Peters, Ellis

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A Harried Damsel, a Hunted Defender, and Hansen's Disease
My introduction to the medievel whodunit
Sound the clapper!
deception, the meaning of identity, and questions...
Medieval mystery and romance

Leper of Saint Giles
Ellis Peters
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Virgin in the Ice (Brother Cadfael Mysteries)
The Devil's Novice: The Eighth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
St. Peter's Fair: The Fourth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
Sanctuary Sparrow (Brother Cadfael Mysteries)
Monk's Hood: The Third Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

ASIN: 0688010970

Customer Reviews:

A Harried Damsel, a Hunted Defender, and Hansen's Disease.......2006-03-10

A beautiful orphan heiress (Iveta) with a large dowry and mercenary guardians is about to be forced into a marriage of convenience with a rich but loathsome toad (Huon de Domville). When Huon's young, handsome retainer (Joscelyn Lucy) expresses his love for Iveta and his opposition to the marriage, he is fired, Huon is murdered, and the hunt is on for Joss. He could easily escape, but he will not leave until he can rescue Iveta from her guardians.

Joss takes refuge in a leper colony and is aided by an ancient, eight-fingered leper called Lazarus and a young boy whose mother is dying of leprosy. Can Joss escape the hangman's noose? Can the Iveta escape her guardians? Can the two star-crossed lovers be reunited? Who is this mysterious Lazarus?

Only one man in the whole of England can unravel this mystery, and he happens to be living in the nearby Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. He is, of course, the Abbey's herbalist, Brother Cadfael, a former Crusader and pirate.

My introduction to the medievel whodunit.......2006-01-15

This was my first foray into the Brother Cadfael series, having recently retrieved several of them from the neighbors giveaway bin. I think I am already hooked! It's too bad this series is not more widely available in the US (or perhaps I don't inhabit the right bookselling establishments).

This is standard mystery fare for the most part, but with several unique twists. First and foremost is the 12th century England setting. This is quite educational in and of itself, especially for Yanks ill-versed in English history or for anyone who thinks that nothing happened durring the Middle Ages. The details certainly give you a sense of historical accuracy, although I am not not a qualified judge of such things. I was also interested to find out that one can explore the remains of the locale in present day Shrewsbury.

Brother Cadfael himself is a unique character. Although I believe the clergyman-cum-detective has been done before (actually he is a monk but not a priest), his work is complicated by the fact that he is never officially authorized (in this book anyway) by the sheriff to investigate the crime, nor is he paid for his work. Most of his investigations are surreptitious and voluntary, performed to satisfy his curiousity and desire for justice.

This particular book, in addition to the mystery, gives us a striking love story, involving an arranged marriage and forbidden love. While the outcome of the love story is never really in doubt, it does give you a rooting interest while you observe the investigative evidence unfold. There is also a fascinating look at the world of leprosy, one which has probably not changed much in many countries and which has only changed in the developed world in the last 100 years. To top things off there is a surprise twist involving Muslim-Christian relations, which is remarkably apropos for today's world despite having been written 20 years ago about something that took place a milleniumn ago.

One word of caution: as a consequence of the attempt at historical accuracy, there are many vocabulary words and turns-of-phrase that are obscure in modern English (especially American English), which tends to slow the reading down some. For those who want to broaden their vocabulary a dictionary would be useful, although the general gist of the story is usually evident from the context. In any case, don't be put off, it's worth the effort!

Sound the clapper!.......2006-01-09

In this fifth chronicle of Brother Cadfael of the abbey of St.Peter and St.Paul of Shrewsbury, a young, reluctant heiress is brought to the abbey for a marriage, forced on her by her greedy guardians, to a much older, gross mannered man, Huon de Domville. The prospective bride loves a young squire of her own age, but all of her protests are swept away in the name of joining together, two considerable estates. On the eve of the wedding, de Domville dismisses his servants and rides out alone for one last visit to his mistress, before the marriage takes place, but is found murdered in the woods, with clues firmly pointing to the young squire, Joscelin Lucy. Lucy had been overheard in the local inn by many people the evening before, making threatening remarks about de Domville while getting fall down drunk. Joscelin is arrested but manages to elude his captors, hiding in the nearby leper colony, which is supervised by Cadfael's protege, Brother Mark. The abbot enlists the aid of Cadfael in sorting out the mess, but when the murdered body of the girl's guardian is also discoverd, only Cadfael looks in the right direction to clear up the mysteries. As ever, in these fascinating books, Cadfael emerges as a man ahead of his time, as a clear thinking problem solver who cuts through prejudice and superstition, to bring everything to a satisfactory conclusion.

deception, the meaning of identity, and questions..........2002-01-16

Ellis Peters' "The Leper of St. Giles" starts off as, and continues to be, more of a pure love story than any of its predecessors. Since it is a Cadfael story, murder and mystery do indeed rear their ugly heads. Once more, Cadfael is called (with the support of his nifty new abbot) to do more than mix herbs.

Cadfael's former apprentice Brother Mark has left the nest as the story begins. One of the great joys in this book is to see the continued growth of Mark as a minister. In fact it is Mark, more so than Cadfael, who finds himself in the center of the action in "The Leper of Saint Giles."

This is a story that has a lot to do with the meaning of identity and the impact of deception. The basic plot revolves around a lowly squire who loves a wealthy heiress. The problem is, the heiress' wretched relations are intent on marrying her off for financial gain. From this rather nasty situation springs murder and false accusation. It is the job of Cadfael and Mark to make things right.

The more I read of Ellis Peters, the more I admire her work. She had a unique literary voice. So much wisdom is imparted in each story. This is doubly true in "The Leper of St. Giles." The reader is left questioning the actions of Cadfael and pondering the meaning of Justice.

While I am left with many questions and I missed Cadfael's old buddy Hugh, I found this book to be one of the more satisfying Cadfael stories. I highly recommend "The Leper of St. Giles."

Medieval mystery and romance.......2001-12-31

The Leper of Saint Giles the fifth book in Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, exemplifies everything which is laudable in her series. Peters' shines in creating characters who we love, and excels in the ability to set the stage in the medieval world. Balancing mystery with romance is never an easy matter and Ellis Peters has created an entire series where this is her forte. In addition this series does not cling to the traditional sense of justice found in many other mysteries.

Brother Cadfael is at his best. He is both a spiritual being and a worldly one. He is as comfortable in the church as he is talking with a knights mistress. Cadfael has an innate ability to sense what is good in true in a person and works actively to support those with just causes. In the instance of this novel it is a young squire, Joss and a wealthy heiress Iveta. Iveta is a pawn of her aunt and uncle who plan to marry her to an aging knight and divide her land between them. Joss loves Iveta and plans on finding away to protect her. when a murder halts the marriage, Joss is the first suspect.

The setting is once again the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Shrewsbury, but this time it also includes the leper colony of Saint Giles. the reader is introduced to some of the horrors and indignities which the lepers lived through. Brother Mark works among them and recognizes the dignity of the human spirit.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Series.......2007-06-04

I highly recommend this book and all the others in the Brother Cadfael mystery series. This book was a great way to meet the main characters. And I love how they develop with each book read. So please try and read them in order. You won't regret it!

