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Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #1
A Morbid Taste for Bones
The ambitious head of Shrewsbury Abbey wants to acquire Saint Winifred's sacred remains for his Benedictine order. And when the ensuing controversy leads to murder, Brother Cadfael investigates.
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First published August 1, 1977
About the author
Ellis Peters
184 books1,172 followersA pseudonym used by Edith Pargeter.
Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM was a prolific author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics; she is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern. Born in the village of Horsehay (Shropshire, England), she had Welsh ancestry, and many of her short stories and books (both fictional and non-fictional) were set in Wales and its borderlands.
During World War II, she worked in an administrative role in the Women's Royal Naval Service, and received the British Empire Medal - BEM.
Pargeter wrote under a number of pseudonyms; it was under the name Ellis Peters that she wrote the highly popular series of Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries, many of which were made into films for television.
Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM was a prolific author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics; she is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern. Born in the village of Horsehay (Shropshire, England), she had Welsh ancestry, and many of her short stories and books (both fictional and non-fictional) were set in Wales and its borderlands.
During World War II, she worked in an administrative role in the Women's Royal Naval Service, and received the British Empire Medal - BEM.
Pargeter wrote under a number of pseudonyms; it was under the name Ellis Peters that she wrote the highly popular series of Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries, many of which were made into films for television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,631 reviews
July 25, 2008
Great historical mystery series.
Since this info was hard for me to find, below is a list of the Cadfael novels in order of publication:
A Morbid Taste for Bones
One Corpse Too Many
Monk's Hood
St. Peter's Fair
The Leper of St. Giles
The Virgin in the Ice
The Sanctuary Sparrow
The Devil's Novice
Dead Man's Ransom
The Pilgrim of Hate
An Excellent Mystery
The Raven in the Foregate
The Rose Rent
The Hermit of Eyton Forest
The Confession of Brother Haluin
The Heretic's Apprentice
A Rare Benedectine
The Potter's Field
The Summer of the Danes
The Holy Thief
Brother Cadfael's Penance
Since this info was hard for me to find, below is a list of the Cadfael novels in order of publication:
A Morbid Taste for Bones
One Corpse Too Many
Monk's Hood
St. Peter's Fair
The Leper of St. Giles
The Virgin in the Ice
The Sanctuary Sparrow
The Devil's Novice
Dead Man's Ransom
The Pilgrim of Hate
An Excellent Mystery
The Raven in the Foregate
The Rose Rent
The Hermit of Eyton Forest
The Confession of Brother Haluin
The Heretic's Apprentice
A Rare Benedectine
The Potter's Field
The Summer of the Danes
The Holy Thief
Brother Cadfael's Penance
June 6, 2026
The mid 12th century England in the Abbey of Shrewsbury lives a Welsh Benedictine monk Brother Cadfael, an unusual member in as he fought and killed in the Holy Land during a bloody crusade, known women intimately, a soldier, captain of a ship too, however now retired to the quiet life of a monastery raising crops to feed his fellow "inmates" and doing quite interesting experiments to improve them, a scientist without a title. Weeding unwanted plants may seem a tedious work for a man who experienced astonishing events still this is his wish, the tranquil life no problems just live... During this era honored saints bones are displayed in churches , abbeys and religious institutions to bring the faithful and they will leave a gratuity, it is the rage, prosperity, fame for anyone fortunate enough to find them, the cults spring up to benefit all they believe. Prior Robert the ambitious, intelligent monk is maneuvering to succeed mild- mannered Abbott Heribert, looking around to discover an appropriate candidate a long process though, nearby Wales a separate country then not conquered until 1288 by the English is a fertile ground and Saint Winifred a 7th century woman who established a convent that brought much fame to her is picked. Brother Cadfael is overjoyed to be chosen to join the mission and travel to Wales, the rather weak Abbott agrees no surprise there, the wonderful relic will soon be back home hopefully in the great Abbey the blessed will be inspired to pray there in the sacred, magnificent and very profitable indeed to the beautiful
church of Saint Peter and Paul and the curious Cadfael is intrigued on visiting his native land, besides the only monk who speaks the Welsh language obviously a valuable ability for any quest. This being a murder mystery a victim falls a man who opposed the taking of their local heroine, his daughter is anxious to arrest the murderer and the proper punishment to the vile culprit . Father Huw the priest of Gwytherin were the grave of Winifred is , an amiable man he knows that his people are against the thief, yes a crime yet sanctioned by the authorities, the bishop, and prince don't realize this . Cadfael needs to investigate and the killer brought in to pay for his misdeeds, but difficulties are many, a dagger thrust in his back caused the crime, clues are hard to unearth. A good book to digest and the atmosphere gives the modern reader a look in what medieval life was like, unpleasant, yes you feel it. My first Ellis Peters mystery and not the last those who enjoy the past will be happy they read this, I did...
church of Saint Peter and Paul and the curious Cadfael is intrigued on visiting his native land, besides the only monk who speaks the Welsh language obviously a valuable ability for any quest. This being a murder mystery a victim falls a man who opposed the taking of their local heroine, his daughter is anxious to arrest the murderer and the proper punishment to the vile culprit . Father Huw the priest of Gwytherin were the grave of Winifred is , an amiable man he knows that his people are against the thief, yes a crime yet sanctioned by the authorities, the bishop, and prince don't realize this . Cadfael needs to investigate and the killer brought in to pay for his misdeeds, but difficulties are many, a dagger thrust in his back caused the crime, clues are hard to unearth. A good book to digest and the atmosphere gives the modern reader a look in what medieval life was like, unpleasant, yes you feel it. My first Ellis Peters mystery and not the last those who enjoy the past will be happy they read this, I did...
August 17, 2020
Affectionate Sarcasm
This first Cadfael story is about clerical arrogance, deceit, vanity, pettiness, ambition, vengefulness, and ultimately homicide in a 12th century monastic community. It also touches on idolatry and superstition in medieval Britain. And it makes several clever swipes at clerical celibacy and misogyny, miracles, religious piety, and the efficacy of prayer. Yet for all that it cannot be judged anti-religious. It is clearly a work in which there is an underlying appreciation for the ideals of medieval Catholic culture.
Edith Pargeter’s skill in carrying off such apparently contradictory intentions is probably what makes her Cadfael series so popular. What she endorses about Christianity is unstated but understood. It is the character of Cadfael himself, who after a rather full life of adventure - sexual as well as geographical - finds monastic life and its routines to be just what he needs. It is through his eyes that all the deficiencies of the Church are observed and recorded. And yet he implicitly assures the reader that it remains a worthwhile institution.
There is more than a touch of Pre-Raphaelite sentimentality in Pargeter’s prose (captured rather well I think in the cover of my edition). Nevertheless it is impossible for me at my stage in life to disagree with Cadfael’s express motivation for adopting the lowly status of monk: “When you have done everything else, perfecting a conventual herb-garden is a fine and satisfying thing to do.” I understand entirely.
Postscript: I suspect that Pargeter’s St. Winifred is based on the legend of the 12th century St. Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford. The famous Pre-Raphaelite stained glass artist, Edward Burne-Jones, created a large window in Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral in 1858 depicting scenes from her life. The last of these has various of her devotees surrounding her deathbed (see below). In the background Burne-Jones has placed a modern porcelain flush toilet. Pargeter emulates just this sort of tongue in cheek humour in her story.
This first Cadfael story is about clerical arrogance, deceit, vanity, pettiness, ambition, vengefulness, and ultimately homicide in a 12th century monastic community. It also touches on idolatry and superstition in medieval Britain. And it makes several clever swipes at clerical celibacy and misogyny, miracles, religious piety, and the efficacy of prayer. Yet for all that it cannot be judged anti-religious. It is clearly a work in which there is an underlying appreciation for the ideals of medieval Catholic culture.
