Brother Cadfael Series by Ellis Peters Complete 21 Book Reviews

The Author Ellis Peters

The Cadfael series is one of my favorite book series so far. Brother Cadfael is among my favorite historical detectives. This book series I want to read again and again. I also watched the film and tv series of these Cadfael books played by Derek Jacobi. So, check out my Brother Cadfael Series by Ellis Peters Complete 21 Book Reviews and learn more about these mystery books!

The author behind this incredible book series is Edith Mary Pargeter, under the name Ellis Peters and known for her murder mysteries books. She was born and lived almost all her life in Horsehay, Shropshire. During World War II, Edith Mary Pargeter Obe Bem served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service in Liverpool and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1944.

Edith Pargeter created many great books and the Morbid Taste for Bones being the first Cadfael fiction story. In the Edith Pargeter crime novel series, she adopts the name of Ellis Peters. That is to ensure her readers are not confused with her other book series. Additionally, author Pargeter created under the names of John Redfern, Jolyon Carr, and Peter Benedict, and is honored for her translations of Czech classics.

The classic Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael chronicles are all about a monk who helps the law solve murder cases during the anarchy in England. The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael are set in the 12th century time and focus on a Welsh Benedictine monk who lives at Shrewsbury Abbey, Western England. While Cadfael spends most of his time on herbs and vegetables in the garden, he is still reliable when investigating and solving murders.

Book reviews are listing in the best reading order.

1. A Morbid Taste for Bones (1977)

The “A Morbid Taste for Bones” book series is about Brother Cadfael. He acts as a translator for a group of monks heading to Gwytherin, Wales, in 1137. The goal of the team is to collect Saint Winifred’s holy remains. The leading opponent disturbed the grave and was found shot head using a mysterious arrow. While others believe that the saint herself is behind the death, Brother Cadfael has an idea who did the deadly blow.

The book is an enjoyable, quick, and easy read. Compared to average crime novels, this one offers evocative and elegant prose. I noticed that the world in “A Morbid Taste for Bones” shows an impressive sense of time and place when the Welsh countryside set is economically depicted.

The two most essential aspects of the book are the main character and the central mystery. Ellis Peters wrote “A Morbid Taste of Bones” with scenes that can quickly hook the readers. There are a decent amount of suspects and twists in the books.

As for my favorite character, monk Cadfael, I see his personality as likable, cynical, and funny with a twinkle in his eyes. His character is one of the reasons why I want to read the book again and again and watch the Cadfael tv-series portrayed by Derek Jacobi.

Compare book prices A Morbid Taste for Bones by using AddALL Used Books

2. One Corpse Too Many (1979)

The “One Corpse Too Many” features a Benedictine monk who lives peacefully in a herbarium in Shrewsbury Abbey. The book takes place in 1138 when King Stephen and his cousin Empress Maud fight over England’s crown succession. As the castle falls to King Stephen, 94 remaining defenders are hanged. Brother Cadfael offers his help to bury the bodies. However, an extra body is added to the pile to cover up a murder.

There’s humor in the book, not sarcastic or sad humor, but sweet humor. I find myself chuckling as I read how the two characters try to outwit each other. As I read about the life and world of Cadfael, There’s no nasty rivalry, just pure enjoyment. While there are villains, there are also main characters that are kind and forgiving. I like that King Stephen is not portrayed as a terrible villain.

“One Corpse Too Many” marks an improvement over “A Morbid Taste of Bones”. I see that the characters here are more depth. What impressed me about the novel is that there are two love stories in this life of the world of Cadfael and Ellis Peters marvelously depicted them.

Compare book prices One Corpse Too Many by using AddALL Used Books

3. Monk’s Hood (1980)

Christmas time in 1138, Bonel and his wife Richildis and stepson Edwin moved into a house in Abbey. Unfortunately, Bonel is poisoned with one of the concoctions of the herbalists. Edwin, 14 years old, is accused of the murder, and Richildis begs Cadfael to help them.

Short and engaging, the world and life in “Monk's Hood” of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul is quite intriguing. The book feels surprisingly slow and gentle despite the urgency to solve the murder. It’s a joy to read how Cadfael puts together the pieces and assesses the people involved to solve the mystery.

