Step into the hilariously chaotic world of the Chronicles of Brother Hermitage, where a bumbling monk solves medieval mysteries with a side of slapstick humor! Written by Howard of Warwick, this delightful series blends historical intrigue, witty banter, and 11th-century England’s quirky charm. Follow Brother Hermitage, a reluctant detective monk, as he stumbles through crimes, accompanied by his sharp-tongued friends Wat and Cwen, in a world where Normans and Saxons clash and laughter is guaranteed.
With over 200,000 sales and a cult following, the series has carved a niche in medieval crime comedy, a genre Warwick practically invented. If you love Monty Python’s absurdity or Terry Pratchett’s clever humor, this series is your next obsession.
How Chronicles of Brother Hermitage Began
Howard of Warwick, a Warwick-born author inspired by comedic giants like Monty Python and Douglas Adams, stumbled upon the idea for Brother Hermitage while idly exploring medieval manuscripts (or so he claims). Rejecting traditional publishers’ skepticism about medieval crime comedy, Warwick self-published the first book, The Heretics of De’Ath, in 2010. His unique blend of historical fiction and humor struck a chord, leading to a prolific series that now spans over 30 novels, defying expectations and delighting readers worldwide.
Warwick’s vision was to create a detective who was anything but slick. Brother Hermitage, a naive monk with a knack for accidental sleuthing, emerged as the heart of the series, with his misadventures rooted in the chaotic post-Norman Conquest era.
The Heart of Chronicles of Brother Hermitage
The series kicks off with The Heretics of De’Ath, where Hermitage investigates a mysterious death during a pointless theological debate at De’Ath’s Dingle monastery. In The Garderobe of Death, he tackles the bizarre murder of King William’s hunting companion, puzzling over wounds that defy logic. The Tapestry of Death sees Hermitage and Wat unravel a complex plot involving a murdered weaver and a deadly secret. A Murder for Brother Hermitage, the 12th installment, throws a young monk’s death into a tangled web of suspects, showcasing the series’ knack for convoluted yet hilarious mysteries.
Set in 1066–1068 England, the Chronicles weave themes of friendship, incompetence, and resilience against a backdrop of Norman-Saxon tensions. Warwick’s style is irreverent, blending authentic medieval settings with anachronistic humor. Brother Hermitage’s earnestness, Wat’s roguish wit, and Cwen’s fierce independence create a dynamic trio, while recurring characters like the sinister Le Pedvin add intrigue. The series doesn’t take itself seriously, offering a refreshing escape into a world where logic often takes a backseat to laughter.
Each book delivers a standalone mystery, but the evolving relationships and recurring gags reward loyal readers. Fans praise the series for its clever dialogue and ability to make historical fiction feel absurdly relatable.
Why Chronicles of Brother Hermitage Resonates
The Chronicles of Brother Hermitage have become a beloved staple for fans of humorous historical fiction, earning Amazon No. 1 bestseller status and over 1,000 glowing reviews. Warwick’s creation fills a unique gap, offering lighthearted escapism that doesn’t skimp on plot or character depth. Its cult status stems from its fearless silliness, appealing to readers who crave something different from standard medieval dramas like Brother Cadfael.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to humanize history. By focusing on flawed, relatable characters, Warwick makes 11th-century England feel vibrant and accessible, proving that humor transcends time. Its growing fanbase eagerly awaits each new release, with titles like Three Brothers, Two Plots and a Monk keeping the laughter alive.
- First Published: 2010
- Number of Books: Over 30
- Genre: Medieval Crime Comedy
- Notable Recognition: Amazon No. 1 Bestseller
Grab The Heretics of De’Ath and dive into the Chronicles of Brother Hermitage’s uproarious medieval world! Whether you’re a history buff or just need a good laugh, this series promises a wild ride through 11th-century chaos.