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Book Review
Apr. 3rd, 2018 10:04 pmThe Holy Thief
by Ellis Peters
This is the penultimate of the Cadfael mysteries, and it is one of the best of the series. In the springtime, Cadfael's abbey gets a visit from two very different but equally interesting groups: a troubadour and his small party, which includes a female singer; and a delegation of monks from the recently liberated Ramsey Abbey seeking alms and aid for the rebuilding of their abbey, a party which includes a young monk on the verge of taking vows who is also a profoundly gifted musician. When a flood threatens the abbey, various precious items and the relics of St. Winifred must be evacuated. Theft and murder ensue, affecting both groups of travelers and the members of the Shrewsbury Abbey.
This is one of the most enjoyable volumes of the series. I loved the intricacy of the mystery plot, which weaves together two connected crimes, characters both new and old, and the relationships between the secular and ecclesiastical worlds. Along the way we also see Cadfael and his fellow monks grappling with the nature of justice and saintly intercession. The plot has several compelling twists and turns, and a very satisfying resolution.
by Ellis Peters
This is the penultimate of the Cadfael mysteries, and it is one of the best of the series. In the springtime, Cadfael's abbey gets a visit from two very different but equally interesting groups: a troubadour and his small party, which includes a female singer; and a delegation of monks from the recently liberated Ramsey Abbey seeking alms and aid for the rebuilding of their abbey, a party which includes a young monk on the verge of taking vows who is also a profoundly gifted musician. When a flood threatens the abbey, various precious items and the relics of St. Winifred must be evacuated. Theft and murder ensue, affecting both groups of travelers and the members of the Shrewsbury Abbey.
This is one of the most enjoyable volumes of the series. I loved the intricacy of the mystery plot, which weaves together two connected crimes, characters both new and old, and the relationships between the secular and ecclesiastical worlds. Along the way we also see Cadfael and his fellow monks grappling with the nature of justice and saintly intercession. The plot has several compelling twists and turns, and a very satisfying resolution.
