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Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #2
One Corpse Too Many
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, 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.
254 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1979
2269 people are currently reading
4973 people want to read
About the author
Ellis Peters
209 books1,147 followersA pseudonym used by Edith Pargeter.
Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM was a prolific author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics; she is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern. Born in the village of Horsehay (Shropshire, England), she had Welsh ancestry, and many of her short stories and books (both fictional and non-fictional) were set in Wales and its borderlands.
During World War II, she worked in an administrative role in the Women's Royal Naval Service, and received the British Empire Medal - BEM.
Pargeter wrote under a number of pseudonyms; it was under the name Ellis Peters that she wrote the highly popular series of Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries, many of which were made into films for television.
Edith Mary Pargeter, OBE, BEM was a prolific author of works in many categories, especially history and historical fiction, and was also honoured for her translations of Czech classics; she is probably best known for her murder mysteries, both historical and modern. Born in the village of Horsehay (Shropshire, England), she had Welsh ancestry, and many of her short stories and books (both fictional and non-fictional) were set in Wales and its borderlands.
During World War II, she worked in an administrative role in the Women's Royal Naval Service, and received the British Empire Medal - BEM.
Pargeter wrote under a number of pseudonyms; it was under the name Ellis Peters that she wrote the highly popular series of Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries, many of which were made into films for television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,146 reviews
August 16, 2024
Brother Cadfael erstwhile Crusader, warrior, sailor, philanderer turned monk, retired to the quiet life in the medieval, Benedictine Abbey of Shrewsbury near the border with self-ruling Wales, ( for now) a boring existence he needs, weeding in the gardens , growing fruits and vegetables and herbs, brew some spirits for medicinal purposes only ? No more excitement just be, paradise for the bruised mind, daily visits to church, prayers, feels the happy serenity of contentment...healing. Not while King Stephen and Empress Maud battled for the throne of England in 1138. These two cousins are surprisingly never too fond of each other. Gruesome civil war rages outside the town, however the king's army arrives with his majesty, the disloyal castle and Shrewsbury fall, prisoners executed a slight problem appears, instead of 94 soldiers...95 are found dead. The mystery annoys Stephen slightly when pointed out by greatly perturbed Brother Cadfael, he and others had done the unpleasant burying. A murder has been committed still the king isn't too concerned what does it matter ? An enemy yet, except for the monarch's good name tarnished. The able Welsh monk gets permission from Heribert, the mild abbot and his blessing, to investigate. In the meantime during the chaos, love is in bloom, what now? Yes the best moment for it... but two women and three men cause turmoil in relationships and are difficult to divide, two couples make four not five, still giving interest to the preceding. Treasure for the Empress hidden by her friends, people kill for the money, war is expensive, secret places hide murders. The dense forest is thick with mystery and Cadfael needs to discover those secrets. As fugitives flee from the invaders, even dipping into the local river to escape... The Abbey of Saint Peter and Paul can't keep the foul air from the calm there, the world is much too destructive and so enters the nascent detective. Second in the captivating series I read , and both are enthralling...On to the next for me. ..Historical fiction is compelling when humans who actually lived show themselves warts and all. For a brief moment the reader can imagine this is real. The settings, customs , clothes of the inhabitants, their language, modest homes, numerous fears and few joys give the place atmosphere, the constant struggle to acquire nourishment, tells the outsider how the pressures of life then was not for us to envy.
April 13, 2021
This was wonderful. I was thinking all through it that I would be giving it four stars because I really have to save the very best books for five star class winners, but then came the end which I adored. So yep, another five star book. This is as good as The Leper of Saint Giles, and that I gave five stars. With that one I was shocked that I could love a book of a mystery series. It astounded me. Now I am beginning to expect Ellis Peters to perform as one of the best of the best, and she pulled it off again.
Here is why I love the books of this series and Ellis Peters:
All the books are about medieval life in Shrewsbury, England. This place really exists. It is not imaginary! I love these books because you feel that you are in that village and you are there at the beginning of the 12th Century. Everything fits. Peters never throws in a detail that is out of time or out of place. There is no modern day slang. Curse words are not thrown around. The dialogs use the words of those times and people, but it is never hard to understand. It all just feels g-e-n-u-i-n-e. Clothing, food, customs, religious beliefs, historical facts, medical practices – they are all here but written in such a fashion that they never, ever become dry, taught or boring. You see the people, you smell the herbs, you too are there at compline…..You are part of that duel, rooting for your hero.
