This is book 9 of the "Brother Cadfael" series.

This note contains spoilers for the book.

The ninth Brother Cadfael novel. And the one in which Gilbert Prestcote, the sheriff, is finally disposed of, so Hugh Beringar can be sheriff in his own right, instead of just the assistant who nearly always is the one in charge when something happens.

Welsh raiders, from both parts of Wales. I still have trouble accepting how they can be such civilized people, and also kill and burn farms when they raid.

I also had trouble understanding why Hugh can't send to Owain Gwynedd with his charge against Eliud. Given the relationship they've reached, Eliud having murdered Prestcote would seem to be a big enough deal to justify it. And Cadfael and Sister Magdalen and Elis all take it for granted. But it's never explained.