Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth. The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives. Winter, 1141. The Abbot of Shrewsbury returns from London bringing with him the harsh, unforgiving Father Ailnoth as pastor for Holy Cross parish. None are surprised when Ailnoth's body is found on Christmas morning, but it falls to Cadfael to find his murderer.