Tyrant of the Mind

Prioress Eleanor and Sister Anne have travelled to the prioress' home, Wynethorpe, in order to look after her sick nephew, Richard.  Brother Thomas has travelled with them to aid in the venture.

One morning a hunting party returns with the corpse of a retainer of Eleanor's brother.  Thomas feels that there is some mystery to the death because of the way several of the hunters treat each other.

Eleanor is shocked to find that the woman her brother is set to marry does not want to marry at all.  She wants to join Eleanor at her priory instead.  Later that night, Robert, Eleanor's brother is found over the body of Henry, a guest of the family, and brother to Robert's bride to be.  Is he truly guilty?  Eleanor, Anne and Thomas must find the truth.

The evidence provided by Robert and found at the scene of the murder create confusion in the mind of Thomas.  It isn't long after this that a winter storm descends on Wynethorpe, delaying the sheriff's coming.  Also during the storm, Father Anselm receives a nasty blow to his head.  Thomas is sure that it is no accident.  And, Richard has taken ill again.

The following evening, Sir Geoffrey, father of Henry is attacked and left to die.  How will they find the person causing all this grief?  After the person is discovered and the reasoning behind the murders, author Priscilla Royal spends an inordinate amount of time filling the pages with material revolving around the two families involved; otherwise a good read.