An Excellent Mystery: The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael Audiobook

" This is probably my favorite Brother Cadfael book so far. There isn't the same kind of mystery as usual -- there's no body, no murderer to track down as such... Instead, it's an intriguing reflection on love, loyalty, and the strength of human bonds, which can be just as mysterious as any murder. "

" A thoroughly satisfying story with a contrived but nonetheless gratifying ending. "

" Perhaps my favorite Cadfael mystery so far. A betrothal broken, an aging crusader, a missing nun, any number of suspicious persons, faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, some missing jewelry, and of course, a very clever and worldly monk. "

" One of the better entries in this series, though I saw the surprise ending coming from a mile away. As with all of Peters' books, compelling and well-written. "

" "Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that 'excellent mystery' known as love." - Alice "

" In general, I really enjoy the Brother Cadfael series, but I thought the "mystery" in this one was so obvious to figure out that I find myself being seriously annoyed by all the characters who didn't see it. Probably the only Ellis Peters book I've ever found long and tedious. "

" The title is from a marriage-prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. This book describes a strange and beautiful kind of marriage. "

" This is one of my favorite Cadfael mysteries. Part of the mystery is easily guessed early on, but that in no way spoiled my enjoyment of it. If I had time, I would read this one again. "

" Am surprised that Peters tackles the sexual predator in the cloister topic. Thought she would stick with safer topics. Will see how she handles it! (He was redeemed!) "

" A wonderful audio-book rendition of the time of the bloody civil war between Empress Matilda and King Stephen, with Brother Caedfael seeking the solution to the murder of a truly good knight. The narrator is very fine and deserves special mention. "

" An Excellent Mystery is anything but. Over the course of the series, the plots have become increasing slow and the mystery itself has taken longer and longer to appear. While Cadfael books are not exactly action-packed, An Excellent Mystery positively dragged, and aside from a little odd behavior nothing mysterious even occurred until halfway through, and many of the clues were completely transparent. There are problems involving point-of-view, with information being revealed to reader that the main characters could not possibly know--an unwelcome change from earlier books--and Cadfael appears very little and does very little. The thing that almost made me put An Excellent Mystery down--and it is the first Cadfael book I have even come close to putting down--was Brother Urian, who's subplot was disturbingly full of sexual harassment and homosexuality and added almost nothing to the plot except lots of long, awkward and repetitive monologs. Since the Cadfael books do not have to be read in order, I would suggest that all but die-hard fans skip this disappointing entry in the series. "

" You can't go wrong with a Brother Cadfael book, even if you figure out the twist only a third of the way in. it's more about the cozy feeling and the cool historical details rather than a twisty plot. plus you can imagine Derek Jacobi as our monk and Sean Pertwee as Hugh Beringar the sheriff. What's not to like? "

" My favorite of the series. "

" This book fulfills its title and manages to twist the young love and mystery together in a crafty and fulfilling manner. Kudos for a very satisfactory happy ending! "

" A thoroughly satisfying story with a contrived but nonetheless gratifying ending. "

" This really is one of my favorite Cadfael stories; the story has so many twists and turns and the resolution is wonderful. "

" My favorite idea from the Brother Cadfael series is the attitude of care and respect that Brother Cadfael expresses for people. This is so different from other sleuths in fiction. Serves as a model for my thinking and behaviour. "

" Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that "excellent mystery" known as love. "

" I always love the 'Cadfael' books. The stories are good, but the way the times, attitudes and wars are described in such great language make me smile. I loved the Masterpiece series and so started on the books. Both great. They are worth re-reading "

" Peters lives up to her usual level of great historical fiction. In this chronicle she takes a deeper look into human emotions and attractions, and gives an ending that would be unfair for me to give away. Somewhat less "screen time" for our favorite monk than usual, but completely enjoyable by fans of the series. "

" Am surprised that Peters tackles the sexual predator in the cloister topic. Thought she would stick with safer topics. Will see how she handles it! (He was redeemed!) "

" Again, Peters writes a strong mystery. I love the setting and the characters. "

" Perhaps my favorite Cadfael mystery so far. A betrothal broken, an aging crusader, a missing nun, any number of suspicious persons, faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, some missing jewelry, and of course, a very clever and worldly monk. "

" The mystery here, for once, is not who killed who or why. It is a mystery of secrets, love, and devotion. "

" A good mystery but a bit confusing in the beginning. Loved the ending. "

" One of the better entries in the Brother Cadfael series. Listened to the audio version read by the always stellar Patrick Tull. "

" "Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that 'excellent mystery' known as love." - Alice "

" I really enjoyed this mystery, even though I guessed the ending long before I finished the book. It was different than the usual mystery by Eillis Peters. I was fascinated right up to the last page. "

" Mi aspettavo tanto da questo nuovo episodio del fratello Cadfael, e forse per questo motivo, mi ha deluso. Fine abbastanza scontata, in generale noioso, davvero poche pagine interessanti. "

" A great mystery, a greater love story, especially since I knew the secret from almost the beginning. The fun was finding out how the mystery would play out. "

