A RARE BENEDICTINE The Advent of Brother Cadfael

What better introduction to Ellis Peters's classic mysteries than this trio of stories introducing her well-loved medieval sleuth, Brother Cadfael? Beginning with Cadfael's transformation from crusading warrior to Benedictine monk and moving through devious doings at Shrewsbury Abbey, Stephen Thorne's narrative enhances the liveliness and detail of Peters's evocative characters and settings. As Cadfael blends herbal poultices in his apothecary, so Thorne's delivery blends clearly defined delivery with just the right proportions of vocal drama to yield a reading of rare enjoyment. While actor Derek Jacobi's version of Brother Cadfael on PBS's "Mystery" series presents a ready picture for the eye, the pure ear appeal of Cadfael's rolling Welsh burr in this recording provides a pleasure far more lingering. Move over Derek Jacobi, hello Stephen Thorne! P.H.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]