The Many Mysteries of Brother Cadfael Quiz

Answer: The Devil's Novice

Set in September 1140, this is the eighth novel in the series. Meriet Aspley is the newest novice in Shrewsbury Abbey. Though he insists that he wishes to be there, he seems strangely uncomfortable and unhappy in his new surroundings. Many of his family members and neighbors end up also being a part of the mystery which Cadfael must solve.

This mystery involves more, however, than them having connections with a diplomatic mission.

Answer: The Leper of Saint Giles

Set in October 1139, this is the fifth novel of the series. Cadfael himself is a veteran of the First Crusade but this is known to a number of members of the Shrewsbury community. When another soldier who served in the Crusade but was presumed dead arrives, he only makes himself known to Cadfael. Saint Giles, the lazar house (home for lepers) for the abbey, makes a significant appearance in this story. Arranged marriages among the nobility are also part of this tale.

Answer: The Virgin in the Ice

This is the sixth novel in the series and set in November 1139. Olivier de Bretagne, a squire serving Laurence d'Angers, makes the first of several appearances in this series. He is connected to the Hugonin siblings, Emma and Yves, who will also appear in more than one.

The unfortunate title character is a young woman who has been trapped in the ice and also has a connection to the others. Cadfael himself will discover more in this story than the identity of a murderer.

Answer: A Morbid Taste for Bones

Set in May 1137, this is the first novel in the Cadfael Chronicles. It is also unusual in that most of the story is not set in or near Shrewsbury. When a member of the monastery, Columbanus, has a vision of the deceased Saint Winifred saying that her burial site in Wales has been neglected, Prior Robert of Shrewsbury Abbey uses that as justification to have Winifred's bones reinterred in the abbey's church. Cadfael (a native of the country) is part of the abbey's party travelling to Wales since he is fluent in Welsh.

Answer: Dead Man's Ransom

Set in February 1141, this is the ninth novel of the series. Since Shrewsbury lies near the border between England and Wales, it may not be completely surprising that Sheriff Gilbert Prestcote is captured a group of Welsh supporters of Empress Maud (rival to King Stephen for the throne of England) during a battle.

When an exchange is proposed, there is a problem as one of the parties has been killed. As in many of the other stories of Brother Cadfael, several historic personages make an appearance.

Answer: The Sanctuary Sparrow

Set in May 1140, this is the seventh novel in the series. The premise of the series is based on the medieval concept of an accused criminal being able to seek sanctuary in a church to avoid arrest for a period of time. Lilwin, a visiting entertainer who was hired for a wedding, has been accused of theft from the house where the reception was taking place. Cadfael does discover the entertainer's rebec (a bowed and stringed instrument) which was lost and had been heavily damaged.

Answer: One Corpse Too Many

Set in August 1138, this is the second novel in the series. King Stephen of England is present leading an army besieging Shrewsbury Castle. Hugh Beringer, a minor nobleman, is introduced as one who is trying to prove his loyalty to the king. (Keep your eye on Hugh since he may appear again.) After his siege proves successful, Stephen has the rebels who were inside the castle executed. Only, Cadfael wonders, how many dead bodies are there? It seems there is one more than there should be.

Answer: The Pilgrim of Hate

Set in June 1141, this is the tenth novel in the series. A young man named Rhun who has lived for several years with a twisted leg and foot finds himself miraculously healed (seemingly through the intercession of Saint Winifred). He is not the titular pilgrim however. Two men are traveling together on pilgrimage to a location in Wales. Though they are travelling together, they don't seem to be comfortable in each other's company.

It is just part of the mystery that Brother Cadfael unravels.

Answer: Saint Peter's Fair

Set in July 1139, this is the fourth novel of the series. The new abbot of Shrewsbury Abbey, Radulfus, finds himself in disagreement with the town's merchants over who will get the proceeds from Saint Peter's Fair to be held on the grounds of the abbey.

Many merchants are visiting and when one, Thomas of Bristol, is found dead, Cadfael has plenty of suspects from which to choose. Will the murder be solved and will peace return between the abbey and the town?

Answer: Monk's Hood

This, the third novel in the series, is set in December 1138. Monkshood (wolfsbane) is not usually used as a poison, but as an ingredient in a liniment. If one ingests it along with or without food, however, it can be fatal. Gervase Bonel, a nobleman who has turned over much of his wealth to Shrewsbury Abbey and in return is living in a house now owned by the abbey, is found dead after consuming food from the abbey's kitchens to which monkshood (taken from Cadfael's supplies) has been added.