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Ellis Peters
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A Morbid Taste for Bones (The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Ellis Peters (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5,246 ratings
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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 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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  1. Book 1 of 20
    The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael
  2. Print length
    213 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    MysteriousPress.com/Open Road
  5. Publication date
    August 5, 2014
  6. File size
    11827 KB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Book 1 - Book 10
The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Book 1 - Book 20
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  1. Meet every man as you find him, for we’re all made the same under habit or robe or rags. Some better made than others, and some better cared for, but on the same pattern all.
    Highlighted by 611 Kindle readers
  2. When you have done everything else, perfecting a conventual herb-garden is a fine and satisfying thing to do.
    Highlighted by 588 Kindle readers
  3. Official justice does not dig deep, but regards what comes readily to the surface, and draws conclusions accordingly.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A pleasing, and unusual, mixture of suspense and historical fiction.” —London Evening Standard

“You’ll love Brother Cadfael, wily veteran of the Crusades. . . . This was England before the age of tea and crumpets.” —Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Ellis Peters is a pseudonym of Edith Mary Pargeter (1913–1995), a British author whose Chronicles of Brother Cadfael are credited with popularizing the historical mystery. Cadfael, a Welsh Benedictine monk living at Shrewsbury Abbey in the first half of the twelfth century, has been described as combining the curious mind of a scientist with the bravery of a knight-errant. The character has been adapted for television, and the books drew international attention to Shrewsbury and its history.

Pargeter won an Edgar Award in 1963 for Death and the Joyful Woman, and in 1993 she won the Cartier Diamond Dagger, an annual award given by the Crime Writers’ Association of Great Britain. She was appointed officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1994, and in 1999 the British Crime Writers’ Association established the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger award, later called the Ellis Peters Historical Award.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00LUZNVQO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MysteriousPress.com/Open Road; Reissue edition (August 5, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 5, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 11827 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 213 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0446400157
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5,246 ratings

About the author

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Ellis Peters

Ellis Peters

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Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM (28 September 1913 – 14 October 1995), also known by her nom de plume Ellis Peters, was an English 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. She is well known for her medieval-detective series The Cadfael Chronicles.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Meray (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
5,246 global ratings

Customers say

Readers find the story quality excellent, interesting, and well-written. They describe the book as an enjoyable, perfect read for readers who enjoy a plot without modern forensics. Customers also appreciate the well-developed characters and endearing qualities of Brother Cadfael. They praise the writing quality as well-done, easy to read, and masterful. Readers mention the books are intelligent, wise, and painstakingly researched. They appreciate the historical accuracy and authentic 12th century details.

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Story qualityReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting qualityIntelligenceHistorical accuracyHumorPace
154 customers mention "Story quality"142 positive12 negative

Customers find the stories in the book filled with twists and turns. They say the author adds depth to the story by including a variety of subplots. Readers also mention the opening story is historically interesting.

"...they're not quick, breezy reads, but so far I've found them completely captivating!" Read more

"A delightful and clever mystery with likable characters. Not perhaps the most intellectual story but a very satisfying and enjoyable book." Read more

"...He is endlessly fascinating...." Read more

"...Nice little story. If lazy." Read more

137 customers mention "Readability"134 positive3 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, perfect for readers who enjoy a plot without modern forensics. They say it's worth reading in order and uplifting to read. Readers also mention the writing is pleasant and well-tended. Additionally, they say the book keeps them interested throughout and is a great introduction to Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series.

"...Not perhaps the most intellectual story but a very satisfying and enjoyable book." Read more

"This book arrived earlier than expected and in excellent condition. I'm very happy!" Read more

"...But there has to be one in every group, you know. They are uplifting to read, written during a time when a man's word was his bond, and honesty..." Read more

"...They make a very soothing reading.Each book may be read on its own since each contains a complete story...." Read more

64 customers mention "Character development"62 positive2 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and endearing. They also appreciate the Welsh setting and how well the hero, Brother Cadfael, fits into it.

"...so far are very well written, with rich descriptions and fully-realized characters without stretching on ad nauseum...." Read more

"A delightful and clever mystery with likable characters. Not perhaps the most intellectual story but a very satisfying and enjoyable book." Read more

"...I love the time period in which they take place, and all the characters are appealing, except for Brother Jerome!..." Read more

"...The mysteries are excellent, the characters wonderfully detailed, the English and Welsh cultures fascinating...." Read more

50 customers mention "Writing quality"45 positive5 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book very well-written, easy to read, and engrossing. They appreciate the masterful author's combined with a bit of mystery. Readers also mention the dialogue is realistic and descriptive.

