Jomfruen i isen (1982)

Cadfael at his best. A particularly atmospheric and chilling winter tale, with all of the usual twists and turns plus an insight into Cadfael's past. ( )

The Brother Cadfael books had started to feel formulaic: a murder, several suspects with motives, & Cadfael to solve the crime. Until now with book 6: the unrest caused by England’s Civil War has resulted in wandering lawlessness and refugees. Cadfael has very nasty problems, including murder, to solve now. It’s a more depressing read, but more realistic for the times. Excellently done. ( )

Wars still rage in King Stephen's England and the latest to suffer is Worchester. Two children accompanied by a nun are fleeing from the disaster and possible heading for Shrewsbury. Add a wounded monk and Brother Cadfael's 6th book is underway in The virgin in the ice. The red herrings are there but, in the end, it's all sorted out.

There is no map in this volume - strangely it is in the 7th volume (and not relevant that volume which takes place in the Abbey and town of Shrewsbury). It is also helpful to use the maps in previous volumes.

Recommended as a fine addition to the rest of the Cadfael chronicles. ( )

If you've not yet embarked on these historical mysteries, take my advice and read them as far as possible in publication order. That way you will be aware of political developments on the larger canvas of the Maude/Stephen civil war, and also of character development within the novels themselves.

A group of three has disappeared on the way from Worcester to Shrewsbury and there is an alert out for them. To make matters worse the weather is getting cold and the snows are coming. Bands of brigands are roaming the countryside, and travellers are not safe. ( )

The three quarters of the Cadfael novels are so slow, and the last quarter moves so quickly! Ellis wraps up all the lingering questions the reader has and one shuts the book (or closes the Kindle app) happy to have reached the denouement, once again. ( )