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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is my first Cadfael book and I already look forward to reading more in future. I really like Cadfael as our unflappable protagonist: a burly, down-to-earth, middle-aged monk, once a soldier, now a gardening enthusiast and amateur detective. He's cast as the fair, worldly, and open-minded everyman among his holy brethren of stuffed shirts and bumbling virgins – the perfect wise observer needed to solve a medieval murder.
The murder mystery itself is quite simple but satisfyingly written and paced. None of the book's brisk page count is wasted. Peters' prose has charming archaic flavour and a level of adverbial gusto that's sometimes a bit silly, like Cadfael's world of smarmy monks and plucky maidens is a bit silly – but it's page-turning fun that's elevated by a strong sense of setting. Peters strikes a pleasing balance of historicity with a warm-hearted lightness of touch that isn't totally Dung Ages. I enjoyed it a lot!
The murder mystery itself is quite simple but satisfyingly written and paced. None of the book's brisk page count is wasted. Peters' prose has charming archaic flavour and a level of adverbial gusto that's sometimes a bit silly, like Cadfael's world of smarmy monks and plucky maidens is a bit silly – but it's page-turning fun that's elevated by a strong sense of setting. Peters strikes a pleasing balance of historicity with a warm-hearted lightness of touch that isn't totally Dung Ages. I enjoyed it a lot!
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5 Stars
What a great historical mystery! And who knew a twelfth century Benedictine monk could be so tricky? Will definitely continue this series.
What a great historical mystery! And who knew a twelfth century Benedictine monk could be so tricky? Will definitely continue this series.
*BC, 0-499, 500-999, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800-1849, 1850-1899, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010
3.5 stars
My new self-inflicted challenge is to read books set in different historical periods. I started early-ish with Cadfael, and it was perfectly enjoyable. In fact, I enjoyed the Welsh setting so much it didn't even bother me that it was some time before the expected murder occurred (which normally gets my goat; I came for the gore, how dare you make me read several chapters first).
It was pretty easy to see the solution, but it didn't bother me as no one else behaved in an overly stupid or blind manner, and although I was right the denouement was a little more complex than I had guessed. I really enjoyed Brother Cadfael as a character, and will definitely be continuing with the series. Eventually, since 1100 is now done. Unless he time travels.
3.5 stars
My new self-inflicted challenge is to read books set in different historical periods. I started early-ish with Cadfael, and it was perfectly enjoyable. In fact, I enjoyed the Welsh setting so much it didn't even bother me that it was some time before the expected murder occurred (which normally gets my goat; I came for the gore, how dare you make me read several chapters first).
It was pretty easy to see the solution, but it didn't bother me as no one else behaved in an overly stupid or blind manner, and although I was right the denouement was a little more complex than I had guessed. I really enjoyed Brother Cadfael as a character, and will definitely be continuing with the series. Eventually, since 1100 is now done. Unless he time travels.
First in the series and a very slow, plodding start.
But ... about half way through the pace quickened and I was amused. Amused enough that I’ll probably read a few more of these.
Going to read more before I pass judgement. First in the series is 3 1/2 stars. My guess is it gets better from here.
But ... about half way through the pace quickened and I was amused. Amused enough that I’ll probably read a few more of these.
Going to read more before I pass judgement. First in the series is 3 1/2 stars. My guess is it gets better from here.
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Murder
This is a good mystery story that doesn't rely on withholding information from the reader. Though not as rich in period detail as other historical mysteries, at least the mystery is comprehensible and able to solved by the reader ahead of the detective. "The solution, once revealed, must be obvious to the reader" as [a:Larry Niven|12534|Larry Niven|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1182720933p2/12534.jpg] said, and this does it well. Also, Ellis peters has ood way of describing beautiful women that reminds me of Tolkien (an author I can't seem to link to here).
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.