The Sanctuary Sparrow

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.