Sanctity of Hate

A body has been found in the mill pond of Tyndal Priory.  Brother Thomas sets to investigate on behalf of Prioress Eleanor, for Brother Gwydo has found blood in the grass alongside the stream inside priory property.

Brother Thomas has also been asked to interview a young man who wants to become a monk.  However, he suspects that the lad carries hate in his heart for many things, and may not be a good candidate for the monastery.  A riot breaks out, threatening a young Jewish family temporarily seeking refuge in the inn's stable.  The young wife is about to give birth.  Adelard, the baker's son, wants to become become a monk and may have spread vicious rumours about the family.  He has also cast aspersions on Eleanor's maid and one of the monks.  Thomas has also promised not to baptise the child while Sister Anne helps with the birth.

Eleanor needs to make sense of it all.  Further turmoil is added to the community when one of the monks is garrotted outside the priory's walls.  Crowner Ralf arrests the young Jew when the aspiring monk is attacked.  He later learns he really has no suspects, yet keeps the Jew secure for his own protection.

As Thomas questions the aspiring monk, he learns things that point in a bad direction.  He tells Eleanor of the revelations.  They discuss the information with Crowner Ralf.   Trials and tribulations await the trio before author Priscilla Royal allows them to solve the murder.  A good, quick read.