The Devil's Novice - SPOILER Thread (Sep/Oct 21)

[Susan]

Welcome to our buddy read of The Devil's Novice first published in 1983 and the eighth book in the Cadfael series.

It is 1140. The Benedictine monastry at Shrewsbury finds its new novice Meriet Aspley a disturbing presence. Meek by day, his sleep is disturbed by violent nightmares that earn him the nickname of "Devil's Novice". Can he be involved with the disappearance of a superior prelate?

Please feel free to post spoilers in this thread.

[Michaela]

I finished this, and found it was a bit different from the others which appeared same-ish in the end. I like the psychological factor, so the mystery was pushed into the background. The end was a bit sudden and unexpected, so "only" 4 stars again.

[Sandy]

I also gave this one extra credit for being a bit different. The bad guy got away (so far) and the not-quite-so-bad guy will be living with a treasonous reputation (and an unpleasant wife). I pondered the possible murderers towards the end of the book and couldn't think of a motive for any of them. Glad Peters came up with one.

[Judy]

I've finished this one now - Michaela, I agree it was a bit different from the others although we still had young lovers. Really getting into this series now, as I think the books are getting steadily better.

Sandy, I also couldn't think of any reason for a murder - although we hadn't been given a clue about the dukes uprising, I found this an interesting twist and I see the Battle of Lincoln is coming up in the next book. It will be interesting to have the Stephen/Matilda (Empress Maud) war taking a more central role again.

[Susan in NC]

I know, even when it’s not front and center, like in this novel, it’s always somewhere on the periphery, as a motive for a betrayal or some perfidy. I guess even in a largely agrarian, rural society, as England was at the time, ruled mostly by the natural seasons and the liturgical calendar, conflict at the top trickles down, as in this novel - but earlier books, likeOne Corpse Too Many, had the civil war smash right through local life. I think that’s why I enjoy more “modern” mysteries, with Inspectors Macdonald or Littlejohn detecting among the locals during WWII - it’s amazing how, no matter what the conflict or century, rural life is rather timeless, just keeps moving on (well, with Land Girls, refugees from the Blitz, and blackouts in WWII).

I read these Cadfael books for the first time over 25 years ago; this is as far as I’ve gotten in my personal rereads over the last few years, between other books. I look forward to moving forward in rereading the series, to see how it evolves and improves, hopefully, for the group!

I love it as is, but don’t remember much - as I reread, more is coming back to me. Doesn’t help that I’ve read several historical mystery series in the last 25 years with nuns and monks as the lead detective…;)

[Judy]

Which other historical mysteries with nuns and monks, or from the medieval period, would you recommend, Susan? I've noticed there are several.

[Jill]

I read the firs of Pricilla Royal’s medieval mystery series and enjoyed it.

[Susan in NC]

Yes, Priscilla Royal’s Prioress Eleanor series; the Dame Frevisse series, by Margaret Frazer; the Dame Heloise series by Alys Clare; modern-set Sister Joan series by Veronica Black; and one of my favorites, Paul Doherty’s Brother Athelstan series.I guess the nuns outnumber the priests and monks! I’ve watched the Father Brown and Grantchester tv series, but not read the books. Oh, and Kate Charles’ series (years ago, forget the leads), Cassandra Clark’s series, and probably some others where I’ve read the first and lost track…here’s a great list from “Stop, you’re killing me!”: http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/Job...

[Susan in NC]

Oh, and a recent find I’m truly enjoying, the Laetitia Rodd series by Kate Saunders. Only three books so far (I think the third coming this December, The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden); she’s not a member of the clergy, rather the impoverished widow of a Victorian clergyman. Her brother is a successful solicitor, refers tricky matters needing discreet investigation her way - she has extensive connections among the clergy around England from her years of service with her husband, and she’s of deep faith herself- she’s a delightful character, and her very funny, charming, sarcastic brother adds a lot of humor, keeps her grounded.

[Jackie]

Once I got rolling I finished this in 2 gulps - I think it might be my favorite of the series. It's way up there, anyway, I think because I love brother Mark and his care for everyone at St. Giles.
Michaela, I didn't find the ending abrupt at all but maybe because I've read it before, albeit years ago.
I think I also liked it for the violence done to Brother Jerome, lol.
It may be the series got a bit long for me, and this one takes place back when it's still fresh. Hugh isn't even the Sherrif yet!

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "Once I got rolling I finished this in 2 gulps - I think it might be my favorite of the series. It's way up there, anyway, I think because I love brother Mark and his care for everyone at St. Giles...."

Jerome is a stinker, isn’t he? I always see him and his master as the perfectly cast characters from the tv series! I imagine most of the monks would like to clout Jerome at one time or another, vows be damned…

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...

Brother Mark, on the other hand, is truly an angel - I love how Peters writes him, not as a sappy, sentimental do-gooder, but a strong, humble, faith-filled healer with a loving heart. He’s simple, but not stupid, he really sees the good in everyone.

[Sandy]

I found it interesting that money was required for Mark to become a priest. Maybe to pay for classes? Or to grease palms?

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "I found it interesting that money was required for Mark to become a priest. Maybe to pay for classes? Or to grease palms?"

I think, in previous historical mystery/clergy series I’ve read, it’s like a dowry - land, money, animals, etc., that come with the applicant to secure their place, so, yes, greasing palms. That’s partly how the Church became so wealthy - and when those nuns or priests, monks, friars died, they leave no legal heirs, so the wealth stayed with the Church.

[Sandy]

A good business plan. Thanks.

[Susan in NC]

Exactly! A good reason Henry VIII wanted to get his hands on all the goodies in the Dissolution! (Anyone interested who hasn’t heard of C J Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series, set in Henry’s time, may want to check it out - it’s excellent. First book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...)

[Judy]

Thank you for the book suggestions, Susan and Jill! I will investigate some of them. I've also enjoyed the Laetitia Rodd books. I didn't realise there was a third one coming soon, will look forward to it.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Thank you for the book suggestions, Susan and Jill! I will investigate some of them. I've also enjoyed the Laetitia Rodd books."

You are very welcome - I thought we had chatted about the Rodd series!

[ChrisGA]

Susan in NC wrote: "Jackie wrote: "Once I got rolling I finished this in 2 gulps - I think it might be my favorite of the series. It's way up there, anyway, I think because I love brother Mark and his care for everyon..."

So agree with your description of both Jerome and Mark. Jerome gives religion a bad name --Pharisee maybe, but Mark is truly inspiring. He and Mother Teresa would have understood each other.

[Susan in NC]

ChrisGA wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Jackie wrote: "Once I got rolling I finished this in 2 gulps - I think it might be my favorite of the series. It's way up there, anyway, I think because I love brother Mark and ..."

Beautiful observation, I agree! And spot on about Jerome…

[Judy]

I love to hate Jerome in the TV series.