Cadfael, a Benedictine monk at an abbey in Middle Ages Shrewsbury, solves crimes and murders.

Suspected of robbing the town goldsmith, a young juggler seeks refuge at the abbey where Brother Cadfael is given the job of keeping an eye him while the authorities investigate. But things become more complicated when the goldsmith's neighbor is found floating dead in the river.

It is Christmas, A.D. 1141, Abbot Radulfus returns from London, bringing with him a priest for the vacant living of Holy Cross, also known as the Foregate. The new priest is a man of presence, learning, and discipline, but he lacks humility and the common touch. When he is found drowned in the millpond, suspicion is cast upon a young man who arrived with the priest's train and was sent to work in Brother Cadfael's garden. Indeed, he is soon discovered...