A late spring in 1142 brings dismay to the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, for there may be no roses by June 22nd. On that day the young widow Perle must receive one white rose as rent for the house she has given to benefit the abbey or the contract is void. When nature finally complies, a pious monk is sent to pay the rent - and is found murdered beside the hacked rose-bush. The abbey's wise herbalist, Brother Cadfael, follows the trail of bloodied petals. He knows the lovely widow's dowry is far greater with her house included, and she will likely wed again. But before Cadfael can ponder if a greedy suitor has done this dreadful deed, another crime is committed. Now the good monk must thread his way through a tangle more tortuous than the widow's thorny bushes -- or there will be more tears...
Edith Pargeter Books
This author wrote under a pseudonym, becoming widely celebrated for their historical mystery novels. Their works often draw inspiration from Welsh settings and borderlands, exploring local history and culture. The author's writing is distinguished by a blend of historical authenticity and compelling plots, offering readers an immersive journey into the past.







An Excellent Mystery
A Mediaeval Whodunnit
In the year of our Lord 1141, August comes in golden as a lion, and two monks ride into the Benedictine abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul bringing with them disturbing news of war- and a mystery. The strangers tell how the strife between the Empress Maud and King Stephen has destroyed the town of Winchester and their priory. Now Brother Humilis, who is handsome, gaunt and very ill, and Brother Fidelis, youthful, comely- and mute- must seek refuge at Shrewsbury. From the moment he meets them, Brother Cadfael senses that they are bound by something deeper than their common vows. What the link is he can only guess; what it will lead to is beyond imagining. But as Brother Humilis's health fails, Brother Cadfael faces a poignant test of his discretion and his beliefs as he unravels a secret so great it can destroy a life, a future, and a holy order.
Gervase Bonel, with his wife and servants, is a guest of Shrewsbury Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul when he is suddenly taken ill. Luckily, the Abbey boasts the services of the clever and kindly Brother Cadfael, a skilled herbalist. Cadfael hurries to the man's bedside, only to be confronted by two very different surprises. In Master Bonel's wife, he good monk recognises Richildis, whom he loved many years ago before he took his vows, and Master Bonel has been fatallly poisoned by a dose of deadly monk's-hood oil from Cadfael's herbarium. The Sherrif is convinced that the murdered is Richildis' son Edwin, who had reasons aplenty to hate his stepfather. But Cadfael, guided in part by his tender concern for a woman to whom he was once betrothed, is certain of her son's innocence. Using his knowledge of both herbs and the human heart, Cadfael deciphers a deadly recipe for murder.
Evidence-based Practice in Nursing
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This book has been specifically designed to help guide students through the process of identifying, evaluating and applying evidence in nursing practice.
The Confession of Brother Haluin
- 205 pages
- 8 hours of reading
During the severe winter of 1142, Brother Haluin falls, sustaining injuries grave enough for him to want to make a deathbed confession. But he recovers and asks Brother Cadfael to accompany him on a journey of expiation. On the journey Cadfael stumbles across shocking secrets, of young lovers thwarted, of deceit and betrayal, of revenge - and of murder. Once again Brother Cadfael must turn detective.
Third Omnibus edition of Ellis Peters' compulsive and bestselling medieval mysteries
Three masterly mysteries featuring the mediaeval sleuth and herbalist, Brother Cadfael, set in Shrewsbury.
THE HERETIC'S APPRENTICE: In the summer of 1143 two visitors arrive at the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul- one dead and two very much alive. But when a violent death ensues, Brother Cafael is called once more to turn detective and solve the murder- but matters are complicated still further by the marvellous treasure box in Elave's care... THE POTTER'S FIELD: During the ploughing of the Potters Field in October 1143 the grisly remains of a woman's body are unearthed. Abandoned by her husband, the tenant potter, rumour had it that the woman had returned to her homeland- perhaps with a lover. But the discovery of the corpse on Abbey land raises all sorts of questions. THE SUMMER OF THE DANES: In April 1144 Brother Cadfael leaves his monastery once more representing the bishop on a matter of church diplomacy. Cadfael does not forsee trouble on this errand, but then becomes entangled in the affairs of Heledd, a young woman desperate to escape an arranged marriage, and in conflict between Owain Gwynedd and his treacherous brother Cadwaladr...
Understanding Research for Nursing Students
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This bestselling introduction to research supports those new to the topic by demystifying jargon and simply explaining the key concepts.
A George Felse mystery, set in an English village just after World War II. Sergeant Felse investigates the murder of an unrepentant Nazi land-worker whom most of the villagers had good reason to despise. Felse's son discovers a clue to the killer's identity and finds that his own life is in danger.