My favorite part of “Monk's Hood” is Cadfael’s reconnection with Richildis, who happened to be the woman he loved before going to the Crusades and joining the religious order. One of the touching scenes is when he ponders what it would have been if she returned to Richildis and built a family and have a happy life.

As Cadfael enters the world and life mystery, he uses his knowledge of the ways of men and talent for detective work. Brother Cadfael in the book also uses his generosity of spirit and senses of justice and humor. It is also good to see that Derek Jacobi portrayed Cadfael’s role very well in the tv series.

Compare book prices Monk’s Hood by using AddALL Used Books

4. Saint Peter’s Fair (1981)

July of 1139, a three-day St Peter’s fair, which is an annual trading fair, is held on the grounds of Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul at Shrewsbury. Since Shrewsbury was under siege during the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud, the St. Peter’s fair of the previous year was canceled. This time, a group of young men gets involved in a brawl with the merchants, and one of the most important traders is found dead. Philip Corviser, leader of the town brawlers, is the chief suspect. However, Brother Cadfael witnesses the mob scene and believes that Philip is innocent.

Author Ellis Peters wrote the life and world in “Saint Peter's Fair” as a less character-driven but more mystery-driven novel. The book is more involved than usual because I found lots of clues in the text. The trick in the book is to find the innocent.

There is also a love story. The star-crossed lovers in “Saint Peter's Fair” have no obstacles or family objections to overcome with Cadfael’s help. As expected, the book series comes with a beautiful world and elegant prose.

Compare book prices Saint Peter’s Fair by using AddALL Used Books

5. The Leper of Saint Giles (1981)

1139 in Shrewsbury, the mystery starts when Brother Cadfael visits the leper colony of Saint Giles. There’s a grand May-December wedding of Huon De Domville and Iveta Mansard. However, a member of the wedding party is murdered. To complicate the story, a squire of the groom is in love with Iveta.

For my book review of the Cadfael series, I just read the previous novels, and I was hooked with the setting. I am fond of Ellis Peter’s stories, and The Leper of Saint Giles book is among the great books I read. I enjoyed it more than the previous novels. Both the setup, time, and characters have more depth, and they came alive.

I can compare Cadfael’s mind to a steel trap ready to spring shut every time a new clue starts to appeal. He also has a sympathetic and sharp understanding that their hapless plight will soon through Heavenly justice. It’s pleasurable to witness how his logical mind slowly unfolds the truth.

Hats off to soft-spoken, worthy monk Cadfael! Another thing about this book review, through his keen powers of observation and deep understanding of human nature, the solution in searching for the truth becomes more exciting and clearer.

Compare book prices The Leper of Saint Giles by using AddALL Used Books

6. The Virgin in the Ice (1982)

Back in the 12th century, refugees during the civil war are heading to Shrewsbury to find sanctuary. However, Sister Hilaria and two orphans do not arrive from Worcester as planned. So, herbalist Brother Cadfael from the Benedictine monastery in Abbey is dispatched to help to locate them. Then, he finds the frozen body of the nun, raped, and murdered.

In the book, author Ellis Peters showcased her reliable and compelling medieval performance when writing mystery crime novels. The formula, though, starts to show a little bit of fatigue.

“The Virgin in the Ice” book series is among my favorites among the Brother Cadfael novels. The world and imagery of England during the Ice Age is really precise, and it makes me shiver. As for the images of land covered with a blanket of snow, I imagine every angle is beautiful. I consider Olivier’s first appearance as one of the highlights of the story.

The plot of The Virgin in the Ice is impeccably tied up without any annoying straggling ends. Among the book’s persistent themes is not to blame ourselves for the unintended consequences of our actions. Ellis Peters always makes her novels well in hand.

Compare book prices The Virgin in the Ice by using AddALL Used Books

7. The Sanctuary Sparrow (1983)

In the Spring of 1140, Brother Cadfael lives in a Benedictine monastery as an herbalist has more puzzles to solve and innocents to save once again. A young itinerant and half-starved juggler named Liliwin is accused of robbing and murdering Walter Aurifaber, a goldsmith. Cadfael knows that Liliwin is innocent, so he helps him taking a church-sanctuary from the vengeful mob. The case becomes more complicated when the Aurifaber household faces many tensions in the air.

