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"Excellent...oozes with suspense and intrigue." --Booklist As the autumn storms of 1271 ravage the East Anglian coast, Crowner Ralf finds the corpse of a brutally murdered soldier in the woods near Tyndal Priory. The dagger in the man's chest is engraved with a strange, cursive design, and the body is wrapped in a crusader's cloak. Was the murder the act of a member of the Assassin sect, or was the weapon meant to mislead him in finding the killer? Ralf's decision to take the corpse to the show more priory for advice may be reasonable, but he is soon caught up in a maelstrom of conflict, both personal and political. The priory is deeply divided over whether to purchase a relic. The decision could endanger both Prioress Eleanor's leadership and the future of the hospital. Brother Thomas becomes a suspect in the murder itself, and Ralf must choose between the demands of his brother, the sheriff, and loyalty to a friend. Meanwhile, the murderer watches and waits. show lessTags
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Crowner Ralf discovers the body of a man who appears to be returning from the Crusades in the woods near Tyndal Priory near the East Anglian Coast. Brother Thomas has just returned and entered through the woods. Another pair seeking the healing refuge of the priory and pretending to be master and servant arrive shortly afterwards. It is obvious to all the alleged servant is accustomed to being in a position of authority, but who are they? Are they responsible for the murder? In the meantime, Brother Andrew and Brother Matthew are the "finalists" to take command of the leadership for the men in the priory. Eleanor feels Brother Andrew would be easier to work with. Which monk will be selected? Sister Anne is dispensing her herbal show more medicines and another sister dispenses prayers which heal many. There is lots going on in this installment, which is the first I've read in the series. It was enjoyable although I think I prefer Brother Caedfael's books by Ellis Peters for treatment of the period. I listened to the audio version of this title. show less
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Series
Common Knowledge
- Original title
- Sorrow Without End
- Original publication date
- 2006-01-23
- People/Characters
- Prioress Eleanor; Brother Thomas; Brother Andrew; Brother Matthew; Ralf
- Important places
- Tyndal Priory, England, UK
- Epigraph
- "Once to die is better than length of days
in sorrow without end."
Aeschylus, Prometheus Unbound, 1.750-1
From Chambers Dictionary of Quotations,
translator unknown - Dedication
- To Katherine V. Forrest, Judy Greber (Gillian Roberts), Michael Nava, Katherine Neville, and Sarah Smith. Thank you for all you taught me in class and continue to teach me through your books.
- First words
- Where was he?
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"Ah, sweet sir, it is times like these that I do most miss my aunt at Amesbury."
- Blurbers
- Penman, Sharon Kay
- Original language
- English
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Statistics
- Members
- 118
- Popularity
- 275,121
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.67)
- Languages
- English, Russian
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 18
- ASINs
- 4






























































