The Heretic's Apprentice - Ellis Peters

n nCharges of heresy and murder are complicated by the contents of a mysterious treasure chestn n nn nIn the summer of 1143, William of Lythwood arrives at the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but it is not a joyous occasion-he's come back from his pilgrimage in a coffin. William's body is accompanied by his young attendant Elave, whose mission is to secure a burial place for his master on the abbey grounds, despite William's having once been reprimanded for heretical views.n n nn nAn already difficult task is complicated when Elave drunkenly expresses his own heretical opinions, and capital charges are filed. When a violent death follows, Sheriff Hugh Beringar taps his friend Brother Cadfael for help.

The mystery that unfolds grows deeper thanks to a mysterious and marvelous treasure chest in Elave's care. n