There is humor. Not sad humor, not sardonic humor, but sweet humor. You will chuckle as you watch how two men try to outwit each other. You love them both so this is pure enjoyment. No nasty rivalry.
Sure there are villains, but there are central characters that you love. They are kind and forgiving. They have humility.
If there is a battle it is not gruesomely depicted. There is no glorification in that which is gruesome. If a villain has to be punished surprisingly enough that punishment does not have to be imposed upon by a human. Nature sees that those who have done wrong are punished. So has it been in every one of the books I have read by Peters. I adore this trademark of her writing.
Although these books are centered on life in a Benedictine abbey, where of course religious beliefs are of central focus, never are we lectured about how we must behave or what we must believe. No religion is shoved down your throat. We can all agree about the religious ideas promulgated in the story. Morality, good behavior, kindness, compassion and understanding are qualities we all recognize and aspire to.
One word about why I loved this particular book so much. I love the friendship that you see growing between Hugh Beringar and Cadfael. I loved that King Stephen was NOT drawn as a terrible villain and that the monks stay outside the strife between the two rivaling sides, Empress Maude and King Stephen. I liked how real people are interwoven with characters invented by the author. What impressed me about this particular book was also that this is a love story, and I don’t like love stories, but this was so cute to watch. In fact there are two love stories; both were marvelously depicted. I was giggling at the end.
The audiobook narration by Johanna Ward (alias Kate Reading) was just perfect. One must have an English accent when reading this book. How has she so well learned to mimic these villagers of the 1130s?! Monks and King Stephen and beggars and knights, all of them are done to a tee.
I read this with Gundula as a buddy ready. We had so much fun discussing historical details and what we enjoyed. Here is a link to that discussion: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
Here is why I love the books of this series and Ellis Peters:
All the books are about medieval life in Shrewsbury, England. This place really exists. It is not imaginary! I love these books because you feel that you are in that village and you are there at the beginning of the 12th Century. Everything fits. Peters never throws in a detail that is out of time or out of place. There is no modern day slang. Curse words are not thrown around. The dialogs use the words of those times and people, but it is never hard to understand. It all just feels g-e-n-u-i-n-e. Clothing, food, customs, religious beliefs, historical facts, medical practices – they are all here but written in such a fashion that they never, ever become dry, taught or boring. You see the people, you smell the herbs, you too are there at compline…..You are part of that duel, rooting for your hero.
There is humor. Not sad humor, not sardonic humor, but sweet humor. You will chuckle as you watch how two men try to outwit each other. You love them both so this is pure enjoyment. No nasty rivalry.
Sure there are villains, but there are central characters that you love. They are kind and forgiving. They have humility.
If there is a battle it is not gruesomely depicted. There is no glorification in that which is gruesome. If a villain has to be punished surprisingly enough that punishment does not have to be imposed upon by a human. Nature sees that those who have done wrong are punished. So has it been in every one of the books I have read by Peters. I adore this trademark of her writing.
Although these books are centered on life in a Benedictine abbey, where of course religious beliefs are of central focus, never are we lectured about how we must behave or what we must believe. No religion is shoved down your throat. We can all agree about the religious ideas promulgated in the story. Morality, good behavior, kindness, compassion and understanding are qualities we all recognize and aspire to.
One word about why I loved this particular book so much. I love the friendship that you see growing between Hugh Beringar and Cadfael. I loved that King Stephen was NOT drawn as a terrible villain and that the monks stay outside the strife between the two rivaling sides, Empress Maude and King Stephen. I liked how real people are interwoven with characters invented by the author. What impressed me about this particular book was also that this is a love story, and I don’t like love stories, but this was so cute to watch. In fact there are two love stories; both were marvelously depicted. I was giggling at the end.
The audiobook narration by Johanna Ward (alias Kate Reading) was just perfect. One must have an English accent when reading this book. How has she so well learned to mimic these villagers of the 1130s?! Monks and King Stephen and beggars and knights, all of them are done to a tee.
I read this with Gundula as a buddy ready. We had so much fun discussing historical details and what we enjoyed. Here is a link to that discussion: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
August 11, 2021
Where better to hide a corpse than among a pile of corpses? However the murderer didn't count on Brother Cadfael's observant eye or his persistence. In this second novel of the series, Cadfael meets his future, frequent ally, Hugh Beringar.
October 6, 2024
I am enjoying this series but in this book something happens which I can never manage to believe in - a female disguised as a male, in a male dominated setting, and not getting caught - except by our hero of course.
