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Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #19
The Holy Thief
In the chill, rainy autumn of 1144, two groups of visitors seek the hospitality of the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, and Brother Cadfael fears trouble has come in with them. Among the first arrivals is Brother Tutilo, a young Benedictine with a guileless face and—to Brother Cadfael’s shrewd eyes—a mischievous intelligence. The second group, a ribald French troubadour, his servant, and a girl with the voice of an angel, seems to Brother Cadfael a catalyst for disaster.
All of Cadfael’s fears become manifest as rising floodwaters endanger the abbey’s most sacred relic, the remains of Saint Winifred. When the bones disappear and a dead body is found, Brother Cadfael knows carnal and spiritual intrigues are afoot. Now, in a world that believes in signs and miracles, Brother Cadfael needs his prayers answered—as well as some heavenly guidance to crucial clues—to catch a killer hell-bent on murder.
All of Cadfael’s fears become manifest as rising floodwaters endanger the abbey’s most sacred relic, the remains of Saint Winifred. When the bones disappear and a dead body is found, Brother Cadfael knows carnal and spiritual intrigues are afoot. Now, in a world that believes in signs and miracles, Brother Cadfael needs his prayers answered—as well as some heavenly guidance to crucial clues—to catch a killer hell-bent on murder.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1992
1083 people are currently reading
2276 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Peters
207 books1,146 followersA pseudonym used by Edith Pargeter.
Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM was a prolific author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics; she is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern. Born in the village of Horsehay (Shropshire, England), she had Welsh ancestry, and many of her short stories and books (both fictional and non-fictional) were set in Wales and its borderlands.
During World War II, she worked in an administrative role in the Women's Royal Naval Service, and received the British Empire Medal - BEM.
Pargeter wrote under a number of pseudonyms; it was under the name Ellis Peters that she wrote the highly popular series of Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries, many of which were made into films for television.
Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM was a prolific author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics; she is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern. Born in the village of Horsehay (Shropshire, England), she had Welsh ancestry, and many of her short stories and books (both fictional and non-fictional) were set in Wales and its borderlands.
During World War II, she worked in an administrative role in the Women's Royal Naval Service, and received the British Empire Medal - BEM.
Pargeter wrote under a number of pseudonyms; it was under the name Ellis Peters that she wrote the highly popular series of Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries, many of which were made into films for television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
May 20, 2018
Ellis Peters shares one violent and several gentle mysteries with us in the nineteenth novel of Brother Cadfael’s time with the Benedictine Abbey in Shrewsbury, England.
Most of the plot centers on the reliquary of St. Winifred. Readers of previous stories will know much about how this saint came to be and Cadfael’s special relationship to her. Those who are just reading this novel can do so without having all those details. It may be helpful to recall that Cadfael is a former crusader, who fought in the “Holy Lands” and then returned to Britain and sought the calm and quiet of a monastic life.
Another aspect that plays into the plot is the “Sortes Sacrae” an ancient practice of the Church (and probably before it) where a holy book is randomly consulted for guidance. It helps set the tone for this Benedictine Monastery.
Some may find the initial diminution of action less than desirable. For me, this book was a garden of delights and many of those are due to Peters’ skills in observation and description. Her mastery of description knows few peers. For example:
“(He) was a husbandman born, a big candid, fair fellow, to all appearances better built for service in arms than his younger brother, but a man for whom soil and crops and wellkept livestock would always be fulfillment enough. He would raise sons in his own image, and the earth would be glad of them.”
“The path to the manor…set off northeastward from the lanes of the Foregate, threaded a short, dense patch of woodland, and climbed over a low crest of heath and meadow to look down upon the winding course of the Severn, downstream from the town. The river was running high and turgid, rolling fallen branches and clumps of turf from banks down in its currents. There had been ample snows in the winter…The thaw still filled the valleys everywhere with the soft rippling of water, even the meadows by the river and the brook whispered constantly and shimmered with lingering silver among the grass…On the further side of the Severn the path threaded wet water-meadows, the river lipping the bleached winter grass a yard inland already. If heavy Spring rains came on the hills of Wales, to follow the thaw-water, there would flooding under the walls of Shrewsbury.”
“He was cleanshaven, in the Norman manner, leaving open to view a face broad at the brow and well provided with strong and shapely bone, a lean jaw, and a full, firm mouth, long-lipped and mobile, and quirking upward at the corners to match a certain incalculable spark in his eye.”
“A little mischief in it, Hugh judged, content to be an onlooker and have the best view of the game, but no malice. He’s amusing himself at a dull time of the year, and being here without his womenfolk, but he’s adroit at calming the storm as he is at raising it. Now what more can he do to pass the evening pleasantly, and entertain his guests?”
