The Virgin in the Ice

The Virgin in the Ice
First edition
AuthorEllis Peters
SeriesThe Cadfael Chronicles
GenreMystery novel
PublisherMacmillan
Publication date
1982
Media typePrint (Hardcover, Paperback) & audio book
Pages224
ISBN0-333-32914-7
OCLC12522294
Preceded byThe Leper of Saint Giles 
Followed byThe Sanctuary Sparrow 

The Virgin in the Ice is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in late 1139. It is the sixth novel in The Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1982 (1982 in literature).

It was adapted for radio by BBC Radio 4 in 1992[1] and for television in 1995 by Central for ITV.

The novel is set in actual locations in England during the Anarchy, the period of civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maude. The wars and disorder allow marauders with no loyalty to either faction to pillage and burn.

Reviews at the time of publication were generally positive. The plot was commended, as Cadfael did his "usual astute detective work" as was the historical detail, "Peters' reliable medieval performance as always", but "the formula is starting to show slight signs of fatigue."[2] The novel was expected to appeal to mystery fans and history buffs, yet "The mystery itself eventually yields to the clamour of civil war".[3] Another said it "ranks as a favourite in the series."[4]

  1. ^ "The Virgin in the Ice". BBC. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kirkus was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference PW1992 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference AudioFile1998 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).