When the village of Shrewsbury's own sheriff, Gilbert Prestcote, is taken prisoner by the Empress Maud's forces, its citizens are prepared to exchange him for a man of equal value they have within their possession. But soon after Prestcote arrives for the prisoner exchange, he dies. Was it death by natural causes or a most unnatural murder?
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"I love the Brother Cadfael books - not so much for the mystery part (since I'm not a mystery reader) but strictly because of the characters , specifically Brother Cadfael, the spunky little 12 century Welsh Benedictine monk and herbalist, and Hugh Berengar, Sheriff of Maesbury who is Cadfael's sleuthing sidekick. The books all take place in and around the Abbey of Sts Peter and Paul in Shrewsbury in Shropshire, England during the the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud of England. I love the sense of place and time that is evoked because of all the details and descriptions, as well as the historical setting that forms the backdrop for all the books. So the various plots - which all seem to follow a similar pattern anyway - don't matter nearly as much as the people and places and way of life that I can read about in these books - or in this case listen to since this time I "read" the book while listening to the audio version in my car on a long trip across Iowa."
— Trisha (4 out of 5 stars)
" Any man (or woman) is capable of anything (even murder) in a rash moment. How I admire Brother Cadfael. "
— Kristin, 2/16/2014" The cast version of the mystery is enjoyable. It does feel like listening to a play. "
— Meredith, 2/6/2014" Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "
— Amy, 1/30/2014" Like the Brother Cadfael books. "
— Laverne, 1/28/2014" Brother Cadfael is caught up in the murder of the Sheriff of Shropshire while the sheriff is recovering from wounds suffered in the war between Stephen and Maud for the crown of England. Welsh nobles are raiding into Shropshire. Two pairs of star crossed lovers have to resolve differences. "
— Fredrick, 1/27/2014" Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series - set around 1000/1100, a Welsh man who had been with the Crusades, soldier/sailor, loved women etc settles down to retirement as a Benedictine monk, working as an apothecary within the abbey and the community, and assisting the sheriff with mysteries. He's a really wholesome character who understands people and life, not at all narrow and irritating. There is also a series of movies made based on these books with Derek Jacobi playing Brother Cadfael "
— Karen, 1/27/2014" This is a wonderful series, and I particularly enjoy the stories that see Cadfael romping through Wales as this one did. The audio version is well done -- good to hear those Welsh names pronounced correctly after so many years of making it up. "
— Cathy, 1/23/2014" Not one of my favorite Ellis Peters mystery, but still an excellent read. "
— Karen, 1/23/2014" Reached my limit on this series. Too much alike. "
— TJ, 1/21/2014" This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "
— Misty, 1/17/2014" I'm knowing the style enough now that I can figure out the "whodunit" part of these mysteries but the writing keeps me engaged and satisfied. Many times I will reread a paragraph just for the pleasure of how she's phrased it. "
— Meghan, 1/13/2014" Another great mystery where the murderer is unmasked only at the end. Good storytelling, some familiar characters, and some very nice comments about humanity and justice sprinkled in for good measure. I am becoming most fond of Cadfael and Hugh Beringar and now even Sister Magdalen. "
— Frode, 1/12/2014" Reached my limit on this series. Too much alike. "
— TJ, 1/3/2014" This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "
— Sharon, 1/1/2014" This is a wonderful series, and I particularly enjoy the stories that see Cadfael romping through Wales as this one did. The audio version is well done -- good to hear those Welsh names pronounced correctly after so many years of making it up. "
— Cathy, 12/31/2013" Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. "
— D.w., 12/30/2013" This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "
— Sharon, 12/28/2013" Any man (or woman) is capable of anything (even murder) in a rash moment. How I admire Brother Cadfael. "
— Kristin, 12/27/2013" A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "
— Beka, 12/25/2013" Another fine entry in the Cadfael Chronicles, in which changes come to the regular cast of characters as well as to the political situation in Shewsbury and England as a whole. Also, two pairs of young lovers figure prominently in the action. Quelle suprise! "
— M, 12/19/2013" Another fine entry in the Cadfael Chronicles, in which changes come to the regular cast of characters as well as to the political situation in Shewsbury and England as a whole. Also, two pairs of young lovers figure prominently in the action. Quelle suprise! "
— M, 12/14/2013" This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "
— Misty, 12/13/2013" This was the last of the Brother Cadfael books that I read. They were all really good, but I think I read too many, too quickly and spoiled my appetite for any more. Shame really. "
— Michael, 12/8/2013" A bit of romance, intrigue and a few battles thrown in... Shir what more cld u ask for!! The best one yet I reckon "
— Sam, 12/8/2013" Available at BBC Radio 7. "
— Laura, 12/6/2013" Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "
— Jill, 11/30/2013" Yet another strong entry in the Brother Cadfael series, though I am starting to notice similar character types showing up in these books (generally, a young couple trying for love despite inauspicious circumstances). "
— Beth, 11/26/2013" One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "
— Miriam, 11/25/2013" I think this is my favorite Brother Cadfael novel yet. "
— Marisa, 11/22/2013" Cadfael sure sees a lot of action for a monk! I figured out the murderer way early though. "
— liirogue, 11/16/2013" A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "
— Beka, 10/23/2013" A very enjoyable read...as are all of the Cadfael books. I particularly enjoyed the young Welshman's fall into bardic satire...it made me laugh aloud. "
— Gwyndyllyn, 10/15/2013" One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "
— Cat, 10/6/2013" 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, 8/2/2013" Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "
— Amy, 7/11/2013" I did not like this particular book as much as the other Cadfael books that I have listened, but it was still a pleasant way to pass the time as I travelled back from taking my son to College. "
— Trudy, 7/10/2013" Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "
— Marlene, 7/9/2013" One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "
— Cat, 7/3/2013" I did not like this particular book as much as the other Cadfael books that I have listened, but it was still a pleasant way to pass the time as I travelled back from taking my son to College. "
— Trudy, 3/9/2013" Brother Cadfael is caught up in the murder of the Sheriff of Shropshire while the sheriff is recovering from wounds suffered in the war between Stephen and Maud for the crown of England. Welsh nobles are raiding into Shropshire. Two pairs of star crossed lovers have to resolve differences. "
— Fredrick, 2/23/2013" Another well written and fun Cadfael mystery. "
— Jenn, 1/16/2013" Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "
— Jill, 12/28/2012" S'okay. Didn't get into this one as much as the other Cadfael books, primarily because it focuses so much on the civil war that is usually only a backdrop for the main story, and I basically think the whole civil war storyline is pretty boring. No biggie; there are other Cadfaels left to read. "
— Priscilla, 12/22/2012" I remember this as being one of the more bittersweet, somber episodes. But I felt that was important--it prevented the Cadfael series from being all heroics and romance. And it gives the reader something more to contemplate, even wrestle. So I recommend it. "
— Karen, 9/6/2012" This was the last of the Brother Cadfael books that I read. They were all really good, but I think I read too many, too quickly and spoiled my appetite for any more. Shame really. "
— Michael, 7/24/2012" I remember this as being one of the more bittersweet, somber episodes. But I felt that was important--it prevented the Cadfael series from being all heroics and romance. And it gives the reader something more to contemplate, even wrestle. So I recommend it. "
— Karen, 6/10/2012" One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "
— Miriam, 4/16/2012" Interesting spin on the love triangle. "
— Michael, 4/12/2012" Interesting spin on the love triangle. "
— Michael, 3/2/2012" Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "
— Marlene, 2/14/2012" I'm knowing the style enough now that I can figure out the "whodunit" part of these mysteries but the writing keeps me engaged and satisfied. Many times I will reread a paragraph just for the pleasure of how she's phrased it. "
— Meghan, 11/3/2011" I think this is my favorite Brother Cadfael novel yet. "
— Marisa, 4/19/2011" I think this is my favorite Brother Cadfael novel yet. "
— Marisa, 4/19/2011" Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "
— Jill, 4/8/2011" Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "
— Jill, 4/8/2011" One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "
— Miriam, 4/4/2011" One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "
— Miriam, 4/4/2011" Yet another strong entry in the Brother Cadfael series, though I am starting to notice similar character types showing up in these books (generally, a young couple trying for love despite inauspicious circumstances). "
— Beth, 1/15/2011" Yet another strong entry in the Brother Cadfael series, though I am starting to notice similar character types showing up in these books (generally, a young couple trying for love despite inauspicious circumstances). "
— Beth, 1/15/2011" Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "
— Amy, 11/30/2010" Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "
— Amy, 11/30/2010" This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "
— Misty, 10/22/2010" This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "
— Misty, 10/22/2010" One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "
— Cat, 4/17/2010" One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "
— Cat, 4/17/2010" Cadfael sure sees a lot of action for a monk! I figured out the murderer way early though. "
— liirogue, 3/15/2010" Cadfael sure sees a lot of action for a monk! I figured out the murderer way early though. "
— liirogue, 3/15/2010" Available at BBC Radio 7. "
— Laura, 11/22/2009" A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "
— Beka, 9/1/2009" A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "
— Beka, 9/1/2009" This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "
— Sharon, 3/19/2009" This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "
— Sharon, 3/19/2009" Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "
— Marlene, 3/11/2009" Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "
— Marlene, 3/11/2009" Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. "
— D.w., 1/21/2009" Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. "
— D.w., 1/21/2009" Enjoyable romp with Cadfael. I worked out whodunnit and why before he did, which makes me feel all smug inside :). <br/> <br/><em>Charity shop find</em>. "
— Debbie, 11/15/2008" Enjoyable romp with Cadfael. I worked out whodunnit and why before he did, which makes me feel all smug inside :). <br/> <br/><em>Charity shop find</em>. "
— Debbie, 11/15/2008Ellis 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.
Patrick Tull (1941–2006), born in the United Kingdom, was a multitalented actor of the stage, screen, and television, as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He acted in numerous American television shows from 1962 to 1996, including Crossroads, and he had roles in six Broadway plays between 1967 and 1992, including Amadeus. His film credits from 1969 to 1996 included roles as Cecil in Parting Glances and Jerry the bartender in Sleepers. He served as narrator for the television series Sea Tales. He narrated nearly forty audiobooks, and his readings of The Canterbury Tales, The Letter of Marque, Monk’s Hood, The Vicar of Wakefield, and How Green Was My Valley each earned him an AudioFile Earphones Award. His narration of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels was praised by novelist Stephen King as among his ten favorite audiobooks of 2006.