Abstract
This paper discusses "A Morbid Taste for Bones," written by Ellis Peters. The paper describes how, while the story follows the basic formula for a murder mystery, it is made more powerful than an ordinary detective tale due to the fact that it is set during the Middle Ages. The paper discusses the tale and how the author succeeds in bringing the events of the Middle Ages to life.

From the Paper
"This far-off historical period is made more accessible to contemporary readers, even readers who know little about the Middle Ages by the engaging personality of its hero, Brother Cadfael. It might be very difficult to relate to person of an era who took the words of the Bible literally, who believed in dreams as prophesy, and the absolute sanctity of holy relics. But Brother Cadfael, although a devoutly religious man, is also realistic and humorous. He did not choose a religious vocation when he was very young, like Brother Jerome and most of the other members of his holy order. Cadfael spent most of his life fighting in Jerusalem, in the Crusades. Now, he is happy to put his worldly cares behind him, having seen the world and all of its ugliness. Although he occasionally chafes against the restrictions of the monastic life, as when his prayers take him away from tending his beloved, medicinal herbal garden, he usually strives to be obedient and good: "He had, after all, chosen this cloistered life with his eyes open" (1)."

Tags:Cadfael, style, murder