Edith Pargeter’s skill in carrying off such apparently contradictory intentions is probably what makes her Cadfael series so popular. What she endorses about Christianity is unstated but understood. It is the character of Cadfael himself, who after a rather full life of adventure - sexual as well as geographical - finds monastic life and its routines to be just what he needs. It is through his eyes that all the deficiencies of the Church are observed and recorded. And yet he implicitly assures the reader that it remains a worthwhile institution.
There is more than a touch of Pre-Raphaelite sentimentality in Pargeter’s prose (captured rather well I think in the cover of my edition). Nevertheless it is impossible for me at my stage in life to disagree with Cadfael’s express motivation for adopting the lowly status of monk: “When you have done everything else, perfecting a conventual herb-garden is a fine and satisfying thing to do.” I understand entirely.
Postscript: I suspect that Pargeter’s St. Winifred is based on the legend of the 12th century St. Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford. The famous Pre-Raphaelite stained glass artist, Edward Burne-Jones, created a large window in Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral in 1858 depicting scenes from her life. The last of these has various of her devotees surrounding her deathbed (see below). In the background Burne-Jones has placed a modern porcelain flush toilet. Pargeter emulates just this sort of tongue in cheek humour in her story.
February 25, 2020
A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters is a 2014 Mysterious Press/ Open Road Media publication. (This book was originally published in 1977)
I have been curious about this series for a very long time. I love the Medieval period in history so it should be right up my alley. The series is a long one- with at least twenty installments, which is one reason why it has taken me this long to finally take the plunge. Thankfully, my Kindle Unlimited subscription paid off, so now it will be easy for me to finally get started on this series.
In 1137, the head of Shrewsbury Abbey is compelled to acquire the remains of Saint Winifred, which will add some prestige to their Benedictine status. So, an expedition to Wales is arranged, of which Brother Cadfael is a part of.
However, upon arrival, they are greeted with some opposition. But things really take a sinister turn, when the main protestor is found murdered. It is now up to Brother Cadfael to root out the killer and the true motive behind the murder.
These books are super short, but this first installment seemed to move at a very slow pace. Although the premise is interesting, the story didn’t really draw me in until the last quarter of the book. I also struggled a bit with the sentence structuring at times, unsure if it was meant to read that way or if there was a formatting issue.
Brother Cadfael’s character eventually grew on me as the story progressed. The wry humor is a nice touch and the mystery did have a few interesting developments. The author also added some rich details, which was enough to encourage me to try the second installment in the series to see how it progresses from here.
Overall, I wasn’t really disappointed in the book, per se, just a little underwhelmed by it. Still, I think it shows some promise, although I shall proceed from here, with cautious optimism.
I have been curious about this series for a very long time. I love the Medieval period in history so it should be right up my alley. The series is a long one- with at least twenty installments, which is one reason why it has taken me this long to finally take the plunge. Thankfully, my Kindle Unlimited subscription paid off, so now it will be easy for me to finally get started on this series.
In 1137, the head of Shrewsbury Abbey is compelled to acquire the remains of Saint Winifred, which will add some prestige to their Benedictine status. So, an expedition to Wales is arranged, of which Brother Cadfael is a part of.
However, upon arrival, they are greeted with some opposition. But things really take a sinister turn, when the main protestor is found murdered. It is now up to Brother Cadfael to root out the killer and the true motive behind the murder.
These books are super short, but this first installment seemed to move at a very slow pace. Although the premise is interesting, the story didn’t really draw me in until the last quarter of the book. I also struggled a bit with the sentence structuring at times, unsure if it was meant to read that way or if there was a formatting issue.
Brother Cadfael’s character eventually grew on me as the story progressed. The wry humor is a nice touch and the mystery did have a few interesting developments. The author also added some rich details, which was enough to encourage me to try the second installment in the series to see how it progresses from here.
Overall, I wasn’t really disappointed in the book, per se, just a little underwhelmed by it. Still, I think it shows some promise, although I shall proceed from here, with cautious optimism.
November 21, 2017
"Justice can be arrived at by more routes than one."
I thought this book was a swell start to this series! Brother Cadfael, monk by vocation and detective by circumstance, is a really delightful character. A medieval-time, Welsh-born man, Cadfael now carries out his monastic duties at Shrewsbury Abbey in England. He has not been in the service of the church his entire life, however, and that is what makes him such an intriguing fellow. "For Brother Cadfael had come late to the monastic life, like a battered ship settling at last for a quiet harbour." A former soldier and captain of a ship, Cadfael has even experienced his fair share of sweethearts – "he remembered other ladies, in more lands than one, with whom he had enjoyed encounters pleasurable to both parties, and no harm to either." You can’t help but adore this guy!
While Brother Cadfael may be well-liked, author Ellis Peters also introduces us to some less agreeable characters as well. Prior Robert cuts a splendid and authoritative figure, and is well aware of this fact. "For whatever virtues might be found in Prior Robert, humility was not one, nor magnanimity. He was invariably sure of his own rightness, and where it was challenged he was not a forgiving man." The prior’s latest ambition is to acquire the relics of a saint in order to advance the prestige of the monastery. Thus begins an adventure to Wales in search of the resting place of Saint Winifred. Prior Robert bands together a small group of his monks to carry out his mission, Brother Cadfael among them due to his Welsh background. He will serve as translator between the Shrewsbury brothers and the people of Gwytherin. Upon their arrival at Gwytherin, the monks quickly realize that despite the fact the saint’s grave has been neglected, the villagers are not necessarily keen to give her up to a group of strangers. Here we meet another group of interesting men and women; Peters certainly delivers in her characterizations! I loved that she also included a strong female figure in a young woman named Sioned. Brother Cadfael is not without a great sense of respect and admiration for her as well. "There are women as strong as any of us, and as able."
When a leading citizen of this quaint Welsh village turns up dead, Cadfael will put to use his sleuthing skills to ensure that justice is served. But this unconventional monk will not necessarily do everything by the book, making for an intriguing, sometimes humorous, and very enjoyable read. I’ve had A Morbid Taste for Bones waiting for me on my kindle for quite some time now. I dillydallied about actually reading it, thinking that a book about an assortment of monks could be either a snooze fest or too heavy on the religion (I was wrong!) When a GR friend chose this book for me as part of a book swap, I finally jumped right in. I am so glad that I did, because I have now found a fabulous, new-to-me, historical mystery series to indulge in – thanks, Jen! Recommended to those that love historical mysteries with an appealing and bit out of the ordinary leading man.
I thought this book was a swell start to this series! Brother Cadfael, monk by vocation and detective by circumstance, is a really delightful character. A medieval-time, Welsh-born man, Cadfael now carries out his monastic duties at Shrewsbury Abbey in England. He has not been in the service of the church his entire life, however, and that is what makes him such an intriguing fellow. "For Brother Cadfael had come late to the monastic life, like a battered ship settling at last for a quiet harbour." A former soldier and captain of a ship, Cadfael has even experienced his fair share of sweethearts – "he remembered other ladies, in more lands than one, with whom he had enjoyed encounters pleasurable to both parties, and no harm to either." You can’t help but adore this guy!
While Brother Cadfael may be well-liked, author Ellis Peters also introduces us to some less agreeable characters as well. Prior Robert cuts a splendid and authoritative figure, and is well aware of this fact. "For whatever virtues might be found in Prior Robert, humility was not one, nor magnanimity. He was invariably sure of his own rightness, and where it was challenged he was not a forgiving man." The prior’s latest ambition is to acquire the relics of a saint in order to advance the prestige of the monastery. Thus begins an adventure to Wales in search of the resting place of Saint Winifred. Prior Robert bands together a small group of his monks to carry out his mission, Brother Cadfael among them due to his Welsh background. He will serve as translator between the Shrewsbury brothers and the people of Gwytherin. Upon their arrival at Gwytherin, the monks quickly realize that despite the fact the saint’s grave has been neglected, the villagers are not necessarily keen to give her up to a group of strangers. Here we meet another group of interesting men and women; Peters certainly delivers in her characterizations! I loved that she also included a strong female figure in a young woman named Sioned. Brother Cadfael is not without a great sense of respect and admiration for her as well. "There are women as strong as any of us, and as able."