Tone is a subjective characteristic. Your opinion/my opinion may never be reconciled. For me, this book was about tone perfect. I felt myself in rural England and among these medieval people with their daily concerns and tasks. It is a rare book that can take me that far from the 21st century. The Holy Thief is one of her best. 4.5
Most of the plot centers on the reliquary of St. Winifred. Readers of previous stories will know much about how this saint came to be and Cadfael’s special relationship to her. Those who are just reading this novel can do so without having all those details. It may be helpful to recall that Cadfael is a former crusader, who fought in the “Holy Lands” and then returned to Britain and sought the calm and quiet of a monastic life.
Another aspect that plays into the plot is the “Sortes Sacrae” an ancient practice of the Church (and probably before it) where a holy book is randomly consulted for guidance. It helps set the tone for this Benedictine Monastery.
Some may find the initial diminution of action less than desirable. For me, this book was a garden of delights and many of those are due to Peters’ skills in observation and description. Her mastery of description knows few peers. For example:
“(He) was a husbandman born, a big candid, fair fellow, to all appearances better built for service in arms than his younger brother, but a man for whom soil and crops and wellkept livestock would always be fulfillment enough. He would raise sons in his own image, and the earth would be glad of them.”
“The path to the manor…set off northeastward from the lanes of the Foregate, threaded a short, dense patch of woodland, and climbed over a low crest of heath and meadow to look down upon the winding course of the Severn, downstream from the town. The river was running high and turgid, rolling fallen branches and clumps of turf from banks down in its currents. There had been ample snows in the winter…The thaw still filled the valleys everywhere with the soft rippling of water, even the meadows by the river and the brook whispered constantly and shimmered with lingering silver among the grass…On the further side of the Severn the path threaded wet water-meadows, the river lipping the bleached winter grass a yard inland already. If heavy Spring rains came on the hills of Wales, to follow the thaw-water, there would flooding under the walls of Shrewsbury.”
“He was cleanshaven, in the Norman manner, leaving open to view a face broad at the brow and well provided with strong and shapely bone, a lean jaw, and a full, firm mouth, long-lipped and mobile, and quirking upward at the corners to match a certain incalculable spark in his eye.”
“A little mischief in it, Hugh judged, content to be an onlooker and have the best view of the game, but no malice. He’s amusing himself at a dull time of the year, and being here without his womenfolk, but he’s adroit at calming the storm as he is at raising it. Now what more can he do to pass the evening pleasantly, and entertain his guests?”
Tone is a subjective characteristic. Your opinion/my opinion may never be reconciled. For me, this book was about tone perfect. I felt myself in rural England and among these medieval people with their daily concerns and tasks. It is a rare book that can take me that far from the 21st century. The Holy Thief is one of her best. 4.5
November 21, 2024
“Cadfael shook himself free of vain wondering about souls that passed as strangers, and sighed, and went back into the church to say a brief word into Saint Winifred’s ear before going to his work in the garden.”
Classic Cadfael mystery: murder, misdirection, pride and humility, and of course young lovers. This story builds on several previous, especially The Potter's Field.
“Many eyes followed the turning of the key, and the installation of the coffer on the altar, where awe of heaven would keep it from violation.”
In some ways a more religious story than many other chronicles, Pargeter explores vows, relics, penance, and various medieval religious practices: some good, some bad. Cadfael prays; Gospels settle disputes; relics disappear; alms are solicited; miracles happen; Brother Jerome gets his.
“But I was born a slave.” “There is no escape.” “Escape to what? Another worse bondage?”
Slavery rears its ugly head. People owning people is an age-old practice and is just as dehumanizing in the twelfth as in the nineteenth century.
“It is only that the step from perfectly ordinary things into the miraculous seems to me so small, almost accidental, that I wonder why it astonishes you at all, or that you trouble to reason about it. If it were reasonable it could not be miraculous, could it?” Aline
The Cadfael television series gets a lot wrong and some right, but one great loss is the over-simplification required to fit a complex novel into ninety minutes. For example, Hugh’s relationship with Cadfael is cut down and his wife, Aline, who is a recurring presence and participant in the novels, only appears in the first TV episode.
“Of course he is a good liar, that’s part of his fantasies. You would have to be very sure of him and yourself to know when he’s lying, and when he’s telling the truth.”
Cadfael series: excellent historical fiction. Ellis Peters draws the reader into the twelfth century with modern story telling but holds us there with a richness of detail which evokes a time and place which might as well be fictional. Though the foreground of each chronicle is a murder mystery, behind it a nation and a culture are woven in a wondrous tapestry.
Classic Cadfael mystery: murder, misdirection, pride and humility, and of course young lovers. This story builds on several previous, especially The Potter's Field.
“Many eyes followed the turning of the key, and the installation of the coffer on the altar, where awe of heaven would keep it from violation.”
In some ways a more religious story than many other chronicles, Pargeter explores vows, relics, penance, and various medieval religious practices: some good, some bad. Cadfael prays; Gospels settle disputes; relics disappear; alms are solicited; miracles happen; Brother Jerome gets his.
“But I was born a slave.” “There is no escape.” “Escape to what? Another worse bondage?”
Slavery rears its ugly head. People owning people is an age-old practice and is just as dehumanizing in the twelfth as in the nineteenth century.