The First Cadfael Book.......2006-11-07

The premise is interesting. A cloistered brother with a non-monastic past solves crimes in middle ages England. Further, this brother is imminently likable and pursues the solutions in a manner that keeps himself out of the spotlight. Instead, he nudges the investigations along and prompts clues and confessions upon others, suggesting lines of thought that allow others to claim insight. What a great main character.

It's no wonder that Ellis Peters has dipped into this well about 20 times.

I liked the book and I liked the writing. It wasn't monumental, it didn't change my life, but it was a quick and fun read and there are a lot of times when that's just what I need.

- CV Rick

Let the series begin!.......2006-09-07

If you `love to read' there is always a sense of excitement in beginning the first book of a long series. Since this one is already complete, you know the story will come to an end, but you have 20 more books in front of you, and you wonder. Will the first book temp you to the second? Will the series live up to the rep?

Yes, probably, and A Morbid taste for Bones, the first Cadfael, gives you a true taste of what is to come.

The Brother Cadfael series isn't for everyone. The mystery is often minor, the romance more than a sub-plot, Peters will wax overly poetic at times, and just not spend enough words on Cadfael's actual job at the Abbey. That said, she is a story teller and her plots are often surprising and will hold your interest. Her characters are distinct, vivid and [by and large] interesting although I think she never got a handle on Hugh Beringer, whom I find generally uninteresting, which he really shouldn't be. So, yes, it is a series worth beginning if only to see where it takes you.

Great introduction.......2005-12-20

Brother Cadfael is a Benedictine monk at Shrewsbury Abbey where he has taken the cowl after a lifetime as a fighting man in the Crusades. Having a particular interest in herbs, both medicinal and culinary, he is included in an expedition to a small Welsh town where the bones of a saint are buried, near an ancient chapel. The Prior of his Abbey is more interested in having the relics of the saint at Shrewsbury as a commercial venture, rather than for any religious reasons, and is very put out when the locals baulk at having their saint removed from the area. The most vehement opposition comes from the most affluent member of the community, who is found dead with an arrow protruding from his chest, whereupon all opposition ceases, mainly through superstitious fear. With the aid of one of the younger monks, Cadfael proves that no heavenly hand had a part in the murder, rather an all too worldly, greed motivated man did the dastardly deed. I loved the tv series, starring Derek Jacobi, and am looking forward to reading further Cadfael adventures.

A Morbid Taste for Cadfael.......2005-10-22

Having been introduced to Cadfael by Mystery Theater (I blush to admit I watch the tube...occasionally), I was pleasantly surprised to find the books so much richer and well developed than the relatively faithful television renderings. I've read all twenty Cadfael Chronicles--twice--and urge prospective readers to start here and go through them in order. Some of the background plots make more sense. That said, each stands admireably on it's own feet, so read whatever you find.

Peters' fault, perhaps, was that she was a writer of formulaic mystery novels...of which these are. Long before there's even a body, you will usually have figured out who will be accused, who will really have done it, and who the romantic interest of that particular tale is/are. No matter. Medieval Shrewsbury is rendered by the late "Ellis Peters" with enough care and wit to provide many a good evening's reading. That Cadfael is a thoroughly post-modern man helps us find our way through a time and culture which we probably wouldn't recognize otherwise. Enjoy.

The Pilgrim of Hate: The Tenth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Average customer rating:

Revenge is a dish best...not served?
St.Winifred's miracle
Complex story of time and people
A great story, even without the mystery
Complex story of time and people.

The Pilgrim of Hate: The Tenth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
Ellis Peters
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688049648

Book Description

It's the spring of 1141 in Shrewsbury, England, where the celebration of Saint Winifred has brought a flood of pilgrims - and possibly a murderer. Brother Cadfael, who has taken religious vows and retired to the quiet, contemplative life, discovers a plot of retribution and is once again caught up in evil.

Customer Reviews:

Revenge is a dish best...not served?.......2006-03-03

There's a saying among statisticians (a group I identify with from time to time): "You can always draw a straight line with two points." Loosely translated, this means that you should avoid drawing conclusions based on fewer than 3 observations. This being my third Brother Cadfael mystery (I obtained a random selection from a neighbor's giveaway bin), I feel I can now opine more confidently, knowing that my recommendations are probably not based on a coincidental selection of the best the author has to offer.

As always, the author provides us with a fascinating and unparalleled look into life in medieval England, with particular focus on monastery life. This installment, however, is less of a whodunit than the others. The principal crime was committed hundreds of miles away from Cadfael's home in Shrewsbury and all he has to go on are some second or third-hand accounts and some unusual visitors at the annual pilgrimage in honor of St. Winifred. In some ways, the mystery solves itself, with Cadfael simply providing a nudge here and there to bring the matter to conclusion.

For those interested in 12th century English history, there is an especially potent dose of it here, as the brewing civil war between Empress Maud and King Stephen comes to a head. Wading through these details makes this a bit more difficult of a read than usual. One interesting upshot of this part of the story is the implication that it is possible for political (if not military) enemies to be civil and gentlemanly with each other. What a novel concept!

The book also explores the nature of revenge, and the ultimate lack of fulfillment in it. This, too, is a concept that is mostly foreign in today's world.

Romance is again a significant feature, always a pleasant surprise given that the setting is a monastery. In this case, however, the romance is relatively conventional and only peripherally related to the crime. It does however, provide useful clues for resolving the mystery.

Another subplot relates to a mysterious visitor whose past is connected with Cadfael's, resulting in a surprise revelation at the end of the book. Cadfael also engages in a good deal of introspection regarding miraculous divine intervention, as befitting the occasion of the pilgrimage.

In summary, this book continues the tradition of solid storytelling and fascinating reading established by the author in the Brother Cadfael series. Both novitiates and long-time fans of the series will enjoy this book.

St.Winifred's miracle.......2006-02-24

In this, the tenth of the Brother Cadfael series, the year is 1141, and with King Stephen of England a prisoner in Bristol, the Empress Maud is negotiating with the people of London to be crowned at Westminster. Stephen's queen has sent an envoy to the bishop to plead her husband's cause when he is attacked in the street. One of Maud's own men, Rainald Brossard, is appalled at this unfair attack and goes to his rescue. In the ensueing melee, Rainald is himself stabbed amd killed. In the Abbey of St.Peter and St.Paul in Shrewsbury, the monks are preparing for the annual pilgrimage which is held to celebrate the anniversary of the day when the bones of St.Winifred, a Welsh, virgin saint, were brought to the Abbey. Cadfael is especially praying for a miracle to occur, as he has a slightly uneasy conscience about the actual retrieving of the bones which is explained in the first book of the series, A Morbid Taste for Bones.A strange pair of young men arrive at the Abbey guest house, one of whom is walking with bare, bloodied feet and bearing a very heavy iron cross around his neck on a thin cord. The other man never leaves his side for a minute, even during sleep. The mystery of the story is easy to work out but the whys and wherefores are more complex. It's another wonderful slice of mediaeval history brought to vivid life by Ellis Peters.

Complex story of time and people.......2005-08-16

It is A.D. 1141. A year that brings a tide of pilgrims to the Abbey.

