From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

The Devil's Novice (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, #8)

Ellis Peters

Start date: September 15, 2021

Finish date: October 5, 2021

Discussion: Buddy reads

Why we're reading this: Next in our series of Brother Cadfael buddy reads.
[close] Next in our series of Brother Cadfael buddy reads.

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

Showing 2 of 468 topics — 9,045 comments total

Buddy reads

* White Nights by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #2) (August/Sept 25)
By Susan · 29 posts · 12 views

last updated Sep 04, 2025 12:17PM

* White Nights - SPOILER Thread - (Shetland #2) (August/Sept 25)
By Susan · 17 posts · 12 views

last updated Aug 24, 2025 11:29PM

showing 2 of 2 topics view all »

What Members Thought

Apr 04, 2008 Susan in NC rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: currently-re-reading, kindle, favorites, audiobook

9/2021: Still four stars for me, I love Cadfael, and especially enjoy listening to the audiobooks for rereads.

2018: Another enjoyable outing with the character who got me hooked on historical mysteries, Brother Cadfael. I reread this book, set in Autumn, to fulfill the Book For All Seasons challenge to read a book set in that season.

I love Cadfael, and I love Ellis Peters’ writing; she portrays the season with lovely descriptions at the beginning of the book, set in early Autumn, of still-warm d ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2017 Christine PNW rated it liked it · review of another edition

I didn't like this one quite so well as the preceding The Virgin in the Ice, although it was still enjoyable. I really love the relationship between Brother Cadfael and Hugh Beringar. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2021 Teri-K rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-mystery

It's been ages since I read a Cadfael, though I remember them fondly. This was a great book to pick up and get reacquainted with! Brother Cadfael is a monk who lived a very full life before entering the Order. He even fought in the Crusades! Now, though, he's happily living in the abbey, growing herbs and treating the sick and wounded. He also has a strong sense of justice and a soft spot for young people. Thus, when a troubled young man comes to the abbey to train as a monk, Cadfael takes an in It's been ages since I read a Cadfael, though I remember them fondly. This was a great book to pick up and get reacquainted with! Brother Cadfael is a monk who lived a very full life before entering the Order. He even fought in the Crusades! Now, though, he's happily living in the abbey, growing herbs and treating the sick and wounded. He also has a strong sense of justice and a soft spot for young people. Thus, when a troubled young man comes to the abbey to train as a monk, Cadfael takes an interest in him. At the same time one of the King's messengers has disappeared nearby and is feared dead.

I was especially happy to find that Hugh plays a pretty big part in this book, and Brother Mark comes in as well. They, along with Cadfael, are my favorite characters in the series and I love reading about them. In all of her books Peters creates a good mystery, but the reader can relax, knowing justice is always done in the end. And good people will get their HEA, or at least as much of a one as can be expected in this world.

This series doesn't get nearly as much attention as it deserves, both as historical fiction or mystery. The characters feel real and the reader can follow their lives as the books progress, the mysteries are well constructed, and the historical setting is strong but never intrudes. Highly recommended!

NB - It's great to read the series in order, if you can, and read up a bit on Stephen and Maud's fighting back and forth for background. If you can't get all the series in order, I'd recommend reading the first few so you get a feeling for the characters and setting. After that you can jump around a bit more freely. NOTE: Catbookmom reminded me that the very first book isn't necessarily the best to start with. It takes Cadfael away from the abbey and many of his usual compatriots, and the story may be a little too strange. I know several people who love the series but not that book. So perhaps start reading with #2, One Corpse Too Many, and go back later for #1? Whatever method you use, if you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, or books about interesting characters, try these. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 29, 2013 Susan rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-and-ancient-mystries

Ellis Peters’, The Devil’s Novice, is the eighth in the Brother Cadfael series. These stories take place during the 1100’s civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. A young gentleman is brought to the Benedictine monastery at Shrewsbury by his father and begs entry to the order and so the story begins. These Brother Cadfael books are like drinking hot chocolate on a cold and snowy winter’s day. I love how you get the politics of the day (1140) woven into the story. So without even real ...more

Like · see review