Right of Asylum

WHEN EVEN AN ORDINARY JESTER

IS PRESUMED INNOCENT…

The year is 1140. A peaceful Benedictine mass is interrupted by a wild night-time hunt for a wandering jester. Liliwin faces accusations of murdering the goldsmith Aurifaber and stealing the family treasure. However, Abbot Radulfus intervenes and grants the fugitive forty days of asylum.

Brother Cadfael takes on the case and soon discovers that Liliwin has his flaws, but he is certainly not a murderer. The trail of the culprit does not lead to him, but rather into the heart of the goldsmith's family. What is the irresponsible groom Daniel hiding on his nightly excursions? What secret does his wife Marketa conceal, whom the family refuses to accept? And what does the hated old Juliana know?

The tension in the house thickens, culminating in another murder – that of the tenant Peche. Cadfael must act quickly to uncover the truth hidden among intrigues, lies, and family disputes before the murderer strikes again…