From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

The Pilgrim of Hate (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, #10)

Ellis Peters

Start date: March 15, 2022

Finish date: April 8, 2022

Discussion: Buddy reads

Why we're reading this: Continuing this very popular historical series.
[close] Continuing this very popular historical series.

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What Members Thought

Oct 27, 2018 Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, murder, england, history, historical-fiction, ellis-peters

This is I think the tenth of the mystery series featuring the Benedictine monk Brother Cadfael. In this one, Shrewsbury Abbey is preparing to celebrate the anniversary of the transcription of St Winifred’s bones to the abbey. In the background, the political scenario is changing as King Stephen has been imprisoned and Empress Maud is attempting to get herself crowned, though not going about it quite the right way. Many pilgrims are arriving at the abbey for the ceremony. Before they arrive, news ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Dec 07, 2022 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: brit-trip, read-as-an-audiobook, 2022, 2022-crime-spree

The only thing I dislike about this series is that it's not longer. I'm sad to be past the halfway point. ...more

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

Shelves: favorites, tbr-with-gr-groups, audiobook, currently-re-reading

Always delighted to spend time rereading this favorite historical mystery series. First met Cadfael decades ago after seeing Sir Derek Jacobi play him on PBS Mystery, then found out the series was based on books, started reading the books, and went down the rabbit hole of historical mysteries- where I still happily spend much of my reading time!

I’m rereading these slowly with the Reading the Detectives group, probably best way to enjoy, as a few members have pointed out the “sameness” of the mys Always delighted to spend time rereading this favorite historical mystery series. First met Cadfael decades ago after seeing Sir Derek Jacobi play him on PBS Mystery, then found out the series was based on books, started reading the books, and went down the rabbit hole of historical mysteries- where I still happily spend much of my reading time!

I’m rereading these slowly with the Reading the Detectives group, probably best way to enjoy, as a few members have pointed out the “sameness” of the mysteries. Understandable in a closed monastic community, ruled by the seasons, the liturgical calendar, and the ongoing civil war between Stephen and Maud, both claimants to the throne of England.

This book opens as the Shrewsbury community is preparing for a feast celebrating the arrival of the remainins of the abbey’s patron saint, Winifred (covered in A Morbid Taste for Bones). Pilgrims are expected, and duly arrive; a subplot involves the gamblers, thieves and crooks that often prey on such crowds. No spoilers, but two groups of pilgrims in particular are concerned in our story- a voluble widow woman weaver (try saying that three times fast!) with her niece and handicapped nephew, and two young men traveling together - one barefoot and wearing a very heavy cross, and the other, his apparent protector. All of these people come together in various, complicated ways, and one group seems to be hiding at least one secret - meanwhile, Abbott Radolphus has returned from a peace conference organized by the powerful Bishop Henry of Winchester, telling of a murder that took place there.

A lot going on here, and I wasn’t really sure what was relevant until the twist at the end - I wasn’t sure there was even a crime concerned, and if so, who might have committed it! St. Winifred appears, at least to Cadfael’s mind and heart, to work a few miracles, and we are treated to the usual beautiful language in describing the gorgeous, sunny June weather, and the lovely Abbey gardens, grounds, and surrounding countryside. As is often the case, there are two young lovers, and one of Cadfael’s miracles is a visit from a very important person from his past. All the loose ends are tidied up, and I truly enjoyed another visit with my favorite Benedictine! ...more

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