The Confession of Brother Haluin

The Confession of Brother Haluin (1988) Ellis Peters

Set in England in 1143.

Brother Haluin came to the abbey as a novice, and as a brother did penance beyond what it was believed he owed.

But there are some born to do penance by nature. Maybe they, lift the load for some of us who take it quite comfortably that we’re humankind, and not angels. If the overflow from Haluin’s penitence and piety washes off a few of my shortcomings, may it redound to him for credit in the accounting. And I shan’t complain.”

But when a terrible accident brings him to death’s door, his confession brings to light an old death that was more than an accident but less than murder.

I do enjoy Cadfael’s view of the world.

Cadfael saw the ashes of great beauty. No, not ashes, embers, still alive and as hot at least as the coals burning in the heart of the brazier.

What was interesting is that I saw pretty quickly where things were going, but still enjoyed the mystery, and there were still surprises in store, even guessing major plot points as I did.

As always, there were passages that reached out to me.

The funereal ceremonies do as much for the living as for the dead, in occupying their hands and minds, and consoling them for things left undone or badly done during life.

Funerals are for the dead, not for the living.

I really like this series.
Rating: 8/10

Published by MysteriousPress

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