An Excellent Mystery
The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

In the year of our Lord 1141, two monks ride into the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul bringing with them disturbing new of warand a mystery. The strangers tell how the strife between the Empress Maud and King Stephen has destroyed the town of Winchester and their priory. Now Brother Humilis, who is handsome, gaunt, and very ill, and Brother Fidelis, youthful, comely, and totally mute, must seek refuge at Shrewsury. And from the moment he meets them, Brother Cadfael senses something deeper than their common vows binds these two good brothers. What the link is he can only guesswhat it will lead to is beyond his imagining. But as Brother Humiliss health fails, Brother Cadfael faces a poignant test of his discretion and his beliefs as he unravels a secret so great it can destroy a life, a future, and a holy order