From Library Journal
The celebration of St. Winifred, in The Pilgrim of Hate, is usually a time of great rejoicing at the Benedictine abbey in Shrewsbury. Even in 1141, with the political factions of Empress Matilda and King Stephen engaged in bloody civil war, the faithful come to Shrewsbury to honor the Saint and pray for miracles. Unfortunately, the shadow of a distant murder hangs over the festival. Several weeks earlier in Winchester, a good and loyal knight was foully slain. The motive for the killing could have been either political or personal, and the murderer may be lurking among the pilgrims. It falls to Brother Cadfael to ferret out the killer. He is curious about two young men who are traveling together to fulfill a bizarre vow. Cadfael cannot rest until he uncovers their story. A colorful cast of well-drawn secondary characters adds richness and depth to a plot that examines joys of faith, as well as the evils of guilt and vengeance. An Excellent Mystery, also set in 1141, is a close sequel to Pilgrim of Hate. When the Benedictine abbey at Winchester is ravaged by fire, two Brothers of the order seek sanctuary at Shrewsbury. Brother Humilis was a famous knight crusader before a nearly fatal wound led to his retirement from the secular world. His mute companion, Brother Fidelis, serves as Humilis's caretaker and nurse. Young Fidelis is like a shadow, his inability to speak makes him the keeper of many secrets. Stephen Thorne, who reads both novels, has a feel for Peters's distinctive prose style, making her use of medieval phrasing and vocabulary sound genuine and natural rather than "historical." Thorne voices the large number of characters and accents in each book with precision, making each unique. Librarians with long-established audiobook collections should note that both of these titles were originally issued in 1993. These recent reissues have been packaged in flimsy and irritating cardboard boxes, which are difficult to open and almost impossible to close. They are decorative but will not be useful for library checkout. Recommended nevertheless, for public library collections where Peters and/or historical mysteries are popular. Barbara Rhodes, Northeast Texas Lib. Syst., Garland Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
This entry in Peters's Brother Cadfael series finds the sixteenth-century monk hosting pilgrims who have traveled to Shrewsbury to commemorate the translation of St. Winifred's bones to the Benedictine abbey. The murder of a knight has political implications which reach Cadfael and involve him and some of the pilgrims in a mystery. Stephen Thorne, who has recorded several of Cadfael's adventures from Chivers, skillfully evokes the time and place with a fully voiced performance. Although the political and historical background presented as conversations in the opening pages results in a slow start, the story, intriguing characters and atmosphere soon captivate the listener. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the year of our Lord 1141, civil war over England's throne leaves a legacy of violence -- and the murder of a knight dear to Brother Cadfael. And with Gentle bud-stewn May, a flood of pilgrims comes to the celebration of Saint Winifred at the at the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, carrying with it many strange souls...and perhaps the knight's killer. Brother Cadfael's shrewd eye sees all: the prosperous merchant who rings false, an angelic lame boy, his beautiful dowerless sister, and two wealthy penitents. In the name of justice Cadfael decides to uncover the strange and twisted tale that accompanies these travelers. Instead he unearths a quest for vengeance, witnesses a miracle, and finds himself on a razor's edge between death or the absolution of love.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

The celebration of St. Winifred, in The Pilgrim of Hate, is usually a time of great rejoicing at the Benedictine abbey in Shrewsbury. Even in 1141, with the political factions of Empress Matilda and King Stephen engaged in bloody civil war, the faithful come to Shrewsbury to honor the Saint and pray for miracles. Unfortunately, the shadow of a distant murder hangs over the festival. Several weeks earlier in Winchester, a good and loyal knight was foully slain. The motive for the killing could have been either political or personal, and the murderer may be lurking among the pilgrims. It falls to Brother Cadfael to ferret out the killer. He is curious about two young men who are traveling together to fulfill a bizarre vow. Cadfael cannot rest until he uncovers their story. A colorful cast of well-drawn secondary characters adds richness and depth to a plot that examines joys of faith, as well as the evils of guilt and vengeance. An Excellent Mystery, also set in 1141, is a close sequel to Pilgrim of Hate. When the Benedictine abbey at Winchester is ravaged by fire, two Brothers of the order seek sanctuary at Shrewsbury. Brother Humilis was a famous knight crusader before a nearly fatal wound led to his retirement from the secular world. His mute companion, Brother Fidelis, serves as Humilis's caretaker and nurse. Young Fidelis is like a shadow, his inability to speak makes him the keeper of many secrets. Stephen Thorne, who reads both novels, has a feel for Peters's distinctive prose style, making her use of medieval phrasing and vocabulary sound genuine and natural rather than "historical." Thorne voices the large number of characters and accents in each book with precision, making each unique. Librarians with long-established audiobook collections should note that both of these titles were originally issued in 1993. These recent reissues have been packaged in flimsy and irritating cardboard boxes, which are difficult to open and almost impossible to close. They are decorative but will not be useful for library checkout. Recommended nevertheless, for public library collections where Peters and/or historical mysteries are popular. Barbara Rhodes, Northeast Texas Lib. Syst., Garland Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile

In the spirit of not judging a book by its cover, we shouldn't judge this well-produced audiobook by its flimsy paper packaging. This vintage Brother Cadfael medieval mystery has the usual beguiling ingredients: political intrigue, mysterious travelers, burgeoning romance and, in this story, even a miracle. With his usual aplomb, Brother Cadfael unwinds this twisted tale of devotion and retribution, bringing all to a satisfying conclusion. With perfect pitch, accent and tone, Stephen Thorne brings this recording to life the way he has done for so many audio recordings. Within this sorry cassette case is another wonderfully told rendition of a Brother Cadfael story. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

AudioFile - Melody Moxley

This entry in Peters's Brother Cadfael series finds the sixteenth-century monk hosting pilgrims who have traveled to Shrewsbury to commemorate the translation of St. Winifred's bones to the Benedictine abbey. The murder of a knight has political implications which reach Cadfael and involve him and some of the pilgrims in a mystery. Stephen Thorne, who has recorded several of Cadfael's adventures from Chivers, skillfully evokes the time and place with a fully voiced performance. Although the political and historical background presented as conversations in the opening pages results in a slow start, the story, intriguing characters and atmosphere soon captivate the listener. M.A.M. cAudioFile, Portland, Maine

Washington Post

"Enchanting...medieval England comes marvelously alive."

Chicago Sun-Times