Medieval monastic mysteries (A Morbid Taste for Bones - Ellis Peters)

Member Name: Gromit

Product:	A Morbid Taste for Bones - Ellis Peters
Date:	03/10/00 (386 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great character on the murder trail

Disadvantages: None

This book launched Brother Cadfael onto the market and what a wonderful character he is. One of the great strengths of Cadfael is that he is so believable. Born in Wales and having spent many years travelling and fighting abroad, he decides he has had enough of the world and retires to live a monastic life. During his time abroad, he became acquainted with medicines and herbs (a quite useful skill when fighting) and quickly established his career in the monastery as a healer. In the books he uses these skills to solve mysterious deaths. Set in Shrewsbury in the 12th century, Ellis Peters creates a marvellous theme that is very captivating. I purchased this book whilst in an American airport lounge waiting for my departure. I had watched one of the programmes on TV and decided to try it out. I found I could hardly put the book down and was really glad I bought it. I am not a fan of whodunnits but these are an excellent read. The first story finds Cadfael back in Wales to bring the bones of Saint Winifred back to Shrewsbury Abbey. The local people are naturally reluctant to relinquish the bones of their own Saint and it is not long before a murder is committed amidst intrigue, love and distrust. A superb read.

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