Ellis Peters

Monk's Hood - Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Ellis Peters

Brother Cadfael is confounded when his own potion is used to kill his former love?s new husband

Gervase Bonel is a guest of Shrewsbury Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul when he suddenly takes ill. Luckily, the abbey boasts the services of the clever and kindly Brother Cadfael, a skilled herbalist. Cadfael hurries to the man?s bedside, only to be confronted with two surprises: In Master Bonel?s wife, the good monk recognizes Richildis, whom he loved before he took his vows?and Master Bonel has been fatally poisoned by monk?s-hood oil from Cadfael?s stores.
 
The sheriff is convinced that the murderer is Richildis?s son, Edwin, who hated his stepfather. But Cadfael, guided in part by his concern for a woman to whom he was once betrothed, is certain of her son?s innocence. Using his knowledge of both herbs and the human heart, Cadfael deciphers a deadly recipe for murder.