“It is only that the step from perfectly ordinary things into the miraculous seems to me so small, almost accidental, that I wonder why it astonishes you at all, or that you trouble to reason about it. If it were reasonable it could not be miraculous, could it?” Aline
The Cadfael television series gets a lot wrong and some right, but one great loss is the over-simplification required to fit a complex novel into ninety minutes. For example, Hugh’s relationship with Cadfael is cut down and his wife, Aline, who is a recurring presence and participant in the novels, only appears in the first TV episode.
“Of course he is a good liar, that’s part of his fantasies. You would have to be very sure of him and yourself to know when he’s lying, and when he’s telling the truth.”
Cadfael series: excellent historical fiction. Ellis Peters draws the reader into the twelfth century with modern story telling but holds us there with a richness of detail which evokes a time and place which might as well be fictional. Though the foreground of each chronicle is a murder mystery, behind it a nation and a culture are woven in a wondrous tapestry.
April 11, 2021
This definitely has one of the more complicated plots in the series.
There are so many major players, each with their own agenda(s), who have found themselves at Shrewsbury's Abbey during a late winter flood*. In all of the hustle and bustle of moving the Abbey's valuables to higher ground, a foul deed goes unnoticed. Once it comes to light, it is up to Cadfael to sort everything out.
I really enjoyed this one, as Peters plays with several of her favorite character types. Our charming young man is a an opportunistic rascal; we have a visiting cleric who is almost more prideful than Prior Robert; we are even treated to a powerful nobleman who isn't above making mischief because he's bored. When the murder is discovered, the list of suspects contains a real surprise. I was actually shocked at that development.
Not to worry--Cadfael and Hugh untangle the various plot threads; all's well that ends well.
Though this can be read as a stand-alone, the reader is encouraged to first read A Morbid Taste for Bones and The Potter's Field for deeper background information.
*The blurb would have you believe that the action takes place in the autumn of 1144. However, the text makes it perfectly clear that the flood (and the subsequent action) takes place in Feb/Mar 1145.
There are so many major players, each with their own agenda(s), who have found themselves at Shrewsbury's Abbey during a late winter flood*. In all of the hustle and bustle of moving the Abbey's valuables to higher ground, a foul deed goes unnoticed. Once it comes to light, it is up to Cadfael to sort everything out.
I really enjoyed this one, as Peters plays with several of her favorite character types. Our charming young man is a an opportunistic rascal; we have a visiting cleric who is almost more prideful than Prior Robert; we are even treated to a powerful nobleman who isn't above making mischief because he's bored. When the murder is discovered, the list of suspects contains a real surprise. I was actually shocked at that development.
Not to worry--Cadfael and Hugh untangle the various plot threads; all's well that ends well.
Though this can be read as a stand-alone, the reader is encouraged to first read A Morbid Taste for Bones and The Potter's Field for deeper background information.
*The blurb would have you believe that the action takes place in the autumn of 1144. However, the text makes it perfectly clear that the flood (and the subsequent action) takes place in Feb/Mar 1145.
January 24, 2023
All the Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries are amazing. He’s the monastic with all the medicinal herbs and powders. Several of the stories were served up by the BBC in brilliant medieval settings in Europe. But the mysteries are fine on their own as books. Do a time slip and treat thy self 🏰
January 30, 2024
Another installment where I didn't write a review the first time, so am not sure why I gave it 3 stars back then (its average rating is 4.12 stars,) but it's definitely a 3 star book now, partly because for me the beginning wasn't as good, however it definitely got better later on in the book.
This is another book featuring a musically talented suspect, but this time he's a novice brother from a different monastery that was almost completely destroyed due to the ongoing war for the crown between Charles and his sister Maud. However, he's not the only musically gifted "guest star" in this book, and since even the blurb on GR doesn't tell you much about the book, neither will I. This is the penultimate installment in this series, one of very few long series I have finished.
This is another book featuring a musically talented suspect, but this time he's a novice brother from a different monastery that was almost completely destroyed due to the ongoing war for the crown between Charles and his sister Maud. However, he's not the only musically gifted "guest star" in this book, and since even the blurb on GR doesn't tell you much about the book, neither will I. This is the penultimate installment in this series, one of very few long series I have finished.
July 20, 2021
THE HOLY THIEF: A MEDIEVAL WHODUNNIT. is the 19th book in the Cadfael historical mystery series by Ellis Peters. While it wasn't my favorite book in the series so far, it was still an entertaining story and mystery.
Let's see... what's this one about. In the last book in the series that I read, The Potter's Field, a fellow Benedictine monastery at Ramsey was taken over by enemies of King Stephen. In this story, Stephen has relieved the area and the monks have returned to their monastery, found it defiled and severely damaged. The Abbot of the monastery has sent out monks to gather in the rest of the monks, scattered around England and also to try to obtain assistance in rebuilding Ramsey.
