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The Sanctuary Sparrow

The Sanctuary Sparrow

MedievalMystery
Published
1983
Language
English

Synopsis

Set in 1140, The Sanctuary Sparrow opens during the midnight service at Shrewsbury Abbey, when a young traveling minstrel named Liliwin seeks sanctuary seconds ahead of a mob accusing him of the robbery and murder of a local goldsmith's household. By morning the supposed victim is found alive, though a strongbox lies empty. Brother Cadfael believes Liliwin is innocent, but finding the truth and the missing treasure before Liliwin's respite in sanctuary runs out uncovers a deadlier motive than thievery.

Prose complexity
6/10

Vibe

MysteriousTense

Genres

Medieval Mystery

About the author

E
Edith Pargeter

Edith Mary Pargeter OBE BEM (28 September 1913 – 14 October 1995), also known by her pen name Ellis Peters, was an English author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics. She is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern, and especially for her medieval detective series The Cadfael Chronicles.

Characters

Brother CadfaelProtagonist

An elderly monk and herbalist at the abbey of Saint Mary's, who investigates a murder while under suspicion himself.

LiliwinSupporting

A wandering minstrel accused of robbery and murder after performing at a goldsmith's wedding, who claims sanctuary at the abbey.

All characters in The Sanctuary Sparrow