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zombeesknees's review against another edition
5.0
The Cadfael series continues to be the ultimate source of comfort for me; Peters' prose is enthralling and textured and visual, and reading her novels always feels like coming back to a warm house where a hot cuppa and friendly cat waits. Is it any wonder that I'm yearly driven to do a series reread once the colder weather sets in?
This outing is a particular fave largely because the central characters -- the capable and grieving young widow Judith Perle and the older, quieter bronzesmith Niall -- are so likeable; their relationship has such a sweet, subtle fire as the story builds. And it's always fun when the irascible Sister Magdalen makes an appearance.
Just an all-around winning historical mystery, rich with detail and description and with a clear-sighted take on humanity's flaws and virtues.
This outing is a particular fave largely because the central characters -- the capable and grieving young widow Judith Perle and the older, quieter bronzesmith Niall -- are so likeable; their relationship has such a sweet, subtle fire as the story builds. And it's always fun when the irascible Sister Magdalen makes an appearance.
Just an all-around winning historical mystery, rich with detail and description and with a clear-sighted take on humanity's flaws and virtues.
northerly_heart_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jocelyn_sp's review against another edition
How do you put a rating on a book like a worn blanket? Impressive how a murder mystery can be so kindly and sweetly sentimental
mamanrees's review against another edition
4.0
I love all of the Brother Cadfael mysteries, and this one did not disappoint. They're light, fast reads that somehow manage to convey so much about the time and place and make me just want to give Brother Cadfael a big hug.
bowienerd_82's review against another edition
3.0
After more turbulent and troubling reading, it was nice to return to the world of Brother Cadfael, where love, kindness, and mercy reign, despite being set during the 12th century, during a long period of civil war.
I'm also fairly impressed that thirteen books into the series, the author still manages new innovations, and while there are definitely some common formulas, the books are not mindlessly repetitive.
While there is usually some sort of romance that pops up, this particular book charmingly goes for the slow connection of two people who had been previously widowed.
The plot itself wasn't one I was particularly enticed by, in part because a good story so often needs a good villain, and this one felt a bit lacking and under-explained.
But still, a nice sojourn in Cadfael's little world.
I'm also fairly impressed that thirteen books into the series, the author still manages new innovations, and while there are definitely some common formulas, the books are not mindlessly repetitive.
While there is usually some sort of romance that pops up, this particular book charmingly goes for the slow connection of two people who had been previously widowed.
The plot itself wasn't one I was particularly enticed by, in part because a good story so often needs a good villain, and this one felt a bit lacking and under-explained.
But still, a nice sojourn in Cadfael's little world.
tlsouthard's review against another edition
3.0
Decent Cadfael, which in my book means an enjoyable read.
devafagan's review against another edition
Re-read. Not my favorite of the series, but I still love the characters and the setting!
traveling_in_books's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
hopegirl0727's review against another edition
3.0
Fine. A little dull. I saw who the culprit was coming from a fair bit away, but to be fair, there are only so many suspects in a small, Medieval English town.