When a leading citizen of this quaint Welsh village turns up dead, Cadfael will put to use his sleuthing skills to ensure that justice is served. But this unconventional monk will not necessarily do everything by the book, making for an intriguing, sometimes humorous, and very enjoyable read. I’ve had A Morbid Taste for Bones waiting for me on my kindle for quite some time now. I dillydallied about actually reading it, thinking that a book about an assortment of monks could be either a snooze fest or too heavy on the religion (I was wrong!) When a GR friend chose this book for me as part of a book swap, I finally jumped right in. I am so glad that I did, because I have now found a fabulous, new-to-me, historical mystery series to indulge in – thanks, Jen! Recommended to those that love historical mysteries with an appealing and bit out of the ordinary leading man.
August 7, 2017
Note, Aug. 7, 2017: I edited this just now to correct a minor typo.
Dame Edith Pargeter had already, by 1977, made a reputation for herself, under the pen name of Ellis Peters, as a mystery writer; but under her own name, she was also a respected author of historical fiction, much of it set in medieval Wales. When she brought the two genres together in this first of many novels, set in the border country between England and Wales (where she grew up) in the turbulent mid-1100s and featuring Brother Cadfael, a former veteran soldier now a monk in his sixties, and well-versed both in herbology and in solving mysteries, she single-handedly created the now-flourishing historical mystery subgenre. (Before that, the only historical mysteries were Sherlock Holmes pastiches.) The appeal of the series comes mainly from the character of Cadfael himself --wise, shrewd, caring, a bit mischievous, and endued with a gentle, life-affirming faith much like Pargeter's own. It also comes from her appealing depiction of the 12th-century world, her sympathy with her characters, and her optimistic and moral view of the world. (Writers, she once said, need to depict evil; but for them "to take pleasure in evil is mortal sin.")
Here, the Welsh-born Cadfael finds himself brought along as an interpreter on his prior's expedition into Wales to extract the bones of a saint (venerated as holy relics) from the unwilling congregation of the little country parish where she's buried. But when the most vocal opponent of transferring the bones turns up the victim of a murder, Cadfael finds himself called on to do more than translate. The solution of the mystery will demand detective ability, but this is only part of the picture; Pargeter has stated that she was never attracted to the purely intellectual -puzzle type of mystery, so as much of the focus here is on the human drama of the characters and their interactions.
Dame Edith Pargeter had already, by 1977, made a reputation for herself, under the pen name of Ellis Peters, as a mystery writer; but under her own name, she was also a respected author of historical fiction, much of it set in medieval Wales. When she brought the two genres together in this first of many novels, set in the border country between England and Wales (where she grew up) in the turbulent mid-1100s and featuring Brother Cadfael, a former veteran soldier now a monk in his sixties, and well-versed both in herbology and in solving mysteries, she single-handedly created the now-flourishing historical mystery subgenre. (Before that, the only historical mysteries were Sherlock Holmes pastiches.) The appeal of the series comes mainly from the character of Cadfael himself --wise, shrewd, caring, a bit mischievous, and endued with a gentle, life-affirming faith much like Pargeter's own. It also comes from her appealing depiction of the 12th-century world, her sympathy with her characters, and her optimistic and moral view of the world. (Writers, she once said, need to depict evil; but for them "to take pleasure in evil is mortal sin.")
Here, the Welsh-born Cadfael finds himself brought along as an interpreter on his prior's expedition into Wales to extract the bones of a saint (venerated as holy relics) from the unwilling congregation of the little country parish where she's buried. But when the most vocal opponent of transferring the bones turns up the victim of a murder, Cadfael finds himself called on to do more than translate. The solution of the mystery will demand detective ability, but this is only part of the picture; Pargeter has stated that she was never attracted to the purely intellectual -puzzle type of mystery, so as much of the focus here is on the human drama of the characters and their interactions.
May 13, 2024
The first book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael.
The story takes place in Wales in 1137. We first meet Cadfael as a Benedictine monk at Shrewsbury Abbey, but we are made aware that he has had an adventurous life before he came and settled into the life of a monk. As the story progresses we quickly discover that he has great talent as a detective, aided of course by all his previous worldly experiences. When a murder takes place Cadfael uses his skills to work out who may be the killer and then sets a trap to expose them.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The mystery was interesting, the characters excellent and I really liked the author's style of writing. A very nice piece of historical fiction and I look forward to reading the next book.
The story takes place in Wales in 1137. We first meet Cadfael as a Benedictine monk at Shrewsbury Abbey, but we are made aware that he has had an adventurous life before he came and settled into the life of a monk. As the story progresses we quickly discover that he has great talent as a detective, aided of course by all his previous worldly experiences. When a murder takes place Cadfael uses his skills to work out who may be the killer and then sets a trap to expose them.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The mystery was interesting, the characters excellent and I really liked the author's style of writing. A very nice piece of historical fiction and I look forward to reading the next book.
November 27, 2024
Ground-breaking novel about a medieval Welsh monk - who also happens to be a detective. This paved the way for a whole series, and also many imitations, which continue to abound.
December 13, 2023
Church politics and ambition lead to murder
This first in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael sets the pace for the series. This one features the arrogant Prior Robert intent upon his own power and career rather than upon God; his toady, Brother Jerome; Brother Columbanus who has suspiciously timely seizures and visions; Brother Richard, the kindly but fairly ineffectual sub-prior; Brother John who seems to be a man who should never have taken vows and Brother Cadfael spreading patience, humble wisdom and translations from Welsh overall. There you have a strange company traveling to remove the bones of a Welsh saint to the Abby of St. Peter and St. Paul in Shrewsbury, England against the opposition of the local Welsh community. Politics, both secular and ecclesiastical, murder, vanity, pride and ambition impede the expedition and lead to mystery.
This first in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael sets the pace for the series. This one features the arrogant Prior Robert intent upon his own power and career rather than upon God; his toady, Brother Jerome; Brother Columbanus who has suspiciously timely seizures and visions; Brother Richard, the kindly but fairly ineffectual sub-prior; Brother John who seems to be a man who should never have taken vows and Brother Cadfael spreading patience, humble wisdom and translations from Welsh overall. There you have a strange company traveling to remove the bones of a Welsh saint to the Abby of St. Peter and St. Paul in Shrewsbury, England against the opposition of the local Welsh community. Politics, both secular and ecclesiastical, murder, vanity, pride and ambition impede the expedition and lead to mystery.
September 19, 2025
I found an interesting historical mystery series in Ellis Peters' Chronicles of Brother Cadfael. I've wanted to read it for quite some time but couldn't get around to it. But I'm happy to be finally here.
In a long series like this, the future depends on the strength of the protagonist. Ellis Peters seems to have understood this. She presents us with an extremely likable and interesting protagonist in Brother Cadfael. One may be skeptical about how a 12th-century clergyman could be interesting. But believe me, Brother Cadfael has character; he is not an ordinary clergy and is quite liberal in his views as to religion and justice. And what's more? He regards women as capable as men. Don't you just adore him? :)
The story in A Morbid Taste for Bones is well-written with a coherent flow. The murder mystery wasn't too complex. The culprit was easy to guess. However, this didn't in any way dampen my enjoyment of the novel. The characters kept me engaged and interested in the story. I was very much gratified by Ellis Peters' inclusion of strong female characters. In addition, the setting enchanted me. I've never read anything before that was set in Wales during the period of this novel.
