Reviews

The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters

Only show reviews with written explanations

dominic_piacentini's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious 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? No

3.75

This entry felt like a little reward for those who have been reading the largely stand-alone books in order. One Corpse Too Many is always relevant, with its introduction to Shrewsbury, the English Anarchy, and major recurring characters like Aline and Hugh Baringar. But so much time has passed since A Morbid Taste for Bones that I had forgotten Cadfael once corpse swapped a teenaged saint for a zealous Benedictine monk in a sleight of hand unbeknownst to any in his chapter. I was delighted that this book not only returned to that thread but also dwelt in its humor.

Also important here are the events of A Virgin in the Ice, as we are reintroduced to Olivier de Bretagne — a British Syrian rogue fiercely loyal to the only correct champion of the Anarchy — empress MAUD (may her reign be long). And what an introduction that was:

“Over Hugh’s shoulder, he saw a taller head and shoulders loom, emerging from dimness in suave, resplendent plains, the bright jutting cheekbones, the olive cheeks smoothly hollowed below, the falcon’s amber eyes below high-arched black brows, the long supple lips tentatively smiling upon him. It was not possible, yet he beheld it. Olivier de Bretagne stepped out from the shadows.”

The mystery here is middling — but the exchanges between Cadfael and his bestie (Hugh) and his bestie’s new hot boyfriend (Olivier) made it all worth it.