This is the tenth mystery in the series. You may want to start from the first to let the interacting mysteries reveal themselves in chronological order. This is the second one for me after "The Morbid Taste for Bones." I do have to warn you that the synopsis to "A Morbid Taste for Bones" and "Virgin in the Ice" is played out again somewhat in the first two chapters of this book.

What can not be portrayed in the short Cadfael movies and would make marvelous reading on its own is the inter action between the forces and reasons behind the vacillating positions of Empress Maud and King Stephen. This is also a crucial part of the story; as the loyalties and logistics play a major part in the mystery and people's lives.

I will not compare and contrast the people in the story or the differences in the film adaptation as the fun is finding out for your self, all the actions and interaction of people. I will say that none of this would have been possible with out the grace of St. Winifred.

A great story, even without the mystery.......2002-02-11

If you're interested in an audio edition, check that you're getting the unabridged recording narrated by Stephen Thorne.
Ideally, read all the preceding books in the series, in order, before reading this one. At a minimum, first read #1 (A Morbid Taste for Bones, the story of how the monastery came to have St. Winifred as its patroness) and The Virgin in the Ice, to avoid the biggest spoilers.

This June of 1141, the feast of the translation of St. Winifred dawns upon a time when the civil war between the Empress Maud and King Stephen for the throne of England may finally draw to a close: Stephen was captured at the battle of Lincoln, and even now Maud is negotiating with the city of London for her entry into Westminster for her coronation. The papal legate, Bishop Henry of Blois, brother to Stephen, has called a legatine council (including Abbot Radulfus from Shrewsbury) and is working on turning his allegiance to the empress, for the sake of peace. Hugh, sheriff of Shropshire for Stephen, broods on ways and means of getting a man into Bristol to free Stephen, and prays for a miracle, while using his friend Brother Cadfael as a sounding board.

Cadfael, too, is praying for a miracle - any miracle - at this feast of St. Winifred. Not from a desire for the abbey's glory, or from any faltering of his own faith, but as a sign that the saint took no offense from the events of _A Morbid Taste for Bones_, when he accompanied a delegation from the abbey to the saint's grave in Wales to bring back her mortal remains as holy relics. (Since that was before Hugh's arrival in Shrewsbury, Cadfael summarizes the story for him, so it's possible to follow the plot of _Pilgrim_ without reading _Bones_. But be warned that Cadfael reveals the ending of _Bones_ to Hugh.)

Abbot Radulfus returns in time for the festival, bearing word of a cowardly murder at the legatine council. The attempted murder of the envoy of Stephen's queen failed, but Ranulf Bossard, the brave man of the empress' party who foiled the attempt, was himself cut down in the street.

All the brothers are busily preparing for the huge influx of pilgrims at this time of year, many of whom are ill and seeking miraculous healing. Brother Cadfael, as herbalist, sees some of the more noteworthy cases: Rhun, a devout half-Welsh boy with a twisted leg that might respond to treatment; his sister, Melangell; a young Welsh clark, Ciaran, traveling barefoot and wearing a large iron cross, on his way to Wales to die; Matthew, Ciaran's faithful shadow. There are less savory characters, as well, petty (and not so petty) career criminals who prey on the credulous and the frail. (Credulous, as in, people who trust a stranger's dice.) Some may even have fled from a city too hot to hold them.

Into this festival atmosphere rides a young envoy of the empress' party, on a twofold mission: to sound out Hugh on the question of his fealty, and to seek Bossard's young heir, who disappeared in this direction after his lord's death. But even if he is among the pilgrims, how can he be identified by those who have never seen him? And was he involved in Bossard's death?

Complex story of time and people........2001-10-20

It is A.D. 1141, A year that brings a tide of pilgrims to the Addey.

This is the tenth mystery in the series. You may want to start from the first to let the interacting mysteries reveal themselves in chronological order. This is the second one for me after "The Morbid Taste for Bones." I do have to warn you that the synopsis to "A Morbid Taste for Bones" and "Virgin in the Ice" is played out again somewhat in the first two chapters of this book.

What can not be portrayed in the short Cadfael movies and would make marvelous reading on its own is the inter action between the forces and reasons behind the vacillating positions of Empress Maud and King Stephen. This is also a crucial part of the story; as the loyalties and logistics play a major part in the mystery and people's lives.

I will not compare and contrast the people in the story or the differences in the film adaptation as the fun is finding out for your self, all the actions and interaction of people. I will say that none of this would have been possible with out the grace of St. Winifred.

Celtic Myths and Legends
Average customer rating:

Great starter book

A must

Okay

Great books for lovers of Myths and legends

Very good introduction to classic tales

Celtic Myths and Legends
Peter Berresford Ellis
Manufacturer: Carroll & Graf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0786711078

Book Description

This is an enchantingly told collection of the stirring sagas of gods and goddesses, fabulous beasts, strange creatures, and such heroes as Cuchulain, Fingal, and King Arthur from the ancient Celtic world. Included are popular myths and legends from all six Celtic cultures of Western Europe—Irish, Scots, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. Here for the modern reader are the rediscovered tales of cattle raids, tribal invasions, druids, duels, and doomed love that have been incorporated into, and sometimes distorted by, European mythology and even Christian figures. For example, there is the story of Lugh of the Long Hand, one of the greatest gods in the Celtic pantheon, who was later transformed into the faerie craftsman Lugh-Chromain, and finally demoted to the lowly Leprechaun. Celtic Myths and Legends also retells the story of the classic tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult (probably of Cornish origin—there was a real King Mark and a real Tristan in Cornwall) and the original tale of King Arthur, a Welsh leader who fought against the invading Anglo-Saxons. In the hands of Peter Berresford Ellis, the myths sung by long-dead Celtic bards come alive to enchant the modern reader.

Customer Reviews:

Great starter book.......2006-08-19

I have always been interested in the stories from Greek & Roman mythology, and am just now becoming more interested in "recovering my roots" and learning more about the mythology from my own Celtic background. This book was a great way to begin learning those stories. The stories are descriptive and well-written, and come from various regions - Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall . .

I did wish that a pronunciation guide of some sort had been included. Since I am not yet very familiar with the Gaelic or Welsh languages, I wasn't sure how some of the names would be pronounced, which made it a bit difficult at times to read. But that is a minor quibble. I highly recommend this book - to beginners in the area of Celtic myhthology, and to anyone who likes to read good stories.

A must.......2005-07-19

The celtic myths and legends by P.Berresford is a must to read.It is so interesting to read legend from all the celtics nations.I highly recommend it.

Okay.......2005-05-06

I am not a fan of Ellis but when I picked this book up I was interested in the Celtic Creation myth. As I started to read it I thought that the stories were alittle off. I think Ellis takes to many liberities, and he doesn't site his work. It reads as an epic work.

I wouldn't read this as scholarly work, maybe if someone was interested in Celtic mythology and understood the myths. This is not for someone just starting out.

