Sankt Peters marked (1981)

As charming as ever, although the mystery in this one is extremely straightforward (I guessed the resolution somewhere around the halfway mark), which makes it a bit boring. Ellis Peters knows how to put together a climax though - the final pursuit here is almost as exciting as the showdown in Monk's Hood, which I really enjoyed. ( )

It is time for the annual merchant's fair but England is still in turmoil over the issue of King Stephen and the Empress Maud. Shrewsbury still has scars from the recent battle of last year (see One corpse too many) and the townsmen need help, asking Abbot Radulfus for the proceeds of the St. Pater's Fair to come for needed repairs, especially since shop owners need to close for the fair. Of course there is a body found and intrigue aplenty for Brother Cadfael and Hugh Beringar to sort out. Ellis Peters at her best! ( )

Consistently excellent and historically accurate reads of a Shrewsbury monk solving crimes in the middle ages. When the annual fair sets up in Shrewsbury, the local townsmen ask the church for a share of the profits after the previous year's loss in battle. When the new abbot refuses, the sons of the villagers again attempt to get recognition by approaching a wealthy merchant, a fight breaks out and later that night, the merchant ends of dead. But that isn't the end, the merchant's body and vessel is searched and happenings unfold that put the merchant's niece at risk. Brother Cadfael and sheriff's deputy and friend of Cadfael, Hugh Beringar search for answers. ( )

I really enjoyed this Cadfael volume. Events happened quickly. Although there were a few obvious bluffs, there were still some surprises. I suppose the rivalry for the throne between two disputed heirs is not new fodder for plots, still I’ve not read too much about Steven and Maud. ( )

Another good mystery about Brother Cadfael, with lots of history sprinkled about the story to give it a ring of authenticity. I thought I knew the murderer, then I wasn't sure, then I found out...love mysteries that don't make it too easy to guess. A keeper. ( )