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The Confession of Brother Haluin (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, #15)

Ellis Peters

Start date: July 15, 2023

Finish date: August 6, 2023

Discussion: Buddy reads

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May 27, 2023 Susan in NC rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library-book, currently-re-reading, audiobook, tbr-with-gr-groups, want-to-reread, reread

4.5 stars for this Brother Cadfael mystery, but this is probably my favorite historical mystery series, so others may not rate so highly. I love revisiting this series, which I first read decades ago, after seeing the wonderful PBS Mystery series with Sir Derek Jacobi as Cadfael. I find the writing beautiful, the descriptions of the natural world soothing, and Ellis Peters’ observations of faith, love and human nature generous and wise. Here is one such passage, but it contains a spoiler: (view 4.5 stars for this Brother Cadfael mystery, but this is probably my favorite historical mystery series, so others may not rate so highly. I love revisiting this series, which I first read decades ago, after seeing the wonderful PBS Mystery series with Sir Derek Jacobi as Cadfael. I find the writing beautiful, the descriptions of the natural world soothing, and Ellis Peters’ observations of faith, love and human nature generous and wise. Here is one such passage, but it contains a spoiler: (view spoiler)

The story opens during a very cold, snowy winter, before Christmas. Heavy snow has caused leaks in the guest house roof of Cadfael’s Abbey at Shrewsbury. The brothers dare not wait to make repairs, as further snow will only make it worse. Because of the bitter cold, every brother takes a brief turn at the work; all is well until Brother Haluin falls off the roof among a shower of the lead tiles. The fall is bad enough, but the broken tiles smash and break his feet. First it is feared he won’t even live; he asks to make his last confession to Abbot Radulfus and Cadfael, who is concerned in the matter.

Heluin begins to heal, and resolves to make a pilgrimage to right the wrongs he confessed. The abbot is hesitant, as the monk is barely strong enough, and needs crutches and special boots to even walk. Radulfus insists Cadfael accompany Haluin as guide, medical attendant and protector, if Cadfael is willing. Our hero admits to himself that the curiosity and interest in the greater world which had him travel from his birthplace in Wales to the Holy Land, first as a crusading soldier, then as a sea captain, still calls to him occasionally - he is happy to accompany his brother.

The pilgrimage takes longer than expected, and takes the two monks farther than they planned, and Cadfael realizes all is not as it seems. No spoilers, but I began to suspect a couple things, and by the time a murder takes place, I was sure. I was right, but as always, it did not detract from my enjoyment and satisfaction at the resolution of this story. ...more

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Mar 05, 2018 Cricket Muse added it

The familiar storyline of forbidden love, lies, deceit, and murder is made over when told through Benedictine Brother Cadfael. The year is 1142 and it is a winter of harsh weather, one that leads to an accident and a deathbed confession. This confession will lead Cadfael on a journey to solve a mystery that only one or two knew of, but a secret that had caused a rippling wave of harm in its dormancy.

The pace is almost maddeningly slow as the foundation of exposition is laid in order to develop c ...more

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Jun 25, 2023 Jill rated it liked it

Shelves: ellis-peters

This is really a 3.5 star for me. I did like it but, could see the what was going to happen from early on in the book. that being the case I didn't think it was quite as good as the others I have read.
The start was good, bearing in mind that the weather here has been most unusually hot, so to read about the snow in winter, was most welcome, even though it was the cause of one of the Brother's falling from the roof. On what everyone assumed was his deathbed, his last confession was something of a ...more

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