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The Devil's Novice

The Eighth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

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The Devil's Novice

By: Ellis Peters
Narrated by: Vanessa Benjamin
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About this listen

 Outside the pale of the Abbey of Saint Peters and Saint Paul, in September of the year of our Lord 1140, a priestly emissary for King Stephen has been reported missing. But inside the pale, what troubles Brother Cadfael is a proud, secretive 19-year-old novice.
Brother Cadfael has never seen two men more estranged than the Lord of Aspley and Meriet, the son he coldly delivers to the abbey to begin a religious vocation. Meriet, meek by day, is so racked by dreams at night that his howls earn him the nickname the Devil's Novice. Shunned and feared, Meriet is soon linked to the missing priest's dreadful fate. Only Brother Cadfael believes in Meriet's innocence, and only the good sleuth can uncover the truth before a boy's pure passion, not evil intent, leads a novice to the noose.©1983 by Ellis Peters (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks Amateur Sleuths Cosy Detective Historical Mystery Traditional Detectives Fiction

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Critic reviews

"Each addition to the series is a joy. Long may the Chronicles continue." ( USA Today)

What listeners say about The Devil's Novice

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Profile Image for Dustin Gweever

almost there

performance is good save for the voices given to men, which are just too strident and occasionally irritating

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Profile Image for Polly

Since when has Cadfael been Chinese?

Great story, poor reader. Why not just read it, not use stupid voices all the time?

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Profile Image for S GEE

Good story

As above a good story but could have done without the am-dram voices, Would have been better just read in a straight voice.

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Profile Image for Pam Herbert

gripping listen

A really good story
The narrator used good vocal characterisation. plenty twists & turns in the story to keep one listening

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Profile Image for xBethyboox

Went on a bit!

The story seemed to be dragged out! The narrator was ok but some of the voices were god awful, especially Cadfael’s voice! It was just ridiculous!

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Profile Image for lizzie

Cadfael at his best

I enjoy the books and when available the TV series of this interesting character This one does not disappoint

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Profile Image for HistorianLaura

Excellent story well read shame the sound levels were all over the shop

Excellent story and it was well read, but it is a shame the sound levels were all over the shop.

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Profile Image for NICOLA

the devil's novice

great story but why oh why have a story about monks with few female characters read by a woman!

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4 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Brooke E. Lane

The world of Britain long ago comes alive.

Loved this story! People from the past are revealed as folk we can care about and identify with. The characters were so real that I could not wait for the story to unfold. Beautifully read!

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Profile Image for ANDREW HENRY

Amazing listening

Brilliant, loved listening to Derek Jacobi wonderful voice it captures you from the very first word

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