Two monks, Sub-Prior Herluin and novice Brother Tutilo arrive at Shrewsbury asking for help from Abbot Radulfus and his monks. In another reference, Herluin also wants to bring Selouin back to Ramsey. Selouin was another apprentice who in the last story came from Ramsey and decided he wasn't made out to be a monk. Also at Shrewsbury are a minstrel and his assistants, biding their time while there horses are rested. On the return trip to Ramsey, the wagon carrying lumber and monies is robbed. As well, Shrewsbury's holy artifacts are found to have disappeared; possibly stolen from their church.
So there you go with the very basics; there will be murder as well and the introduction of the Earl of Leicester, the neighboring 'county' to Shrewsbury. It's all very interesting; the story wandering from Shrewsbury to Leicester and back again. You've got a novice wondering about his vocation, a potential romance, religious intrigue, miracles, murder and robbery. What else could you ask for. The story does wander about a bit much at times but it is still a fun read. Cadfael does his normal forensic work and slowly comes to some conclusions on the murder, the robbery... all with a little help from a lovely female character, Daalny. I do wish that it hadn't wandered quite so much and got to the point a bit quicker, but it's still a quick, entertaining story. Always a fun series and it's neat seeing the historical perspective. (3.5 stars)
Let's see... what's this one about. In the last book in the series that I read, The Potter's Field, a fellow Benedictine monastery at Ramsey was taken over by enemies of King Stephen. In this story, Stephen has relieved the area and the monks have returned to their monastery, found it defiled and severely damaged. The Abbot of the monastery has sent out monks to gather in the rest of the monks, scattered around England and also to try to obtain assistance in rebuilding Ramsey.
Two monks, Sub-Prior Herluin and novice Brother Tutilo arrive at Shrewsbury asking for help from Abbot Radulfus and his monks. In another reference, Herluin also wants to bring Selouin back to Ramsey. Selouin was another apprentice who in the last story came from Ramsey and decided he wasn't made out to be a monk. Also at Shrewsbury are a minstrel and his assistants, biding their time while there horses are rested. On the return trip to Ramsey, the wagon carrying lumber and monies is robbed. As well, Shrewsbury's holy artifacts are found to have disappeared; possibly stolen from their church.
So there you go with the very basics; there will be murder as well and the introduction of the Earl of Leicester, the neighboring 'county' to Shrewsbury. It's all very interesting; the story wandering from Shrewsbury to Leicester and back again. You've got a novice wondering about his vocation, a potential romance, religious intrigue, miracles, murder and robbery. What else could you ask for. The story does wander about a bit much at times but it is still a fun read. Cadfael does his normal forensic work and slowly comes to some conclusions on the murder, the robbery... all with a little help from a lovely female character, Daalny. I do wish that it hadn't wandered quite so much and got to the point a bit quicker, but it's still a quick, entertaining story. Always a fun series and it's neat seeing the historical perspective. (3.5 stars)
Want to read
September 6, 2022Book Order and Availability:
*A Morbid Taste for Bones (1) 3 stars
*One Corpse Too Many (2) 5 stars
*Monk's Hood (3) 4 stars
*St. Peter's Fair (4) 4 stars
*The Leper of St. Giles (5) 5 stars
*The Virgin in the Ice (6)3 stars
*The Sanctuary Sparrow (7) 4 stars
*The Devil's Novice (8) 3 stars
*Dead Man's Ransom (9) TBR
*The Pilgrim of Hate (10) TBR
*An Excellent Mystery (11) TBR
*The Raven in the Foregate (12) 4 stars
*The Rose Rent (13) TBR
*The Hermit of Eyton Forest (14) TBR
*The Confession of Brother Haluin (15) unavailable
*The Heretic's Apprentice (16) 3 stars
*The Potter's Field (17) unavailable
*The Summer of the Danes (18) TBR
*The Holy Thief (19) TBR
*Brother Cadfael's Penance (20) TBR
*A Morbid Taste for Bones (1) 3 stars
*One Corpse Too Many (2) 5 stars
*Monk's Hood (3) 4 stars
*St. Peter's Fair (4) 4 stars
*The Leper of St. Giles (5) 5 stars
*The Virgin in the Ice (6)3 stars
*The Sanctuary Sparrow (7) 4 stars
*The Devil's Novice (8) 3 stars
*Dead Man's Ransom (9) TBR
*The Pilgrim of Hate (10) TBR
*An Excellent Mystery (11) TBR
*The Raven in the Foregate (12) 4 stars
*The Rose Rent (13) TBR
*The Hermit of Eyton Forest (14) TBR
*The Confession of Brother Haluin (15) unavailable
*The Heretic's Apprentice (16) 3 stars
*The Potter's Field (17) unavailable
*The Summer of the Danes (18) TBR
*The Holy Thief (19) TBR
*Brother Cadfael's Penance (20) TBR
February 18, 2009
A fine Father Cadfael mystery. For those who haven't read these they are among the very best of the historical fiction I have encountered, and certainly the best written. And, no I don't think I have a religious fetish. It just kind of looks like I might:) Now a mystery fetish I do indeed have.
