The Devil's Novice

The Eighth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

By: Ellis Peters

Narrated by: Vanessa Benjamin

Outside the pale of the Abbey of Saint Peters and Saint Paul, in September of the year of our Lord 1140, a priestly emissary for King Stephen has been reported missing. But inside the pale, what troubles Brother Cadfael is a proud, secretive 19-year-old novice.
Brother Cadfael has never seen two men more estranged than the Lord of Aspley and Meriet, the son he coldly delivers to the abbey to begin a religious vocation. Meriet, meek by day, is so racked by dreams at night that his howls earn him the nickname the Devil's Novice. Shunned and feared, Meriet is soon linked to the missing priest's dreadful fate. Only Brother Cadfael believes in Meriet's innocence, and only the good sleuth can uncover the truth before a boy's pure passion, not evil intent, leads a novice to the noose.©1983 by Ellis Peters (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Each addition to the series is a joy. Long may the Chronicles continue." (USA Today)

parental favoritism and brotherly love

Whoa, what a story! What would a brother not do for his sibling? In this compassionate story, one brother sacrifices all to protect his beloved brother. A parent would believe his son capable of a heinous crime but not his fa ored older brother, and sends him to take holy orders to protect the family name and reputation. But Brother Cadfael and Abbot Ridulfus suspect all is not right. When Hugh Beringar returns, he and Cadfael must seek out the truth behind a missing high ranking member of the church who had been visiting kin in the area. Too many coincidences for the crafty duo, and they must ferret out the truth, no matter the cost.

BIG fan

Big fan of the whole series. a refreshing absence of violence and gratuitous sex...just good stories. ☺

production values

great story but had to sit on the volume control. Irritating to have to hold my phone the entire time

Loved these books.

I saw the TV series and I just enjoy the books so much. Wonderful.

Poor Narration Detracts from Story

Much of the enjoyment of listening to The Devil's Novice is compromised because of poor narration. Technically, it often sounds like the narrator has a blanket over her mouth. Artistically, she sounds like a little kid trying to sound like Daddy when she attempts to portray a male character. And why use a female voice to read a novel that is primarily a cast of Benedictine monks, anyway?

The story, though, is pure Cadfael and well worth listening to.