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Series

Chronicles of Brother Cadfael

The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael follow a former soldier and crusader who has become the herbalist of Shrewsbury Abbey. Between 1137 and 1145, Cadfael investigates deaths, disappearances and disputed identities while working within the rhythms of Benedictine life and the law of medieval England.

The twenty novels unfold during The Anarchy, the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Documented sieges, battles, church politics and Welsh affairs repeatedly enter the mysteries, but the series also explores pilgrimage, sanctuary, trade, inheritance and the obligations binding monasteries to their neighbours. Shrewsbury and the Welsh Marches provide the principal setting, linking local crimes to a kingdom divided by competing claims to the crown.

Reading order

Books in this series (19 books)

A Morbid Taste for Bones cover

#1 – A Morbid Taste for Bones

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In 1137, the Abbot of Shrewsbury decides to acquire the remains of St Winifred. Brother Cadfael is part…

One Corpse Too Many cover

#2 – One Corpse Too Many

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the Summer of 1138, war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud takes Brother Cadfael from the…

Monk’s Hood cover

#3 – Monk’s Hood

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.Christmas 1138, a local dignitary is poisoned with one of the herbalist's own concoctions and Brother Cadfael has…

Saint Peter’s Fair cover

#4 – Saint Peter’s Fair

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In July of 1139, a quarrel between the local burghers and the monks of the Benedictine monastery over…

The Virgin in the Ice cover

#6 – The Virgin in the Ice

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.During the bitter November of 1139, civil war brings refugees to Shrewsbury in search of sanctuary. But two…

The Sanctuary Sparrow cover

#7 – The Sanctuary Sparrow

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the Spring of 1140, a young man, pursued by a lynching mob, claims sanctuary just in time…

The Devil’s Novice cover

#8 – The Devil’s Novice

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.September 1140. It falls to Brother Cadfael to find the disturbing truth behind the violent nightmares of a…

Dead Man’s Ransom cover

#9 – Dead Man’s Ransom

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the battle of Lincoln, 1141, the Sheriff of Shropshire is captured by the Welsh forces of the…

The Pilgrim of Hate cover

#10 – The Pilgrim of Hate

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.During the May of 1141, pilgrims gather at Shrewsbury. The news from the road is that a knight…

An Excellent Mystery cover

#11 – An Excellent Mystery

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the hot, dry August of 1141, England is still torn by civic strife. Amidst the carnage the…

The Raven in the Foregate cover

#12 – The Raven in the Foregate

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.Winter, 1141. The Abbot of Shrewsbury returns from London bringing with him the harsh, unforgiving Father Ailnoth as…

The Rose Rent cover

#13 – The Rose Rent

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In June of 1142, a young monk is murdered next to a white rose bush at a property…

The Hermit of Eyton Forest cover

#14 – The Hermit of Eyton Forest

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the Autumn of 1142, a holy man living as a hermit is found dead. His murder coincides…

The Heretic’s Apprentice cover

#16 – The Heretic’s Apprentice

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the Summer of 1143, two visitors arrive at the gates of the Abbey of Saint Peter and…

The Potter’s Field cover

#17 – The Potter’s Field

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.August, 1143. During the ploughing of Abbey land, the hastily buried remains of a woman's body are unearthed.…

The Summer of the Danes cover

#18 – The Summer of the Danes

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In the April of 1144, Brother Cadfael is sent to Wales on Church business, but becomes entangled in…

The Holy Thief cover

#19 – The Holy Thief

Ellis Peters

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.In early 1145, subsiding flood waters reveal a robbery has been committed on church grounds, and Brother Cadfael…