A review by crystalisreading
A Rare Benedictine by Ellis Peters

4.0

A mild, pleasant collection of Brother Cadfael stories. If other books are desperate chases or hilarious romps, this collection is like a slow, leisurely stroll through nice scenery, where one points out the lovely sunset and that cute young couple and the frolicking squirrels and whatnot. I can't even remember many details about any of the stories, three days later. I did like the Cadfael origin story--it fit with what we knew of him, but added a little extra dimension to my understanding of his motivations. Of course, all the stories feature comly lads and lasses and true love, often illicit, but all the sweeter for it. A lovely light read for when you're craving low-stakes, charming historical cozy mysteries.