Much the same mixture of previous novels, “The Sanctuary Sparrow” Cadfael mystery has a little less action but a little more sentiment. The book is another incredible treat for every monk Cadfael and history and historical fiction fan like me. I appreciated these books even more after seeing how Derek Jacobi played Cadfael’s role in the tv series. It is like a perfect meet-up of historic and modern time and set up.

“The Sanctuary Sparrow” highlights the tension between love of family and love of money. I noticed that this mystery crime novel has plenty of dark people. However, among the villainous characters, the seemingly mousy wife who uses emotional blackmail for keeping her unfaithful husband loyal caught my attention.

Many people who love to read murder mysteries, especially history and historical fiction, can appreciate how Ellis Peters weaved many scenes into thought-provoking in the book. From a money-hungry character to a family feud, no bad things in the world are always discovered by chance. Sometimes these things are exposed by malign design.

Compare book prices The Sanctuary Sparrow by using AddALL Used Books

8. The Devil’s Novice (1983)

September of 1140, outside St Peter and Saint Paul’s Abbey’s pale, King Stephen is reported missing. However, Brother Cadfael’s attention is on Meriet, a secretive, proud 19-year old novice. She is sent by his overbearing father, who happens to be the Lord of Aspley, to the Abbey to start a religious vocation. Soon, Meriet is linked to a missing priest. Only Cadfael believes that Meriet is innocent.

I love how Ellis Peters started “The Devil's Novice” book series in early Autumn with hazy sunshine and warm days and ended in December with frosty nights. Every lover of Medieval setting and murder mysteries will find this novel worth the read. Besides, Brother Cadfael’s warm and intuitive character makes the book even exciting.

The book is a perfect mix of historical fiction and murder mystery. Even if the characters in the epic face a looming threat of murder, they remain endearingly quirky. While the story offers a beautiful evocation of Medieval set up, the young characters are even more lovely than previous novels.

Meanwhile, I consider Isouda as the most refreshing character. Despite her brief attention in the book, her strong personality and romantic interest suit the Medieval set up.

Compare book prices The Devil’s Novice by using AddALL Used Books

9. Dead Man’s Ransom (1984)

The “Dead Man's Ransom” book features a 12th-century Welsh lord Brother Cadfael who is captured by the English as an exchange for Shropshire sheriff Gilbert Prestcote who held by the Welsh. Then, an exchange of captives is arranged. However, before it is completed, one prisoner is murdered. When the sheriff dies in the hands of Welsh, Cadfael is the first one who notices evidence of the unnatural death.

In the Dead Man's Ransom book mystery series, Ellis Peters delves the story into a context of conflicts, where the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul discovers itself. These include the border wars between the Welsh and the English; and the civil war between the next in line leaders.

I find the story of the book is simple but enjoyable to read. In the novel, I noticed that chivalry has an essential part in the storyline, which is easily forgotten and neglected in our contemporary times. The murder is what drives the narrative. The storyline of the book is an ideal combination of many political, civil, and social elements. I give “Dead Man's Ransom” 5 stars!

Compare book prices Dead Man’s Ransom by using AddALL Used Books

10. The Pilgrim of Hate (1984)

May of 1141, the Shrewsbury Abbey prepares for many pilgrims associated with the celebration of St. Winifred. These pilgrims are a motley bunch, a pair of men, several wealthy merchants, a lame boy with his aunt and sister, and someone who is barefoot while carrying a cross. Additionally, Olivier de Bretagne is in the vicinity and seeks a missing and murdered knight. Brother Cadfael suspects that the murder has a solution close to home.

The book is another enjoyable installment in the chronicles of Brother Cadfael for me. The storyline refers to the many events in two previous books, “A Morbid Taste for Bones” and “The Virgin in the Ice”. It’s interesting for me to know what happened to the characters I’ve encountered in the previous books.

I find “The Pilgrim of Hate” set light and gentle. As usual, bad people always lose, while love always wins. Readers of all ages, especially those fond of murder mysteries, will agree that it is fun to see a medieval monk riding up into battle. Overall, Ellis Peters depicted the right description of places, people, and emotions. “The Pilgrim of Hate” chronicles of Brother Cadfael is something that I’ll never get tired of reading.