" I've read a few other Cadfael mysteries and really enjoyed the 90s series of movies with Derek Jacobi as Cadfael so reading, actually listening to, this was like visiting with an old friend. A classic historical mystery with period detail and complex plot. "

" My favorite idea from the Brother Cadfael series is the attitude of care and respect that Brother Cadfael expresses for people. This is so different from other sleuths in fiction. Serves as a model for my thinking and behaviour. "

" Good mystery, set in a medieval monastery. I like Brother Cadfael and this series is reliably entertaining. It was about the only non-fiction book I could find at the retreat house :-) "

" Recorded Books 2009, narrated by Patrick Tull "

" Mi aspettavo tanto da questo nuovo episodio del fratello Cadfael, e forse per questo motivo, mi ha deluso. Fine abbastanza scontata, in generale noioso, davvero poche pagine interessanti. "

" I enjoyed reading this one as well, but it wasn't my favorite. Like other reviewers have mentioned Cadfael isn't in it very much, which might be the problem. It was a very interesting story, though, with intriguing characters. "

" This was an excellent mystery. A very different brother Cadfael from her previous novels. I liked it immensely. "

" I really liked this one. Every Cadfael has a young lovers angle and this one is a bit different. Also, no one dies, which makes it different. I'm listening to the Patrick Tull versions on Audible and I must say he's a wonderful reader. (I loved his version of the Aubrey Maturin series as well.) "

" The Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters is a wonderful set of mysteries that take place in 12th century England. Ellis Peters does a wonderful job of describing all the characters and she is a great mystery writer. The cases are complicated enough to make them interesting. "

" This is one of my favorite Cadfael mysteries. Part of the mystery is easily guessed early on, but that in no way spoiled my enjoyment of it. If I had time, I would read this one again. "

" I always love the 'Cadfael' books. The stories are good, but the way the times, attitudes and wars are described in such great language make me smile. I loved the Masterpiece series and so started on the books. Both great. They are worth re-reading "

" This one was clever. I knew one of the characters was somehow involved but didn't tumble to how until about 40 pages from the end. Cadfael, Hugh Beringar, and even a cameo but critical appearance by Sister Magdalen showed our familiars in their delightful best. "

" I can never figure out mysteries and this one was no different. "

" I can never figure out mysteries and this one was no different. "

" AudioGo 2000; narrated by Stephen Thorne "

" This is probably my favorite Brother Cadfael book so far. There isn't the same kind of mystery as usual -- there's no body, no murderer to track down as such... Instead, it's an intriguing reflection on love, loyalty, and the strength of human bonds, which can be just as mysterious as any murder. "

" Very good mystery! easy to read and had the unexpected plot twist. most on the edge of the Cadfael mysteries, hinting at some questionable stuff, but all comes out right in the end. "

" The Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters is a wonderful set of mysteries that take place in 12th century England. Ellis Peters does a wonderful job of describing all the characters and she is a great mystery writer. The cases are complicated enough to make them interesting. "

" Very good mystery! easy to read and had the unexpected plot twist. most on the edge of the Cadfael mysteries, hinting at some questionable stuff, but all comes out right in the end. "

" An enjoyable story of devotion, loyalty, love, and mystery. The symbolism in Peters' writing is striking. "

" "Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that 'excellent mystery' known as love." - Alice "

" The title is from a marriage-prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. This book describes a strange and beautiful kind of marriage. "

" One of the better entries in the Brother Cadfael series. Listened to the audio version read by the always stellar Patrick Tull. "

" Am surprised that Peters tackles the sexual predator in the cloister topic. Thought she would stick with safer topics. Will see how she handles it! (He was redeemed!) "

" Just like the Derek Jacobi series, I loved this book. It's just believable enough, not too crazy of a plot and as an English history lover I read with pleasure. This was one of the ones that wasn't filmed so that was an added bonus. "

" This book fulfills its title and manages to twist the young love and mystery together in a crafty and fulfilling manner. Kudos for a very satisfactory happy ending! "

" I am enjoying reading the Cadfael series although I usually figure out the mystery before the end. I like the language and the pace of the story - gentle and relaxing. "

" Very good mystery! easy to read and had the unexpected plot twist. most on the edge of the Cadfael mysteries, hinting at some questionable stuff, but all comes out right in the end. "

" In general, I really enjoy the Brother Cadfael series, but I thought the "mystery" in this one was so obvious to figure out that I find myself being seriously annoyed by all the characters who didn't see it. Probably the only Ellis Peters book I've ever found long and tedious. "

" I really enjoyed this mystery, even though I guessed the ending long before I finished the book. It was different than the usual mystery by Eillis Peters. I was fascinated right up to the last page. "

" Perhaps my favorite Cadfael mystery so far. A betrothal broken, an aging crusader, a missing nun, any number of suspicious persons, faithfulness, loyalty, commitment, some missing jewelry, and of course, a very clever and worldly monk. "