The mystery was good but it was stretched over a few too many pages and became a very slow read. No matter, I will certainly move on to the next book. I trust Brother Cadfael to do the right thing for me.
The mystery was good but it was stretched over a few too many pages and became a very slow read. No matter, I will certainly move on to the next book. I trust Brother Cadfael to do the right thing for me.
September 19, 2025
One Corpse Too Many, the second book of the Brother Cadfael series, is set during the feud between King Stephen and Empress Maud for the British throne. Brother Cadfael's abbey is caught in the middle of the battle between the two factions. Abbey guest house is filled with nobles who've come to pledge their allegiance to King Stephen. However, one who is evading the King also lives within the Abbey walls, unknown to all, except for Cadfael. And on top of all, when the Abbey was called to carry out the burial of those captured and executed by King Stephen's party, Brother Cadfael finds one corpse too many for burial. Cadfael's duty is torn. But he will do the right and the just by God, if not by man.
There are several things I like about the Brother Cadfael series. The first is the historical setting. That history is little known to me, and I truly enjoy reading about the medieval period. The characters are interesting and likable. Among them, there are one or two strong women with independent minds (in both novels, this has been the case; I hope it'll continue). Then, there is an interesting murder mystery to solve. And there is Brother Cadfael, the defender of justice!
One Corpse Too Many is a wonderfully written chronicle of the series. I enjoyed this more than the first in the series. This is where Brother Cadfael's long companionship with Hugh Beringar begins. And I’m looking forward to reading about their comradeship.
It is very rarely that I get enticed to continue reading a whole series. But Ellis Peters has bewitched me. :)
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
There are several things I like about the Brother Cadfael series. The first is the historical setting. That history is little known to me, and I truly enjoy reading about the medieval period. The characters are interesting and likable. Among them, there are one or two strong women with independent minds (in both novels, this has been the case; I hope it'll continue). Then, there is an interesting murder mystery to solve. And there is Brother Cadfael, the defender of justice!
One Corpse Too Many is a wonderfully written chronicle of the series. I enjoyed this more than the first in the series. This is where Brother Cadfael's long companionship with Hugh Beringar begins. And I’m looking forward to reading about their comradeship.
It is very rarely that I get enticed to continue reading a whole series. But Ellis Peters has bewitched me. :)
More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/
December 24, 2019
This is the second Brother Cadfael mystery, which is set during the summer of 1138, and takes place in Shrewsbury, so sees Cadfael at home - tending his herbs and potions in the Abbey gardens. This is a time of turmoil, with war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud. Choosing sides causes discord and violence and Shrewsbury Castle is besieged. The upheaval brings a young helper, Godric, to the Abbey, who Cadfael willingly takes as a helper, before realising the young man is really a young girl, in hiding from the castle. Her real name is Godith Aldenay and she was betrothed to Hugh Beringar, who becomes a central character in the series, as it progresses.
Amongst the tangled romances that the book unravels (Cadfael often being a little like 'Papa Poirot,' in his desire to aid couples in coming together) there is, of course, also murder. When Cadfael is called to the castle to help bury a number of men hung there, he finds an extra corpse among the bodies - one whose death cannot be explained by the executions ordered by the king. It is up to Cadfael to find the young man justice and to try to bring peace to his disturbed world. An enjoyable addition to the series, even if the romance sometimes threatens to overtake the mystery.
Amongst the tangled romances that the book unravels (Cadfael often being a little like 'Papa Poirot,' in his desire to aid couples in coming together) there is, of course, also murder. When Cadfael is called to the castle to help bury a number of men hung there, he finds an extra corpse among the bodies - one whose death cannot be explained by the executions ordered by the king. It is up to Cadfael to find the young man justice and to try to bring peace to his disturbed world. An enjoyable addition to the series, even if the romance sometimes threatens to overtake the mystery.
February 19, 2019
Book 2 of the Brother Cadfael series, which is one I’ve been reading in no particular order. The series is set in 12th Century England where a civil war is raging between cousins King Stephen and Empress Maud, both claimants to the throne. People support one or the other as per their beliefs (and opportunity too), but when the other party is in the ascendant, their very lives are in danger. In this one, King Stephen has made some advances and reached Shrewsbury, where the Castle supports Empress Maud, who is still in Normandy. Stephen manages to overthrow them and the ninety-four men who are captured are put to death. The Abbey wishes to give these brave men a suitable burial and Brother Cadfael is put in charge. But when he gets there, there aren’t ninety-four bodies as he was given to expect but ninety-five, and that one additional man was not hanged as the others but murdered. Meanwhile, a young potential novice, Godric, is brought to the Abbey and placed as Cadfael’s assistant, who Cadfael soon finds has a secret of his own. Cadfael has to both solve the mystery and help Godric before danger catches up with them.
