Fresh from solving the case of the White Bulldog, Pelagia is approached by a mysterious, black-hooded monk, who begs her to investigate a series of murders that have taken place in his all-male island monastery. 'The plot is lively and full of twists, the characters are strong, the denouement is exciting. And the not very nunnish nun is immensely appealing.' The Times 'Pelagia's family likeness to Father Brown and Miss Marple is marked, and reading about her supplies a similarly decorous pleasure.' Literary review 'His remarkable historical knowledge coupled with his irresistible writing style make his books compulsive reading...Set in provincial Russia at the tail end of the 19th century, Akunin's novel is full of unexpected twists and turns, glorious historical details and, best of all, lots of quirky elements that make it a joy to read' Waterstones Quarterly