The Raven in the Foregate (Cadfael #12) by Ellis Peters (Sep/Oct 22)

[Susan]

Welcome to our Sep/Oct 22 buddy read of The Raven in the Foregate the twelth book in the Cadfael series, first published in 1986.

It is Christmas, A.D. 1141, Abbot Radulfus returns from London, bringing with him a priest for the vacant living of Holy Cross, also known as the Foregate. The new priest is a man of presence, learning, and discipline, but he lacks humility and the common touch. When he is found drowned in the millpond, suspicion is cast upon a young man who arrived with the priest's train and was sent to work in Brother Cadfael's garden. Indeed, he is soon discovered to be an impostor. To Brother Cadfael, now falls the familiar task of sorting out the complicated strands of innocence and guilt.

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

[Judy]

It's mid month, so time to open up our latest batch of buddy reads, with thanks as ever to Susan for setting up the threads. :)

Who is reading this one? The spoiler thread is linked below:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I've borrowed it from the library but haven't started yet as I want to finish the Falco book first to avoid mixing up my historical mysteries!

[Sandy]

I've finished so can move onto Falco. Like Judy, one historical at a time. This Cadfael really gave us a vile villain.

[Susan in NC]

I agree, a vile victim - and seems moreso, because he was supposed to provide spiritual comfort. Always enjoy a reread of Cadfael.

[Judy]

I've started this now and am enjoying it so far, although I'm not very far in as yet.

[Michaela]

Judy wrote: "I've started this now and am enjoying it so far, although I'm not very far in as yet."

Same with me, and I´m away on a short trip too.

[Judy]

I've read more than half of this now and am enjoying it - it's a gripping story and I am not at all sure who the killer is. I agree the victim is deeply unsympathetic and I think he is a powerfully drawn character.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "I've read more than half of this now and am enjoying it - it's a gripping story and I am not at all sure who the killer is. I agree the victim is deeply unsympathetic and I think he is a powerfully..."

True - handsome, well-spoken, yet can turn vicious and vengeful! I couldn’t help wondering, what could have made him so rigid and unchristian in his Christianity? Couldn’t help wondering if (view spoiler)[ Time at the exalted and powerful Bishop’s court had made him contemptuous of lower born people and their sins and faults? Whatever made him so warped, it’s a cruel shame that he was foisted on a congregation that had enjoyed the pastoral care of a kind, understanding priest. (hide spoiler)]