Books On Board
series Reading Order

Brother Cadfael Books in Order

23 Books
1977 – 1992 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path

For the best experience, we strongly recommend reading the Brother Cadfael chronicles in their original publication order. Ellis Peters (the pen name of Edith Pargeter) wrote the series in a way that naturally builds Brother Cadfael's character, introduces recurring allies and rivals, and develops the ongoing political landscape of medieval England. Starting with the first novel, A Morbid Taste for Bones, establishes the core setting of Shrewsbury Abbey and introduces Cadfael's unique blend of worldly wisdom, crusader past, and monastic compassion.

The Short Story Collection: A Rare Benedictine

In addition to the 20 main novels, Peters wrote three prequel short stories, which were collected in 1988 under the title A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael. These stories include:

  • A Light on the Road to Woodstock (Set in 1120): Explains how Cadfael decided to leave his secular life as a soldier and join the Benedictine order.
  • The Price of Light (Set in 1135): Focuses on the dedication of a new chapel and a theft mystery.
  • Eye Witness (Set in 1139): A mystery set during the main series timeline.

Depending on your edition, you might see A Rare Benedictine, The Price of Light, or Eye Witness listed or sold as separate titles. While they are chronologically set before or early in the series, they are best read after you have completed the first few novels to fully appreciate the backstory and character origins.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

With the exception of the prequel short stories, the publication order of the novels aligns perfectly with their chronological setting. The books take place year-by-year against the backdrop of The Anarchy—a real-world 12th-century civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud for the English crown:

  • 1137 (Book 1): A Morbid Taste for Bones
  • 1138 (Books 2–3): One Corpse Too Many, Monk's Hood
  • 1139 (Books 4–6): Saint Peter's Fair, The Leper of St. Giles, The Virgin in the Ice
  • 1140 (Books 7–8): The Sanctuary Sparrow, The Devil's Novice
  • 1141 (Books 9–12): Dead Man's Ransom, The Pilgrim of Hate, An Excellent Mystery, The Raven in the Foregate
  • 1142 (Books 13–15): The Rose Rent, The Hermit of Eyton Forest, The Confession of Brother Haluin
  • 1143 (Books 17–18): The Heretic's Apprentice, The Potter's Field
  • 1144 (Books 19–20): The Summer of the Danes, The Holy Thief
  • 1145 (Book 23): Brother Cadfael's Penance (The definitive series finale)

Spin-Offs and Adaptations

There are no co-authored books, official sequels, or spin-off series written by other authors. The series concluded with the final novel, Brother Cadfael's Penance, shortly before Edith Pargeter's death. For fans looking to expand their experience, the series was adapted into a highly popular ITV television show starring Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael, which ran from 1994 to 1998 and offers a wonderful visual companion to the novels.

Frequently Asked

QCan I read the Cadfael books out of order?

Yes, because each book features a self-contained mystery. However, reading them in publication order is highly recommended because the characters age, political alliances shift, and recurring subplots develop over the course of the historical timeline.

QShould I read 'A Rare Benedictine' first?

Even though it contains prequels, it is best read after the first few novels. Starting with the first novel, A Morbid Taste for Bones, is a much better introduction to the abbey, the town, and the style of the series.

QWhy are some short stories like 'Eye Witness' listed separately?

While they are officially part of the 1988 collection A Rare Benedictine, these stories are sometimes published as standalone e-books or included in separate anthologies, which can make them appear as separate entries in book lists.

QAre there any co-authored or continuation novels?

No. Edith Pargeter (writing as Ellis Peters) is the sole author of the Cadfael series. No other authors have been authorized to write continuation novels or spin-offs, and the series ended with Brother Cadfael's Penance.

QWhat is the historical background of the series?

The series is set during The Anarchy (1135–1153), a turbulent civil war fought between King Stephen and Empress Maud. The political conflict frequently impacts the plot of the mysteries and the lives of the characters in Shropshire.

QIs the Cadfael TV series faithful to the books?

Yes, the ITV television adaptation starring Derek Jacobi is well-regarded for its historical accuracy and casting, though the novels provide much deeper character development and detail.