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A Morbid Taste for Bones
First published 1981 · 368 pages
An earthy, atmospheric medieval mystery where worldly wisdom and quiet compassion untangle deadly human follies.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a twelfth-century herb garden on a crisp morning, grounded, fragrant, and quietly observant. The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, inviting you to sink into the daily rhythms of monastic life before gently ratcheting up the tension. It is a deeply atmospheric experience, steeped in the earthy realities of medieval Wales and the subtle friction between different cultures and faiths. The prose is rich and slightly formal, yet always accessible, wrapping the reader in a cozy but intelligent embrace. It will thoroughly delight fans of historical mysteries who prefer their sleuths to be armed with deep empathy, pragmatic wisdom, and a wry understanding of human nature rather than a sword.
- Mood
- earthy
- contemplative
- atmospheric
- cozy
- Tone
- wry
- compassionate
- observant
- pragmatic
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- clash of cultures · faith versus fanaticism · worldly wisdom · quiet justice
- The writing
- Richly descriptive and gently formal, evoking the twelfth century with an earthy, grounded elegance.
- The arc
- Moves from the quiet rhythms of monastic life into tense cultural friction, culminating in a deeply satisfying and clever restoration of peace.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love deeply immersive historical settings and mysteries solved through empathy and human insight rather than forensic grit.
Content notes
- murder
- religious fanaticism
About the book
12th-century Shrewsbury monks go to Wales to recover a 7th-century saint’s relics, and encounter opposition from the relics’ current keepers. Then the opposition leader is murdered.
Description from Open Library.
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