Monk's Hood

The Third Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

By: Ellis Peters

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

When a fatal draught of Monk's Hood turns up in the dinner plate of a guest at the Shrewsbury abbey, fingers point at half a dozen likely suspects, including an abashed and bewildered Cadfael.©1980 Ellis Peters (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Pure pleasure ... Peters' stories have everything - colorful monks, touching young love, marvelous atmosphere, a fascinating and complex detective, and most important of all, ingenious puzzles." ( The Armchair Detective)

The Series Hits Its Stride

The early books (at least chronicles 1-5) in the Brother Cadfael series are a must for anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries. Indeed, Ellis Peters pioneered the genre, now littered with many such series covering almost all periods of history and just about every continent (no Antarctic sleuths yet, that I know of).

I think Monk's Hood, the "third chronicle," is the book in which this series really hit its stride. The mystery itself is sound and has a unique resolution that may sadden some. The revelations from Cadfael's past expand the hero's character, and the "monastic politics," as exemplified by Prior Robert and his lackey Brother Jerome, lend spice to the action.

I decided to try the Patrick Tull narration for this one. I've listened to a couple of the books read by Stephen Thorne, who I find to be competent but dull, and one by Derick Jacobi, whose voice for some reason seems wrong (it's probably me, I'm afraid Sir Derick will never be anyone but Emperor Claudius to me). I wavered between finding Tull's delivery painfully slow (his renditions of any book are always much longer than other readers' presentations of the same material) and thinking it eminently suitable to the setting and character of the story. I'll have to give Johanna Ward a try next.

I'm not sure whether the number of "Caedfaelic" narrators available to choose from is a testament to the enduring popularity of this series or to liberal copyright availability; probably a bit of both, and it's nice to have the variety.

love, forgiveness, prideful ambition

In Monk's Hood we meet Cadfael's former love Richildis and her family. Prior Robert's prideful ambitions are soundly dashed, and a young life is rescued from false accusations. This was an altogether great read. Brother Cadfael also revisits his beloved Wales in the pursuit of justice and to render medical care to a fellow brother. Love this series and thoroughly enjoying my revisit with Brother Cadfael ❤️

Highly Recommend!

Where does Monk's Hood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of the best historical mystery series (in general) that I know of. This particular book is one of the best so far. First in series I've listened to. I've read some, and watched many on TV--with Derek Jacobi playing the part of Cadfael. Any way I encounter this series I have loved. But this is the first time I've heard it read. And I'd like to say that the narrator was wonderful. I believe a different reader could have spoiled the entire experience. Characters are well-drawn, by the end of the book I felt as if they were each a clear individual--with his/her own place in the twelfth century world of England & Wales (set in and near Shrewsbury Abbey).

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, Cadfael is always my favorite--he is rich with his own history of having lived in the secular world--indeed even having fought in the Crusades--before becoming a monk. So he is gifted with uncommon insight into the minds and hearts of people, and uses that ability to sleuth the crimes. In this book, his compassion in one part of the book, toward the end, probably is what makes this book so outstanding.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Tull – was your favorite?

All of them. Patrick Tull was the perfect narrator. I especially loved his rendition of Cadfael himself. But he makes each person have a unique (and memorable) voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, one scene toward the end, in which Cadfael sensitively works to resolve the crime in a surprising manner.

Any additional comments?

The series is wonderful, this reading of this book is one I'd listen to again, just because I so enjoyed the narration (and I rarely re-read mysteries).

Excellent

Wow this was a tangled web and an exciting journey to the truth. Cadfael is a patient plodding brilliant monk that is so interesting a story and background. Excellent narration

Loved it!

Very well done historiacal mystery. One of the better noveels in the series.