Great books for lovers of Myths and legends.......2005-01-09

I bought this book before i went on a trip to Europe , and i am so glad that i did. I had read a review some where that it was a great bed time story book as well for kids, and since i had my 6 year old with me on this little trip i decided it would be a great idea. Well it was a great book and all the stories were wonderful but not all stories are good for little kids.
The stories really drag you right in and make you feel like you are right there with these people. It is refreshing to have a books filled with stories that brings the magic back to life in this cold and empty life we all lead. A wonderful escape from the drab everyday stuff.
A good thing i thought is that the author seperates them by countries of origins and then gives you a little backround info on his sources and such before you move on to the stories of each section. I was upset that there was an end to the book , its one you wish would just keep going.
This is a wonderful edition to my collection and will be read more then once for sure.

Very good introduction to classic tales.......2004-12-22

Maybe the title will get you a little mixed up. This book is noit a deep, scholar-like study of myths and legends, it is an easy to read compilation of classics from early northern europe. From Irish to welsh, to celtic myths, the stories presented here are retold by the author in a modern way, and I feel no omition has been made, from a non scholar point of view.
I'm sure there are deeper and more intricate books about Celtic Mythology, but this one is a must for starters or fans alike.
Included are many, many tales about kings, castles, quests and magic, and the author remains true to the spirit of the time, and you'll be surprised to read the original telling of the classic Cinderella.
In all, a very good read, (More than 600 pages, dozens of tales) for kids or adults alike, and a good introduction to Celtic Mythology.

Virgin in the Ice (Brother Cadfael Mysteries)

Average customer rating:

The Virgin in the Ice
Cold comforts
The Hawk vs the Lion--a Secret kept even from Hugh!
Cadfael at his best
First-rate Mediaeval thriller and murder mystery

Virgin in the Ice (Brother Cadfael Mysteries)
Ellis Peters
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

British Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0446404284

Customer Reviews:

The Virgin in the Ice.......2006-11-10

It's 1139 and winter in Worcester on the border between England and Wales. Two orphans in the charge of a Benedictine nun fleeing the internecine war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda have disappeared into a blizzard. Enter a mysterious stranger (gasp!) in search of them and Brother Cadfael temporarily abandons the cloister to take up again the sword of the crusader he once was to go in aid. A you-are-there setting, unexpected plot turns, and characters minimally drawn for maximum effect, Ellis Peters ends The Virgin in the Ice with the best sword fight since Captain Blood: "Now have ado with a man!"

This is my favorite of the Brother Cadfael series, but more, reading these novels is a twenty-lesson tutorial in writing superbly to formula. There is always murder most foul, young lovers in peril, repulsive villains, confounded authorities, and Cadfael triumphant, and it all works, every time.

Cold comforts.......2006-02-05

In the severe winter of 1139, the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud is still in progress with refugees fleeing from the sacked city of Worcester, and marauding bands of robbers taking advantage of the situation and preying on the weak. At Bromfield Abbey, 20 miles from the Shrewsbury Abbey home of Brother Cadfael, a visitng monk has been savagely beaten and left for dead. As his condition worsened, the Abbot sends for Cadfael with his greater knowledge of defence wounds and their treatment. Deputy Sherriff Hugh Beringar has also been informed that the two teenaged children of a nobleman are missing, en route to the safety of the Abbey, accompanied by a young nun. After listening to the feverish ravings of the sick monk, Cadfael searches for and finds the body of the nun, frozen in a pond. Hugh and his men hack the block of ice containing the body, free and upon the ice thawing, Cadfael finds that the nun has been savagely raped and smothered. The young missing travellers are found and, in his methodical fashion,Cadfael, with his knowledge of affairs of the heart and awareness of human failings, helps to unravel several mysteries which beset the teenagers, as well as unravellling a mystery of his own former life as a crusader. It's a simple read of an age in which violence is no stranger to everyday life, and where the powerful hold sway over the lives of the ordinary people.

The Hawk vs the Lion--a Secret kept even from Hugh!.......2003-01-30

SPOILER WARNING: Do not read this review unless you have read Pilgrim of Hate or Brother Cadfael's Penance! Unlike Brother Cadfael, who hugs his precious secret and private joy to his thankful breast, I can restrain my "pen" only with the greatest difficulty. I want to publish the news abroad, but also have an obligation not to spoil the thrill of future discovery for readers who will follow.

All Ellis Peters' movels in this fabulous series offer excellent mysteries per se; indeed, many offer overlapping crimes by multiple malefactors. Yet to my medievally-inclined mind, the most satisfying are those novels which reveal more fascinating details or penetrating insight into the psyche and active past of our favorite monk-turned-sleuth. For Cadfael has been a soldier, sailor, sinner and Crusader--in his own unabashed words--in late 12th century Wales, England and the Holy Land. After 40 years of lusty living in the World, he willingly gave up arms forever, to take up the cowl and honor the cross.

But the cream of Peters' novels are those in which we meet the special characters do dear to Cadfael: his Saint, his best friend, Hugh, his lost amours and now...? What a joy for readers who have grown to love and respect this dedicated monk, as he gradually reveals his personal journey into a past not so dead after all! Peters makes a great case for mixed marriage in VIRGIN, as she does for the role of a faithful mistress in LEPER. Guilty men believe they see the ghosts of their victims here, as in BONES. The murderer thinks he can slip in an extra crime amid the general carnage, as in ONE CORPSE, but luckily for justice, Brother Cadfael does not permit these foul deeds to remain unnoticed on go unpunished. Vengeance may belong to the Lord, but Cadfael hovers nearby to provide a helping hand when necessary. Don't keep your curiosity frozen in a shroud of ice along with the unnamed virgin; read this wonderful mystery and be enlightened--not to mention--superbly entertained!

Cadfael at his best.......2002-11-18

In Ellis Peters sixth Brother Cadfael chronicle a headstrong young woman, Ermina Hugonin, her younger brother, Yves and a nun flee Worcester and head towards Shrubbery as Maude's forces overpower Stephens in the 12th century. They never arrive, concerning Cadfael and the local Sheriff. After being called to Bromfield to nurse a fellow monk to health Cadfael begins to discover the mystery of their disappearance.

As is her usual style Ellis Peters makes quick work of capturing the readers interest and deftly furnishes the setting with appropriate details of twelfth century life. In this chronicle especially we learn of the dangers and uncertainties created by the great civil war between Maude and Stephen.

With each book I grow fonder of Brother Cadfael, the former warrior who has become a monk. Cadfael, because of his early life experiences has a great understanding of human nature and is slow to condemn those who fail to achieve perfection. He is constantly nurturing and makes an effort to safeguard those younger and weaker than he. In The Virgin in the Ice, Cadfael truly excels and comes into his own. We see him as both an active participant in the events and one who is able to analyze and understand human nature and thus is able to unwind the mystery.

For anyone who is fond of Medieval Mystery the Brother Cadfael Chronicles shouldn't be missed and this is one of the better.

First-rate Mediaeval thriller and murder mystery.......2001-11-20

This sixth in the series of tales of Brother Cadfael is less obviously a whodunit and much more of a thriller or twelfth century adventure story. It is set in the English Marches, amidst the chaos ensuing from the sacking of Worcester by supporters of the Empress Maud against King Stephen in November 1139. The action takes place in Ludlow (mid-way between Cadfael's normal haunts of Shrewsbury, and the beleaguered city of Worcester) where our hero is ostensibly nursing back to health a Benedictine brother who has seemingly been waylaid by a band of outlaws, stripped and left for dead.

