I had to get right back to Brother Cadfael. This is the second of the series.

The story is set against the backdrop of the civil war between Maud (Matilda) and Stephen for possession of the throne of England in 1138 AD. After 19 years of war, Stephen gained full control, but had to make an agreement with Maud that her son would become king next in line.

In this story, Stephen brings his army to Shrewsbury to lay siege to the castle of an opponent. With the taking of the castle, the king ordered the deaths of all 94 captives as a warning to all who oppose him.

When Brother Cadfael supervises the burial, he discovers an extra body, then discovers that one of the body was killed by garrote. Following the clues, he is led to the site of the death where he discovers the jeweled top of the hilt of a dagger, the key to identifying the murderer.

It is not so simple, naturally. There are four other key characters with their own story lines. In the end, the truth is hard-won.

As often happens in Ellis’s books, some events seem too convenient, and we never fear for the life or well-being of the good Brother.

Still, an enjoyable read

Mike Lawrence