The Confession of Brother Haluin - SPOILER Thread - (Cadfael #15) by Ellis Peters (July/August 23)

[Susan]

Welcome to our July/Aug buddy read of The Confession of Brother Haluin the fifteenth book in the Cadfael series, first published in 1988.

December, 1142. A brother of Shrewsbury Abbey suffers a fall that almost kills him. He makes a shocking deathbed confession to Brother Cadfael. When the man recovers Cadfael accompanies him on an arduous journey to redeem his past sins.

Please feel free to post spoilers in this thread.

[Sandy]

This is the one buddy read I have completed. While the plot held no surprises and I missed the people from the abbey, I thought all the characters in this book were interesting and well-developed.

[Jill]

I really felt for poor Brother Haluin. The journey was torturous. I did suspect from the first port of call, what had happened, but it was interesting to read on.

[Susan in NC]

Same here, this was a tortuous journey, and even though it did seem fairly obvious, I always enjoy the exposition.

[Judy]

I've finished this now and enjoyed the beautifully flowing writing style, but must agree that the solution to the plot was all too obvious.

I was surprised that we learn so little about the actual murder - we never even find out for certain who did it! I also find aspects of the plot a bit unlikely, especially the behaviour of the younger Haluin in just handing over the poison rather than leaving the monastery and heading back to see his true love and make sure she won't marry him. The older Haluin is so determined that he must have changed a lot.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "I've finished this now and enjoyed the beautifully flowing writing style, but must agree that the solution to the plot was all too obvious.

I was surprised that we learn so little about the actual..."

Agreed!

[Michaela]

I thought this didn´t have much of the mystery or its solving in it but was more about Haluin´s journey and all the people surrounding him and his love. It was well written though, and I liked the different characters.

[Susan in NC]

I agree, and that lack of a mystery is a common observation about this series. I personally don’t mind, I love visiting Cadfael’s world, and find this series restful - I love the descriptions of the natural world, not just in Cadfael’s herb garden, but the English countryside he often travels through, as well.

[Judy]

Yes, I felt there wasn't much mystery but I did like the characters and I agree the descriptions of landscapes are lovely. I just wish Ellis Peters would drop the romantic storylines as I think they are getting a bit boring and the young lovers tend to be very similar, although at least the love story in this one was rather different.

[Carissa]

Judy wrote: "Yes, I felt there wasn't much mystery but I did like the characters and I agree the descriptions of landscapes are lovely. I just wish Ellis Peters would drop the romantic storylines as I think the..."

Ha! Judy, this is a complaint I have about many authors. Guys, we don't need a love story in every book, especially of the "young lovers of the week" variety.

[Susan in NC]

So true, Carissa - makes me wonder if it’s an unwritten rule somewhere, “mysteries must have a romance”. The Golden Age mysteries we read don’t seem troubled with that - seems to be a somewhat recent trend! My mom used to work at Barnes & Noble, and once told me she realized, through shelving romance and mystery books, that several authors started as romance writers, then moved to mystery/thriller/suspense. Maybe they hang on to their “romance roots” as a way to expand readership? “Come for the whodunnit, stay for the romance”? ;)

[Michaela]

I agree with you re the unnecessary romance, as Golden Age mysteries don´t normally have them. Interesting observation, Susan, and LOL about the last sentence!

[Susan in NC]

Thanks!