Whilst in Ludlow, Cadfael also finds himself embroiled in the hunt for a party of three young persons missing after the attacks on Worcester and known to be heading for Shrewsbury, at which destination they have failed to arrive. With a bitter freeze and the winter's first snows on hand, there are grave concerns for their safety and well-being. One of the three is subsequently found dead - obviously killed and dumped in a watery (now icy) grave on the very night that the good monk's patient was attacked.

Unlike many another Cadfael tale, this one moves along with a gripping sense of urgency and with a fair amount of tension and excitement building gradually as things proceed. It contains Ellis Peters' usual meticulous attention to both historical and narrative detail and constitutes as riveting - and entertaining - a story as you are likely to find. As always, Cadfael is aware of details overlooked by others and never once loses sight of the smaller issues that are wont to become subsumed into the larger, weightier ones. He (and the regular reader) is provided with an unlooked-for reward in this volume, too.

This book has to be one of the very best of the Cadfael Chronicles and is unreservedly recommended for lovers of the genre. Its story line stands somewhat apart from others in the series, making it fairly unimportant where it is read in the sequence.

The Confession of Brother Haluin
Average customer rating:

More Romantic Than Mysterious

Sin and Atonement

My favourite so far

Good in this series

Confession is good for the soul

The Confession of Brother Haluin
Ellis Peters
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0445408553

Book Description

The time: 1142. The place: the Benedictine Abbey. Believing himself mortally injured, Brother Haluin makes a shocking confession to Brother Cadfael. When he recovers, the two embark on a pilgrimage to redress the past. The Cadfael books are international bestsellers and have been produced for PBS's Mystery!

Customer Reviews:

More Romantic Than Mysterious.......2006-04-16

THE CONFESSION OF BROTHER HALUIN is the fifteenth installment in Ellis Peters' Cadfael series. These tales provide a romanticized vision of life in twelfth century England, making the times seem so pleasant that you almost want to live there. The countryside is lovely, there is generally a hint of romance in the air, and life moves at a measured, unrushed pace. No pavement, no pollution, and no hustle and bustle. Glossed over are the poverty, poor nutrition, disease, and general stench (people rarely bathed). Life, especially in the cloister, is peaceful and idyllic.

In this story, Brother Haluin is badly injured in a fall. Fearing for his life, Haluin makes a sickbed confession to Cadfael and Abbot Radulfus. He tells of a burden of guilt, carried since his youth, over a love affair that ended badly. Upon his recovery, Haluin pledges to embark on a pilgrimage to his old home. With Cadfael as his companion, he makes the hard journey only to meet with some surprises. A murder soon follows. Is there a connection between this new death and Haluin's troubled past? Trust Cadfael to uncover the truth.

This story poses some intriguing problems, but the answers are frequently quite transparent. Suspense and surprising twists aren't Peters' strong suit. Instead, she specializes in pleasant tales with happy endings, delivered in a beguiling prose style. She runs true to form in THE CONFESSION OF BROTHER HALUIN. The outcome is a happy one, if not hard to see coming, and the experience is a pleasing one.

Like most of the books in this series, THE CONFESSION OF BROTHER HALUIN is a very ordinary mystery. What makes this and the other Cadfael tales enjoyable is the pleasant world Peters creates and the charming, unhurried way in which she tells the tale. The Cadfael books are nice to read and, on the strength of that, I recommend them. You will find them especially enjoyable if you like a bit of history and some romance along with your whodunit.

Sin and Atonement.......2006-04-04

Brother Haluin suffers a horrific, crippling accident and lies near death. He confesses a terrible crime to Abbot Radolfus and Brother Cadfael, and miraculously recovers. Determined to undertake a pilgrimage of penance, he receives Abbot Radolfus' blessing for the journey. Because Cadfael is privy to the confession, he is enlisted to aid Brother Haluin in his journey.

When they arrive at their destination, they find that things are not all as they seem, and that another tragedy is in the offing. Then a murder occurs. Cadfael unravels the mystery, the sinner atones insofar as possible, and Haluin finds peace.

The mystery in this story was not very mysterious, but the Cadfael stories derive their charm from characters and relationships more than from mystery. What does it matter that the reader has solved the mystery even before the murder occurs? The more important conundrum, how to set aright the lives which are out of kilter, remains to be resolved.

My favourite so far.......2006-03-23

In the severe winter of 1142, the roof of the Abbey of St.Peter and St.Paul collapses under the weight of the heavy snowfall. One of the monks assigned to the task of repairing the roof is Brother Haluin who falls and crashes to the ground, unconscious and badly hurt. Cadfael nurses hin through the first night and is present when he awakens and gives a deathbed confession to the Abbot. Recovering, he is given permission to make a pilgrimage to the grave of a young woman that he feels he has wronged and accompanied by Cadfael, hobbles on crutches to the manor where he was formerly employed before becoming a monk. There they meet Roscelin, a noble youth in fosterage there to learn his knightly skills, as was the custom, and to separate him from Helisande, a girl of his own age and, because of his father's second marriage, his aunt! The two has become fonder of each other than was proper and so were separated by the family to prevent incest. At the manor, Helisande's old nurse is murdered and the lady of the manor delights in reminding Haluin that the poisonous herbs, whose use had been taught to him by Cadfael, caused the death of Bertrade, his love. It's an involved but absorbing plot which is sorted out by Cadfael in his inimical style and to everyone's satisfaction.

Good in this series.......2002-02-10

The confessions of Brother Haluin is another in ellis peters series of mystery tales set in a Benedictine monastery In Civil War England in the late 1130's and 40's. the main characters are Brother Cadfael, a former Crusader who enetered the monastery late in life[age 40] his chief nemisis Prior Robert tennat[who is a strict by the book prior] ,the Priors ferret like assistant,brother Jerome, and the Abbot,Radulfus,who stands above the fray[and always sides with Cadfael] Cadfeal is a renown herbalist,and is forever off helping some sick or downtrodden individual. He has a herb garden where he is able to get a respite,and where some of the more intersting dialogue occurs. Hugh Beringer is the Sherrif of the Shire{he was introduced in the second book, one corspe too many]and Cadfaels staunch ally and dearest friend{Cadfael is godfather to The Beringers son, Giles}. Cadfael, by virtue of his long stint abroad, is far more worldly then his fellows, and by default is an ametuer sleuth. In this volume, the deep winter has decended upon the town of Shrewsbury. the heavy snows are imperelling the roofs of the monastery enclosure, and some monks are snt, in shifts[due to the intense cold] to repair the problem.Brother Haluin,a calligrapher of the highest order[and perpetual penitent] has an accident, and confesses what he believes is a deathbed confession to the Abbot and Brother Cadfeal. He recovers, though mangled for life, and sets out on a pligrimage to make amends for his wrongs, and of course, Cadfael accompanies him...things,of course ,do not turn out quite as expected. ZThis is a fine addition to the series,the writing is still fine, the scenes of 12th century england gripped in a mad civil war are well done, and the deep, profound wisdom and compassion of Cadfael shine forth, making him one of the more appealing creations in modern crime fiction. In all, good great fun,and excellent book in the series

Confession is good for the soul.......2001-09-23

Hard core Cadfaelians may find this particular story too simple as you can pretty much from the beginning assumes what is about to happen. Yet Ellis Peters still keeps her writing style and has points to make. She will keep you off balance so you are not sure that you know the answer. In an interview on the DVD of Brother Cadfael - A Morbid Taste for Bones (1994), Ellis peters said that because they have trouble adapting her stories for video, which she would attempt to simplify the stories.

