. ( )

War once again rears it's ugly head in Shrewsbury and Welsh marauders get involved. Brother Cadfael gets involved when the Sheriff is murdered in his hospital bed and a young Welsh man stands accused of the crime. Again, a lot of the Peters' clichés play a part - a quick and easy repartee among combatants, duty and honor trumping all, and yes a young man and beautiful young woman so deeply in love. But Brother Cadfael never fails to entertain. ( )