Works in the abbey? That explains everything! (4,3,5)
I believe the answer is:
sets the scene
'the abbey? that explains everything' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether this works.
'works' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'works' could be 'sets' (set is a kind of work) and 'sets' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for sets the scene that I've seen is " Creates conditions for a future event".)