Although I have read the book and am sad that they did not make a video of this journey, I must say that Stephen Thorne's reading gives an added dimension to the story allowing you to race ahead or contemplate the past as he make the characters come alive with his unique voice for each.

This of course is book 15 in the series and so many things have been said, does not need to be said again. So lets hear the confession of brother Haluin and sojourn trough 12th century England with him as he takes a journey of the soul.

An Excellent Mystery: The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Average customer rating:

Peters' Most Excellent Mystery
A greater love
Disagree With A Review Posted
Peters plays fair
A Very Good Mystery

An Excellent Mystery: The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
Ellis Peters
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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The Holy Thief: The Nineteenth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

ASIN: 0446405329

Book Description

The year is 1141, and two monks have arrived in Shrewsbury after their abbey in Winchester is destroyed. Brother Humilis, who is very ill, and Brother Fidelis, who is mute, seek refuge at the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Paul. From the moment he meets them, Brother Cadfael suspects that something deeper than their common vows binds the two brothers. As Brother Humilis's health fails, Brother Cadfael faces a crisis of belief as he must somehow distinguish between the innocent and the guilty. The author's Brother Cadfael mysteries are her most popular series, leading many fans to become pilgrims themselves - to Shropshire and the very real Abbey of Saint Peter and Paul at Shrewsbury.

Customer Reviews:

Peters' Most Excellent Mystery.......2006-03-25

This is the fourth Brother Cadfael mystery that I have read (I happened upon a random selection in a neighbor's giveaway bin) and it is definitely the best so far. The title, taken from the Book of Common Prayer ("O God, who hast consecrated the state of Matrimony to such an excellent mystery"), is more than apt.

The overall theme of this installment could be briefly summarized as "things are not what they seem". While this is true in most mystery novels it is true in spades here. A young women is mugged and murdered--or is she? A monk has a homosexual crush on another monk--or does he? Sorry, I've probably already said too much.

As usual, there are several romantic plot threads, always a nice touch in the midst of a mystery story. Brother Cadfael, in this installment, does not use his deductive powers so much to solve the mystery as to analyze it as it unfolds. This heightens the suspense because we don't get let in on the inner workings of Cadfael's mind.

Another reason why this novel rises a notch above the others is the role that the 12th century English history plays in the story. In previous installments the history, while interesting and informative, sometimes makes the book hard to get into. Here, the history plays a central role in the story, as the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud provides both the impetus for several new characters to show up in Shrewsbury, as well as making it more difficult to track down the information necessary to solve the mystery.

In addition to being a good read, I think this would make a great movie. I see from another review that the series has been dramatized, presumably for British TV. It's too bad this series is not more widely circulated, perhaps if more people knew about it a movie would be more likely. Or, alternatively, maybe somebody should make a movie anyway, so that people who would not normally read the books can enjoy these excellent mysteries.

A greater love.......2006-02-28

In this eleventh chronicle of Brother Cadfael of the Abbey of St.Peter and St.Paul in Shrewsbury, the ongoing war between King Stephen and Empress Maud has come to a stalemate, following the sacking and burning of the city of Winchester. With Stephen still a prisoner in Bristol, Maud had barricaded herself and her forces within the city when Stephen's queen, Matilda, attacked the city with fire arrows, destroying the monasteries and convents and causing the general flight of all who could escape. Two Benedtictine monks arrive at the Shrewsbury Abbey, begging for refuge and a new home. Humilis, the elder, is an ex crusader, like Cadfael, but had been severely wounded in battle. Fidelis, the younger monk, is mute, and is Humilis's carer, tending him with complete devotion. Cadfael realises that Humilis is close to death and tends him with loving care. At the same time, a hue and cry is set up to find the whereabouts of the former fiancee of Humilis who had wished to enter a convent after her betrothal vows were rescinded by Humilis who knew that he could never be a husband to her with his shocking wounds. Sheriff Hugh Beringar is afraid that the girl was robbed and murdered en route to the convent as she was never seen again. Wise and worldly Cadfael sees beyond outward appearences and soon becomes aware of the deceptions being carried out. With his aid, the well meant perpetrators reach a satisfactory conclusion to their trouble and the life of the Abbey goes on as smoothly as possible in these turbulent times.

Disagree With A Review Posted.......2002-07-18

"... this story was most tedious and far-fetched. I couldn't believe that this young woman would do what she did for a man she hardly knew..."

I am currently reading The Crusades by Zoe Oldenbourg. From this book and others, the type of action taken by this young woman is very believable *FOR THE TIME*. Women worshipped heroic men and marriage was not a match for love, but for property. To put it in a more modern perspective, what if a young girl was told that in 10 years time she would be the wife of Harrison Ford or Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt or Kid Rock.

Certainly, she would spend much of her growing years yearning for every scrap of information and growing into a bond with the legend of him.

Peters plays fair.......2001-05-24

This is the first Brother Cadfael mystery i've read. It was, perhaps, not the most fortuitous choice i could have made; certainly it was rather different from my expectation. Part of the difference can, of course, be explained by the fact that i have seen some four or five of the adaptations starring Derek Jacobi, so despite my best efforts i interpreted everything i read through that filter, seeing the characters in my mind according to their development in the television shows. The murder/mystery is well plotted out, though simple not quite simplistic, and nicely both hidden and revealed. I can point to the exact paragraph, sentence even, i was reading when i suddenly knew ~ not through anything revealed in that paragraph ~ the solution; the rest was mere reading to prove myself correct and see how Peters would handle the results of the revelation. Though this was not what i expected, i shall read another Cadfael book, just to learn a little more about him, and to see if i can't erase Jacobi's excellent interpretation from my mind.

A Very Good Mystery.......2001-04-28

It is the late summer of 1141. The war between King Stephen and Empress Maud to decide who will rule England continues. As the fighting rages, the abbey in Winchester is destroyed and two of the displaced monks find their way to the Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul at Shrewsbury. Brother Humilis is a former crusader who is slowly dying of his wounds. He is accompanied by Brother Fidelis, a young mute who is devoted (for reasons unknown) to the care of Humilis. But their relationship is only one mystery. Another is what has happened to Julian Croce, a young woman fron a manor in the north of the shire who seems to have disappeared while on her way to join a convent near Winchester.

Peters books are a pleasure to read. She exhibits an elegant turn of phrase that. As someone else here has already remarked, she makes the "grim and gritty middle ages" sound like someplace you might actually want to live. And this is one of her better plots. I figured out what was going on about halfway through, but only because I got an unintentional hint from someone who had already read the book. Even so, it was a pleasure to watch the story unfold.

