Brother Cadfael’s long-lost love, Richildis, moves into Shrewsbury Abbey’s grounds as her husband, lord of a minor manor in Wales, is seeking to retire. When her husband is murdered with a poisonous oil made by Cadfael himself, suspicion falls on Edwin, Richildis’ only son. Cadfael must examine the evidence within the abbey and afield in Wales to discover the truth. Monk’s Hood’s engaging premise revisits many familiar characters and develops them further. For instance, Prior Robert’s opportunity to lead the abbey in Abbot Heribert’s absence chafes at those under his control, including the ever-patient Cadfael.
Brother Cadfael’s long-lost love, Richildis, moves into Shrewsbury Abbey’s grounds as her husband, lord of a minor manor in Wales, is seeking to retire. When her husband is murdered with a poisonous oil made by Cadfael himself, suspicion falls on Edwin, Richildis’ only son. Cadfael must examine the evidence within the abbey and afield in Wales to discover the truth.
Monk’s Hood’s engaging premise revisits many familiar characters and develops them further. For instance, Prior Robert’s opportunity to lead the abbey in Abbot Heribert’s absence chafes at those under his control, including the ever-patient Cadfael. This plot point and character development additionally highlights Peters’ impressive knowledge of the period, for both Prior Robert and Abbot Heribert were real figures in Shrewsbury Abbey during the years concerned. Her interpretation of Welsh and Norman law and of attitudes towards the Norman overlords in the period are both accurate and understandable, bringing the reader into greater sympathy with the medieval characters.
In this novel, Peters explores contentment in many facets. Each character faces some burden – for instance, one tricked into becoming a villain instead of a free man, one sent to become a monk by his unkind uncle, one married unwisely… Some accept their problems and learn to see the good, while some chafe and struggle. The virtue of contentment is pictured as a necessity for enjoying life at all. Cadfael encourages his protégés to accept the joys of life as gifts from God, and through him the book also addresses God’s justice and forgiveness as he counsels living a virtuous life after sin instead of dwelling in despair. All in all, these thoughts are stimulating and helpful.
Monk’s Hood is another excellent addition to the Cadfael Chronicles. The series is recommended for those who have enjoyed reading the mysteries of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, or G. K. Chesterton. Just remember to read the previous books in the series, A Morbid Taste for Bones and One Corpse Too Many, first.