Peters has an unfortunate habit of trying to present conversations and situations as if they can only mean one thing, when clearly there are alternate explanations. Doesn't help when she puts the real motive in the title. ( )

The murder is off stage and everything that stems from that seems to circumstantial. Most of the story now delves into prior books in the series to enrich the novel. The mystery is virtually second place to it. ( )

Another interesting albeit contrived mystery involving Brother Cadfael. What's best about these books is their description of time, place and people. I grow fonder of the characters in each installment. And I'm getting closer to my goal of reading a great mystery without a murder. A murder happens, but not in Shrewsbury and Cadfael does not have to solve it as the murderer has already been punished. It's the mystery of a vengeful adherent the plays at the center of this book ( )

One of my favorite of the Brother Cadfael books, tying up family, politics, war, faith, miracles, love, revenge, religion and humanity, in 250 pages.

This probably isn't the best place for newcomers to start the series, but the series itself is well worth starting. Book 1 is called "A Morbid Taste for Bones". ( )