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.
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The Brother Cadfael mysteries are among my favorites, and A Morbid Taste for Bones is the first of them. Author Ellis Peters takes the reader to medieval England, where a former Crusader-turned-herbalist-monk solves mysteries. I love learning about different places and times, along with reading beautiful (yet never pretentious) writing.
enjoyed it
The first of the Brother Cadfael series, A Morbid Taste for Bones sees the MC, a Benedictine monk of the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, in Shrewsbury, England, heading home to Wales to help steal a saint from the natives of the region. How Brother Cadfael manages the expedition (leading from behind the scenes) and satisfies all but …
Another great Cadfile book!!! thanks!!!
Like Ellis Peters needs another 5-star review…This was a master class in how to write a mystery. It was an enjoyable read with wonderful characters. I completely understand why this was serialized for television. The story had me laughing out loud in places and I highly recommend reading this fun and engrossing story.
I admire the authors ability to create 13 century England in a truly believable way.
Easy reading and entertaining
The first in the Brother Cadfael series of books. I read this one years ago which got me started on the series and I’ve loved all of them. This is a great place to start though.
This first of the Cadfael series is so good, and a fine intro to the character and his Welsh roots.
This is my favorite Brother Cadfael book. I need to stop rereading this so I can finish the series!
Who would not like anything Cadfael. Solving crimes with extremely little science. All deduction. Very entertaining.
A Morbid Taste for Bones Earns 5/5 Patron Saints…Engaging!
The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series begins with “A Morbid Taste for Bones,” but my beginning came from “Cadfael,” the much favored British television series and the iconic performance of Derek Jacobi. Addicted to murder mysteries, I was fascinated by Ellis Peters’s medieval twist …
A Morbid Taste for Bones is a book that grew on me the more that I read. This book has Church politicking, a whodunnit, and a morbid trip to claim a saint’s bones. By the end, I was cheering on Cadfael and the Welsh villagers for handling the situation in very unique ways.
Read my full review: …
Entertaining and enjoyable book, centered on the character of Brother Cadfael, a crusader turned monk, who solves mysteries.
Love the Cadfael chronicles.
Such valuable history to Cadfael’s timeline, and honorable character. True grace is demonstrated in n this character.
I could never quite get involved in this book. It just didn’t suit my taste.
Ellis Peters has created a most original sleuth in Brother Caedfel, a medieval monk. He includes the fruits of his research in details about monastic life, the Crusades, and ordinary life in the Middle Ages. The characters are well drawn, the plot is original, and the ending is ironic.
I love this series. There are various mysteries solved by Brother Cadfael, a 12th century Benedictine Monk who lives in the Abby of Shrewsbury. A great glimpse of 12th century England during the time when Stephen and Maude fought for control of England. Brothers Cadfael mixes up cures from the herbs he grows at the Abby and teaches his young …
Great historical mystery. Brother Caldfael is wonderful to spend time with he combines gentle joyous service with an acerbic wit.