When a shallow grave is unearthed in a field recently acquired by the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Brother Cadfael must identify the nameless woman buried in secret to restore peace to the community. Cadfael, a monk with a worldly past, navigates the rigid social and religious hierarchies of 12th-century Shrewsbury to uncover the truth behind the victim's identity. He faces opposition from local landowners and the prevailing prejudices of the era, which threaten to bury the mystery alongside the corpse. The narrative unfolds through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the meticulous observation of physical evidence and the quiet deduction characteristic of the monastic life.

This installment in the long-running series is noted for its consistent adherence to the established tone and character development of the protagonist. Readers often appreciate the blend of historical detail and the quiet, intellectual nature of the mystery-solving process. The narrative structure relies on the patient accumulation of facts rather than high-octane action, which aligns with the expectations of the genre. The book is regarded as a reliable entry that maintains the series' reputation for atmospheric, character-driven historical fiction.