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Title: Cadfael: The Virgin in the Ice (BBC Radio Crimes)

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Philip Madoc

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-12

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Shrewsbury, 1139. The bloody civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud has swept through the country towards the rural security of Brother Cadfaels monastery. The citizens of Worcester have fled, among them two orphaned children of noble stock, together with their tutor, a young nun. A Benedictine monk in whose care Lady Ermina and her brother Ives were left, comes to the Abbey to ask if the children have been seen. Although it would be hard to miss Ermina, a young girl of striking beauty, no one has seen the missing pair or their companion. Cadfael sets off to lead the search for the missing trio, through the rugged wastes of snowbound Shropshire, following an elusive trail across a lawless land - until the discovery of the body of a young woman, frozen beneath the ice, adds a chilling new dimension to their journey. Starring Philip Madoc, Sir Michael Hordern and Douglas Hodge and dramatised by Bert Coules.

Members Reviews:

Radio play.

What did you love best about Cadfael: The Virgin in the Ice (BBC Radio Crimes)?

I had read the book years ago, but had forgotten a lot of the details. I really enjoyed revisiting the story in the form of a radio play!

What I liked best was Ellis Peter's (the author's) ability to recreate the thinking of the time, and the cultural differences between people then and now - while also showing that human nature has not really changed at all, over the centuries. This story also clearly shows the real dangers of winter, in the days before house insulation and central heating, and brings to life the difficulties ordinary people experienced during that period of history.

What did you like best about this story?

As a detective story, the clues are there for the listener, but not too obvious, so that the final outcome is not easy to guess. It keeps you interested right to the end.

Which character as performed by Philip Madoc was your favorite?

Of course I like Cadfael, and Philip Madoc's performance as the veteran soldier turned monk was very good. But I have always really liked the character of Hugh Beringar, the Deputy Sherriff, and the actor in this play gave a good interpretation of this character, too.

Any additional comments?

Ellis Peters has created very believable characters, and the time and place in which the Cadfael series is set comes alive as you listen (or read). She has a compassionate touch, and great understanding of human nature.

The Virgin in the Ice

Where does Cadfael: The Virgin in the Ice (BBC Radio Crimes) rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

One of the better books. Good telling although I think overall I prefer a reading to a dramatisation.

What did you like best about this story?

Classic Cadfael - keeps you guessing. Well written characters in an interesting historical period.

What does Philip Madoc bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you had only read the book?

Philip Madoc's Cadfael is stronger, a little rougher around the edges than Jacobi's version - more believably a soldier and definitely more of a welshman

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No tears - its not that kind of story, but the little twist at the end is an emotional moment

Any additional comments?

This is a story I know very well and there was one niggle that while small is repeated so often that it might discourage me from repeated listening.