"...The books I've read so far are very well written, with rich descriptions and fully-realized characters without stretching on ad nauseum...." Read more

"...Wonderfully written and an absorbing puzzle. Now it is imperative that I read them all." Read more

"Edith Pargeter as Ellis Peters writes so beautifully and has researched so well the historical details of time and place for the 12th century..." Read more

"Margaret Frazier is my favorite mystery writer. Her writing is like cream...." Read more

38 customers mention "Intelligence"35 positive3 negative

Customers find the book intelligent, worldly, and wise. They say it's full of good information about the Middle Ages, painstakingly researched, and historically accurate. Readers also mention the book is educational, with deep insight into the medieval mind-set.

"...I've always been fascinated by herb-lore, and Peters provides a great deal of information, nicely blended in with the storyline...." Read more

"...Because of this he makes a wonderful guide to events both local and historical...." Read more

"...This provides for some beautiful touches of maturity and philosophical wisdom as he shows that sometimes "doing the right thing" is complicated and..." Read more

"...appreciate the strength of the supporting cast and the clear reasoning displayed by Cadfael...." Read more

26 customers mention "Historical accuracy"26 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book. They say it does a good job describing the historical period in which the story takes place. Readers also enjoy the authentic 12th century details and setting. They say it gives a great insight about England, Wales, and environs in that period.

"...excellent, the characters wonderfully detailed, the English and Welsh cultures fascinating...." Read more

"...as Ellis Peters writes so beautifully and has researched so well the historical details of time and place for the 12th century setting that is..." Read more

"This was a fun mystery to read. I liked how generally accurate its portrayal of the Middle Ages was, and it showed the diverse types of clerics one..." Read more

"...Great description of period Welsh and English cultural and religious realities." Read more

26 customers mention "Humor"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book witty, irrepressible, and amusing. They say the story is spiced with gentle humor and sweet romance. Readers also mention it's remarkable that it's possible to write an entertaining story without disgusting language.

"A delightful and clever mystery with likable characters. Not perhaps the most intellectual story but a very satisfying and enjoyable book." Read more

"...The overall style of writing is very pleasant to the ear. I was not disappointed with a single title...." Read more

"...This opening story is historically interesting and the writing is very well-done...." Read more

"...and the conclusion was somewhat unsatisfying, but the writing was very good, and the character development for some of the main characters was..." Read more

32 customers mention "Pace"13 positive19 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pace of the book. Some mention it has a good pace and vivid settings, while others say it's too slow.

"...Generally, they're not quick, breezy reads, but so far I've found them completely captivating!" Read more

"...The pace is steady, strong and keeps you reading...." Read more

"...Initially, I did have a slow time getting into the book; however, after the first third of the story, it picked up...." Read more

"...I experienced no sluggish parts...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

Nancy L. Middleton
5.0 out of 5 stars Columbo as a medieval monk
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2015
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Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series is one of my absolute favorites. As much as I devour cutting-edge forensic science solutions to true crimes, especially murders, I find great satisfaction in watching a brilliant mind working diligently to deconstruct and solve a mystery. I share this delight with thousands of others, obviously, which explains the continued popularity of series heroes (and anti-heroes) such a Sherlock Holmes.

I came on a Brother Cadfael mini omnibus among my mother's books, and discovered the delight of solving crimes in the medieval times. I still have many more Brother Cadfael stories to work through, but the first in a series introduces us to the main cast, and that's what "A Morbid Taste for Bones" does well.

I also happen to enjoy learning new tidbits of knowledge, and with Brother Cadfael readers learn a lot about herb-based folk medicines and early doctoring. The series' setting is an English monastery in Shrewsbury during a time when Christianity was well-established throughout the former Roman empire, but where pockets of folks still lived very close to the Pagan influences of their ancestors. The books also enlighten readers to this earlier justice system, where the local largest land-owner, usually someone with a title, maintains his own sheriff and metes out punishments as he see fit.

