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Audiobooks > Mystery & Detective >  Historical > An Excellent Mystery: The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
An Excellent Mystery: The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael Audiobook, by Ellis Peters Play Audiobook Sample

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4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00) - 2,385 customer ratings
An Excellent Mystery: The Eleventh Chronicle of Brother Cadfael Audiobook, by Ellis Peters Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Ellis Peters Narrator: Roe Kendall Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Series:The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Release Date: May 2011 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781481560719
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Publisher Description

In the year of our Lord 1141, two monks ride into the Benedictine abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, bringing with them disturbing news of war—and a mystery. The strangers tell how the strife between the Empress Maud and King Stephen has destroyed the town of Winchester and their priory. Now Brother Humilis, who is handsome, gaunt, and very ill, and Brother Fidelis, youthful, comely, and totally mute, must seek refuge at Shrewsbury. And from the moment he meets them, Brother Cadfael senses something deeper than their common vows binds these two good brothers. What the link is he can only guess—what it will lead to is beyond his imagining. But as Brother Humilis’ health fails, Brother Cadfael faces a poignant test of his discretion and his beliefs as he unravels a secret so great it can destroy a life, a future, and a holy order.

This delightful blend of suspense and historical fiction is, indeed, an excellent mystery.

Download and start listening now!

Quotes

  • “As usual, Miss Peters creates her magic, resurrecting a long-gone age and its people for our delight.”

    - Washington Times

  • “A pleasing and unusual mixture of suspence and historical fiction.”

    - Evening Standard

  •  “Absorbing, superbly crafted…Unflagging tension which builds to a swift, satisfying climax…Peters never disappoints.”

    - Kirkus Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Kirsten, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Ikonopeiston, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Daniel, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Beth, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " "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 "

    - Westerville, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Kellyann, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Toni, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Karen, 2/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Listened to the audio version of this while preparing Thanksgiving. The mystery is not deeply mysterious and Cadfael is not always the center of this story, but Peters again provides sympathetic entry into the 12th century, its politics and religion. The audio version was excellent - the actor's Cadfael sounded like Sean Connery to me (mixing the Scottish and the Welsh), but I have never had that good an ear for accents. "

    - Tim, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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!) "

    - Martha, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Lynne-marie, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Gwyn, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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? "

    - Maura, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite of the series. "

    - Arlene, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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! "

    - Korynn, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Ikonopeiston, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Beka, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Donna, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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 "

    - Vicki, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Jeff, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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!) "

    - Martha, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Haywardpoolpj, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Daniel, 11/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Tim, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Jacque, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Sandi, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " "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 "

    - Westerville, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Marlene, 11/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - missBrain, 10/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - JoAnn, 10/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Donna, 8/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Donna, 7/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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 :-) "

    - Cathy, 7/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Recorded Books 2009, narrated by Patrick Tull "

    - CatBookMom, 5/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - missBrain, 4/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Miriam, 3/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Denise, 2/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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.) "

    - Margaret, 1/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Hazel, 12/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Karen, 8/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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 "

    - Vicki, 7/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Frode, 6/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Susan, 6/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Susan, 6/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " AudioGo 2000; narrated by Stephen Thorne "

    - CatBookMom, 3/31/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Kirsten, 3/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Rivkah, 2/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Hazel, 1/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Rivkah, 1/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Meghan, 1/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " "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 "

    - Westerville, 12/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Kellyann, 12/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Sandi, 11/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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!) "

    - Martha, 11/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Edwinnaarden, 9/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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! "

    - Korynn, 8/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Trudy, 8/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Rivkah, 8/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Toni, 7/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Marlene, 7/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Daniel, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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'. "

    - Simon, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Rhoda, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - JoAnn, 5/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Beth, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

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

    - Carla, 4/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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!) "

    - Martha, 4/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Miriam, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

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

    - John, 3/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Vera, 3/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Janet, 3/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Nadine, 3/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

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

    - Robin, 3/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Tim, 2/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Valerie, 2/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Becca, 1/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Laura, 1/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Beka, 11/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " "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 "

    - Westerville, 9/3/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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, 8/31/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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! "

    - Damu, 8/9/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite of the series. "

    - Arlene, 7/31/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

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

    - Sandi, 6/17/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

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

    - Kellyann, 12/24/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Marlene, 10/2/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Mike, 9/28/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

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

    - Debbie, 7/4/2009

About the Author

Ellis Peters (1913–1995) was the pen name of English novelist Edith Pargeter, author of scores of books under her own name. She was a recipient of the Silver Dagger Award and the Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, conferred by the Crime Writers’ Association of Great Britain, as well as the coveted Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America.

About the Narrator

Roe Kendall (a.k.a. Vanessa Benjamin), a native of the British Isles, graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London. She has performed on stage, as a voice-over artist, and as an audiobook narrator.