" I REALLY liked this book. Good setting, characters etc. Until the climactic revelation of the murderer. Peters stretches his credulity way beyond breaking point, and it all gets a bit 'Scooby Doo'. "

" Maybe I've read too many books by Ellis Peters in too short a time, but I had this figured out early and was really irritated by the long drawn out revelation. "

" Maybe I've read too many books by Ellis Peters in too short a time, but I had this figured out early and was really irritated by the long drawn out revelation. "

" A great mystery, a greater love story, especially since I knew the secret from almost the beginning. The fun was finding out how the mystery would play out. "

" A great mystery, a greater love story, especially since I knew the secret from almost the beginning. The fun was finding out how the mystery would play out. "

" I LOVED THIS BOOK. Brother Cadfael is hilarious and I love the historical detail. Can't wait to read more of this series! "

" Had trouble getting into the story for the first 60 pages, and then it got really good. "

" Am surprised that Peters tackles the sexual predator in the cloister topic. Thought she would stick with safer topics. Will see how she handles it! (He was redeemed!) "

" Am surprised that Peters tackles the sexual predator in the cloister topic. Thought she would stick with safer topics. Will see how she handles it! (He was redeemed!) "

" I enjoyed reading this one as well, but it wasn't my favorite. Like other reviewers have mentioned Cadfael isn't in it very much, which might be the problem. It was a very interesting story, though, with intriguing characters. "

" I enjoyed reading this one as well, but it wasn't my favorite. Like other reviewers have mentioned Cadfael isn't in it very much, which might be the problem. It was a very interesting story, though, with intriguing characters. "

" Monk with a past catches bad guys in a nice way. "

" This visit to medieval times follows the monks as they travel to Wales to try and move the bones of a saint there back to their monastery. But murder strikes while they are there, and Brother Cadfael has to help find a murderer. Good read. "

" This is an elegantly written, medieval whodunit. A clever plot sprinkled with humor and a charming protagonist, this first in the series of Brother Cadfael mysteries is a pleasure to read. "

" Fun read. Enjoyed the setting and the storyline. Looking forward to reading others in the series. "

" I ended up liking the story, but the style wasn't my favorite. "

" The mystery here, for once, is not who killed who or why. It is a mystery of secrets, love, and devotion. "

" The mystery here, for once, is not who killed who or why. It is a mystery of secrets, love, and devotion. "

" I really enjoyed the plot and humor in this book. It will be fun to continue with the next one in the series. "

" I enjoyed reading this, but I'm not sure I'd actively seek out more. It's good but nothing special for me. I do like the premise though, and the way the story mostly kept within the bounds of the time and culture it was set in. "

" I worked a week and a half to cover 40 pages and can go no further. It's just so slow. Bummer too. I had hopes this would be a fun series to start. "

" This really is one of my favorite Cadfael stories; the story has so many twists and turns and the resolution is wonderful. "

" This really is one of my favorite Cadfael stories; the story has so many twists and turns and the resolution is wonderful. "

" "Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that 'excellent mystery' known as love." - Alice "

" "Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that 'excellent mystery' known as love." - Alice "

" Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that "excellent mystery" known as love. "

" Not exactly a murder mystery--more like a missing person story. No surprises: As it turns out, the true "mystery" is that "excellent mystery" known as love. "

" The mystery, to me, seemed of secondary importance in this installment. Maybe because I figured it out midway through the book; maybe more so because she is such a good writer. There is such beauty in her prose. Very enjoyable read! "

" The mystery, to me, seemed of secondary importance in this installment. Maybe because I figured it out midway through the book; maybe more so because she is such a good writer. There is such beauty in her prose. Very enjoyable read! "

" My favorite of the series. "

" My favorite of the series. "

" One of the better entries in the Brother Cadfael series. Listened to the audio version read by the always stellar Patrick Tull. "

" One of the better entries in the Brother Cadfael series. Listened to the audio version read by the always stellar Patrick Tull. "

" The title is from a marriage-prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. This book describes a strange and beautiful kind of marriage. "

" The title is from a marriage-prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. This book describes a strange and beautiful kind of marriage. "

" I really enjoyed this mystery, even though I guessed the ending long before I finished the book. It was different than the usual mystery by Eillis Peters. I was fascinated right up to the last page. "

" I really enjoyed this mystery, even though I guessed the ending long before I finished the book. It was different than the usual mystery by Eillis Peters. I was fascinated right up to the last page. "

" The Civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud touches Shrewsbury Abbey. (This is one of the fascinating themes that drew me to this series). Cadfael has to come up with the truth again. As always a good book that just happens to be a good mystery. "

" The Civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud touches Shrewsbury Abbey. (This is one of the fascinating themes that drew me to this series). Cadfael has to come up with the truth again. As always a good book that just happens to be a good mystery. "

" An enjoyable read, right down to the "oh of COURSE" moment, which probably should have come sooner, but la. Charity shop find. "

" An enjoyable read, right down to the "oh of COURSE" moment, which probably should have come sooner, but la. Charity shop find. "