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judyward's review against another edition
4.0
The fourteenth in the Brother Cadfael series set in Shewsbury, England during the 12th century. Ten year old Richard Ludel has been entrusted to the care of Prior of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul by his father both for his protection and his education. Upon his father's death, Richard inherits a large estate and his formidable grandmother, the Lady Dionisia, wants to marry Richard to his much older neighbor's daughter--she is 22--in order to eventually get control of their land. Lady Dionisia has also given refuge to a holy man, Cuthred and his helper Hyacinth, newly arrived in the area and installed him into a hermit's cell in the forest where Cuthred quickly establishes himself as a wise and devout priest. And then Richard disappears from the abbey and two men are murdered and Brother Cadfael has to utilize all of his healing and investigating talents before calm is restored.
marilynsaul's review against another edition
5.0
I read this three years ago, and didn't remember much of it on re-read. It struck me as odd that the Hermit hadn't come in to play until the last 1/4 of the book, but now I understand! Another great mystery that completely flew under my radar!!
readingelli's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
Forced marriagecaitie95's review against another edition
4.0
A bit different to the usual Cadfael books, seemed like less of a simple mystery. Quite refreshing to have a change.
zombeesknees's review against another edition
5.0
Peters' writing was as fabulous as ever, her language beautiful and descriptions perfect. I loved the three-layered plot and the way she pulled in all of the minor threads to make a really REALLY satisfying ending.
genizah's review against another edition
2.0
It's book 14 and Ellis is starting to heavily recycle plot elements. As a result, I guessed the big twist about halfway through (and honestly it wasn't that interesting).
hooksforeverything's review
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
kindleandilluminate's review against another edition
3.0
I've read most of the Cadfael books several times, so it was a fun experience reading one I had never gotten around to yet. This story is Ellis Peters at just about her best, with multiple mysteries intertwining toward a satisfying resolution. I'm always pleased when the historical events - the war between Stephen and Matilda - have a real effect on the story at Cadfael's level, and aren't jus let set dressing.
thatrabbitgirl's review against another edition
4.0
This far along in the series, and I am starting to recognize patterns. In this book we have the lowly yet talented stranger who is falsely accused and falls in love (Sanctuary Sparrow), the boy who is lost/abducted that everyone has to look for (Virgin in the Ice), and the mysterious costumed stranger who is more than he seems (Leper of St Giles). Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable story.