May 2, 2018
Set in the 1100’s, this writer always makes me feel as if I can see the priory clearly. The murder mystery is wrapped in history, in politics, and in relationships. Highly recommend this story and series
August 12, 2012
red herrings, love, music, a good woman (actually two) several instruments and a key bit of evidence in the hay loft. Great fun. Nice to see the series continues in strength.
April 1, 2025
This is the 19th of 20 volumes in the Brother Cadfael mystery series set in 12th Century England. This one does somewhat advance the series-long story involving what is referred to as The Anarchy, the struggle for the throne between cousins King Stephen and Empress Maude.
As told in a previous volume, Empress Maud’s ally, Geoffrey de Mandeville had seized and pillaged Ramsey Abbey along with most to the Fens area. With Geoffrey’s death, the monks have regained control of Ramsey Abbey and seek its restoration to its previous status. Two monks from Ramsey Abbey, the harsh and ambitious Sub-Prior Herluin and the musically talented young novice Brother Tutilo arrive at Shrewsbury Abbey seeking both the return of former Ramsey monk Sulien Blount whose story was told in The Potter’s Field, and donations to help restore Ramsey Abbey.
Brother Tutilo soon meets up with and forms strong bonds with two different women: Sulien Blount’s mother, the dying Lady Donata who finds joy in the soothing pleasure of Tutilo’s playing and singing, and Daalny, a young comely female singer who is indentured to Remy a troubadour from Provence who is at the Abbey due to an injured horse is resting at the Abbey.
Lady Donata provides jewelry and other donations to Ramsey Abbey which disappear, along with the remains of St. Winifred (as explained in the first series book A Morbid Taste for Bones), in a massive flood that covers the area within and surrounding the Abbey’s grounds. The plot involves resolving the mystery of what happened to the Ramsey donations and St. Winifred’s remains. This brings in a local Earl, Robert of Leicester, who shares the sharp mind and interest in justice that Hugh and Cadfael possess. There is an interesting dialogue where Hugh and Earl commiserate on the fate of England when the Stephen/Maud conflict is over. The plot gets even more suspenseful when a murder is intertwined with the thefts
Actually, this story started slowly. In fact during the first third of the novel, I was leaning toward a rare 3 star for this Cadfael installment. However as the flood, the donations and remains’ disappearance and the murder unveiled, I became enthralled by both the complex plot and the complex endearing characters involved here. This story is rich in both plot and characters.
The characterization in this story is top-notch. The coupling of the musically talented duo of Brother Tutilo and Daalny present the reader with characters complex enough that the reader is unsure of what mischief they are capable of yet endearing enough for the reader to root for them in whatever their choice is. The clever and good-natured Earl Robert adds an especially pleasing element to the story. I won’t go on, but all the side characters add something to the story.
In this penultimate volume of the series, Ellis Peters has crafted a wonderfully multi-faceted and multi-character story. This was one of my favorite stories of the series. I rate it as 4.5 stars which I will now round to 4+ stars.
I do hope, however, that the last volume touches more on some of the very enjoyable series-long stories involving King Stephen and Empress Maude, Hugh Beringar and family, Cadfael’s ‘close relative,’ and Cadfael’s relations with his fellow clerics at the Abbey. I hope for a bit of closure on some aspects of the series.
As told in a previous volume, Empress Maud’s ally, Geoffrey de Mandeville had seized and pillaged Ramsey Abbey along with most to the Fens area. With Geoffrey’s death, the monks have regained control of Ramsey Abbey and seek its restoration to its previous status. Two monks from Ramsey Abbey, the harsh and ambitious Sub-Prior Herluin and the musically talented young novice Brother Tutilo arrive at Shrewsbury Abbey seeking both the return of former Ramsey monk Sulien Blount whose story was told in The Potter’s Field, and donations to help restore Ramsey Abbey.
Brother Tutilo soon meets up with and forms strong bonds with two different women: Sulien Blount’s mother, the dying Lady Donata who finds joy in the soothing pleasure of Tutilo’s playing and singing, and Daalny, a young comely female singer who is indentured to Remy a troubadour from Provence who is at the Abbey due to an injured horse is resting at the Abbey.
Lady Donata provides jewelry and other donations to Ramsey Abbey which disappear, along with the remains of St. Winifred (as explained in the first series book A Morbid Taste for Bones), in a massive flood that covers the area within and surrounding the Abbey’s grounds. The plot involves resolving the mystery of what happened to the Ramsey donations and St. Winifred’s remains. This brings in a local Earl, Robert of Leicester, who shares the sharp mind and interest in justice that Hugh and Cadfael possess. There is an interesting dialogue where Hugh and Earl commiserate on the fate of England when the Stephen/Maud conflict is over. The plot gets even more suspenseful when a murder is intertwined with the thefts
Actually, this story started slowly. In fact during the first third of the novel, I was leaning toward a rare 3 star for this Cadfael installment. However as the flood, the donations and remains’ disappearance and the murder unveiled, I became enthralled by both the complex plot and the complex endearing characters involved here. This story is rich in both plot and characters.