I enjoy this series largely because of its setting in a period of history I knew next to nothing about, and also for Brother Cadfael’s character, who is very likeable indeed. This book introduces one character who becomes a regular in the series, but on our initial introduction we do not really know what to make of that person. The character and Brother Cadfael have a battle of wits which was enjoyable to watch unfold. Both the female characters we follow are courageous and spunky, which and don’t allow their allegiances to overtake their personal judgment. All the characters we meet in this book have their backstories, problems, but while interesting, they didn’t seem as complex as characters in some of the later books in the series. The mystery again wasn’t terribly complicated (in fact fairly straightforward) but at the same time, the explanation definitely had aspects I didn’t catch on to though the background was set for it right from the start. Still as part of the series, this was an enjoyable read for me (despite the sombre themes—war and death), especially seeing how characters who were familiar to me from later books entered the scene.
I enjoy this series largely because of its setting in a period of history I knew next to nothing about, and also for Brother Cadfael’s character, who is very likeable indeed. This book introduces one character who becomes a regular in the series, but on our initial introduction we do not really know what to make of that person. The character and Brother Cadfael have a battle of wits which was enjoyable to watch unfold. Both the female characters we follow are courageous and spunky, which and don’t allow their allegiances to overtake their personal judgment. All the characters we meet in this book have their backstories, problems, but while interesting, they didn’t seem as complex as characters in some of the later books in the series. The mystery again wasn’t terribly complicated (in fact fairly straightforward) but at the same time, the explanation definitely had aspects I didn’t catch on to though the background was set for it right from the start. Still as part of the series, this was an enjoyable read for me (despite the sombre themes—war and death), especially seeing how characters who were familiar to me from later books entered the scene.
January 11, 2025
Loved this series about the monk, and his herbs, and Latin chants and murder mysteries. The BBC filmed these stories with Derek Jacobi playing Brother Cadfael. Both the books and the TV movies were brilliant 🕯️
June 23, 2013
It's so refreshing to read a mystery series with no gore or bad language that is mixed with a cast of characters I'd like to know in real life. They're wise, honorable people. The central character is a monk, but don't let that put you off. He becomes a real person with flaws, not some pie-in-the-sky paragon of perfection. This book gives a black-and-white movie feeling, for which I'm very grateful. It's a good, comfort read. If you're afraid the historical aspect and time period will go right over your head, don't be. Ellis Peters is gifted, so you don't have to be. Just relax and enjoy learning about Empress Maud and King Stephen. It's ok. There's no final exam at the end, and even if there was, you could probably pass it. So, no worries.
The setting really does come alive on the page, and you'll feel safe and secure in that world with Brother Cadfael as your guide. I've enjoyed meeting every character in this series so far. This one shines in all categories: plot, characters, setting, and good writing. I wouldn't say any of them are taking the lead, leaving others behind. I feel this series can be compared to the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Both have good writing featuring warm, wise characters, and a setting with which you may be unfamiliar. There is humor, and you'll learn something along the way. You may not know what to expect, but you'll be glad you took the time to find out.
I'm looking forward to the third book in this series! I never thought I'd say that about any book written in the medieval time period. Thanks to Chrissie and Gundula for the nudges, and for convincing me to give these books a try.
The setting really does come alive on the page, and you'll feel safe and secure in that world with Brother Cadfael as your guide. I've enjoyed meeting every character in this series so far. This one shines in all categories: plot, characters, setting, and good writing. I wouldn't say any of them are taking the lead, leaving others behind. I feel this series can be compared to the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Both have good writing featuring warm, wise characters, and a setting with which you may be unfamiliar. There is humor, and you'll learn something along the way. You may not know what to expect, but you'll be glad you took the time to find out.
I'm looking forward to the third book in this series! I never thought I'd say that about any book written in the medieval time period. Thanks to Chrissie and Gundula for the nudges, and for convincing me to give these books a try.
November 15, 2018
Ellis Peters’ “A Morbid Taste For Bones” travelled but the home-sticking “One Corpse Too Many” was action-packed. Whether the constant movement kept Edith Pargeter’s soft adverbs in check, or she improved; I was relieved. I enjoyed her second novel so much better than I thought and won’t mind reading her third. Medieval historical fiction and the crime type of mysteries are my least favourites, so this was not going to be a five-star novel for me. However Edith penned these settings exceptionally well. I wonder at the research she did.
