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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
This is the 'real' start of Cadfael's journey. The reader meets Hugh and Aline and what an entrance they make. Peters also sets up a trend of Young couples and Cadfael's hand in spreading happiness when he can.
I enjoyed this novel the first time I read it long ago for the plot and the atmosphere. I enjoyed it this time around for the characters. How they started and how as a reader I saw them grow until the series end.
A really good mystery and a cast of characters worth knowing.
I enjoyed this novel the first time I read it long ago for the plot and the atmosphere. I enjoyed it this time around for the characters. How they started and how as a reader I saw them grow until the series end.
A really good mystery and a cast of characters worth knowing.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
A little more on the historical and actiony side compared to the later books I've read, which may make it something of a case of early installment weirdness. (Then again, there may be other more actiony installments.) It's also the book that introduces Hugh Beringar.
On reread: Mystery continues to take a back seat to historical and other events in this early Cadfael as well. The murder mystery is basically the B plot, so to speak, while events around King Stephen taking Shrewsbury and fugitives from the king (one of two contenders at the time for the throne of England) are the A plot. That, and Cadfael matching wits with someone as clever as he is. In many ways, it's more a light historical with a side of mystery than a mystery proper.
I wish I knew more about the times the story is set in, because one thing I find fascinating is how the characters look at their various loyalties. They certainly don't view them as modern people would, which makes me think that their views are accurate to the time, or at least an attempt to be.
On reread: Mystery continues to take a back seat to historical and other events in this early Cadfael as well. The murder mystery is basically the B plot, so to speak, while events around King Stephen taking Shrewsbury and fugitives from the king (one of two contenders at the time for the throne of England) are the A plot. That, and Cadfael matching wits with someone as clever as he is. In many ways, it's more a light historical with a side of mystery than a mystery proper.
I wish I knew more about the times the story is set in, because one thing I find fascinating is how the characters look at their various loyalties. They certainly don't view them as modern people would, which makes me think that their views are accurate to the time, or at least an attempt to be.
A wonderful tale of murder and love during a time of war. This is where Cadfael meets Hugh Beringar, who could either be his best friend or worst enemy.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Realised I had watched the TV adaptation recently. Will try to read it when I don’t remember the details, and when I have a better quality paperback copy.
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
You can't go wrong with Cadfael. I'm fairly certain I've read this one before, but, of course, I couldn't remember much of it anyway. I particularly liked the intertwining plots in this one, and the introduction of a character who will appear in future books. The audiobook was readily available at the library when I needed something to listen while doing boring chores, and I liked the narrator a lot.
Cadfael does it again! When political strife leads to a mass execution, a murderer assumes that one corpse among many won’t be noticed. But Cadfael sees through this morbid disguise and, along with some new friends, he refuses to let the dead rest without justice.
As always, Peters delivers an excellent mystery with interesting characters and plot. Somehow, she manages to have a realistic and even dark plotline while still seeming innocent and unoffensive. There is also an element of feminist rebellion in the novel, as two women choose their own life paths.
Like most Cadfael novels, this is a pleasant and interesting read, a good mystery with good characters.
As always, Peters delivers an excellent mystery with interesting characters and plot. Somehow, she manages to have a realistic and even dark plotline while still seeming innocent and unoffensive. There is also an element of feminist rebellion in the novel, as two women choose their own life paths.
Like most Cadfael novels, this is a pleasant and interesting read, a good mystery with good characters.
mysterious
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No