The characterization in this story is top-notch. The coupling of the musically talented duo of Brother Tutilo and Daalny present the reader with characters complex enough that the reader is unsure of what mischief they are capable of yet endearing enough for the reader to root for them in whatever their choice is. The clever and good-natured Earl Robert adds an especially pleasing element to the story. I won’t go on, but all the side characters add something to the story.
In this penultimate volume of the series, Ellis Peters has crafted a wonderfully multi-faceted and multi-character story. This was one of my favorite stories of the series. I rate it as 4.5 stars which I will now round to 4+ stars.
I do hope, however, that the last volume touches more on some of the very enjoyable series-long stories involving King Stephen and Empress Maude, Hugh Beringar and family, Cadfael’s ‘close relative,’ and Cadfael’s relations with his fellow clerics at the Abbey. I hope for a bit of closure on some aspects of the series.
July 1, 2025
Dopo la distruzione dell'abbazia di Ramsey da parte di Geoffrey di Mandeville, il vicepriore Herluin viene mandato assieme al giovane novizio Tutilo a racimolare fondi dai confratelli di Shrewsbury. Dopo la raccolta, però, un'improvvisa alluvione mette a repentaglio tutti i fondi raccolti e persino le reliquie di Santa Winifred, che sembrano essere state rubate da qualcuno che reputa che la santa potrebbe fare miracoli altrove. Ma il ladro viene a sua volta derubato, e le reliquie, abbandonate, vengono portate nel vicino maniero di Huncote, dal conte Robert di Leicester, che ne rivendica a sua volta il possesso. Cadfael sa che all'interno della bara non ci sono le ossa della santa, ma il corpo di un uomo che ha finto di essere miracolato per poter trasferire le reliquie di Winifred a Shrewsbury, portandole via dal suo luogo di appartenenza in Galles, ed è terrorizzato che si possa scoprire la sostituzione (fatta da lui in uno dei primi romanzi della serie). A ogni modo, il reliquiario rimane sigillato, mentre dà da pensare il ragionamento avido di chi cerca di accaparrarsi le reliquie nella speranza di attirare più fedeli e quindi più donazioni (e un po' tutta la serie si basa su questi traffici tipicamente medievali). Quando l'uomo che avrebbe potuto riconoscere il colpevole del furto viene ritrovato ucciso, gli occhi si punteranno sul quest'ultimo, che potrebbe aver voluto mettere a tacere il testimone, ma, in effetti, ci sono prove che il ladro sia innocente per lo meno dell'omicidio. Alla fine, si scoprirà che non c'è un solo colpevole, il che mi ha anche fatto piacere, perché spesso i casi di Fratello Cadfael sono troppo lineari, troppo bianchi e neri, mentre qui ci troviamo davanti a varie sfumature di grigio.
October 21, 2024
This has to be one of the more complicated episodes of these books, and I was afraid that one secrets Cadfael had kept for quite some years, was going to be told.
It all takes place at Shrewsbury, where a neighbouring monastery had been robbed and defiled by Stephen's men during the conflict. Others were brought in to rebuild , and were also nearly beaten by the winter floods. A large amount of the salvage was collected with the idea of getting it to a safer place, but the wagons carrying it were also robbed, and it being found that the sacred bones of St Winnifred had gone missing. When they were eventually found a large dispute over the owners took place, and then murder also occurs. Also of course, there is a romance .The book brings to the fore, that at such times slavery was still common practice in England.
I enjoyed the book but am saddened that only one last book remains.
It all takes place at Shrewsbury, where a neighbouring monastery had been robbed and defiled by Stephen's men during the conflict. Others were brought in to rebuild , and were also nearly beaten by the winter floods. A large amount of the salvage was collected with the idea of getting it to a safer place, but the wagons carrying it were also robbed, and it being found that the sacred bones of St Winnifred had gone missing. When they were eventually found a large dispute over the owners took place, and then murder also occurs. Also of course, there is a romance .The book brings to the fore, that at such times slavery was still common practice in England.
I enjoyed the book but am saddened that only one last book remains.
August 30, 2016
In this installment, some of Cadfael's choices threaten to be revealed. Good as ever.
December 4, 2025
I can't say enough how much I have enjoyed the Brother Cadfael books. I probably haven't come across a character I loved so much since Flavia de Luce. I'm so sad to be reaching the end of this wonderful series – only one more book left. (I also found out there's a David Austin rose named for "Brother Cadfael" – I might have to get one for the garden.)
Saint Winifred features much more prominently in this book since her relic goes missing when the abbey is threatened by flood waters. Only one person can identify the thief, but it's never that easy and Brother Cadfael has his work cut out for him.
