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The Sanctuary Sparrow,
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Doug Adamson
In the main I agree with my fellow responders to your question. But there is a added joy and understanding that comes when reading them in order (when possible). As with the Harry Potter series, each new book takes up the story timewise from the previous and can be read as a separate story. Unlike the Potter series, there is no one over-arching story or villain, unless it is the story of Cadfael himself along with his friends. The books are well worth reading in any order but even more so when read in order.
Pam Larson
I've read the first 7. You need to read book 2 (One Corpse Too Many) before you read the later books, because the later books will spoil the ending of book 2. Otherwise the order doesn't seem that important.
The Wanderer
I think IDEALLY they should be read in order, because the historical setting progresses with each book, and on occasion a character that's introduced in one book shows up again in a later one, which could lead to slight spoilers.
But I don't think it's NECESSARY to read them in order. Personally, I've been jumping around the series, reading them as I come across them in used bookstores, and I've been delighted by each. All the mysteries are completely self-contained and the setting is established every time. I feel like I'm missing some of the relationship development that happens between the main cast, but it's definitely not enough to make me put my reading on hold until I can find them all in order! If you have just one, I say go for it.
But I don't think it's NECESSARY to read them in order. Personally, I've been jumping around the series, reading them as I come across them in used bookstores, and I've been delighted by each. All the mysteries are completely self-contained and the setting is established every time. I feel like I'm missing some of the relationship development that happens between the main cast, but it's definitely not enough to make me put my reading on hold until I can find them all in order! If you have just one, I say go for it.
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