The Devil's Novice

Outside the pale of the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, AD1140, a priestly emissary has been reported missing. But what troubles Brother Cadfael is a proud, secretive nineteen-year-old novice. Lord of Aspley coldly delivers his son, Meriet, to the abbey to begin a religious vocation. Meriet is so racked by dreams at night that his howls earn him the nickname the Devil's Novice. Shunned and feared, Meriet is soon linked to the missing priest's dreadful fate. Only Brother Cadfael believes in Meriet's innocence, and only the good sleuth can uncover the truth before the boy's pure passion leads him to the noose.