I enjoyed the usual red herrings as well as the additional characters – some of which you love in spite of their foibles and some of which you almost hate. I also enjoyed the additional insights into the workings of the Church at the time. Although you could read it as a stand-alone or out of order, I think it's much more fun to read them all in order – and you almost have to have read A Morbid Taste for Bones and The Potter's Field in order to understand some of the plot points and some of the returning characters. Many thanks to Ellis Peters for such a wonderful character and many hours of complete enjoyment. Now I'm looking forward to watching all the British television episodes.
Saint Winifred features much more prominently in this book since her relic goes missing when the abbey is threatened by flood waters. Only one person can identify the thief, but it's never that easy and Brother Cadfael has his work cut out for him.
I enjoyed the usual red herrings as well as the additional characters – some of which you love in spite of their foibles and some of which you almost hate. I also enjoyed the additional insights into the workings of the Church at the time. Although you could read it as a stand-alone or out of order, I think it's much more fun to read them all in order – and you almost have to have read A Morbid Taste for Bones and The Potter's Field in order to understand some of the plot points and some of the returning characters. Many thanks to Ellis Peters for such a wonderful character and many hours of complete enjoyment. Now I'm looking forward to watching all the British television episodes.
June 1, 2020
This is the story of the aftermath from Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex and his deprivations upon the fen country of eastern England. With his death his men scattered to avoid capture and punishment for their crimes, and the area began to rebuild.
This is the historical setting for the novel, which to me is more interesting than the mystery. A lot of mysticism goes on in this one, unusual for the Cadfael series. A relic is stolen and a man killed, and the whys and what happened is a bit twisted until the end.
Cadfael continues to aid those in need but is not particularly instrumental at any point in the story except in helping a couple of young folks in love. Several storylines rise and dangle, then are forgotten. Overall its not one of Peters' best stories but was a nice diversion for a Sunday afternoon.
This is the historical setting for the novel, which to me is more interesting than the mystery. A lot of mysticism goes on in this one, unusual for the Cadfael series. A relic is stolen and a man killed, and the whys and what happened is a bit twisted until the end.
Cadfael continues to aid those in need but is not particularly instrumental at any point in the story except in helping a couple of young folks in love. Several storylines rise and dangle, then are forgotten. Overall its not one of Peters' best stories but was a nice diversion for a Sunday afternoon.
April 7, 2024
Too much of the supernatural for my taste, but still another relaxing entry in the series with the author’s very good writing.
A quote as applicable today as it was in the 1100’s:
“The need,” said Hugh, looking back and weighing words with care, “for all thinking men in this deadlocked contention to set about finding a means of doing away with factions, since neither faction has any hope of winning. The thing is becoming very simple: how to clamber out of a morass before the muck reaches our chins.”
A quote as applicable today as it was in the 1100’s:
“The need,” said Hugh, looking back and weighing words with care, “for all thinking men in this deadlocked contention to set about finding a means of doing away with factions, since neither faction has any hope of winning. The thing is becoming very simple: how to clamber out of a morass before the muck reaches our chins.”
February 15, 2018
Maybe 2.5 stars? I read these as palate cleansers, but this one didn't grab me like the others. The mystery was rather slim and not much going on in the history area. The most interesting part was the religious wrangling over the false relics of a saint and how a secular voice showed the hypocrisy inherent in any human interpretation of bible verses and miracles.
June 21, 2020
4.5 stars. Another excellent Cadfael mystery. I particularly appreciated the many callbacks to people and events from the very start of the series. A very satisfactory near-end to a wonderful collection of tales.
November 13, 2020
Almost a sequel to "The potter's field". The memorable lady Donata makes a final appearance.
We have flooding, murder, theft, romance. Weaselly Brother Jerome finally gets some sort of comeuppance.
Rather a quick and entertaining read.
Now for the grand finale ...
We have flooding, murder, theft, romance. Weaselly Brother Jerome finally gets some sort of comeuppance.
Rather a quick and entertaining read.
Now for the grand finale ...
March 11, 2025
I rate the books I read, but rarely review them. I will make an exception for THE HOLY THIEF, the 19th book in the Brother Cadfael mystery series. Edith Pargeter, writing as Ellis Peters, never disappoints and all of the books in this series should be sought out and savored. With this 19th entry, Ellis Peters exceeds even her own very high standard. Surprises abound, some pleasant, others unpleasant, but in the end Brother Cadfael and the mystical interventions of Saint Winifred render all well again at Shrewsbury Abbey. The books left for me to read in this series dwindle to a precious few, but if they approach the standard of THE HOLY THIEF, how can I despair? Instead, I will say a silent prayer of thanksgiving to the author and the amazing character that her imagination and pen brought to life.
March 31, 2017
Boring. Meandering. Give it a miss.
June 4, 2023
I love this series. As soon as I start reading I am back there in medieval England. So full of atmosphere.
May 7, 2021
An entertaining mystery in mediaeval England.
January 11, 2025
Love the Cadfael series for its humble and good-hearted hero, interesting plot twists and humor. Some better than others but all eminently entertaining.
