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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Impressive writing, wonderful 1100's detail, great mystery, humor, sensitivity and a delightful and endearing character in Brother Cadfael. Looking forward to reading more (ok all) in the series!
enjoyed more than expected
i didn't know what this book was when I started reading it as I couldn't recall why I put it on my list. i was worried it was going to be middle English battles. It took half the book to set the stage, but ended up being a murder mystery. bad boy monk, little romance, smart young woman, etc. quick read once I was in to it
i didn't know what this book was when I started reading it as I couldn't recall why I put it on my list. i was worried it was going to be middle English battles. It took half the book to set the stage, but ended up being a murder mystery. bad boy monk, little romance, smart young woman, etc. quick read once I was in to it
Fun historical mystery. I had a little trouble keeping all the supporting characters' names straight, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
I read a bunch of Cadfael mysteries when I was a teenager, but although I remembered the setting and main characters the stories themselves are new to me because it's been so long. It's very good light reading, with some good twists at the end.
3.5 stars. In rereading these little medieval mysteries I’m reminded how they are like comfort food in book form.
This book does a good job of establishing time, place, and character, but the mystery is a lightweight.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Brother Cadfael, a Benedictine monk who came late to the cloister, uses his knowledge of herbs and of people to solve mysteries. These books are set in medieval England, during the period in which the Empress Maud and King Stephen were vying for the throne. In the midst of this turbulent time, Brother Cadfael works quietly in his herb garden, making medicines and enjoying the peaceful abbey life after being abroad in the world for a great number of years. When a mystery is at hand, he uses his detective skills to root out whoever is to blame. These books are a fun read, and quite well written. Cadfael, the Abbot, and several other characters are very well-created. Several of the stories were made into a TV series on PBS, starring Sir Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael (very well cast, I might add).