Mystery reads are generally my comfort reads. So, I'm glad to have found a promising mystery series. This being a historical mystery series has an additional appeal. Looking forward very much to the next one.
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
In a long series like this, the future depends on the strength of the protagonist. Ellis Peters seems to have understood this. She presents us with an extremely likable and interesting protagonist in Brother Cadfael. One may be skeptical about how a 12th-century clergyman could be interesting. But believe me, Brother Cadfael has character; he is not an ordinary clergy and is quite liberal in his views as to religion and justice. And what's more? He regards women as capable as men. Don't you just adore him? :)
The story in A Morbid Taste for Bones is well-written with a coherent flow. The murder mystery wasn't too complex. The culprit was easy to guess. However, this didn't in any way dampen my enjoyment of the novel. The characters kept me engaged and interested in the story. I was very much gratified by Ellis Peters' inclusion of strong female characters. In addition, the setting enchanted me. I've never read anything before that was set in Wales during the period of this novel.
Mystery reads are generally my comfort reads. So, I'm glad to have found a promising mystery series. This being a historical mystery series has an additional appeal. Looking forward very much to the next one.
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
March 17, 2022
3.5★
“Not all the time they were together there would be spent in prayer. They would be considering what arguments would be most likely to carry the day with Father Huw's free assembly, or what oblique ecclesiastical threats daunt them into submission.”
The year is 1137. Brother Cadfael has chosen a monastic life, tending to the gardens, but only after having had a full and exciting career in battles and as part of the Crusades. His monastery is very modest and has no claims to fame, no source of power, so to speak.
Then, one of the monks stands up during a service, proclaiming rather wildly that St Winifred came to him in a dream, asking that the brothers rescue her bones from the small Welsh graveyard where she was buried.
“Through the murmur of excitement that went round the chapter-house, Prior Robert's voice rose in reverent triumph: ‘Father Abbot, we are being guided! Our quest for a saint has drawn to us this sign of favour, in token that we should persevere.’”
Abbot Heribert is willing to send a group, along with Brother Columbanus, a young monk seemingly afflicted with fits of some sort. Brother Cadfael, being Welsh, is sent along as an interpreter. Some of the leaders would speak Latin, of course, but that wasn’t in common use by others.
When they get to Wales, they need to figure out how to convince the locals to relinquish the relics, to coin a phrase. After all, if the bones have hidden powers (this is 1137, remember), then why would the Welsh want them to go to England?
Thus, the brothers need to consider not only what arguments might be useful with Welsh Father Huw’s people, but also how they can imply that if they don’t do the bidding of St Winifred, they could be leaving themselves open to all kinds of trouble. Veiled threats, but not too thinly veiled.
These were the days when rulers and church leaders could threaten people with fire and brimstone, torture, pestilence, plagues. You name it, anything awful that happened would be attributed to some oversight on your part that could be atoned for through prayer and payment. These days, our ‘leaders’ threaten us with higher prices, steeper debt, and poorer lifestyle under their opponents.
But back to the beautiful Welsh countryside.
“‘The parish stretches for several miles along the river valley, and a mile or more from the Cledwen on either bank. We do not congregate in villages as you English do. Land good for hunting is plentiful, but good for tillage meagre. Every man lives where best suits him for working his fields and conserving his game.’”
So how is Cadfael to get to know the people? There doesn't seem to be a village. Still, they meet the same way we do, over a drink.
“Now what I really need here, he thought as he walked back towards the church of Gwytherin, is a good, congenial acquaintance, someone who knows every man, woman and child in the parish, without having to carry the burden of their souls. A sound drinking companion with good sense is what I need.”
Bened, the local smith, is sharing some mead with a few others, and when Cadfael addresses them in Welsh, he is easily accepted. One of the young monks has taken a real liking to the work at the smithy and has made himself at home already.
The quest for the saintly bones is the reason for the trip, but the ongoing friction in the community about which lovely girl is going to marry whom begins to take precedence in the book, to the point that Cadfael finds himself wanting to take sides. One young monk is clearly distracted, and when a major landholder, father of one of the girls, is found murdered, the story gets more interesting.
Bened, the smith, seems to hold all of the religious party in equally high esteem, but Cadfael wishes him to know they are still just men.
“‘In the Holy Land I've known Saracens I'd trust before the common run of the crusaders, men honourable, generous and courteous, who would have scorned to haggle and jostle for place and trade as some of our allies did. Meet every man as you find him, for we're all made the same under habit or robe or rags.’”
I enjoyed the mystery. I had been advised that this is not the best book to start the series with, although it is the first, probably because it might put me off reading more. But forewarned is forearmed, so I was happy to read it quickly to get a taste.
Knowing that the series improves and is so popular, I’m going to keep going (eventually). I’m told that the second book is a perfectly good place to start, if you’re considering it yourself.
July 15, 2018
The first of the Brother Cadfael novels by Ellis Peters, which I have just discovered is a pseudonym for Edith Pargeter, a Welsh woman by birth and a historian by nature. I would not have suspected that these stories were written by a woman because she captures the brothers of the Shrewsbury Abbey, a Medieval enclave of male figures, perfectly,
From the stuffy, overblown Prior Robert to Brother Cadfael himself, every character is believable and interesting. You soon realize that it takes all kinds of make a religious, just as it takes all kinds to make a secular, world. Cadfael is a late-comer to the calling, a sort of retirement job for him, and that I think is his primary strength. He can see both inside and outside the religious community very clearly, and he brings enough of the worldly with him to recognize the emotions and failings of men, even those who claim spirituality.
Back years ago, when PBS aired its take on the good brother, with Derek Jacobi in the starring role, I watched religiously (pun intended). Of course, in reading this, I felt I already knew Cadfael and had his face set in my mind. I loved the character then, and find he is just as comfortable, level-headed, unassuming, and easy to admire in the book version. I am looking forward to reading the entire series eventually. I suspect I am in for a treat with each one.
From the stuffy, overblown Prior Robert to Brother Cadfael himself, every character is believable and interesting. You soon realize that it takes all kinds of make a religious, just as it takes all kinds to make a secular, world. Cadfael is a late-comer to the calling, a sort of retirement job for him, and that I think is his primary strength. He can see both inside and outside the religious community very clearly, and he brings enough of the worldly with him to recognize the emotions and failings of men, even those who claim spirituality.
Back years ago, when PBS aired its take on the good brother, with Derek Jacobi in the starring role, I watched religiously (pun intended). Of course, in reading this, I felt I already knew Cadfael and had his face set in my mind. I loved the character then, and find he is just as comfortable, level-headed, unassuming, and easy to admire in the book version. I am looking forward to reading the entire series eventually. I suspect I am in for a treat with each one.
August 11, 2016
This book is actually quite good.
I must admit though, I had a hard time getting through it. In fact, I pretty much had to sit myself down and force myself to read through to the end. I’ve decided that has much more to do with me than the book itself (consequently my high rating). The truth is, I just don’t like mysteries, and now I know that even by setting the mystery in a fascinating time period, this doesn’t change. When I was younger, I used to read every Agatha Christi ‘Poirot’ story I could get my hands on, and I think I burned myself out. Most of the time I just don’t care about ‘whodunit’. This leaves the magnetism of the detective to carry the story, which recently just hasn’t been enough.