Compare book prices The Pilgrim of Hate by using AddALL Used Books

11. An Excellent Mystery (1985)

August of 1141, entire England is still under the civil war. The Abbey of Hyde Meade is completely destroyed, so the resident brothers disperse and try to find refuge in the Abbey of Shrewsbury. A dying monk named Humilis and his caregiver Fidelis arrive at Cadfael’s monastery. Then, a young man comes to the scene looking for Fidelis. However, Brother Cadfael decides to hide her identity to avoid “scandal.”

Among the Cadfael books, “An Excellent Mystery” is the most unique. Apart from no one is killed, I also noticed that a pair of young lovers is almost absent. The storyline is about devotion, service, justice, loyalty, and passion rather than a murder mystery.

The “excellent mystery” or the highlighted part of the story does not kick in until I reached the third to halfway through the book. All of the characters come with a passion for something.

The final act of “An Excellent Mystery” is very moving and is well-constructed. Ellis Peters did a great job of bringing each tangled thread of a character into a stunning conclusion. Bittersweet for some, happy for others, but hopeful and optimistic all around.

Compare book prices An Excellent Mystery by using AddALL Used Books

12. The Raven in the Foregate (1986)

Winter of 1141, the Shrewbury’s Abbott returns from London together with an unforgiving and harsh pastor for Holy Cross parish named Father Ailnoth. Herbalist-sleuth Brother Cadfael is dismayed by the attitude of the new parish church. In fact, Ailnoth is hated and feared by many. So, none are surprised when his body is found in the millpond on Christmas morning.

Instead of thin plotting, Ellis Peters creatively mixed easy-flowing narrative, three-dimensional characters, and lively period details in “The Raven in the Foregate”.

The storyline of the novel teaches the readers that some people lack adequate translation of “love.” The term love here means familial love, which is generous and merciful. Besides, love does not despair of anyone and even put forth perfection as a criterion for acceptance.

In “The Raven in the Foregate” mystery series, I discovered an adorable love story flitting through the background. Again, Sheriff Hugh Beringar shows his good flair of drama and calm head nature. As for the climax in the graveyard, the scene is well-staged while the mystery of the death of Ailnoth is highly anticipated.

Compare book prices The Raven in the Foregate by using AddALL Used Books

13. The Rose Rent (1986)

A sought-after by many townsmen, wealthy young widow Judith Perle has leased the most important possession to the abbey Shrewsbury to her. She only asks a single rose for the rent of the house and garden per year. June of 1142, a young monk named Eluric is brutally slain as he tries to prevent the motiveless destruction of bush that is known to produce the rose rent. So, the detection skills of monk Cadfael is desperately needed once again.

In “The Rose Rent”, Ellis Peters showcased her skills in weaving an ornamented and intricate mystery with rich historical details. That is especially in the portrayal of delayed planting that took place in England in 1142.

At the core of the book, there is unhappiness. However, the strong character of Judith adds color to the storyline. This is where Brother Cadfael takes something of a back seat, where he steps in only when crucial moments strike.

With all social mores of Medieval time with Victorian sensibilities, The Rose Rent book is a pure comfort read. The 11th edition of Ellis Peters' Cadfael novels “An Excellent Mystery” is an anthem to love of all forms. I see “The Rose Rent” as a story about discovering a place of being, realizing a way of being, and finding a path back to contentment.

Compare book prices The Rose Rent by using AddALL Used Books

14. The Hermit of Eyton Forest (1987)

Two mysterious tenants on the land of Dame Dionisia, a holy man living as a hermit named Cuthred and his young aid called Hyacinth, are together with a domineering dowager. When the 10-year old student Richard Ludel disappeared, his grandmother Dame Dionisia becomes a suspect. Then, other alarming events follow rapidly like Cuthred is murdered, and Hyacinth vanishes.

In the book, Brother Cadfael remains an unpredictable and shrewd character as ever. He uses all his talent and knowledge to solve the crimes while playing as a high political, doctor, and matchmaker games.

I think “The Hermit of Eyton Forest” book series works because Brother Cadfael, before he entered the Abbey, had a life. Then, he steps between the two worlds easily. As I read the story, I feel like I’m traveling into the pattern of work, meals, and prayer times.

