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mintlovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
With no relics in the reliquary of Shrewsbury Abbey, its prior sets his eyes on the Welsh village of Gwytherin, hoping to acquire a local saint's relics. The prior puts together an expedition to Gwytherin which includes Brother Cadfael, who is to act as the group's interpreter. Naturally, the people of Gwytherin are not pleased with the prior's plans. However, when the most adamant opponent in the village to moving Saint Winifred's remains is found dead, Cadfael becomes suspicious. He knows that it wasn't Saint Winifred who killed the man; it was a mortal man who must be found.
This book came highly recommended to me from a cozy mystery group I'm in and it did not disappoint! It's a thoughtful historical mystery set in 12th century Wales with interesting characters and a deeper philosophical message (which is something you don't often see in mystery novels). Brother Cadfael in particular, is an intelligent and empathetic man who also happens to be rather adept at solving mysteries.
As an irreligious person, I sometimes find it difficult to understand and enjoy books where religion is important to the plot because the references and allusions fly right over my head (eg. [b:Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|12067|Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|Terry Pratchett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615552073l/12067._SY75_.jpg|4110990]). Thankfully, that wasn't the case with this book at all, which I really appreciated!
I do recognize however, that this book isn't going to be for everyone. For one, the language used can be a bit difficult to understand (which is understandable, given that it's set in medieval times). But the language, combined with the wordiness, can make for a tough read. It's also a slower-paced mystery. The mystery is not the 'star' of the plot, as it doesn't begin to unfold until several chapters into the book. There are also other plotlines, including the dispute over what to do with Saint Winifred's relics and complicated relationships between characters.
All in all, I really enjoyed this read, and I think mystery fans who are looking for something a little different from the books usually found in the genre might enjoy it too. In 1990, this book was listed in the top 100 crime novels of all time by the Crime Writers Association in the UK. After reading this book, I can see why they included it!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
This book came highly recommended to me from a cozy mystery group I'm in and it did not disappoint! It's a thoughtful historical mystery set in 12th century Wales with interesting characters and a deeper philosophical message (which is something you don't often see in mystery novels). Brother Cadfael in particular, is an intelligent and empathetic man who also happens to be rather adept at solving mysteries.
As an irreligious person, I sometimes find it difficult to understand and enjoy books where religion is important to the plot because the references and allusions fly right over my head (eg. [b:Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|12067|Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|Terry Pratchett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615552073l/12067._SY75_.jpg|4110990]). Thankfully, that wasn't the case with this book at all, which I really appreciated!
I do recognize however, that this book isn't going to be for everyone. For one, the language used can be a bit difficult to understand (which is understandable, given that it's set in medieval times). But the language, combined with the wordiness, can make for a tough read. It's also a slower-paced mystery. The mystery is not the 'star' of the plot, as it doesn't begin to unfold until several chapters into the book. There are also other plotlines, including the dispute over what to do with Saint Winifred's relics and complicated relationships between characters.
All in all, I really enjoyed this read, and I think mystery fans who are looking for something a little different from the books usually found in the genre might enjoy it too. In 1990, this book was listed in the top 100 crime novels of all time by the Crime Writers Association in the UK. After reading this book, I can see why they included it!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
amberacks12's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Entertaining and surprisingly insightful into various human behaviors. It was a quick and engaging read and fully did its job as a lighter palate cleanser between longer books.
I’m glad to have discovered Ellis Peters.
Enjoyment: 4
Educational value: 3.75
Emotional impact: 3
I’m glad to have discovered Ellis Peters.
Enjoyment: 4
Educational value: 3.75
Emotional impact: 3
amerika282's review against another edition
5.0
fantastic use of language, absorbing plot, captivating narrative voice
nolegirl's review against another edition
4.0
I'd heard about this series for years and finally decided to look for a copy of the first in the series. Thankfully I found one at a local used book store and I'll be looking for the rest. Brother Cadfael is a wonderfully written character, not to mention the story is good. The good brothers of Shrewsbury Abbey are off to obtain the bones of St. Winifred from her resting spot in Wales and the adventure is on. Brother Cadfael came late to the monastic life, but the lessons learned prior come in handy to help solve the mystery of who shot Rhisiart, the prominent landowner and vocal opponent to the moving of St. Winifred's bones. A short book, but a great read. I can't wait to hunt down the rest in the series.
erincataldi's review against another edition
4.0
The first book in the compelling Brother Cadfael series, this medieval murder mystery is sure to attract a wide variety of readers. Filled with monastic customs, medieval life, murder, and intrigue this mystery is a great introduction to the rest of the books in the series. Even though this one isn't my favorite (it takes place away from their monastery) it's still damn good and that speaks volumes about this series. Narrated brilliantly by Derek Jacobi who plays Brother Cadfael in the TV show, the audiobook is well worth a listen. I can't wait to work my way though this series!
lilyofthevalley's review against another edition
3.5
was a solid 3 all the way through, but the last 50 pages or so added another half-star; i really enjoyed how it all ended! i never expected that i'd read a monk murder mystery this time last year, but this feels like a series i'll dip back in to whenever my reading falls into a lull.
zanna83's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
odmay's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I have read in the Cadfael series and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the characters and the language used. This book kept my interest throughout and found the history good. I will be continuing with this series.
dee9401's review against another edition
5.0
A guilty pleasure that I’m sure Brother Cadfael would relish and embrace. As fun and quick a read as any Sherlock Holmes.