Reviews

This is one of my most favorite series. I have all of them in one big omnibus hardback book, I have the television series on DVD. It soothes me. I am fairly certain I wouldn't want to live in that time, but I would if it meant I could meet Brother Cadfael. He's a monk who was once a soldier. Each book tells us a little bit more about him. I want to have a medical herb garden like his. I like watching how gentle he is, but takes no guff from anyone.
I don't know much about this time in English/Welsh history or any of the players like the reason behind the battles, so that usually takes some untangling or glossing over on my part, but does not decrease my enjoyment.
It's a little Romeo and Juliet in essence with a Welsh prisoner of war and a lovely daughter of the King's sheriff fall in love. There is a suspicious death and the two young lovers are torn apart. Cadfael assists the under-sheriff in searching for the culprit and there are several suspects.
I read and watch this series for the atmosphere as much as the mystery and story. The relationships and the setting intrigue me.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.

thecesspit's review against another edition

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4.0

Less of a murder mystery this time, and more a historical thriller. And that's no bad thing. Our victim turns up later in the proceedings, as we have a tale about the situation along the Welsh border at the time.

eososray's review against another edition

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5.0

Another in this series that features the Welsh in a large degree. An interesting conclusion with the Welsh and English rules conflicting.

theabee's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-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? No

3.5

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