Monk's Hood

MONK'S HOOD by the late Ellis Peters is the third volume in this outstanding medieval mystery series. Father Cadfael encounters an old love in the wife of a murder man. Is she guilty of killing her husband or is her young son by her first marriage the culprit. It is up to the good father to untangle the twists strands of complex human emotions and their desire to retain what was promised to them. A fine read. Nash Black, author of Indie finalists WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and HAINTS.

"Monk's-Hood" is Ellis Peters' third Brother Cadfael mystery, following nicely on from "One Corpse Too Many". It is set at the close of the year 1138. Almost six months have elapsed since King Stephen's army laid siege to and finally took the English town of Shrewsbury. But, whilst the King may have withdrawn his forces, and departed the town to impress his claim to the English throne on other areas of the Kingdom, murderous deeds are still afoot on the Welsh Marches. And, once again, Brother Cadfael finds himself firmly in the midst of it all.The tale this time involves the mysterious poisoning of a guest of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, by means, what's more, of one of Brother Cadfael's own healing concoctions. With his own - as well as the Abbey's - honour at stake, Cadfael refuses to let matters lie, especially when the sheriff's somewhat over-zealous sergeant appears to be rather hastily leaping to the wrong conclusion as to who is responsible for the dire deed. To add further complications to the task before our mediaeval sleuth, Cadfael suddenly finds himself confined to the Abbey precincts by a more than usually overweening Prior Robert. As always, though, Cadfael's greater humility and wit (aided somewhat by divine providence) win out in the end, with our hero triumphing over arrogant authority of both secular and cloistered varieties. Ellis Peters uses her own flawless wit and easy flowing prose to spin an enchanting and compulsive story around the central mystery, although the book is not really of the classic whodunnit mould. Her ingenious tale of family intrigue unfolds at a wonderfully leisurely pace, with the reader following a tantalising breadcrumb trail of snippets of information, released at just the right rate to ensure that the reader does not solve the mystery before Cadfael himself. Along the way, we learn something of the complex political and social webs common to Mediaeval life on the English/Welsh borders, as well as much more about the past life of the book's central character. As ever, attention to historical detail is meticulous.Whether you read this book in sequence or not depends on how much of a purist you are. Reading later volumes before this one will give away something of the book's very ending, though not so much that it will in any way be spoiled. Reading this (or any later ones) before the first two would be a mistake, though, as that undermines some aspects of the first volumes' mysteries. There is no need to have read any earlier volumes, though, if you just want to pick this one up and enjoy it!

One nice thing about historical mysteries is that they withstand the test of time so well. The Brother Cadefel series is now well into its third decade but the writing (and the reading) remains fresh and entertaining. This book won the British Silver Dagger (top runner up for best novel) in 1980 and it could still be a contender.This episode has Cadefel defending the child of his childhood sweetheart after the poisoning of her new husband. We learn a bit more about Cadefel's background - both in Wales and as a Crusader. Hugh Beringer returns as the honest and smart deputy. I also rather liked Cadefel's new assistant, Mark - a monk with spunk. The action takes Cadefel to the Welsh borderlands and it's fun to see him in a new context.Bottom-line: Not exactly a page-turner but a wonderful read to savor and enjoy over a couple of days.

Ellis Peters has done it again in this, her third Brother Cadfael novel. She provides us with a delectable murder mystery, served up on a platter of Cadfael's private memories, garnished with monastic disorder. Abbot Heribert suddenly relinquishes the reins of abbatial power to the serenely capable hands of Prior Robert, acting Abbot. You can be sure that the Rule will be strictly enforced at last! The first novel, A MORBID TASTE FOR BONES, presents Cadfael's devotion to his beloved Saint Winifrid (also of Wales). The second novel, ONE CORPSE TOO MANY, chronicles his friendship with the new deputy, Hugh Beringar, a King's man. Here in #3 we enjoy a private glimpse into his amorous (pre- Benedictine) past, as he encounters his secret fiance, Richildis Vaughn--two husbands later. Still slightly susceptible to feminine charm despite long years waring the cowl, Cadfael debates visitng her one last time before she moves to a distant manor. Will our favorite Brother of the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul have something to Confess--to her or in the cloister? An aging man with a feisty nature is viciously poisoned after eating a partridge sent as a gift, prepared by the Abbot's cook. Cadfael discovers that the murder weapon was none other than oil of monk's hood, disguised in the sauce; this oil was prepared by his own hand, to relieve the aches of old bones and sore muscles. Shocked that a soothing salve to reduce stress has actually caused death, Cadfael undertakes the investigation personally--as far as his snooty superiors permit. He is aided by his young, loyal assistant in the herb garden, Brother Mark--an eager sidekick to search for clues. Eventually Hugh returns to take up the case, but can they all prove that Richildis' young son is innocent? I personally prefer the Peters' mysteries which provide insight into the personality, past and motivation of her protagonist--novels which offer more than admittendly excellent plot delineation. I can't get enough of Cadfael, an aging ex-Crusader turned monk/sleuth in 12th century Shrewsbury. Here he emerges as brave, compassionate, and slightly worldly, but above all a shrewd observer of human nature--both clerical as well as secular. There are always hidden literary and historical treasures to be found in Peter's Cadfael novels, just waiting to be unearthed and savored by observant readers. Amatuer sleuths and gardeners--Beware! Know thy herbs (appearance, scent and uses) but drink no sauces flavored with oil of MONK'S HOOD!

Though Brother Cadfael may be a monk, he's certainly not sheltered. His wit, will, and devotion bring the story alive. He uses God to help him prove who poisoned the new guest of the abbey and save the soul of the murderer. This book is a must-read for mystery lovers, people who like to think, and those who look for entertainment. Excellent job, Ms. Peters, for one of your best books