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Ellis Peters

The Leper of Saint Giles

4.14

Part of "Chronicles of Brother Cadfael" series

"The Leper of Saint Giles" is a historical mystery novel written by Ellis Peters, the pen name of British author Edith Pargeter. Set in the 12th century, the novel is the seventh installment in Peters' acclaimed Cadfael Chronicles series, which features the sleuthing monk Brother Cadfael. In "The Leper of Saint Giles," Cadfael is called upon to investigate the murder of a messenger who was on his way to deliver an important letter to the leper colony of Saint Giles. The letter, it turns out, contains a pardon for one of the lepers, who has been accused of a crime he did not commit. Cadfael's search for the truth takes him deep into the world of the leper colony, where he must navigate the complex web of relationships and rivalries that exist among the residents. Peters' vivid and evocative prose brings the medieval world of her novel to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of 12th-century England. Her attention to historical detail is impeccable, and she skillfully weaves in real historical events and figures, such as the reign of King Stephen and the Anarchy, a period of civil war in England. At the heart of the novel is the character of Brother Cadfael, a wise and compassionate monk who uses his knowledge of herbs, medicine, and human nature to solve crimes. Cadfael is a complex and engaging character, and Peters' nuanced portrayal of him has won her many fans. "The Leper of Saint Giles" is a compelling and satisfying mystery, but it is also a rich and rewarding work of historical fiction. Peters' deep understanding of the medieval world and her ability to bring it to life on the page make this novel a must-read for fans of historical mystery...