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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a great read. It's an immersive historical fiction novel that transports you to the setting while still keeping the characters and dialogue relatable. While it's inevitably a bit dated in its representation of some historical topics - notably the idea that the "Celtic" churches didn't originally have bishops - I don't blame the book for that since it's an older one. I loved the characters and am really looking forward to reading more in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Blood, Islamophobia, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Classism
Most of the Cadfael books probably don't have to be read in order, but I would recommend starting with this one before reading the others. An event happens that 1. Really gives you as a reader great perspective on Brother Cadfael. & 2. Is referred to over and over again throughout the series.
Besides, it's a great little book. Nice little mystery.
Besides, it's a great little book. Nice little mystery.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Ellis Peters is a new to me author and 12th century Wales, a new setting. I’ve recently read the first book in Rhys Bowen’s Constable Evan series and enjoyed its more contemporary Welsh setting. However I find Peters writing and characters more engaging, her sense of humour refreshing and her chosen time period fascinating.
Having recently read The Name of the Rose, I am now familiar with terms like Prime, Vespers, Compline, cellarer and the like. It’s like revisiting an older version of the Abbey I first met in that book, although Peters thankfully doesn’t go in for Eco’s dramatic descriptions of its magnificent architecture and his generally dense narrative prose and philosophical debates. Her stress is on her characters and Brother Cadfael, her main protagonist, middle-aged, world-weary, ex-crusader with more than a hint of a checkered past, only recently come to the Benedictine Order in search of peace and solitude is an intriguingly captivating man with an effectively hidden charm. I’m already invested in Brother Cadfael and his adventures. And also in Brother John who seems misplaced in his vocation and I think is going to get his heart broken!
We follow a group of six monks from the Abbey, under the leadership of the egotistical Prior Robert, as they travel to the tiny hamlet of Gywtherin in Wales to recover the bones of St. Winnifred. They get permission from the Bishop and King of Wales but the village is less amenable and one elder in particular, Rhisiart objects vociferously. When he is found dead, shot with an arrow belonging to Engelard, an Englishman who works for him and is in love with his daughter Sioned, things go from bad to worse. Brother Cadfael, himself a Welshman, befriends the locals and steps in to solve the murder. He’s sly, cunning, observant and resourceful in the best possible way and the climax was hilariously satisfying! Here is a sleuth after my own heart ☺️
Will definitely be continuing with this series. Recommended!
Having recently read The Name of the Rose, I am now familiar with terms like Prime, Vespers, Compline, cellarer and the like. It’s like revisiting an older version of the Abbey I first met in that book, although Peters thankfully doesn’t go in for Eco’s dramatic descriptions of its magnificent architecture and his generally dense narrative prose and philosophical debates. Her stress is on her characters and Brother Cadfael, her main protagonist, middle-aged, world-weary, ex-crusader with more than a hint of a checkered past, only recently come to the Benedictine Order in search of peace and solitude is an intriguingly captivating man with an effectively hidden charm. I’m already invested in Brother Cadfael and his adventures. And also in Brother John who seems misplaced in his vocation and I think is going to get his heart broken!
We follow a group of six monks from the Abbey, under the leadership of the egotistical Prior Robert, as they travel to the tiny hamlet of Gywtherin in Wales to recover the bones of St. Winnifred. They get permission from the Bishop and King of Wales but the village is less amenable and one elder in particular, Rhisiart objects vociferously. When he is found dead, shot with an arrow belonging to Engelard, an Englishman who works for him and is in love with his daughter Sioned, things go from bad to worse. Brother Cadfael, himself a Welshman, befriends the locals and steps in to solve the murder. He’s sly, cunning, observant and resourceful in the best possible way and the climax was hilariously satisfying! Here is a sleuth after my own heart ☺️
Will definitely be continuing with this series. Recommended!
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
mysterious
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
Fun and interesting mystery story and a quick read.
A delicious little mystery. Sharp and clever with fabulous characters and great commentary on the politics of spirituality.
I think the we-named-our-baby-after-you trope might be my absolute favorite of all time.
I think the we-named-our-baby-after-you trope might be my absolute favorite of all time.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I've been vaguely aware of this series for years, but never actually picked one up. I lucked in to a bulk lot of the series, and picked this one up and read it in an afternoon. I really enjoyed it. There was enough mystery without there being excessive focus on the death, the characterisation was fabulous. Some aspects of what was going on were incredibly well telegraphed, while others I missed entirely.
And the title is a lovely pointed comment, but whether it is specifically the author, or Brother Cadfael, I never did pick.
And the title is a lovely pointed comment, but whether it is specifically the author, or Brother Cadfael, I never did pick.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-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