Dead Man's Ransom is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, first of four novels set in the disruptive year of 1141. It is the ninth in the Cadfael Chronicles, and was first published in 1984 (1984 in literature). The book was adapted for BBC Radio 4 in 1995. The Sheriff of Shropshire is wounded and taken prisoner by Welsh on the side of Empress Maud. His return requires an exchange, bringing two lively young Welshmen into the castle where the Sheriff's daughter resides.