The book is more of suspense rather than mystery. Besides, this one is a variation of Ellis Peters of her usual plots in her books. However, there are still military men, occasional vivid scenes, and young lovers.

Compare book prices The Hermit of Eyton Forest by using AddALL Used Books

15. The Confession of Brother Haluin (1988)

December of 1142, Brother Haluin makes a deathbed confession to Brother Cadfael that 18 years ago, he had fallen in love with Betrade de Clary. However, her mother forbids their love and marriage. Later on, the girl died due to the herbs he had giver her mother to abort their baby. As he unexpectedly recovers from his fall, he wants to visit Betrade’s tomb. The two monks encounter more than the tomb there.

Readers who enjoy reading books about forbidden love can relate to “The Confession of Brother Haluin”. Plus, there are also violent emotions, arranged marriage, and of course, murder. It’s interesting to know how Brother Cadfael untangle the threads connecting the past to the present.

The book is a short novel. However, character development is twisting, emphatic, and well-detailed. I like how Ellis Peters writes the revelation arcs for the mature characters. For the inexperienced youth, she formed softening of the harsh dogmas.

Ellis Peters' “The Confession of Brother Haluin” has a different tone. The crime here in chronicles of Brother Cadfael appears in the past. I felt how intense the character of Haluin is. All in all, the book is an enjoyable transport to the 12th century set up in Shrewsbury.

Compare book prices The Confession of Brother Haluin by using AddALL Used Books

16. The Heretic’s Apprentice (1989)

Summer of 1143, a young clerk to William of Lythwood named Elave returns from the Holy Land pilgrimage together with his elderly master’s body. Elave has two missions, to bury William in the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul; and to deliver a dowry to the adopted daughter of William. The Lythwood hires a clerk in the absence of Elave. However, he is stabbed to death. Then, Elave is incarcerated for murder.

"The Heretic's Apprentice" has a gentle pace, elegant mystery, and lovely writing the way I enjoyed the previous Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael novels. Ellis Peters never fails to write historic settings' descriptions precisely and creatively with enjoying the reading experience.

While the book’s mood is very gentle and placid, it is still a lovely and comfortable reading experience. Reading Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mysteries books is like reading poetry with a Medieval set up. The storyline of “The Heretic's Apprentice” is especially attractive because it deals with a young man charged with heresy.

While doing this book review, I noticed that in “The Heretic's Apprentice”, no history is woven so much. Instead, several scenes deal with how the church handles the charges of heresy.

Compare book prices The Heretic’s Apprentice by using AddALL Used Books

17. The Potter’s Field (1989)

August of 1143, a newly plowed field is given to the Benedictine abbey Shrewsbury is found with a buried body of a young woman. A year earlier, a former tenant of the land named Ruald abandoned his wife, Generys. Then, she mysteriously disappeared.

The book is another solid addition to Cadfael’s fiction books. So far, it is the one that goes with most twists. The characters of “The Potter's Field” are all illustrated brilliantly. The characters are also concerned near the Shrewsbury and other setups, giving a broader scope than others.

In “The Potter's Field”, Brother Cadfael has two mysteries to solve, who the woman found on the land, and how she met her end. Together with Sheriff Hugh, Cadfael must make a move to untangle the two mysteries. With the intricate plot mixed with the unusual resolution, the book is one of Cadfael’s books' favorite.

While the book has all the usual features of a Brother Cadfael book series that I read, the plot still manages to give me plenty of surprises. Not only that, Ellis Peters successfully offered in-depth explorations of motivations and relationships with thrilling reading experience.

Compare book prices The Potter’s Field by using AddALL Used Books

18. The Summer of the Danes (1991)

April of 1144, Brother Cadfael, together with his former assistant Brother Mark is sent to Wales. While carrying out their errand, they travel with Prince Owain of Gwynedd and his men. A young lady named Heledd, who desperately wants to escape an arranged marriage, travels with the group.

Ellis Peters' “Summer of the Danes” comes with a different feel compared to most of the Cadfael books because Cadfael gets a chance to travel to his homeland Wales. Although the storyline is not the usual flow of events seen in others, it still relates when a dispute between Prince Owain and his brother Cadwaladr took place.

