4.05
Part of "Chronicles of Brother Cadfael" series
"Dead Man's Ransom" by Ellis Peters is the thirteenth installment in the beloved Brother Cadfael Chronicles, a series of historical murder mysteries set in 12th century Shrewsbury, England. In this captivating tale, Peters once again demonstrates her remarkable ability to weave together a complex and engaging narrative that combines historical detail, intriguing characters, and a gripping plot. The story begins with the arrival of Prince Henry of Wales, who is en route to meet his father, King Henry II, after a long absence. The prince's entourage includes a young Welsh hostage, who is being held as a guarantee of his father's loyalty. When the prince's party is attacked by a group of Welsh rebels, the hostage is kidnapped, and Brother Cadfael is called upon to help negotiate his release. As Cadfael delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of intrigue and deception that threatens to derail the fragile peace between the Welsh and the English. With the fate of the hostage hanging in the balance, Cadfael must use all his wit and wisdom to unravel the mystery and bring the perpetrators to justice. Peters' evocative prose and richly drawn characters bring the world of medieval Shrewsbury to life, immersing the reader in a time and place that is both familiar and foreign. The historical detail is meticulously researched, lending an air of authenticity to the story that will delight history buffs and mystery lovers alike. At the heart of the novel is the character of Brother Cadfael, a wise and compassionate monk who uses his knowledge of herbs, human nature, and the world around him to solve the crimes that come his way. Cadfael is a complex and compelling character, at once deeply religious and deeply human, and his journey of discovery is as much a part of the novel's appeal as the mystery itself. In "Dead Man's Ransom," Peters has crafted a masterful work of historical fiction that is both entertaining and enlightening. Fans of the Brother Cadfael Chronicles will not be disappointed, and newcomers to the series will find themselves drawn into a world that is as captivating as it is compelling...
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Set in the fictional cities of Besźel and Ul Qoma, this book follows the story of detective Tyador Borlú as he investigates a murder that could have implications for both cities. This book shares the same sense of imagination and intrigue as 'Dead Man’s Ransom'.
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