The famous “Chronicles of Brother Cadfael” brought worldwide fame to the English writer Ellis Peters (Ellis Peters). The novels take place between 1135 and 1145, during the civil war between Queen Matilda and King Stephen of Blois. Some Cadfael novels describe or reference historical events that actually occurred at the time. In particular, the first two books (“The Harrowing of the Reliquary” and “One Corpse Too Many”) describe the events of transferring the relics of Saint Winefred (en:Winefride) to the Abbey of Shrewsbury in 1138.
“Saint Thief”—In the midst of an autumn storm, unexpected guests arrive at the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, planting ominous forebodings in Brother Cadfael’s mind. Meanwhile, due to heavy rains, the River Severn bursts its banks. To save sacred relics, the monks transfer them to a safe place. However, the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Winefred disappears. Brother Cadfael begins the search.