It’s nice to know that Brother Mark returns in the novel fiction series. The book contains some of the usual elements of Ellis Peters, which are murder and romance. This Cadfael book is fun to read. It’s more of an adventure than the usually quiet world of the Shrewsbury monastery.

Although Ellis Peters' “Summer of the Danes” is not a typical murder mystery story, this is one of the short stories fascinating to read. The lesson in the book is the right kingship. One has to be honorable in all his dealings, even with his enemies in the world.

Compare book prices The Summer of the Danes by using AddALL Used Books

19. The Holy Thief (1992)

In early 1144, Brother Cadfael extends his hospitality to Brother Herluin and Brother Tutilo, his novice attendant. These monks solicit help for the destroyed Abbey at Ramsey. Soon, they have collected some willing workmen, timber, and alms. After the group has left for the trip back to Ramsey, they discover that St. Winifred’s reliquary is missing.

In the 19th novel of Cadfael series “The Holy Thief”, Ellis Peters shares a violent with some gentle mysteries. For me, the tone, time, and set up of these books are perfect. While reading the book, I feel like I’m in rural England and one medieval people.

“The Holy Thief” is one of the books I read that took me far from the 21st century without getting too overwhelming. Ellis Peters can make the readers travel back in the medieval period while giving the beauty of mystery storybooks. I would love to read these short stories books over and over again.

I love about “The Holy Thief” short stories is the intricacy of the plot. That is because it weaves the relationships between ecclesiastical and secular worlds, characters of old and new, and two connected crimes. The story offers compelling turns and twists, while the resolution is very satisfying.

Compare book prices The Holy Thief by using AddALL Used Books

20. Brother Cadfael’s Penance (1994)

November of 1145, King Stephen and Empress Maud are still quarreling over the crown of England. As a result of one of the treachery pieces involved in the civil war, a young man under Maud’s service is handed over to the enemy. However, no one knows who he is. Meanwhile, Brother Cadfael faces a shocking revelation about who the young man is.

The “Brother Cadfael's Penance” has a complicated scheme with themes of family and loyalty. As a rewarding Cadfael series, I got a satisfying and powerful resolution.

Ellis Peters showcased her skills in creating a mystery masterpiece in the book. Doing this book review, I see that the characters are complex and exciting, while the plots are not repetitive. I like how history is interestingly presented and accurate. So, it’s no surprise why you will see these books at theaters since they are made into films, portrayed by Derek Jacobi and worth reading.

From the first Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael book to the last one, I realized that monk Cadfael is someone that everyone would love to have as a friend. The religion is well-presented and well-woven into life with many theologizing. Aside from being always directed to compassion, the “Brother Cadfael's Penance” is highly recommended to mystery novels lovers.

Compare book prices Brother Cadfael’s Penance by using AddALL Used Books

21. A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael (1988)

The “A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael” has three short stories that feature Brother Cadfael. These vintage stories of betrayal and intrigue feature Brother Cadfael, who becomes best-loved because of his ecclesiastical detective skills.

While Cadfael appeared in the 20 novel-length chronicles of Brother Cadfael, his life and entry into the Shrewsbury monastery are still unknown to everyone. So, I appreciate that “A Rare Benedictine: The Ardent of Brother Cadfael” three short stories books came.

In a nutshell, the book is not part of the Ellis Peters' chronicles of Brother Cadfael as it is not a novel. This Cadfael mystery contains three short stories books set about monk Cadfael. All three stories are interesting to read and consistent when it comes to the character of Brother Cadfael. They are worth reading and enjoyable.

Compare book prices A Rare Benedictine by using AddALL Used Books

Final Thoughts

Do you want to enter the world of Medieval time and set up? Do you want to read historical mystery novels? Then, the Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael novels series is an excellent addition to your book collection and best known for incredible plots and resolutions. These novels are made into films and portrayed by Derek Jacobi. These great books will let you experience the 12th century England while exploring different mystery stories. Best of all, you will find the used book prices by using “AddALL Used Books” are affordable.

Table of 7 Omnibus Books, 21 Cadfael Books Published and set in Date

Seven Cadfael Omnibus editions were published, three novels in each omnibus volume.