Janna Mysteries, Book 5 — Felicity Pulman

Danger, romance, mysteries and crimes to solve â€" the Janna Mysteries were inspired by the popular and greatly-loved Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters and feature ‘a twelfth century seeker of truth with 21st century smarts and a timeless appeal' (Carmel Shute, National Co-convenor, Sisters in Crime Australia.) England is divided by the bitter civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, but all Janna cares about is finding her unknown father in the hope that with his help she can avenge the murder of her mother â€" a quest that takes her into the heart of the royal court with all its treachery and betrayal. Along her journey, Janna is drawn to those who love her as well as those who would use her for their own ends, while she lives in fear of those who seek to discredit her and even silence her forever. Janna has knowledge and skills she has learned from her mother, a herb wife and healer, but she also needs courage and ingenuity to solve the mysteries and crimes she encounters along her journey, not least the secrets of her birth and of her heart. Janna's quest takes her from forest to farm (#1 Rosemary for Remembrance and #2 Rue for Repentance) to Wiltune Abbey (#3 Lilies for Love) to Stonehenge and the royal court at Winchestre (#4 Willows for Weeping.) In the fifth Janna Mystery, Sage for Sanctuary, Janna's hope of finding her father is shattered when his manor is destroyed during the siege of Winchestre. It's time for Janna to choose between the two men who love her â€" but her purse has been stolen, she's lost all proof of her real identity, and she's working as a lowly drudge in a tavern to support herself. When sabotage threatens the tavern, Janna risks her life and future happiness to find out the truth.