Order of Brother Cadfael Books
Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter) crafted The Cadfael Chronicles as a captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery that transports readers to medieval England. At the heart of these novels is Brother Cadfael, a unique protagonist who didn't embrace monastic life until his forties, bringing a wealth of worldly experience to his religious calling. Set against the turbulent backdrop of The Anarchy between 1135 and 1150, the series masterfully weaves together period authenticity with compelling detective work.
Launching in 1977 with A Morbid Taste for Bones, the series spans seventeen years of publication, reaching its planned finale in 1994 with Brother Cadfael's Penance. This concluding volume was always envisioned as the series' end, with Pargeter sadly passing away shortly after completing her intended farewell to the beloved monk-detective. The enduring appeal of these chronicles is evident in their successful adaptations, having found new audiences through BBC Radio productions and ITV's television series.
The complete Brother Cadfael collection, listed below in both publication and chronological sequence:
| # | Title | Year | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  A Morbid Taste for Bones | 1977 | |
| 2 |  One Corpse Too Many | 1979 | |
| 3 |  Monk's Hood | 1980 | |
| 4 |  Saint Peter's Fair | 1981 | |
| 5 |  The Leper Of St. Giles | 1981 | |
| 6 |  The Virgin in the Ice | 1982 | |
| 7 |  The Sanctuary Sparrow | 1983 | |
| 8 |  The Devil's Novice | 1983 | |
| 9 |  Dead Man's Ransom | 1984 | |
| 10 |  The Pilgrim of Hate | 1984 | |
| 11 |  An Excellent Mystery | 1985 | |
| 12 |  The Raven in the Foregate | 1986 | |
| 13 |  The Rose Rent | 1986 | |
| 14 |  The Hermit of Eyton Forest | 1987 | |
| 15 |  The Confession of Brother Haluin | 1988 | |
| 16 |  A Rare Benedictine | 1988 | |
| 17 |  The Heretic's Apprentice | 1989 | |
| 18 |  The Potter's Field | 1989 | |
| 19 |  The Summer of the Danes | 1991 | |
| 20 |  The Holy Thief | 1992 | |
| 21 |  Eye Witness | 1993 | |
| 22 |  The Price of Light | 1993 | |
| 23 |  Brother Cadfael's Penance | 1994 |