Elegant style and clever plotting aside, however, the story is a bit over-romanticized. For example, at one point Nicholas rides non-stop from Winchester to Shrewsbury, through both day and night and, finally, through a storm. He "must get his tale at once to the ears of authority" and he "dared not stop hating, or the remaining grief became more than he could stand." All this intense feeling over a girl he had only met once, three years earlier. Sorry if this makes me a chauvinist, but clearly this is a woman writing about how women wish men felt about them. This is the mystical ideal of chivalrous love. It isn't how a young man would really feel under such circumstances. This is typical of Peters and it doesn't really hurt the story, but it is a bit gushy and you can tell a woman wrote it. For a male reader, it's just a little over the top.

Book Description

MysteryLarge Print EditionStylishly authentic . . . a graceful and informative case for Peters engaging herb-gardening monk. Kirkus ReviewsThe great annual Fair of Saint Peter at Shrewsbury, a high point in the citys calendar, attracts merchants from far and wide to do business. But when an unseemly quarrel breaks out between the local burghers and the monks from the Benedictine monastery as to who shall benefit from the levies the fair provides, a riot ensues. Afterwards a merchant is found dead, and Brother Cadfael is summoned from his peaceful herb garden to test his detective skills once more.

Customer Reviews:

Fair Dealing, Foul Deeds, and a Fearful Damsel.......2006-04-01

Provost Corviser leads a delegation of Shrewsbury's best men before Abbot Radolfus demanding a bigger share of the proceeds of St. Peter's Fair, an annual event sponsored by the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. The money is needed to repair the town after the ravages of the recent seige of the town by the forces of King Stephen. Abbot Radolfus demurs, saying he's bound by the ancient charters.

Philip Corviser, the Provost's son, leads a delegation of young men to request a voluntary contribution from the merchants at the fair. There he is smitten by the beauty of a merchant's niece, and also smitten by the merchant's bludgeon. A riot ensues.

When the dust settles, young Corviser is in gaol, the merchant is in the mortuary, and the neice, Emma, is in fear--but of what? Not to worry, Ivo Cobriere, a handsome young nobleman, stands ready to aid her. Misfortune continues to stalk poor Emma and another murder occurs. Deputy Sheriff Hugh Beringar and Brother Cadfael are sure that Emma knows more than she is telling.

Philip gets out of gaol, another killing occurs, Cadfael and Hugh unravel the mystery, and the saga ends in a stirring chase and rescue.

Not long at the Fayre.......2006-01-06

St.Peter's fair is held annually on the section of land outside the monastery walls in Shrewsbury, but involves the monastery itself, with its guesthouses filled with the gentry and travelling merchants. When the body of wealthy merchant, Thomas of Bristol is discovered, stabbed, stripped and robbed, his niece Emma who was accompanying him, is put into the care of Aline, the wife of the deputy sheriff, Hugh Berengar. Brother Cadfael becomes the girl's protector as she moves around the town, determined to carry on her uncle's business, as he would have wished. Another merchant is murdered and Emma's belongings are searched as if the killer is looking for something in particular. The townspeople of Shrewsbury become very alarmed as this part of the country is still very much divided in its loyalties, with factions supporting King Stephen and others favouring Empress Maud. Cadfael is convinced that Emma knows more than she's admitting, but it's only when she is openly courted by a young nobleman, who would normally be considered too far above her in station, that her life is endangered. It's another fascinating story of life and death in 12th century England, with the detective monk, Cadfaek working his way methodiaclly through clues to a satisfactory solution.

Brother Cadfael with a chase scene!.......2001-12-17

Of the chronicles of Brother Cadfael that I have thus far read, "St. Peter's Fair" is the most "mystery-like." No cut and dried solution springs to mind as the plot unfolds. This one had me guessing for some time.

All the regular ingredients of the previous stories are here: Political wrangling, personal intrigue, a love story, and of course--a murder.

Cadfael once more is a treasure trove of wisdom. Some of his lines here are classic. Cadfael is a very noble, very humane, world-weary protagonist. Ellis Peter has truly created a detective for the ages in him.

In "St. Peter's Fair" Cadfael is up against one heck of a baffling case. He and Hugh Berengar (my favorite secondary character) team up to try and solve the murder of a visiting merchant. I have no desire to give the ending away. I will only say that "St. Peter's Fair" has the added bonus of a chase scene.

"St. Peter's Fair" is a worthy entry in this series. The more I read of Ellis Peters, the greater my respect for her becomes. I recommend this book highly.

Brother Cadfael with a chase scene!.......2001-12-17

All the regular ingredients of the previous stories are here: Political wrangling, personal intrigue, a love story, and of course--a murder.

"St. Peter's Fair" is a worthy entry in this series. The more I read of Ellis Peters, the greater my respect for her becomes. I recommend this book highly.

More mediaeval goings-on to puzzle over.......2001-08-16

Ellis Peters' fourth Brother Cadfael mystery is set in the summer of 1139, in a Shrewsbury still recovering from the siege of town and castle by the army of King Stephen the previous summer. To speed the rebuilding of its defences, the townsfolk are eager for financial help from the abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which, being located just outside the town, came through the episode of the siege without harm. With the lucrative annual three-day St. Peter's fair fast approaching, the burghers of the town are anxious to secure a share of its profits - normally given over entirely to the abbey. The new abbot, however, is far from anxious to set a dangerous precedent by ceding away the abbey's dues.

Thus it is that merchants arriving from distant towns for the fair find themselves suddenly embroiled in a dispute between town and cloister - and embroiled rather too deeply for comfort as the town's youth escalate the situation out of hand. And so it is that Shrewsbury (and therefore Brother Cadfael, of course) suddenly finds itself with the mystery of another murder (and various other nefarious goings-on) to solve.

With her characteristic meticulous attention to period detail, Ellis Peters weaves an intricate web of deceit and intrigue into this far from obvious murder mystery. As usual, she balances the political manoeuvrings of the principal parties with the playing out of a separate romantic sub-plot. This serves to keep the reader (and, in this case, Cadfael too) guessing almost up to the very end as to the real drama running through the story and, of course, to the identity of the villain of the piece. Indeed, the reader is well into the nail-biting conclusion to the story before realising fully what has been going on.

Customer Reviews:

Monk's Hood - Third Chronicle of Brother Cadfael.......2007-02-09

I love these books! Especially good for herb lovers.

Great Development in an Interesting Story.......2006-02-01

Now that I've finished Monk's Hood, I have found a new appreciation for Ellis Peters' work. After one death too many, I was expecting a rather static setting that would seem to change, but in truth, it would really change from book to book. I am definitely the product of watching too many American sitcoms and am glad my expectation was not met.

The story begins with Father Abbot Heribert leaving Shrewsbury to a council being held to reassess the leadership of the Church in England. He believes is going to be replaced so he leaves any legal matters unsigned so the new Abbot could determine the course of things once appointed. In the meantime, the Bonel household was going to cede its holdings to the abbey in exchange for a quiet retirement. The contract was left unsigned by the Abbot and shortly after Gervase Bonel, the head of the household, was murdered by way of poison, a medicine called Monk's Hook made by Cadfael himself.

The book is filled with a wonderful assortment of characters. None of which are good or bad. They have their own strengths, aspirations and failings. Once of things I enjoy about the Cadfael stories is he passes very little judgment against others (Brother Jerome and Prior Robert being exceptions). We have a new assistant - Brother Mark, his former fiancé - Richaldis, the return of Hugh Beringer, not to mention a number others. Even the murderer in the end is a many Cadfael felt sympathy for and helps. Yes, there is a sense of right and wrong in these books, but the means to right are often rather unorthodox and thus enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to anyone continuing to read the stories of Cadfael. They would appeal to a mystery reader and perhaps a fantasy reader as well. Definitely someone who likes historical fiction. I know I am well hooked into the series now.

Wasn't this a tasty dish?.......2005-12-29

Brother Cadfael is both pleased and displeased when his old love, Richildis, arrives at the Abbey with her husband, to take up residence as a permanent lodger. In return for permanent food, shelter and all things comfortable, Richildis's husband, Gervase Bonel, proposes to deed the ownership of his manor to the Abbey, a fact which does not sit well with his stepson, Edwin, to whom was promised ownership of the manor. In old age, Gervase had grown cantankerous and had taken a spiteful pleasure in goading Edwin into a rage about reneging on his promise of passing on the ownership of the manor to him. After eating a highly spiced and sauced dish of partridge, Gervase dies, and suspicion immediately falls on Edwin. The dish was poisoned with monkshood, an oil made of which, was brewed by Cadfael to use as a liniment for the old and arthritic monks. As usual in a Cadfael story, there are several characters who have equal reason and opportunity to have committed the murder, so it's up to Cadfael to sort out the mystery. It's another fascinating story, set in the 12th century, with a wealth of detail about mediaeval life and with Brother Cadfael sorting out the clues.

Derek Jacobi returns heard but not seen as BROTHER CADFAEL in more than just an interesting plot-twister!.......2005-09-14

I have always believed that the BBC made the finest adaptations for radio and television, and indeed the BROTHER CADFAEL series is no exception; Bert Coules (who most recently adapted Sherlock Holmes for BBC radio) and the fine actor Philip Madoc brought Cadfael to life in three adaptations which are well worth listening to if you can: MONKS HOOD, THE VIRGIN IN THE ICE and DEAD MAN'S RANSOM. However, Sir Derek Jacobi was an excellent Cadfael for television ... even if some of the teleplays didn't quite follow the plot of the original novels. Acorn Audio did something quite extraordinary when they turned the audio tracks of the four teleplays of the first Cadfael TV series into an audio series, adding a narrator to fill in the gaps and adding some slight commentary on the action which could not be seen on an audiotape; in doing so, they tightened up the narrative to keep the stories moving at a good clip so that the listener would not lose interest, and Stephen Flynn's narration is well-read and well-written. This story brings Brother Cadfael's pre-cloistered past back to haunt him while he struggles to both solve a murder and protect the son of his former love and has enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the viewer (or listener in this case!) rivetted, and I have to say in this recording's favor that the telepay follows the book very closely, more so than many of those in the TV series. I am sorry that Acorn Audio hasn't adapted the rest of the televised Cadfael stories into this format, and the only grievance I have is that the cast of characters is not read out at the end of each story (all we get to know is that Sir Derek Jacobi plays Brother Cadfael, when there are some fine actors in each of the stories). This is something entirely new, coming somewhere in between actual radio drama and books-on-tape, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the Brother Cadfael series. The listener will not lose anything by not seeing the action on a TV screen, and the acting you will HEAR combined with the narration will definitely provide an ejoyable listening experience.

Masterful Medieval Mystery........................2003-07-28

This is the first Brother Cadfael mystery that I have read. In the past I have enjoyed the Brother Cadfael Mysteries on PBS and that is what prompted me to read one for myself.

The language is difficult to understand at times, (I suggest keeping a dictionary handy)but the mystery is a masterful "who done it". In this story the husband of a former love of Cadfaels suddenly dies and it is discovered that the victim was poisoned by the deadly Monk's Hood. The same tincture that Brother Cadfael himself has prepared for medicinal purposes. There is a large cast of characters that may have purpose and reason to murder Gervase Bonel but when the authorities believe the murderer to be his young stepson Brother Cadfael takes matters into his own hands to prove the youth innocent.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Better Cadfaels.......2006-11-05

I enjoyed this Brother Cadfael story. It has a lot of the standard parts that one finds in this series, but with some interesting twists. It is one of the better ones of the series.

Heretical leanings.......2006-05-09

This is the sixteenth chronicle of Brother Cadfael, ex soldier/crusader, herbalist and healer, lately come monk and incorrigibly inquisitive sleuth. Elave is a young man who has accompanied his master, William of Lythwood,to Jerusalem and the East and who followed his instructions to the letter by bringing home his body after death to be buried at the Abbey Of St.Peter and St.Paul. He also brought with him an elaborately carved chest, with unknown contents, as the dowry for William's foster daughter. Before Elave left with his master on his travels, he had filled the position of what would be known today as an accoutant, keeping stocks of the family's money and possessions. This position was filled in his absence by Aldwin, a dour, pessimistic man who is convinced that he'll be discarded now that Elave has returned, and so sets about making trouble for him. Aldwin's murdered body is found and suspicions point to Elave as the killer. At this same time, a very self important Canon of the Church is a visitor at the Abbey and when Elave, somewhat in his cups, is heard making what could be taken as heretical statements on points of Church law, the Canon insists that he be taken before a court of the Church and tried for heresy. Brother Cadfael investigates both claims in his methodical way and, once again, saves the day. Perhaps this story is a little too tied up with points of theology for some readers, but it's still a most enjoyable read for Cadfael fans.

Flat Inverted Theology.......2006-04-16

This is not a book I can recommend. There was no depth of character, or plot. I expected some twists and turns, but it was all predictable. The characters are indelibly flat. Of greatest dissapointment were the heresies, for the author just seems to pass by them as unimportant. There are some major Pelagian defects in the thoughts of one of the protagonists, and the magnitude of the defects is swept aside by the characters we are meant to bond with, who decide in favor of the heresy through simple platitudes! The primary character, Cadfael, seems to contribute but little to the book or the mystery, and I found great difficulty in caring for any of these characters at all.

Two for the price of one!.......2006-03-27

As I was reading this book, I remarked to a friend "how often do you get to read a mystery novel that talks about St. Augustine, infant baptism, co-equality of the Trinity, predestination, and Peripassian heresy?" For those who are not interested in such things, this installment in the Brother Cadefael series might seem somewhat tedious. I for one, however, enjoyed the added intellectual stimulation of the doctrinal controversies.

Aside from the heresy issues, which play a fairly peripheral role in the actual crime in question, this is a fairly standard (by Brother Cadfael standards) murder mystery. As always, romance plays a big role in both the heresy subplot and the murder investigation.

I normally give 4 stars to Brother Cadfael mysteries. I'm giving 5 here for the added value supplied by the heresy issues. Those who have no interest in theology and church history might want to give it a 3.

Stay away from this book.......2005-03-16

I had never read a Brother Cadfael book before this and I don't plan on reading any after. This book was bland, boring and butchered the English language. It was set in a sanitized version of the middle ages where everything sparkled besides, of course, the prose. If you want to read a good book with similar elements, try The Name Of The Rose by Umberto Eco. It's also about heresy, a mysterious book and a monk who investigates crimes during the middle ages. However, unlike The Heretic's Apprentice, it's good.

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