One Corpse Too Many

As an avid fan of the Masterpiece Theater series, I was excited to finally read this bad boy. This was always my favorite episode because it introduced my man, Hugh Beringer. There is something soothing wholesome and educational about medieval mysteries and this series is the best of the best. Brother Cadfael used to be a man about the world and served in the crusades, but these days he's much more content in his herb garden. Things in the world are more hectic than ever and the battle between Queen Maude and King Stephen as they fight for the throne is literally outside the gates. When Kind Stephen takes over he kills all the rebels, but when the monks go to give the poor traitors a christian burial they discover one extra body among the hanged. Who killed him and why? Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to avenge this poor wretch whose death was not ordered by the king. Fabulous storytelling and an amazing setting!

A Morbid Taste for Bones

The first book in the compelling Brother Cadfael series, this medieval murder mystery is sure to attract a wide variety of readers. Filled with monastic customs, medieval life, murder, and intrigue this mystery is a great introduction to the rest of the books in the series. Even though this one isn't my favorite (it takes place away from their monastery) it's still damn good and that speaks volumes about this series. Narrated brilliantly by Derek Jacobi who plays Brother Cadfael in the TV show, the audiobook is well worth a listen. I can't wait to work my way though this series!

The Invention of Fire

It's been a long time since I read a medieval mystery so I suppose I was about due. The Invention of Fire, was a complex, literary novel filled with a large cast and several simultaneous stories. It's not for the faint of heart. Sixteen corpses were discovered in a London sewage ditch, and John Gower (think Little Finger from Game of Thrones but waay less handsome) has been told in secret that he should investigate. What he uncovers is a nest of half truths, flat out lies and dangerous, dangerous motives that will affect all of London. Intriguing, but... slow and a bit hard to get into. For fans of medieval mysteries and Chaucer only.