Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
This is my first introduction to a mystery series set in Medieval England and I know I'll be returning to read more about Brother Cadfael.
During a flood, Saint Winifred's reliquary goes missing after being removed to higher ground for safekeeping. This mysterious disappearance leads in turn to murder, and Cadfael must sift through the whole tangle in order to reach the truth.
Every Cadfael book is a pleasant read. I honestly have never read one that I didn't enjoy. Particular strengths in this one include the clerical battle for Winifred's bones, the playfulness of the Earl of Leicester, and the way that Cadfael's choices in earlier books come back to play a role in his later life. I also loved Donata, though I wish a bit more had been done with her character.
The pair of young lovers in this particular book were less interesting to me than in some of the other Cadfael books, but that may just the mood I was in today or something. There's nothing wrong with them, but they feel slightly repetitive of earlier books.
Every Cadfael book is a pleasant read. I honestly have never read one that I didn't enjoy. Particular strengths in this one include the clerical battle for Winifred's bones, the playfulness of the Earl of Leicester, and the way that Cadfael's choices in earlier books come back to play a role in his later life. I also loved Donata, though I wish a bit more had been done with her character.
The pair of young lovers in this particular book were less interesting to me than in some of the other Cadfael books, but that may just the mood I was in today or something. There's nothing wrong with them, but they feel slightly repetitive of earlier books.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the more satisfying plots in this series, and a lot more investigation into Cadfael's personal, internal monologue.
Unfortunately, Cadfael himself doesn't figure very prominently in the solution of the mystery.
Ms 'Peters' has, however, created a very good portrait of Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, and the novel, because it's short, is worth reading for that. Worth re-reading when I have time.
Unfortunately, Cadfael himself doesn't figure very prominently in the solution of the mystery.
Ms 'Peters' has, however, created a very good portrait of Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, and the novel, because it's short, is worth reading for that. Worth re-reading when I have time.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A good example of a lovely series. Brother Cadfael is engaging, the mysteries are interesting, and the setting is masterful. A lovely read for fans of a quiet mystery, keen observers of human nature, or those with a love of medieval history.
adventurous
emotional
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
With a slightly less likable young couple than usual and Cadfael's results seeming a bit less thought out than typically, this was not as good a mystery as most of the others in the series. Still good, just not as good.
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder
Minor: War
Thievery, period typical religious thought and attitudes
2019: Not my favorite.
2021 update. Ohh, I liked it MUCH better this time around. So pleased that Jerome finally got his comeuppance! It really pays to read these books in order!
2021 update. Ohh, I liked it MUCH better this time around. So pleased that Jerome finally got his comeuppance! It really pays to read these books in order!