You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Brother Cadfael, a Benedictine monk who came late to the cloister, uses his knowledge of herbs and of people to solve mysteries. These books are set in medieval England, during the period in which the Empress Maud and King Stephen were vying for the throne. In the midst of this turbulent time, Brother Cadfael works quietly in his herb garden, making medicines and enjoying the peaceful abbey life after being abroad in the world for a great number of years. When a mystery is at hand, he uses his detective skills to root out whoever is to blame. These books are a fun read, and quite well written. Cadfael, the Abbot, and several other characters are very well-created. Several of the stories were made into a TV series on PBS, starring Sir Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael (very well cast, I might add).
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
DNF at 15%. Sadly just not feeling this one. Book 1 focused on monk shenanigans, which I enjoyed, but this one focuses on the larger political goings-on.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Audible free, it's good to be able to read the original series. Impossible that to imagine Derek Jacobi as the character
Love Love Love this book just enthralling from beginning to end, especially the introduction of Hugh Beringar absolutely fantastic twist.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
relaxing
slow-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:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I first read this book back in the early-to-mid 1990s. I think it might have been the first Cadfael book I read. It is a rather fine detective novel, with an interesting historical setting. Shrewsbury, in England, during the 'Anarchy'. The civil war between King Stephen and Queen Maud. When Shrewsbury Castle is final seized by the men of King Stephen its 94 defenders are executed. Yet, when Brother Cadfael comes to the bodies there is one corpse too many. A 95th man. Someone has used these hanging to cover up a different crime. Parallel to that are the stories of Hugh Beringar - who may or may not be a villain; the Lady Aline, Godric and Torund.
Brother Cadfael finds himself involved in all these stories and gradually pulls all the threads together to solve a crime.
Cadfael is such an excellent creation. The Monk who lived as a soldier before he became a Monk. His observational skills are Sherlockian. He's a man you can trust with your secrets.
There's one wild coincidence at the end which seems a little much like cheating, but apart from that this is a joy. So far in the two books I've read only Cadfael has been a properly detailed recurring character. Others are mentioned occasionally. I suspect after this there will be one or two more.
Highly entertaining.
Brother Cadfael finds himself involved in all these stories and gradually pulls all the threads together to solve a crime.
Cadfael is such an excellent creation. The Monk who lived as a soldier before he became a Monk. His observational skills are Sherlockian. He's a man you can trust with your secrets.
There's one wild coincidence at the end which seems a little much like cheating, but apart from that this is a joy. So far in the two books I've read only Cadfael has been a properly detailed recurring character. Others are mentioned occasionally. I suspect after this there will be one or two more.
Highly entertaining.