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captlychee's review against another edition
4.0
This is a good mystery story that doesn't rely on withholding information from the reader. Though not as rich in period detail as other historical mysteries, at least the mystery is comprehensible and able to solved by the reader ahead of the detective. "The solution, once revealed, must be obvious to the reader" as [a:Larry Niven|12534|Larry Niven|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1182720933p2/12534.jpg] said, and this does it well. Also, Ellis peters has ood way of describing beautiful women that reminds me of Tolkien (an author I can't seem to link to here).
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
angeluslorelei's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
salisbury_hare's review against another edition
2.0
Lost me for good when one of the characters was describing a woman's skeleton and made sure to state that the "eye-sockets" and "generous dome" indicated that she had been very very sexy when she was alive.
2 stars because Welsh names slap
2 stars because Welsh names slap
minchowski's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Of course, I have seen the TV adaptation of this Cadfael Mystery, so I knew who did it and there were no great surprises, but the book has more in it, including the relationship between Brother John (Cadfael's original novice) and Angest, Sioned's maid.
The character of Cadfael in the book might shock fans of the series somewhat. He's more skeptical, jaded, perhaps even slightly unpleasant.
The details about Welsh culture (such as the lack of a coin based economy in rural areas) and the importance of tribal and familial ties was interesting. Makes me want to learn more about Medieval Wales.
Of course, this is a mystery. As far as it went, well if I didn't already see the adaptation I probably wouldn't guess who had done it, although I did find the revelation a little sudden without many clues either way. I think there's a lot more emphasis on character development and motivations then just the mystery though, as well as an interesting exploration of the Medieval attitude towards Saints and relics.
The character of Cadfael in the book might shock fans of the series somewhat. He's more skeptical, jaded, perhaps even slightly unpleasant.
The details about Welsh culture (such as the lack of a coin based economy in rural areas) and the importance of tribal and familial ties was interesting. Makes me want to learn more about Medieval Wales.
Of course, this is a mystery. As far as it went, well if I didn't already see the adaptation I probably wouldn't guess who had done it, although I did find the revelation a little sudden without many clues either way. I think there's a lot more emphasis on character development and motivations then just the mystery though, as well as an interesting exploration of the Medieval attitude towards Saints and relics.
wouterk's review against another edition
3.0
This was an entertaining read. I bought this book looking for some nostalgic (re)read. When I was in my teens I once got a book from a library that was medieval murder mystery with some church people that I really really enjoyed. Talking about generic stuff, right? But while trying to find it, I found this series of short novels about Brother Cadfael. I'm still not sure, whether one of these stories is the book I read when I was still in school, but it sure replicated that feeling.
In this story Brother Cadfael goes to a Welsh village with to procure the remains of St Winifred after one of the Brothers has had a vision, much to the chagrin of the villagers. A murder mystery unfolds. Can't say much more as is usually the case with murder mysteries.
The mystery was interesting and nice, although some of the plot progression sometimes was caused by coincidence rather than the brilliance of our protagonist(s). Still, it was fun to follow and will read to see how the series evolves. I'm assuming that, having written so many books afterwards, the stories will still improve somewhat in tightness of the plot.
Having said that, Peters really stuck the landing in this first book in the series. I chuckled and at the same time feel that it has been shown very clearly what kind of person Brother Cadfael is.
In this story Brother Cadfael goes to a Welsh village with to procure the remains of St Winifred after one of the Brothers has had a vision, much to the chagrin of the villagers. A murder mystery unfolds. Can't say much more as is usually the case with murder mysteries.
The mystery was interesting and nice, although some of the plot progression sometimes was caused by coincidence rather than the brilliance of our protagonist(s). Still, it was fun to follow and will read to see how the series evolves. I'm assuming that, having written so many books afterwards, the stories will still improve somewhat in tightness of the plot.
Having said that, Peters really stuck the landing in this first book in the series. I chuckled and at the same time feel that it has been shown very clearly what kind of person Brother Cadfael is.
shadereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Blood