DescriptionA medieval fair is a festive time - until Thomas of Bristol, a wealthy merchant, is found dead. Are thieves to blame? It doesn't seem likely with Thomas's valuables lying nearby. Brother Cadfael is summoned from his beloved herb garden to employ his skills as herbalist and master detective to help the merchant's lovely niece Emma. The young woman almost certainly knows more than she's telling, but Cadfael races to save her even as Thomas's wares are ransacked and 2 more men are murdered. Performed by Tony Award-winning actor Derek Jacobi, this 4th Brother Cadfael mystery weaves history and intrigue into an intricate web of adventure.
DescriptionGervase Bonel has bequeathed his manor home to the Shrewsbury Abbey in exchange for his family's lifetime care and lodging. Horrifically, Bonel is fatally poisoned by one of Brother Cadfael's own herbal remedies. This gives Cadfael, the herbalist-cum-detective, a personal interest in investigating Bonel's death, and in vindicating Bonel's stepson Edwin. In this exciting tale of intrigue, Brother Cadfael draws upon his knowledge of herbs and his insight into the human heart to uncover the deadly ingredients for murder. This enchanting medieval tale of mystery and intrigue, the third Chronicle of Brother Cadfael, is performed by Tony Award-winning actor Derek Jacobi.
DescriptionHow can an understanding of celibacy strengthen a marriage? How does the mundane task of doing laundry become as sacred as ritual? Let Kathleen Norris explain. For over 10 years, thoroughly Protestant Norris has been an oblate at a Benedictine monastery. During this period, she has gained tremendous insight into the languages, customs, ceremonies, and sexuality of the men and women who have chosen the cloistered life. In this revealing account of the hidden world of the monastics, Norris explores the true monastic life and inspires us to evaluate our own lives and values.
DescriptionBrother Cadfael's abbey has gained some new land, and a dead body buried beneath it. When a young woman's remains are plowed up in a field recently given to the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Brother Cadfael is once again summoned to harvest a killer. The fouled field was once owned by a local potter who abandoned his beautiful wife, Generys, to take monastic vows. Rumor had it that Generys ran off with a lover - but now it seems that she was murdered instead. The mysteries multiply when young Sulien Blaunt, a novice fleeing the civil war in East Anglia, arrives at the Abbey. Here's a mystery that challenges even Brother Cadfael's sleuthing skills. Tony Award-winning actor Derek Jacobi narrates, using his thespian talents to bring the characters, suspense, and intrigue to life in this 17th Brother Cadfael adventure.
DescriptionIn the summer of 1143, 2 visitors arrive at Brother Cadfael's Abbey, but only one of them is alive. The visitor in the coffin, William of Lythwood, is brought to be buried by his faithful attendant Elave. Burial in the Abbey was William's final wish, but a prelate recalls that William has been "reproved for heretical views" and tries to block Elave's plea. Then murder turns the disagreement deadly. Brother Cadfael is summoned from his beloved herb garden to restore peace to the monastery by exposing the murderer and also the secret of a marvelous treasure box in Elave's care. Performed by Tony Award-winning actor Derek Jacobi, The Heretic's Apprentice - the 16th Brother Cadfael adventure - is sure to delight old friends and new fans.
DescriptionA monk vows to abandon all earthly ties, but how can Brother Cadfael obey when his son is captured in battle? Olivier de Bretagne is one of many young knights taken prisoner in the current power dispute in Britain, but he is also Cadfael's son, and the monk cannot be objective. A council is planned at Coventry to try to appease the warring factions, and Brother Cadfael asks leave to attend, knowing he must do all in his power to find and deliver his son. This most thrilling and humane of Ellis Peters's novels is filled with excitement, intrigue, and a meticulously depicted medieval background. Derek Jacobi performs the narration, lending a powerful voice to this compelling story. Brother Cadfael's Penance is the twentieth chronicle of Brother Cadfael, of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, at Shrewsbury.
