Who Would Like This Book:
If you love your mysteries with a historical twist and a dash of quaint, old-world charm, "A Morbid Taste for Bones" is a treat. This first Brother Cadfael novel drops you into 12th-century England and Wales, featuring a former soldier turned pragmatic monk who’s as keen-minded as any detective. With immersive period details, a strong sense of place, clever humor, and a lovable, slightly unconventional protagonist, it’s cozy, character-driven, and full of gentle wisdom. Fans of classic whodunits, historical fiction, or anyone who enjoys a thoughtful sleuth solving crimes without gore or graphic violence will find plenty to enjoy.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers looking for a fast-paced thriller or a twisty, hard-to-solve mystery may find this one a bit slow or the solution too obvious. Some might feel Brother Cadfael’s outlook is anachronistically modern, and the secondary characters can feel a bit thin in places. If you want gritty realism, deep psychological complexity, or a breakneck pace, this book’s gentle, reflective style might not be your cup of tea.
About:
'A Morbid Taste for Bones' in the series 'Chronicles of Brother Cadfael' follows the protagonist Brother Cadfael, a medieval monk and amateur sleuth, as he accompanies a group of monks on a journey to a Welsh village to retrieve the relics of a saint. The local community opposes the relocation of the saint's bones, and when a murder occurs, suspicion falls on the monks. Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to investigate the murder and unravel the deception surrounding the crime, all while bringing justice to the Welsh village they have invaded.
The plot of the book combines historical fiction with mystery, featuring well-developed characters and intricate descriptions of the medieval setting. The narrative follows Brother Cadfael's intelligent and deft hand in solving the murder mystery, incorporating themes of justice, deception, and the clash between different cultures and beliefs.
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Has Romance?
There are elements of romance woven into the narrative, particularly involving the younger characters.
From The Publisher:
The ambitious head of Shrewsbury Abbey wants to acquire Saint Winifred's sacred remains for his Benedictine order. And when the ensuing controversy leads to murder, Brother Cadfael investigates.
Ratings (38)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (24) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (131):
Read It (40) | |
Want To Read (56) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (32) |
4 comment(s)
I've seen the TV movies, but this is the first time I've read the books. I very much enjoyed the solution to this mystery and why this solution was chosen.
This was a fun, cozy sort of read. I definitely enjoyed it for the most part, though I felt like the ending kind of dragged. Not particularly interested in pursuing this series.
Not sure if it's a 3.5 or 4 stars. This was an enjoyable and a little bit of a cozy mystery set in medieval times following munks. The mystery revolves around saint and it gets really interesting. Really want to continue the series but it seems to be a lot and I only got two more
I quite enjoyed this. Much of the pleasure is in Cadfael's shrewd assessments of the people around him. I'm inclined to read through the series in order. I would really give this 3.5 stars, but being forced to round, I've chosen to round to 4.
What can you read after
A Morbid Taste for Bones?
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