For people who love mysteries though, I think you will love this. Peters writes very well. She uses dialogue to bring her characters to life, and it’s great. I was surprised at how funny this book was. Cadfael is simply a GREAT character. Peters also captures the 1100s with insightful details into monasterial life. I think so many authors forget how powerful and important the church truly was during this time. This same attention to detail was used on the inner workings of a medieval Welsh village too. So many books just make out the villagers out to be ignorant clods, but Ellis is much more generous than that, giving everybody a more rounded feel. Everybody has a different agenda and a different motive, and Cadfael is able to work this out quite clearly and succinctly.
Maybe someday I will be in the mood to read another Cadfael book, but I think I’m going to skip historical mysteries for a while. I do believe this is the crème de la crème of historical mysteries though.
I must admit though, I had a hard time getting through it. In fact, I pretty much had to sit myself down and force myself to read through to the end. I’ve decided that has much more to do with me than the book itself (consequently my high rating). The truth is, I just don’t like mysteries, and now I know that even by setting the mystery in a fascinating time period, this doesn’t change. When I was younger, I used to read every Agatha Christi ‘Poirot’ story I could get my hands on, and I think I burned myself out. Most of the time I just don’t care about ‘whodunit’. This leaves the magnetism of the detective to carry the story, which recently just hasn’t been enough.
For people who love mysteries though, I think you will love this. Peters writes very well. She uses dialogue to bring her characters to life, and it’s great. I was surprised at how funny this book was. Cadfael is simply a GREAT character. Peters also captures the 1100s with insightful details into monasterial life. I think so many authors forget how powerful and important the church truly was during this time. This same attention to detail was used on the inner workings of a medieval Welsh village too. So many books just make out the villagers out to be ignorant clods, but Ellis is much more generous than that, giving everybody a more rounded feel. Everybody has a different agenda and a different motive, and Cadfael is able to work this out quite clearly and succinctly.
Maybe someday I will be in the mood to read another Cadfael book, but I think I’m going to skip historical mysteries for a while. I do believe this is the crème de la crème of historical mysteries though.
August 27, 2019
This is the very first book in the Cadfael series; first published in 1977, and set in 1137, it still reads as though it could has been released this month. This is a timeless, classic mystery and an enjoyable introduction to the world of Cadfael and his fellow brothers at the Shrewsbury abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Brother Cadfael has arrived late to the cloister, after a full and eventful life. Now in his mid fifties, he has left the world behind him, embraced the monastic life and tends his Benedictine garden. However, as readers will know, he is always happy to become involved in interesting events and, when Prior Roberts wishes to travel to Wales and secure the relics of a local saint for the monastery, he manages to be taken along as interpreter - and gain a place for young Brother John, whose vows he feels were made for the wrong reason.
Prior Robert is not a man who likes opposition and, along with his acolytes Brother Jerome and Brother Columbanus, he sets out determined to obtain the bones of Saint Winifred for the abbey. Local priest, Father Huw, is disconcerted when he hears of the mission and Rhisiart, a local landowner, opposes their desire to remove Winifred from Welsh soil. When Prior Robert attempts to use bribery to obtain what he wants, he finds he has misjudged the local people badly and, before long, Cadfael has a murder to solve. Cadfael is a charming character - a man who uses good sense, who does his best and who is never afraid of bending the rules if he is sure the outcome is worthwhile. If you are just embarking on this series then I am sure you will enjoy them – they are a delight to re-read.
Brother Cadfael has arrived late to the cloister, after a full and eventful life. Now in his mid fifties, he has left the world behind him, embraced the monastic life and tends his Benedictine garden. However, as readers will know, he is always happy to become involved in interesting events and, when Prior Roberts wishes to travel to Wales and secure the relics of a local saint for the monastery, he manages to be taken along as interpreter - and gain a place for young Brother John, whose vows he feels were made for the wrong reason.
Prior Robert is not a man who likes opposition and, along with his acolytes Brother Jerome and Brother Columbanus, he sets out determined to obtain the bones of Saint Winifred for the abbey. Local priest, Father Huw, is disconcerted when he hears of the mission and Rhisiart, a local landowner, opposes their desire to remove Winifred from Welsh soil. When Prior Robert attempts to use bribery to obtain what he wants, he finds he has misjudged the local people badly and, before long, Cadfael has a murder to solve. Cadfael is a charming character - a man who uses good sense, who does his best and who is never afraid of bending the rules if he is sure the outcome is worthwhile. If you are just embarking on this series then I am sure you will enjoy them – they are a delight to re-read.
April 29, 2019
Publicada hace más de 40 años (1977), es la primera de la serie Cadfael, y también mi primera incursión en esta autora. Este monje benedictino es una especie de Sherlock Holmes de la época. La serie cuenta con más de 20 novelas, así que supongo que el personaje protagonista habrá alcanzado mucha fama.
De esta primera entrega he sacado una grata impresión, aunque se nota el estilo típico de los años 80, que hoy puede parecer “viejuno”. Una trama con pocas complicaciones y no demasiado misterio, centrado muy acertadamente en el tráfico de reliquias tan corriente en esos años de superstición y superchería. Un Cadfael que se me hizo simpático y creíble, adelantado a su época, con una sagacidad que sin duda le sacará de muchos apuros en las siguientes entregas.
Una lectura muy ligera, apta para descansar de tanto gore presente en las novelas actuales. Seguiré con la siguiente, intuyendo de antemano que ninguna superará las cuatro estrellas, pero esperando que tampoco baje de tres.
De esta primera entrega he sacado una grata impresión, aunque se nota el estilo típico de los años 80, que hoy puede parecer “viejuno”. Una trama con pocas complicaciones y no demasiado misterio, centrado muy acertadamente en el tráfico de reliquias tan corriente en esos años de superstición y superchería. Un Cadfael que se me hizo simpático y creíble, adelantado a su época, con una sagacidad que sin duda le sacará de muchos apuros en las siguientes entregas.
Una lectura muy ligera, apta para descansar de tanto gore presente en las novelas actuales. Seguiré con la siguiente, intuyendo de antemano que ninguna superará las cuatro estrellas, pero esperando que tampoco baje de tres.
April 25, 2017
I am quite sure that I used to own a copy of this novel, back in the early 1980s. I finally donated it because I just couldn’t get into the story. Now, I look back at my younger self and shake my head, because this time around I found the story to be very accessible and very easy to engage. Another instance of the right book at the right time—not suitable for me in my 20s, but eminently suitable for me in my 50s.
I think that Brother Cadfael will become an old friend—I will certainly be reading the next book of the series! In my opinion, Peters transplants the murder mystery genre into medieval times extremely well. She gives Brother Cadfael common sense and logic to work with, plus a good dose of human psychology. How he deals with the Church hierarchy and the other Brothers feels very real and is often amusing.
The action begins slowly—the reader must be patient as Peters builds the story towards the murder, but after that, the action is unabated until the final resolution. This story is quite different from the forensic-based murder mysteries that crowd today’s shelves, but that very difference recommends it. Not exactly a cozy mystery, but a gentler one. No gore or psychopaths to deal with here.
I think that Brother Cadfael will become an old friend—I will certainly be reading the next book of the series! In my opinion, Peters transplants the murder mystery genre into medieval times extremely well. She gives Brother Cadfael common sense and logic to work with, plus a good dose of human psychology. How he deals with the Church hierarchy and the other Brothers feels very real and is often amusing.
The action begins slowly—the reader must be patient as Peters builds the story towards the murder, but after that, the action is unabated until the final resolution. This story is quite different from the forensic-based murder mysteries that crowd today’s shelves, but that very difference recommends it. Not exactly a cozy mystery, but a gentler one. No gore or psychopaths to deal with here.
