Forsaken Soul

Prioress Eleanor, Sister Anne, and Brother Thomas have returned to Tyndal.  Brother Thomas has difficulties sleeping due to things that had happened in Amesbury.  Both Eleanor and Anne are concerned for him.  On the other hand they are pleased that Crowner Ralf has returned from being at court.

Shortly after they all return, a murder occurs in the nearby inn.  Crowner Ralf begins his investigation into it.  It is also at this time that Eleanor receives information that Thomas is really a spy for someone higher up in the church.

Sister Anne informs Ralf that Martin died of poisoning.  Eleanor questions Ivetta, the whore he was with at the time of his death, on Ralf's behalf.  Fingers point at Will and Hob, who were arguing with Martin just before his death.  Also in the frame is Signy, the serving wench who brought Martin his food.  But, Ralf is sure that Ivetta is the culprit.

Throughout, Thomas has been caring for an elderly lady.  He takes her a sleeping draught each evening so that she may rest peacefully.  One evening she reveals to Thomas that Will murdered her son, but got away with it.  The death had been deemed an accident.

When Ivetta dies in the same manner as Martin, the question arises, was it an accident as a result of an attempted abortion, or was it murder?  Ralf takes a blunt approach to his investigation, while Eleanor is more logical in her pursuit of the criminal.  Thomas' soul is tormented throughout the investigation as a result of past and present things.

Once again, author Priscilla Royal has provided the reader with an excellent historical murder mystery.