I have recommended the Brother Cadfael books to friends who share my enjoyment of forensics, police or legal procedurals, mysteries including "cozy" mysteries. The books I've read so far are very well written, with rich descriptions and fully-realized characters without stretching on ad nauseum. The violence or deaths described are not overly-violent or gory, but they are plainly stated. Sexuality is also treated in this manner. For example, Brother Cadfael has been a monk for quite a while, but we learn quickly that he lived a full life before joining the monastery, highlighted as a Crusader. He loved women, but never marries and has no children. The character often surprises others when he speaks of the beauty of a young woman, or that he is reminded of a woman he particularly loved. Such words from a celibate man of God! Even though women are second-class citizens during this historical era, in the series they are not depicted in an exploitive or sexualized manner. The author does use some archaic terms and language but I've almost always been able to figure out what these words meant by the context. I think I've had to look up three or four that I wasn't quite able to discern. Most of these are words related to archaic tools or farm implements.

I enjoyed this book and the unique solution Brother Cadfael devises to solve a murder and right a wrong being perpetrated by the haughty Prior Robert, who we run into in the other books. The solution fits in with the "magical thinking" embraced by many if not most commoners of the time. Brother Cadfael is a very pragmatic, down-to-earth monk living during a time of mystical visions and beliefs, and although he makes use of such beliefs, he never capitalizes on them.

