The “irresistible” and “compelling” first novel in the historical mystery series featuring a Welsh Benedictine monk in the twelfth century (The Washington Post). A Welsh Benedictine monk living at Shrewsbury Abbey in western England, Brother Cadfael spends much of his time tending the herbs and vegetables in the garden—but now there’s a more pressing matter. Cadfael is to serve as translator for … serve as translator for a group of monks heading to the town of Gwytherin in Wales. The team’s goal is to collect the holy remains of Saint Winifred, which Prior Robert hopes will boost the abbey’s reputation, as well as his own. But when the monks arrive in Gwytherin, the town is divided over the request.
When the leading opponent to disturbing the grave is found shot dead with a mysterious arrow, some believe Saint Winifred herself delivered the deadly blow. Brother Cadfael knows an earthly hand did the deed, but his plan to root out a murderer may dig up more than he can handle.
Before CSI and Law & Order, there was Brother Cadfael, “wily veteran of the Crusades” (Los Angeles Times). His knowledge of herbalism, picked up in the Holy Land, and his skillful observance of human nature are blessings in dire situations, and earned Ellis Peters a Crime Writers’ Association Silver Dagger Award. A Morbid Taste for Bones kicks off a long-running and much-loved series that went on to be adapted for stage, radio, and television.
more
I have now read a few of the brother cadfael books and I truly like them. With each book you learn a bit more on brother Cadfael and his life in and around the cloister. Each book is a well written mystery that is interwoven in everyday life.
A little slow at first but overall a great read.
Great historic fiction, and a good beginning book as an introduction to a series of novels about a time and location not often found in the myster/ crime genre. A potato chip read, you just can’t read one.
I love all the Cadfael books that I have read and expect to enjoy the ones I haven’t read
This book pulled me in – I wanted to know what would happen next. I plan on reading the entire series.
First and, arguably, best of the Brother Cadfael series. A delightful and unexpected ending, great storytelling, and an endearing central character. Wonderful!