Brother Cadfael discovers a murder amid the wreckage of Shrewsbury Castle in this mystery series featuring “a colorful and authentic medieval background” (Publishers Weekly). In the summer of 1138, war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud takes Brother Cadfael from the quiet world of his garden into a battlefield of passions, deceptions, and death. Not far from the safety of the abbey walls, … safety of the abbey walls, Shrewsbury Castle falls, leaving its ninety-four defenders loyal to the empress to hang as traitors. With a heavy heart, Brother Cadfael agrees to bury the dead, only to make a grisly discovery: one extra victim that has been strangled, not hanged.
This ingenious way to dispose of a corpse tells Brother Cadfael that the killer is both clever and ruthless. But one death among so many seems unimportant to all but the good Benedictine. He vows to find the truth behind disparate clues: a girl in boy’s clothing, a missing treasure, and a single broken flower . . . the tiny bit of evidence that Cadfael believes can expose a murderer’s black heart.
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One Corpse Too Many Earns 5/5 Curious Conundrums…Epic, Engaging!
After watching this episode of Cadfael starring Derek Jacobi, I was inspired to actually read Ellis Peters’ original novel. His vision of the iconic Brother Cadfael is just as clever, the drama is so much more epic, and the medieval world he created flies off the page with language that’s almost poetic. It is 1138, Shrewsbury has fallen, and the conflict between King Stephen and Empress Maude has been violently resolved with King Stephen the victor. Unfortunately, the ninety-four defenders of Empress Maude’s claim have been executed, and as is his duty, Brother Cadfael takes on the responsibility of burying the dead…90…91…92…93…94…95? Cadfael sets out to uncover the identity of the extra corpse and the who and why behind his death. Although I’d seen the adaptation of this book, there is so much more to the original story! Cadfael was slightly different than the television show, more characters were involved, and a closer look at life at the abbey, the town, and the surrounding areas was developed. I was not experienced reading such epic stories with so many characters and a language with poetic idioms and extensive description, but I did get used to it. I was unfamiliar of this period of English history, but enjoyed googling to learn more about the struggles, the people, and the life of Benedictine monks at Shrewsbury. I loved it!
Cadfael is a fabulous character. Mysteries are good, and historical setting is realistic.
This story turned the hero of the novel A Morbid Taste for Bones into the hero of The Cadfael Chronicles, one of the best historical-mystery series, much imitated but never equalled. Where the earlier book introduced us to Brother Cadfael, working his humane ideals on his own, this book introduces his sidekick Hugh Beringar, creating a friendship to rival that of Holmes and Watson, and of Aubrey and Maturin. By the time you meet young Brother Oswin in book five, you’ll have been drawn in for the whole series.
Who doesn’t love Brother Cadfael?
One Corpse Too Many is one of a series of books about Cadfael and England during the civil war between the Empress Maude and King Stephen. All are set in and involve around a Monastery near the Welsh border and the main character, Cadfael, who is a monk there. Cadfael has more freedom than some of his fellow brothers because he is an herbalist who can go outside the monastery confines to treat the secular community. While doing so, he usually solves a murder or two.
I am reading the entire series in order and have now reached book number twelve.
In addition to being entertained I am learning a lot about life in medieval England.
Several of these stories were filmed starring Derek Jacoby as Cadfael. I would love to see them again.
Because of the older language it’s not a book to race through. That being said the series is enjoyable in that this monk solves mystery after mystery in this great stand alone series. Very enjoyable.
This is one of mt favorite mystery series. The time period and characters are different than most. Read them order, would be my recommendation.
I loved the movies and loved the book even more. Unique setting and Cadfael is a great complex character.
Ellis Peters never disappoints—always an original twist.
If you like the Cadfael series, then you should enjoy this one too.
I recommend this entire series!
I love this series. I wish they were a little longer but the never disappoint.
Another wonderful Cadfel tale
The Cadfael series is full of wonderful characters placed in a compelling time in history. The complex mysteries and lovable main character make this one of the best series I’ve ever read. One Corpse Too Many is a dramatic piece of historical fiction with mystery, romance and action. One of Ellis Peters’ best!
Always enjoy this author.
I like all the books in this series, and return to them when I want something really enjoyable to read. I think it is the logic that is used to solve the crime that appeals to me.
Ellis Peters is one of my favorite mystery writers
Lost interest fast
Beautifully written. Historically accurate. Charming characters
I love the entire Cadfael series and have read many of the later books. This one gave the backstory of how Cadfael and the sheriff became friends as well as more information on the ongoing Stephen/Maud war. Cadfael is a very observant dude with a kind heart, and I love the adventures he gets into.