June 30, 2019
Albeit that Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series is probably my favourite historical mystery series bar none, I also have to admit that I have NEVER really all that much either liked or even appreciated the first instalment of the series, that Peters' A Morbid Taste for Bones has always (and from day one so to speak) continually left me both cold and personally rather unsatisfied. And yes, when I first read A Morbid Taste for Bones in the early eighties (probably around 1983, when I was seventeen years of age), I actually almost decided NOT to continue with the series (which I thankfully did not do, as truly and in my opinion, ALL of the following Brother Cadfael series novels are at least in my humble opinion both vastly superior with regard to Ellis Peters' presented themes, her sense of time and place and also with regard to her general writing style and what she considers essential and necessary to describe and dissect in detail, and it certainly would have been a minor personal reading tragedy if I had not persevered and continued meeting with Brother Cadfael and reading about his sleuthing and exploits simply because I had found the first novel, I had found A Morbid Taste for Bones not all that readable and relatable).
Now to and for me, my favourite parts of the Brother Cadfael series are and have always been how delightfully realistic and historically accurate Ellis Peters paints the 12th century A.D. British Civil War between King Stephen and the Empress Maud (also known as Mathilda) and how Deputy Sheriff of Shropshire Hugh Beringar slowly but surely becomes Brother Cadfael's best friend and close confidant (and someone upon whom Brother Cadfael can also generally rely to be fair when trying to solve potential crimes and misdeeds). And since A Morbid Taste for Bones does NOT have either the 12th century British Civil War scenario or Hugh Beringar present, I have indeed not ever really considered A Morbid Taste for Bones as all that enjoyable and pleasurable reading, finding the story rather tedious and personally dragging without in particular Hugh Beringar making even one appearance (and this especially since Ellis Peters renders the latter, renders Hugh as such a richly drawn and interesting character, so that one or rather so that I do totally and definitely miss and lament Hugh's non presence in A Morbid Taste for Bones).
And indeed, and in fact, without Hugh Beringar, I for one even tend to personally consider Brother Cadfael as not really being in any manner complete as a character, and yes, that without the Civil War historical background, the Brother Cadfael mysteries would to and for me always be at best a bit mundane and one-sidedly tedious (and which A Morbid Taste for Bones certainly does in my opinion amply show). And this of course and naturally is also why A Morbid Taste for Bones is one of the only (the very few) Brother Cadfael novels I have never in any manner actively enjoyed and appreciated (and have in fact disliked to such and extent that for me on a personal and emotional level, I also do not really even consider A Morbid Taste for Bones as the true beginning of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, that I do approach and have always approached the second novel One Corpse too Many as the actual and real Brother Cadfael series beginning (with its 12th century King Stephen and Empress Maud civil war conflict and the advent and introduction of Hugh Beringar as Brother Cadfael's foil and soon to be best friend and partner when it comes to solving crimes).
Now to and for me, my favourite parts of the Brother Cadfael series are and have always been how delightfully realistic and historically accurate Ellis Peters paints the 12th century A.D. British Civil War between King Stephen and the Empress Maud (also known as Mathilda) and how Deputy Sheriff of Shropshire Hugh Beringar slowly but surely becomes Brother Cadfael's best friend and close confidant (and someone upon whom Brother Cadfael can also generally rely to be fair when trying to solve potential crimes and misdeeds). And since A Morbid Taste for Bones does NOT have either the 12th century British Civil War scenario or Hugh Beringar present, I have indeed not ever really considered A Morbid Taste for Bones as all that enjoyable and pleasurable reading, finding the story rather tedious and personally dragging without in particular Hugh Beringar making even one appearance (and this especially since Ellis Peters renders the latter, renders Hugh as such a richly drawn and interesting character, so that one or rather so that I do totally and definitely miss and lament Hugh's non presence in A Morbid Taste for Bones).
And indeed, and in fact, without Hugh Beringar, I for one even tend to personally consider Brother Cadfael as not really being in any manner complete as a character, and yes, that without the Civil War historical background, the Brother Cadfael mysteries would to and for me always be at best a bit mundane and one-sidedly tedious (and which A Morbid Taste for Bones certainly does in my opinion amply show). And this of course and naturally is also why A Morbid Taste for Bones is one of the only (the very few) Brother Cadfael novels I have never in any manner actively enjoyed and appreciated (and have in fact disliked to such and extent that for me on a personal and emotional level, I also do not really even consider A Morbid Taste for Bones as the true beginning of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, that I do approach and have always approached the second novel One Corpse too Many as the actual and real Brother Cadfael series beginning (with its 12th century King Stephen and Empress Maud civil war conflict and the advent and introduction of Hugh Beringar as Brother Cadfael's foil and soon to be best friend and partner when it comes to solving crimes).
August 8, 2023
This series has been recommended to me for years and I totally see why! It's a historical cozy mystery that is not cutesy, and I am all for this medieval setting. Very engaging first entry & I'm going to continue in the series
August 15, 2019
8/2019 - reread (listened to the audiobook this time, love Patrick Tull’s narration); what a wonderfully satisfying ending- makes me chuckle every time!
2017 - I first read Brother Cadfael over 30 years ago during high school and college breaks; I became addicted and thus began a lifelong love of accurate and well-written historical mysteries.
I’d seen reviews by GR friends and felt it was time to revisit Shrewsbury and the delightful world of Cadfael. This was a very satisfying re-read for me, and I’ll be revisiting this series again in the new year. I love Cadfael’s decency, warmth and humanity - and humor. Same reason I enjoyed Margaret Frazer’s Dame Frevisse series; a smart, strong, experienced religious makes a wonderful detective!
This visit to a Welsh kingdom to acquire the remains of a saint for Shrewsbury Abbey stirs up unforeseen conflicts and a murder, and we are introduced to several wonderful Welsh characters, along with Cadfael’s English fellow religious, some truly good, some cynically manipulative of the faith of others.
I love reading novels set in a much more slow-paced time - although I don’t yearn to live in a time before germ theory, women’s suffrage and civil rights, I do find the portrayal of such a simpler time peaceful and relaxing. I look forward to visiting Shrewsbury again soon!
2017 - I first read Brother Cadfael over 30 years ago during high school and college breaks; I became addicted and thus began a lifelong love of accurate and well-written historical mysteries.
I’d seen reviews by GR friends and felt it was time to revisit Shrewsbury and the delightful world of Cadfael. This was a very satisfying re-read for me, and I’ll be revisiting this series again in the new year. I love Cadfael’s decency, warmth and humanity - and humor. Same reason I enjoyed Margaret Frazer’s Dame Frevisse series; a smart, strong, experienced religious makes a wonderful detective!
This visit to a Welsh kingdom to acquire the remains of a saint for Shrewsbury Abbey stirs up unforeseen conflicts and a murder, and we are introduced to several wonderful Welsh characters, along with Cadfael’s English fellow religious, some truly good, some cynically manipulative of the faith of others.
I love reading novels set in a much more slow-paced time - although I don’t yearn to live in a time before germ theory, women’s suffrage and civil rights, I do find the portrayal of such a simpler time peaceful and relaxing. I look forward to visiting Shrewsbury again soon!
May 26, 2024
5/26/2024 - I came across this quote in the book, Two-Part Invention by Madeleine L'Engle. She writes, "Ellis Peters, in A Morbid Taste for Bones, one of her delightful whodunits, gives a beautiful description of what I believe to be intercessory prayer:
"He prayed as he breathed, forming no words and making no specific requests, only holding in his heart, like broken birds in cupped hands, all those people who were in stress or grief.""
"He prayed as he breathed, forming no words and making no specific requests, only holding in his heart, like broken birds in cupped hands, all those people who were in stress or grief.""
August 24, 2015
I read some of the Brother Cadfael books years ago & found them just ok. May have been my age or (more likely) that this is a series that needs to be read in order. Clearly there is more to the good brother than his skills as a herbalist! No doubt more will be revealed about his past in later books.
