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A Morbid Taste for Bones

by Ellis Peters

A murder amid a dispute over sacred remains

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A murder amid a dispute over sacred remains

Set in twelfth-century Wales and western England, the first Brother Cadfael mystery brings a monastic relic quest into conflict with a divided community. Cadfael, a monk from Shrewsbury Abbey with experience in herbalism and the Crusades, joins an expedition seeking the remains of Saint Winifred. When a local opponent to disturbing the grave is found shot by an arrow, the death is attributed by some to the saint. Cadfael instead looks for a human culprit. The mystery connects religious belief, the abbey’s ambitions and a community’s disagreement with the practical work of investigating a killing.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Those interested in historical mysteries set in the twelfth century
  • Readers who enjoy detective stories involving religious communities and local disputes
  • Those seeking the first book in the Brother Cadfael series

Themes

Religious relics and beliefCommunity conflictAmbition and reputationObservation and investigation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Smooth.