Monk's Hood

Brother Cadfael, the medieval monk and herbalist, seeks out the culprit when one of his medicinal concoctions is used to kill. The most likely suspect is the victim's young stepson. Patrick Tull's rough, slightly gravelly voice is well suited to portraying the elderly monks, from Cadfael's deep growl, tinged with a hint of a Welsh accent, to Prior Robert's aristocratic tones, to Abbot Heribet's ancient whisper. So convincing is his evocation of age that the voices of the impetuous, teenaged Edwin or that of Brother Mark are a surprise. Characterization is subtle, based as much upon speed and intonation as upon vocal pitch or timbre. S.H. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine