Dead man’s ransom

Dead Man's Ransom is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, first of four novels set in the disruptive year of 1141. It is the ninth in the Cadfael Chronicles, and was first published in 1984. The book was adapted for BBC Radio 4 in 1995. The Sheriff of Shropshire is wounded and taken prisoner by Welsh on the side of Empress Maud in a major battle. His return requires an exchange, bringing two lively young Welshmen into the castle where the Sheriff's daughter resides. Welshmen on the border with England see opportunities for their own benefit as the chaos in England continues, with the King captured. This novel received some enthusiastic and positive reviews at the time of publication. The plot includes "a denouement that combines rough justice and love triumphant." The novel overall was described as "charmingly inventive, textured with intriguing subplots, and as rich as ever in fresh period details." Another reviewer found that "local color is at its most engaging ". Another remarked favorably on both the setting in the 12th century, showing that human nature does not change, and the "canny Brother Cadfael, apostle of survival and a sensible degree of mercy". The novel showed "our Anglo-Saxon origins, along with gore enough to keep us flipping zestfully ahead through all the carnage."