The sleuthing monk unravels a thorny case of murder in this
"accomplished whodunit meticulously wrought with a wealth of medieval
detail" (Booklist).
A late spring in 1142 brings dismay to the Abbey of Saint Peter and
Saint Paul, for there may be no roses by June 22. On that day the young
widow Perle must receive one white rose as rent for the house she has
given to benefit the abbey, or the contract is void. When nature finally
complies, a pious monk is sent to pay the rent--and is found murdered
beside the hacked rosebush.
The abbey's wise herbalist, Brother Cadfael, follows the trail of
bloodied petals. He knows the lovely widow's dowry is far greater with
her house included, and she will likely wed again. Before Cadfael can
ponder if a greedy suitor has done this dreadful deed, another crime is
committed. Now the good monk must thread his way through a tangle more
tortuous than the widow's thorny bushes.