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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Of course, I have seen the TV adaptation of this Cadfael Mystery, so I knew who did it and there were no great surprises, but the book has more in it, including the relationship between Brother John (Cadfael's original novice) and Angest, Sioned's maid.
The character of Cadfael in the book might shock fans of the series somewhat. He's more skeptical, jaded, perhaps even slightly unpleasant.
The details about Welsh culture (such as the lack of a coin based economy in rural areas) and the importance of tribal and familial ties was interesting. Makes me want to learn more about Medieval Wales.
Of course, this is a mystery. As far as it went, well if I didn't already see the adaptation I probably wouldn't guess who had done it, although I did find the revelation a little sudden without many clues either way. I think there's a lot more emphasis on character development and motivations then just the mystery though, as well as an interesting exploration of the Medieval attitude towards Saints and relics.
The character of Cadfael in the book might shock fans of the series somewhat. He's more skeptical, jaded, perhaps even slightly unpleasant.
The details about Welsh culture (such as the lack of a coin based economy in rural areas) and the importance of tribal and familial ties was interesting. Makes me want to learn more about Medieval Wales.
Of course, this is a mystery. As far as it went, well if I didn't already see the adaptation I probably wouldn't guess who had done it, although I did find the revelation a little sudden without many clues either way. I think there's a lot more emphasis on character development and motivations then just the mystery though, as well as an interesting exploration of the Medieval attitude towards Saints and relics.
wouterk's review
3.0
This was an entertaining read. I bought this book looking for some nostalgic (re)read. When I was in my teens I once got a book from a library that was medieval murder mystery with some church people that I really really enjoyed. Talking about generic stuff, right? But while trying to find it, I found this series of short novels about Brother Cadfael. I'm still not sure, whether one of these stories is the book I read when I was still in school, but it sure replicated that feeling.
In this story Brother Cadfael goes to a Welsh village with to procure the remains of St Winifred after one of the Brothers has had a vision, much to the chagrin of the villagers. A murder mystery unfolds. Can't say much more as is usually the case with murder mysteries.
The mystery was interesting and nice, although some of the plot progression sometimes was caused by coincidence rather than the brilliance of our protagonist(s). Still, it was fun to follow and will read to see how the series evolves. I'm assuming that, having written so many books afterwards, the stories will still improve somewhat in tightness of the plot.
Having said that, Peters really stuck the landing in this first book in the series. I chuckled and at the same time feel that it has been shown very clearly what kind of person Brother Cadfael is.
In this story Brother Cadfael goes to a Welsh village with to procure the remains of St Winifred after one of the Brothers has had a vision, much to the chagrin of the villagers. A murder mystery unfolds. Can't say much more as is usually the case with murder mysteries.
The mystery was interesting and nice, although some of the plot progression sometimes was caused by coincidence rather than the brilliance of our protagonist(s). Still, it was fun to follow and will read to see how the series evolves. I'm assuming that, having written so many books afterwards, the stories will still improve somewhat in tightness of the plot.
Having said that, Peters really stuck the landing in this first book in the series. I chuckled and at the same time feel that it has been shown very clearly what kind of person Brother Cadfael is.
shadereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
The head of the Benedictine Abbey in Shrewsbury, England, sends an expedition of monks to retrieve the remains of Saint Winifred from her resting place in Gwytherin, Wales. But the villagers of Gwytherin are not uniformly keen on the idea of losing their beloved saint. When the leading opponent to moving the saint’s bones is found dead, apparently shot with an arrow, some take it as a sign that the Saint approves the move. But Brother Cadfael recognizes that the murder was done by a human, and though he is an outsider, he begins to investigate.
I’ve heard about this series set in 12th century England for some years, and always wanted to try them. I found it rather slow moving; the murder doesn’t happen until page 68. Granted, as the first in the series, Peters does have to spend more time in establishing the characters and setting, but I like my mysteries – even the cozy mysteries - to move along at a brisk pace.
I really liked Brother Cadfael as a central character, however. He is a keen observer and is methodical and deliberate in his investigation. I also rather liked his rather unorthodox approach to solving the mystery and achieving justice.
I’d be willing to read another in the series.
I’ve heard about this series set in 12th century England for some years, and always wanted to try them. I found it rather slow moving; the murder doesn’t happen until page 68. Granted, as the first in the series, Peters does have to spend more time in establishing the characters and setting, but I like my mysteries – even the cozy mysteries - to move along at a brisk pace.
I really liked Brother Cadfael as a central character, however. He is a keen observer and is methodical and deliberate in his investigation. I also rather liked his rather unorthodox approach to solving the mystery and achieving justice.
I’d be willing to read another in the series.
pickpoppies's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wanted to like this one because my brother likes it (even if he hadn’t read it since he was a child) but… slow and hard to care for the characters and there’s a line towards the end, a woman wrote this? Different times I guess but what the heck. I do like the idea of medieval mystery so might give another book a try to see if they get better and keep my eye out for other mysteries set in this era.
kris_tea516's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I didn’t think I was going to like this book at first but, in the end, I really enjoyed it. I would be willing to read more in this series.