I haven't written a book review in a very long time. Been too busy up until now. Just finished this book and wanted to share my thoughts on it while I can.
This is the 20th (and last) book in the Cadfael series by Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter). Many books in the series were used in making Cadfael, the PBS TV series, which I greatly enjoyed. This is the only book in the series that I read, and this story wasn't used in the TV series from what I remember.
In this installment, Cadfael's son (Olivier) has been taken hostage and hidden away by an unknown party. The two sides in the civil conflict between Stephen and Maude are to meet to talk peace. And, so begins the adventure in this book.
Prior to the conference, a man close to Empress Maude, Phillip, switches sides. Olivier's disappearance is one outcome of the betrayal.
During the peace conference, a man close to Phillip in found murdered and Olivier's brother-in-law, Yves is accused. The conference resolves nothing. Cadfael finds no leads concerning Olivier there as he had hoped. Yves is kidnaped during his trip home.
Instead of returning to the monastery after the conference as he is supposed to do, Cadfael goes out in search of Yves and Olivier. After much looking, he finds both Yves and Olivier. But, can he get them free?
Empress Maude finds out where Phillip is and raises an army to get him. A fierce battle ensues and Cadfael has a front row seat.
In the end, does Cadfael save the day? If Yves is innocent, then who is the murderer? Will the abbot let Cadfael back into the brotherhood now that he was AWOL? Read the book and find out.
All in all, I enjoyed the book. I read most of it during the recent weather event in Texas - it was a very welcome distraction. It did take me a little while to get used to the writer's style. I did have to look up some things as I went dealing with life in the middle ages - the author gives lots of details.
Unlike the other books in the series that I know about, very little of this one took place at/near the monastery at Shrewsbury. It seemed perhaps a less "detective" than these others as well.
Cadfael is a great character and one I'll miss. Too bad the author is no longer with us. We will hear no more from Cadfael.
Recommended.
