It's the spring of 1141 in Shrewsbury, England, where the celebration of Saint Winifred has brought a flood of pilgrims - and possibly a murderer. Brother Cadfael, who has taken religious vows and retired to the quiet, contemplative life, discovers a plot of retribution and is once again caught up in evil.
Cadfael is an unlikely monk due to his worldly background, but that makes his have insight into people that the others at the abby don't have. I didn't think I could place myself in a 1100 AD setting very well, but Ellis Peters helps one really feel like they're on the scene.