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Chronicles of Brother Cadfael

by Ellis Peters

23 books Started 1977 Latest 1994
Publication Reading Order

The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael is a Historical Fiction / Crime Fiction series by Ellis Peters, made up of 23 books published between 1977 and 1994. It begins with A Morbid Taste for Bones (1977), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Brother Cadfael's Penance (1994), spanning 17 years of storytelling.

23books
17years active
3decades
~0.8yrs between books
1994latest release
# Title Year Buy
1970s
1 A Morbid Taste for Bones 1977 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2 One Corpse Too Many 1979 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1980s
3 Monk's Hood 1980 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
4 Saint Peter's Fair 1981 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
5 The Leper Of St. Giles 1981 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
6 The Virgin in the Ice 1982 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
7 The Sanctuary Sparrow 1983 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
8 The Devil's Novice 1983 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
9 Dead Man's Ransom 1984 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
10 The Pilgrim of Hate 1984 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
11 An Excellent Mystery 1985 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
12 The Raven in the Foregate 1986 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
13 The Rose Rent 1986 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
14 The Hermit of Eyton Forest 1987 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
15 The Confession of Brother Haluin 1988 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
16 A Rare Benedictine 1988 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
17 The Heretic's Apprentice 1989 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
18 The Potter's Field 1989 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1990s
19 The Summer of the Danes 1991 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
20 The Holy Thief 1992 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
21 Eye Witness 1993 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
22 The Price of Light 1993 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
23 Brother Cadfael's PenanceLatest 1994 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia

Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series?

Start with A Morbid Taste for Bones (1977), the first book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series?

There are 23 books in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters, published between 1977 and 1994.

What is the first book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series?

The first book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series is A Morbid Taste for Bones, published in 1977 by Ellis Peters.

What is the latest book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series?

The most recent book in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series is Brother Cadfael's Penance (1994) by Ellis Peters.

More books by Ellis Peters View all series and reading orders →
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About Ellis Peters

Ellis Peters (1913-1995), pseudonym of Edith Mary Pargeter, was an acclaimed British author known for her historical crime novels. Born in Shropshire, she developed a lifelong passion for history and archaeology. Her most famous creation is the Benedictine monk detective Cadfael, featured in 20 novels set in the 12th century. Peters's meticulously researched books blend historical detail with gripping mysteries. They have been praised for their atmospheric settings, complex characters, and insights into medieval life. Her work earned her numerous accolades, including the British Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award and the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Peters's novels have been translated into over 30 languages and continue to be widely read and enjoyed.

View all Ellis Peters series →

About the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series

Ellis Peters's Brother Cadfael novels essentially founded the historical-mystery genre. Cadfael is a twelfth-century Benedictine monk at Shrewsbury Abbey — a former crusader and sailor turned herbalist — who brings worldly wisdom and forensic curiosity to murders along the turbulent Welsh border.

The series is prized for its meticulous medieval detail, its gentle humanism, and Cadfael's compassionate, clear-eyed view of human nature. The civil war between Stephen and Maud provides a vivid, dangerous backdrop.

The mysteries stand alone but reward reading in order from "A Morbid Taste for Bones," as the abbey's community and the wider conflict evolve.