July 7, 2017
Review kan spoilers bevatten.
De schrijver heeft in deze middeleeuwse detective een broeder die buiten het beheer van de kruidentuin ook verschillende keren als amateur-detective in actie komt.
In de abdij waar broeder Cadfael verblijft worden overstromingen verwacht. Om de waardevolle schatten van de abdij te beschermen worden de handen in een geslagen. Helaas is er iemand die van de situatie grof misbruik maakt.
Zo als altijd in de boeken vet broeder Cadfael in de hoofdrol is een mysterie prachtig verweven met de geschiedenis feiten van die tijd. Door deze mengeling is het verhaal geloofwaardig. Het zou plaats gevonden kunnen hebben.
Als altijd had ik geen idee van de dader. Dat maakt dat het een genoegen blijft de pagina's om te slaan.
enkele fragmenten uit het boek:
- Ze vormden een merkwaardig span, die rondtrekkende broeders uit de Fens.-
-"Maar wat doet een minstreel uit het hart van de Provence hier in het hart van Engeland?"
vroeg Cadfael. "Hij is duidelijk geen gewone speelman maar een echte troubadour.-
- Cadfael keek haar na to ze om de hoek van de bukshaag uit het gezicht verdween. Koningin Daaly in Slavernij, net als haar naamgenote bijna een mythe en in alle opzichten even gevaarlijk.-
- De laatste plooi van de verpakking, een glimp van geraffeld en versleten goudbrokaat, verdwenen onder de oogst van het akkermaals bos van hongner.-
- Er is opzet in het spel. De opzet misschien om dit huis te vernederen.-
-"maar misschien dat Aldhelm het heeft gezien."-
- Het is misschien maar al te makelijk een verkeerd spoor te volgen.-
-"Wacht nog even laten we eens kijken of de moordenaar sporen heeft achtergelaten"-
De schrijver heeft in deze middeleeuwse detective een broeder die buiten het beheer van de kruidentuin ook verschillende keren als amateur-detective in actie komt.
In de abdij waar broeder Cadfael verblijft worden overstromingen verwacht. Om de waardevolle schatten van de abdij te beschermen worden de handen in een geslagen. Helaas is er iemand die van de situatie grof misbruik maakt.
Zo als altijd in de boeken vet broeder Cadfael in de hoofdrol is een mysterie prachtig verweven met de geschiedenis feiten van die tijd. Door deze mengeling is het verhaal geloofwaardig. Het zou plaats gevonden kunnen hebben.
Als altijd had ik geen idee van de dader. Dat maakt dat het een genoegen blijft de pagina's om te slaan.
enkele fragmenten uit het boek:
- Ze vormden een merkwaardig span, die rondtrekkende broeders uit de Fens.-
-"Maar wat doet een minstreel uit het hart van de Provence hier in het hart van Engeland?"
vroeg Cadfael. "Hij is duidelijk geen gewone speelman maar een echte troubadour.-
- Cadfael keek haar na to ze om de hoek van de bukshaag uit het gezicht verdween. Koningin Daaly in Slavernij, net als haar naamgenote bijna een mythe en in alle opzichten even gevaarlijk.-
- De laatste plooi van de verpakking, een glimp van geraffeld en versleten goudbrokaat, verdwenen onder de oogst van het akkermaals bos van hongner.-
- Er is opzet in het spel. De opzet misschien om dit huis te vernederen.-
-"maar misschien dat Aldhelm het heeft gezien."-
- Het is misschien maar al te makelijk een verkeerd spoor te volgen.-
-"Wacht nog even laten we eens kijken of de moordenaar sporen heeft achtergelaten"-
April 14, 2018
This was super! I found it a real page-turner. Lots of twists, and interesting characters. I will miss this series as I am almost at the end of it.
November 25, 2008
In the nineteenth installment in the Brother Cadfael series, the abbey is entertaining two parties of travelers: a pair of monks from their sister monastery at Ramsey, and a troubladour from Provence, with his footman and singing slave-girl. They are also expecting a flood, and are preparing to evacuate the relics of the abbey, especially the prized reliquary with the bones of St. Winifred, to higher ground. Theft and murder ensue, and Brother Cadfael does some investigating.
Certainly much better than The Heretic's Apprentice.
Certainly much better than The Heretic's Apprentice.
January 13, 2018
I have learned so much about medieval England from the Cadfael chronicles, while being held rapt by another Shrewsbury mystery, as in this the nineteenth. "Sortes Biblicae" came as a surprise when it was used to solve a dispute, and is more interesting than the flipping of a coin. Ellis Peters/Edith Pargeter was a very gifted master story teller.
July 12, 2015
It was great to revisit an old friend in the form of Brother Cadfael.
As per usual, the plot was predictable, but Cadfael is such a joy of a character that you really don't notice.
Nice, light, read to while away a cold, wet evening.
As per usual, the plot was predictable, but Cadfael is such a joy of a character that you really don't notice.
Nice, light, read to while away a cold, wet evening.
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