The Sanctuary Sparrow

When Liliwin, a poor birdlike young minstrel, reaches the monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul only a few steps ahead of a wildly angry mob, the brothers offer him forty days' sanctuary. Then Brother Cadfael, herbalist and amateur detective, learns that Liliwin's accusers want to hang him for a crime he swears he never committed... and Cadfael begins to investigate.

First on his list are the Aurifabers, who had hired Liliwin to perform at young Daniel Aurifaber's wedding. A family of goldsmiths, they are firmly united in accusing Lliwin of robbing their strongbox. But Cadfael digs deeper and discovers that what divides the family--greed, betrayal, revenge; and murder--is stronger still....

With little proof but much faith on his side, the kindly Cadfael is determined to solve this delightfully twisted mystery.