I don't know anything about 12th century Wales or England, but certainly Peters had given the narrative & dialogue a very authentic feel. & monastery politics feels like modern office or school staffroom politics & gave me a sly chuckle!
The next one in the series
sounds even more intriguing. I've popped that on my to read list.
I don't know anything about 12th century Wales or England, but certainly Peters had given the narrative & dialogue a very authentic feel. & monastery politics feels like modern office or school staffroom politics & gave me a sly chuckle!
The next one in the series
sounds even more intriguing. I've popped that on my to read list.
September 29, 2022
Marvelous story. You have to read it to find out exactly what happens. A fun spoof on religion. The historical detail, the characters, and the humor are enchanting. By the end I loved Brother Cadfael and all the villagers of Gwytherin, Wales. An utterly charming tale and funny too!
April 18, 2025
I read this especially for the herbs and the gardens, and the Welsh connection 🙂
🌿☠🌿
I very much enjoyed the Welsh social structure described (accurate or not, I don't know), and the distaste for money 😃 and money as something the English bring 😉
and that the prior (iirc) should have appealed to the man's generosity, rather than offer what is perceived (and was intended) as a bribe 🙂
the different value systems ♥
🌿☠🌿
and I enjoyed bother Cadfael's calm and considered perspective and approach, from his vantage of age and experience 🙂
🌿☠🌿
I can't remember all of what happened, but I remember mostly finding it pleasant/enjoyable at the time 🙂
🌟 🌟 🌟 .5
accessed as an RNIB talking book, read by Steven Jack. his reading was abit stilted at first, and at times throughout the book... but his accents weren't bad 🙂
🌿☠🌿
I very much enjoyed the Welsh social structure described (accurate or not, I don't know), and the distaste for money 😃 and money as something the English bring 😉
and that the prior (iirc) should have appealed to the man's generosity, rather than offer what is perceived (and was intended) as a bribe 🙂
the different value systems ♥
🌿☠🌿
and I enjoyed bother Cadfael's calm and considered perspective and approach, from his vantage of age and experience 🙂
🌿☠🌿
I can't remember all of what happened, but I remember mostly finding it pleasant/enjoyable at the time 🙂
🌟 🌟 🌟 .5
accessed as an RNIB talking book, read by Steven Jack. his reading was abit stilted at first, and at times throughout the book... but his accents weren't bad 🙂
April 13, 2020
What a great start to this medieval monastic mystery series! I loved the story, the twists, the characterizations, the inclusion of historical elements...just everything!
I began the Cadfael series haphazardly, picking up the books whenever I'd find them, which meant I was reading them out of order. I wasn't blown away by the first one, so it took years before I picked up the next, which I didn't like much better to be honest. However, there was something about it that made me give the next one a try. That one I believe was Saint Peter's Fair. It made me want to start the series from the beginning. And so I gladly have!
I began the Cadfael series haphazardly, picking up the books whenever I'd find them, which meant I was reading them out of order. I wasn't blown away by the first one, so it took years before I picked up the next, which I didn't like much better to be honest. However, there was something about it that made me give the next one a try. That one I believe was Saint Peter's Fair. It made me want to start the series from the beginning. And so I gladly have!
Want to Read
December 14, 2017$1.99 Kindle sale, today (Dec. 13, 2017) only. Some of my GR friends love this medieval mystery series, so I think I'm going to give it a shot.
July 9, 2021
Стоило прочесть эту книжку последней на планете, зато в самое удачное время, и потому получить от неё максимальное удовольствие.
Прелестно!
Прелестно!
November 24, 2017
Interesting book set back in 1145 AD, about a Benedictine Brother who solves mysteries. Is short, barely 200 pages, but I found it a slow and tedious book to read. This is the first of 20 books in the series and so obviously it is a popular series. The plot is interesting enough, as well as the solving who killed the one individual in the book, but again it was just a slow read for me. I may try one more in the series to see if they get better or whether being more familiar with the characters I will enjoy it more.
November 27, 2016
My first by this author introducing Brother Cadfael who's powers of observation and deduction ensure that he's always a part of the action and at times a little above the law. I enjoyed his character, he has a bit of a history, is not exactly pious and is a bit cheeky.
April 25, 2022
“Until we know the guilty, we do not know the innocent.”
A clash of faiths, ambition and superstition awaits the reader in the first chronicle of Brother Cadfael, 12th century Benedictine monk at the Abbey of St Peter and St Paul at Shrewsbury near the Welsh border. Prior Robert, hoping to enhance the reputation of the abbey as a shrine (and his own position), advocates the acquisition of the remains of St Winifred, guided by the visions of a young priest. Welsh-speaking Cadfael, the abbey’s herbalist and a one-time soldier in the crusades and ten years a sea captain off the Holy Land joins the small procession as interpreter, their venture endorsed by the prince and bishop, only to confront the local villagers opposed to losing their blessed virgin.
The very system of bishoprics galled the devout adherents of the old, saintly Celtic Church, that had no worldly trappings, courted no thrones, but rather withdrew from the world into the blessed solitude of thought and prayer.
Finding diplomacy no match for Welsh rhetoric, Prior Robert suggests a three day vigil at the saint’s burial site in order to divine her wishes (no pun intended). Naturally a murder follows (in Ellis Peters writing, a merciful lack of gore), a couple of romances, and with subterfuge the wily Cadfael finds a solution that meets everyone’s needs.
The smell of wood-smoke drifted on the air, and glimmer of torches lit the open doorway of the hall. Stables and barns and folds clung to the inner side of the fence, and men and women moved briskly about the evening business of a considerable household.
I was late coming to the novels of Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM (died 1995) and know there was a TV series made. This was the third in the series I have read and with the well-drawn characters and detail of the clothing and the halls they make pleasurable reading. I look forward to more of the chronicles.
A clash of faiths, ambition and superstition awaits the reader in the first chronicle of Brother Cadfael, 12th century Benedictine monk at the Abbey of St Peter and St Paul at Shrewsbury near the Welsh border. Prior Robert, hoping to enhance the reputation of the abbey as a shrine (and his own position), advocates the acquisition of the remains of St Winifred, guided by the visions of a young priest. Welsh-speaking Cadfael, the abbey’s herbalist and a one-time soldier in the crusades and ten years a sea captain off the Holy Land joins the small procession as interpreter, their venture endorsed by the prince and bishop, only to confront the local villagers opposed to losing their blessed virgin.
The very system of bishoprics galled the devout adherents of the old, saintly Celtic Church, that had no worldly trappings, courted no thrones, but rather withdrew from the world into the blessed solitude of thought and prayer.
Finding diplomacy no match for Welsh rhetoric, Prior Robert suggests a three day vigil at the saint’s burial site in order to divine her wishes (no pun intended). Naturally a murder follows (in Ellis Peters writing, a merciful lack of gore), a couple of romances, and with subterfuge the wily Cadfael finds a solution that meets everyone’s needs.
The smell of wood-smoke drifted on the air, and glimmer of torches lit the open doorway of the hall. Stables and barns and folds clung to the inner side of the fence, and men and women moved briskly about the evening business of a considerable household.
I was late coming to the novels of Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM (died 1995) and know there was a TV series made. This was the third in the series I have read and with the well-drawn characters and detail of the clothing and the halls they make pleasurable reading. I look forward to more of the chronicles.
May 21, 2020
'A Morbid Taste for Bones' by Ellis Peters is the first novel in this witty historical series about the medieval sleuth Brother Cadfael. Cadfael, a Benedictine monk, has his tongue always firmly planted into his weathered cheek.
Fifty-seven-year-old Brother Cadfael is a giant Intellect among pigmies. That said, he is more than satisfied to help people without their knowing it if it is at all possible, but usually if people do know how he has come to their aid, the circumstances are such it is in their interest to be quiet. In other words, he's the first secret super hero! However, he never has any intensions of being the grownup in the room, but often he finds himself being that guy.
