(by jglillis-1 on 4 January 2009)

This is one of the better in the Cadfael series. There's not a weak acting job in the lot. Prior Robert and Brother Jerome are their usual slimy selves. Abbot Heribert displays some vigor when it's called for. Cadfael, of course, goes about his sleuthing business with his usual thoroughness and perspicacity. Hugh Beringar shows his usual resolve, courage and sensitivity. The new Aurifaber wife is unlikable but determined and courageous. Iestyn, Daniel, and John are convincing both as suspects and in their actual roles. It's also neat to see a quiet but effective bit performance by Madoc the boatman. But the master performance is that given by Fiona Gillies as Susanna. You can see her also as Beryl Stapleton in the Jeremy Brett version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. A good job there too.
I do find these a little hard to follow at first - who are all these characters, anyway? I think the writer, already knowing all the characters, doesn't quite realize that the viewers don't already know who these people are. Watching it a second time made it much more enjoyable and understandable.