Englishwoman Edith Pargeter wasn’t a historian by training, but under the pen name Ellis Peters she created one of the most popular detective series—tightly linked to major historical events that shook 12th-century England and Wales, from where Pargeter’s ancestors came. “The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael” is both a political detective story—because it unfolds against the backdrop of the civil war between the supporters of the legitimate claimant to Queen Matilda’s throne and King Stephen of Blois, who seized the throne by force—and classic, intimate stories that happen among the residents of the town of Shrewsbury and its surroundings, as well as among the inhabitants of the Benedictine abbey in Shrewsbury. It was here, in the autumn of his years, that an old crusader retired—an experienced soldier who, having taken the name Brother Cadfael, decided to live out the rest of his days peacefully, serving God and healing people. But instead, Cadfael—an astute connoisseur of human souls and a man with a wealth of life experience—repeatedly has to investigate all kinds of crimes and save not only bodies… but also souls…
The novel “The Fatal Vow” (1984) takes place in 12th-century England, where the fire of the civil war rages. A noble knight is treacherously murdered, and his heir disappears, arousing suspicions.
Among the guests who arrive at the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul are inseparable friends Matthew and Ciaran. However, Brother Cadfael’s sharp eyes notice something unusual in their relationship. What fatal vow pushed these two to set off on their journey?