Cadfael needed a quiet place to retire. He had sown wild oats and he had been a warrior for half of his life, soldering for Christian King and Country in the Holy Land. Before that, he worked for a merchant and learned about money (such as there was in the twelfth century). However, when his crusading was done and he once again was on English soil, a chance meeting with an abbot set him on course to become a Benedictine monk after retiring from military service.
Cadfael cannot quite fit in because unlike the other monks he did not commit to a life of a monastery until he was in his fifties. It has given him much doubt about trusting the affairs of men to come out well without a bit of human intervention. He also is aware more than the others how perfidious and foolish the human heart can be. Plus, I'm very certain that while he may be religious, he has seen too much war and death to have any faith in rituals or direct interest from any gods. On many occasions in this series, when others are quaking and afraid because of mysterious 'ghosts', 'devils', 'signs' or 'miracles', Cadfael calmly begins a search for the flesh and blood person or persons he knows must actually be behind these manifestations, and the motives driving such magical tricks. The usual dark emotions - hate, ego, avarice, aggrandizement, sex, envy, revenge - are as clear to Cadfael as they are unrecognized by the provincial monks and local inhabitants, most who have never traveled more than a few miles from where they were born. But as usual with small communities of people who have known each other for generations and who must live and depend on each other for many generations to come, he knows better than to burn bridges or waste lives necessary for everyone's peace and survival. He'd rather help provide peace and continuity, along with, hopefully, giving people a small push towards acting with charity and affection instead of cruelty and selfishness.
Cadfael prefers happy endings.
Cadfael had built up a herbarium in the enclosed garden within the walls of the Shrewsbury abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in 15 years of labor. While he worked hard at growing a herb for every need, the ones which alleviated pain he gave the most care. After all, there always was a need for relief of agonies.
Reluctantly, he abandons his garden temporarily when a young monk suffering from occasional religious ecstatic fugues, Brother Columbanus, sets in motion two pilgrimages to Gwytherin in Wales, the land of Cadfael's birth. As he can speak both Welsh and English, Abbot Heribert asks the multilingual Cadfael to join the second expedition set on liberating the bones of Saint Winifred from her tomb in Wales and install her instead in the Shrewsbury abbey where she will be appreciated. Besides, she explicitly commanded the monks to move her to England through a dream experienced by Brother Jerome, who had taken a confusion-afflicted Brother Columbanus to Saint Winfred's spring initially where Columbanus had been miraculously healed. Once the duo returned from their first journey, and revealed Winifred's wish to leave her tomb, the monks quickly get all of the required approvals to ask the people of Gwytherin to listen to the Winifred inspired dreams of the Shrewsbury monks and obey her commands.
As the reader can guess, the Welsh locals are not as certain as are the Shrewsbury monks that Winifred wants to leave. The natives become restless, particular a farmer gentlemen, Rhisiart, who vigorously opposes the desecration of Saint Winifred's grave. Everyone decides further meetings are necessary, but there is general and ongoing community disruption. Cadfael accidentally becomes aware of romantic strife and jealousies between rivals for a young daughter of Rhisiart, while wandering around the town, enjoying the views and land, and observing the farmers plowing. Meanwhile Prior Robert, his superior, continues his dispute of possession with the community's leaders.
Another important meeting between the Welsh locals and the visiting monks is set - but Rhisiart is late when the appointed time arrives. In fact, he never will attend any meeting again. After a search, Rhisiart's body is found, an arrow buried in his chest.
A lot of bad revengeful possibilities are now facing the rival communities of monks and farmers. Cadfael and Rhisiart's daughter Sioned are going to have to work fast if they are to find the murderer and prevent further bloodshed!
I highly recommend this series!
Fifty-seven-year-old Brother Cadfael is a giant Intellect among pigmies. That said, he is more than satisfied to help people without their knowing it if it is at all possible, but usually if people do know how he has come to their aid, the circumstances are such it is in their interest to be quiet. In other words, he's the first secret super hero! However, he never has any intensions of being the grownup in the room, but often he finds himself being that guy.
Cadfael needed a quiet place to retire. He had sown wild oats and he had been a warrior for half of his life, soldering for Christian King and Country in the Holy Land. Before that, he worked for a merchant and learned about money (such as there was in the twelfth century). However, when his crusading was done and he once again was on English soil, a chance meeting with an abbot set him on course to become a Benedictine monk after retiring from military service.
Cadfael cannot quite fit in because unlike the other monks he did not commit to a life of a monastery until he was in his fifties. It has given him much doubt about trusting the affairs of men to come out well without a bit of human intervention. He also is aware more than the others how perfidious and foolish the human heart can be. Plus, I'm very certain that while he may be religious, he has seen too much war and death to have any faith in rituals or direct interest from any gods. On many occasions in this series, when others are quaking and afraid because of mysterious 'ghosts', 'devils', 'signs' or 'miracles', Cadfael calmly begins a search for the flesh and blood person or persons he knows must actually be behind these manifestations, and the motives driving such magical tricks. The usual dark emotions - hate, ego, avarice, aggrandizement, sex, envy, revenge - are as clear to Cadfael as they are unrecognized by the provincial monks and local inhabitants, most who have never traveled more than a few miles from where they were born. But as usual with small communities of people who have known each other for generations and who must live and depend on each other for many generations to come, he knows better than to burn bridges or waste lives necessary for everyone's peace and survival. He'd rather help provide peace and continuity, along with, hopefully, giving people a small push towards acting with charity and affection instead of cruelty and selfishness.
Cadfael prefers happy endings.
Cadfael had built up a herbarium in the enclosed garden within the walls of the Shrewsbury abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in 15 years of labor. While he worked hard at growing a herb for every need, the ones which alleviated pain he gave the most care. After all, there always was a need for relief of agonies.
Reluctantly, he abandons his garden temporarily when a young monk suffering from occasional religious ecstatic fugues, Brother Columbanus, sets in motion two pilgrimages to Gwytherin in Wales, the land of Cadfael's birth. As he can speak both Welsh and English, Abbot Heribert asks the multilingual Cadfael to join the second expedition set on liberating the bones of Saint Winifred from her tomb in Wales and install her instead in the Shrewsbury abbey where she will be appreciated. Besides, she explicitly commanded the monks to move her to England through a dream experienced by Brother Jerome, who had taken a confusion-afflicted Brother Columbanus to Saint Winfred's spring initially where Columbanus had been miraculously healed. Once the duo returned from their first journey, and revealed Winifred's wish to leave her tomb, the monks quickly get all of the required approvals to ask the people of Gwytherin to listen to the Winifred inspired dreams of the Shrewsbury monks and obey her commands.
As the reader can guess, the Welsh locals are not as certain as are the Shrewsbury monks that Winifred wants to leave. The natives become restless, particular a farmer gentlemen, Rhisiart, who vigorously opposes the desecration of Saint Winifred's grave. Everyone decides further meetings are necessary, but there is general and ongoing community disruption. Cadfael accidentally becomes aware of romantic strife and jealousies between rivals for a young daughter of Rhisiart, while wandering around the town, enjoying the views and land, and observing the farmers plowing. Meanwhile Prior Robert, his superior, continues his dispute of possession with the community's leaders.
Another important meeting between the Welsh locals and the visiting monks is set - but Rhisiart is late when the appointed time arrives. In fact, he never will attend any meeting again. After a search, Rhisiart's body is found, an arrow buried in his chest.
A lot of bad revengeful possibilities are now facing the rival communities of monks and farmers. Cadfael and Rhisiart's daughter Sioned are going to have to work fast if they are to find the murderer and prevent further bloodshed!
I highly recommend this series!
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