This is a series I would recommend to anyone looking for something different from the many hundreds of run-of-the-mill cookie-cutter series. Generally, they're not quick, breezy reads, but so far I've found them completely captivating!
11 people found this helpful
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Mole End Farm denizen
4.0 out of 5 stars Charming
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
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A delightful and clever mystery with likable characters. Not perhaps the most intellectual story but a very satisfying and enjoyable book.
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roadrunner
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story delivered quickly
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
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This book arrived earlier than expected and in excellent condition. I'm very happy!
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Robert P Gelms
5.0 out of 5 stars It's Downright Medieval
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2018
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Cadfael Ora Pro Nobis
By Bob Gelms
This is the second installment of a three-part series on the first successful appearance in print of some of the most famous detectives in fiction. In the last issue of 365ink I wrote a little bit about Sherlock Holmes and quite a bit about that dandified little Belgian detective with the weird little mustache, Hercule Poirot.
In this piece, I’m writing about a man who just might be the best detective of them all, Cadfael. He is endlessly fascinating. Here’s why.
It would be impossible to miss the fact that Cadfael is a Benedictine monk, occasionally known as the Black Monks because of the color of their habits. In the monastery, every monk had a job and Cadfael tended the vegetable garden. He was the monastery’s herbalist, a profession he learned in the Holy Land while serving in the Crusades as a knight.
Cadfael had to be extremely careful when acting as an herbalist in the area of medicine. Herbalists were regularly treated to a full body hot foot if they were caught growing certain kinds of mushroom in the cellar or certain kinds of what came to be called the herb superb. He was aware of a compound he could make from the leaves of the willow tree. It was a medieval miracle drug which Cadfael could make it even though he didn’t have a name for it. We do. It’s called aspirin.
Oh, did I neglect to mention that Brother Cadfael lived in the 12th century. He was highly educated and didn’t enter the monastic life until he was in his 40s. He was regularly called upon to act as a medical examiner, doctor, diplomat, and, of course, as a detective. Try solving murder mysteries with no DNA, no fingerprints, no lab techs, and no goofy side kick.
Twenty Cadfael historical murder mysteries were written between 1977 and 1994 by the linguist-scholar Edith Pargeter under the name "Ellis Peters". They were spectacularly successful all over the world but especially in the UK where they generated a popular TV show shown here in USA on public television. In the UK, it was adapted for radio and the stage. Today I’d like to write about the first one, A Morbid Taste for Bones.
Cadfael, who is Welsh, belongs to the Benedictine monastery in Shrewsbury in western England. The abbey is run by Brother Robert the Prior, a man who is scheming to get ahead in the world by making his abbey famous. He needs the relics of a popular saint to increase the revenue from pilgrims.
It seems that two of his monks visited the town of Gwytherin in Wales to visit the grave of Saint Winifred to pray for indulgences and a cure for various physical ailments. While there, one of the monks had a vision of Saint Winifred who told the monk that she was unhappy about the condition of her grave and that she wanted to lie somewhere else more accessible to pilgrims. Well, Prior Robert had just the place.
Prior Robert went through the proper channels and received all the proper consents to transfer the relics of Saint Winifred to Shrewsbury Abbey. A delegation from Shrewsbury was sent to Gwytherin to collect the bones. Cadfael was tapped to accompany the delegation because he spoke both English and Welch. He would act as translator.
They arrived to find the local people were not exactly enthusiastic. The priest did not want the remains moved and he informed the monks that they needed the consent of all the freemen in town. Nobody seemed to know why.
The "big wheel" in town, Mr. Rhisiart, the area’s most influential landowner, did not want the remains moved either. Being an arrogant prior, Robert thought he would be able to bribe Rhisiart. He couldn’t have done anything worse. The little Welsh town was super-charged with anxiety and hatred.
It was all going very badly for everybody. Until it got far worse when Mr. Rhisiart’s body was found in the woods with an arrow sticking out of his chest. This is a job for………Brother Cadfael.
Prior Robert gave Brother Cadfael his marching orders: Solve the crime to the satisfaction of all the parties involved and see to it that the townsfolk are in agreement that Shrewsbury Abbey is the best place for Saint Winifred. In other words, to coin a phrase, Cadfael was to see to it that everybody lived happily ever after.
I’ll bet you are wondering if our Super-Monk got the job done and, more importantly, how. Placing a detective in a medieval monastery was a stroke of genius. I was completely and thoroughly entertained by Ellis Peters’ A Morbid Taste for Bones. I didn’t figure it out, which I also find to be a lot of fun. I’ll tell you how I really feel. I ordered books two and three and I’m going to shut my phone off.
15 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars I expected too much
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
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NYT read like the wind column oversold the significance of the historical setting. Or maybe I wanted that texture. I could have provided all the historical context based on one viewing of the Princess Bride. Nice little story. If lazy.
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Voyager2021
4.0 out of 5 stars A very entertaining series of mysteries
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2018
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I started reading the Cadfael books with book 1, and am now reading book 14. I love the time period in which they take place, and all the characters are appealing, except for Brother Jerome! But there has to be one in every group, you know. They are uplifting to read, written during a time when a man's word was his bond, and honesty really was a virtue for most. Oh there are villains, but usually they are just people who made mistakes rather than being truly evil. I enjoy reading about the events of the day, and the life and times of people in that time period. Written in a time of civil war, it was interesting to see just how that affected the general populace. Cadfael is a good soul, willing to give the benefit of the doubt, and the last to judge, but stalwart and a force to be reckoned with if need be. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries set in the 1100's, who enjoys stories that are less intense than some in the mystery genre, who enjoy reading books with no foul language, and in which the violence is handled a little more gently than in some. There are only 21 books in the series, and I am starting to get anxious as I get closer to the end of the series, but I so love the characters and the setting now, I can't stop!
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Dr O.
5.0 out of 5 stars great start to the Cadfael series
Reviewed in Canada on April 25, 2024
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This is actually my Re-reading of the first Cadfael book, after many years of enjoying the whole of the 20 novels thirty or forty years ago. What I grinned at throughout was the cynical view of priesthood and of miracles without giving up on the power of popular belief. The building blocks of later novels are all here: the innocent glow of youth, the beauty and strength of women, the wisdom of mature men, and of course love of the people and landscape of Wales. Well paced story-telling , suspense, romance, all indulge the reader with an salty edge that allows for the relativity of truth in win-win social and spiritual outcomes.
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L.M. EVans
5.0 out of 5 stars Plot is funny. Generally entertaining
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2024
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As above. It was humorous, very human.
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Shobha
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Brother Cadfael Books
Reviewed in India on September 13, 2020
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There is so much suspense yet peace in reading these books. It’s one of my favorite series. Thank you Ellis Peters ❤️
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A good story
Reviewed in Italy on May 20, 2019
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Interesting book. Rather comlpicated to keep track of the names,but a good story
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William Twaddell
5.0 out of 5 stars Step Back into Olde England
Reviewed in Japan on December 12, 2022
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Ellis Peters, the author, has lived in the area of Shrewsbury for many years. She has made a study of the area, adjacent Wales, medieval life and religion. The result is an entertaining tale centered around the Benedictine Brother Cadfael, once upon a time a hard-bitten Crusader combat veteran. His keen mind and powers of observation, even from his limited religious living area, make him the Medieval version of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Well-written and most believable, one book has the reader eager to acquire the next. As there are several texts in the series, any reader is in for an extended good time, stepping back into early 12th century England. Enjoy!
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