Brother Cadfael investigates the murder of a wealthy landowner, who has disinherited his stepson and is poisoned by food prepared by the Abbey. Cadfael discovers that the man's widow is his own childhood sweetheart.

A scoundrel lies dying, he makes his confession; his sins were legion, his deeds despicable, and he wants to atone for his scandalous life. He bequeaths an invaluable gift to Monks Hood Abbey, an ancient Monastery set in a lonely corner of the Yorkshire moors. But sin throws a long shadow and corruption crawls in its shade. Strangers come forward and lay claim to the monks' inheritance. The Abbot calls on Major Heathcliff Lennox and ex-Chief Inspector...

Cadfael, a Benedictine monk at an abbey in Middle Ages Shrewsbury, solves crimes and murders.