As always, a delightful book in the Cadfael series. The discussion of religious views was especially interesting in this one, as well as the details about parchment making -- two things very up my alley!

Another satisfying installment, hitting the expected plot points, but with more tension than most given the topic of heresy. Makes my blood boil. This one had an interesting motive, as well.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

There's a murder, and a mystery, but the really interesting thread in this story is the issue of heresy: how a seemingly academic point of doctrine would be honestly considered as a threat to the church, and reason enough to put someone to death. In these stories, we're constantly aware of how the world of 12th century England is different from ours physically and socially; and we're often reminded of how the feudal political structure and the struggle over the throne impact people's lives; but less often do we see how those outside the cloister still live in the shadow of the Church—the power it wields over not just their actions but what they're allowed to believe. It's a reminder of how much the past is a different world.