[BWF] The Heretic's Apprentice by Ellis Peters rounded up to 4 stars

[Karin]

I couldn't remembered what I'd rated this the last time I read it, but I'm still rounding this up to 4 stars. I'd forgotten just how much I enjoyed some of the "guest" characters in this book and how well done the red herrings were. In addition there was some interesting, at least for me, dialogue concerning questions of doctrine that were arising then, as always, since I'm not Catholic--heretic isn't in the title for nothing, but of course there is also a murder in the book that may or may not have anything to do with this directly and much of this book is devoted to finding out who the murderer was.

Another entry in the Brother Cadfael mysteries, and I enjoyed it better than I expected to, particularly given that it is # 16, so I have rounded up my 3.5 to 4.

From the back:
It is June in the Year of Our Lord 1143 when Elave, young clerk to William of Lythwood, returns from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his elderly master’s body. His mission is twofold, to bury William in his home abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, and to deliver a dowry to William’s adopted daughter Fortunata. But Elave, suspected of harboring views inimical to church doctrine, is held for ecclesiastical trial. And when Aldwin, the Lythwood family clerk hired in Elave’s absence, is stabbed to death, Elave is incarcerated not only for heresy, but for murder. Fortunata’s dowry, an intricately carved box with mysterious contents, holds the key to the mysteries that spring up around Elave and the Lythwood family. Shrewd and patient, Brother Cadfael is at his best here.

Another murder mystery, but still well done and still very much the same Brother Cadfael. In addition, there are discussions in it of the political upheaval going on in England between rivals for the crown. The characters are well done, the red herrings good, and overall I have to say that I am glad I have resumed this series.

Extra letter H, tagged 51 x

[Joanne]

Must be a great one Karin! 4 stars does not come out of your hat too often.

[Karin]

Joanne wrote: "Must be a great one Karin! 4 stars does not come out of your hat too often."

True, but I'm trying to read more 4 star books, which is why so many rereads this month :) I'm trying to have an average rating of 3.5 stars this year.

[Booknblues]

I loved this series and it makes me happy to see you re-reading it.