I docked a star for clarity and denouement weakness, making my grade three stars again. Without a ten-star system to reflect shades of preference, my review explains why this book was exponentially better. Edith created a sparkling note to set her books apart. Brother Cadfael, on the Welsh border of England, is a retired soldier from the famous crusades of the 1300s and a retired sea captain. He chose relaxed service in this chapter of his life. He is an accomplished herbalist and gardener, his monastic role. Knowing his backgrounds, the brothers call upon him for miscellaneous assistance all the time.
A fight between queen and king siblings erupts in their town and Brother Cadfael discovers a murder. There is a very realistic feeling about how peaceably citizens can coexist with diverse perspectives, like we do in Canada. Some are for the queen hiding in France but both stances are respected discreetly. The daughter of a high-ranking man for the queen hides until she can join her family. Helping her, vindicating the victim, and assessing two men kept the intrigue lively. Proof to arrest the murderer was obtained overly conveniently and a dual against him added unnecessary drama. But the atmosphere of three strong 1400s women strikes us powerfully today.
I docked a star for clarity and denouement weakness, making my grade three stars again. Without a ten-star system to reflect shades of preference, my review explains why this book was exponentially better. Edith created a sparkling note to set her books apart. Brother Cadfael, on the Welsh border of England, is a retired soldier from the famous crusades of the 1300s and a retired sea captain. He chose relaxed service in this chapter of his life. He is an accomplished herbalist and gardener, his monastic role. Knowing his backgrounds, the brothers call upon him for miscellaneous assistance all the time.
A fight between queen and king siblings erupts in their town and Brother Cadfael discovers a murder. There is a very realistic feeling about how peaceably citizens can coexist with diverse perspectives, like we do in Canada. Some are for the queen hiding in France but both stances are respected discreetly. The daughter of a high-ranking man for the queen hides until she can join her family. Helping her, vindicating the victim, and assessing two men kept the intrigue lively. Proof to arrest the murderer was obtained overly conveniently and a dual against him added unnecessary drama. But the atmosphere of three strong 1400s women strikes us powerfully today.
September 7, 2015
2.5*
A real disappointment, especially since I enjoyed the first Brother Cadfael
book so much. & such an intriguing premise! A corpse mixed in with the victims of a massacre -awesome idea!
This was a muddled mess and I'm not interested enough to go back to try to figure out where I became
confused. Having didn't help. This is exactly how I felt reading other books in this series many years ago.
Reading more of this series on hold for now.
A real disappointment, especially since I enjoyed the first Brother Cadfael
book so much. & such an intriguing premise! A corpse mixed in with the victims of a massacre -awesome idea!This was a muddled mess and I'm not interested enough to go back to try to figure out where I became
confused. Having didn't help. This is exactly how I felt reading other books in this series many years ago.
Reading more of this series on hold for now.
June 29, 2025
Welcome to the Anarchy
A review of the Mysterious Press/Open Road eBook (August 5, 2014) of the MacMillan hardcover original (June 1, 1979).
This continues my current re-read of the early Brother Cadfael books which are available on Kindle Unlimited, so they have the feel of being "free" 😉.
The setting is the Summer of 1138 and the beginnings of the English civil war known as The Anarchy (1138-1153) with cousins Empress Maud aka Matilda and Stephen of Blois vying for the throne of England. Stephen has been crowned King and his forces lay siege to Shrewsbury Castle which is aligned with Maud. Maud had the right of succession as decreed by her father Henry 1 but as she herself was not in England, Stephen managed to usurp the throne.
Brother Cadfael and the monks of Shrewsbury Abbey try to remain neutral in the fight but with Stephen's taking of the Castle they must acquiesce to circumstances. Stephen takes revenge on the conquered garrison with a mass hanging, but when Brother Cadfael is assigned burial duties he discovers a murdered man among the corpses. Meanwhile, a local lord Hugh Beringar has arrived to declare his loyalty to King Stephen but also begins to act suspiciously around Cadfael, who is protecting some of Maud's allies in secret.
Cadfael has to solve the murder, outwit Hugh Beringar and save an innocent couple from Stephen's wrath. The monk manages a few tricks up his sleeve in order to do it. It all comes down to a trial by combat at the conclusion and in the end a new alliance is formed.
The front cover of the current eBook edition which I read. For some reason GR does not allow alternate cover variations for Kindle editions. Image sourced from Amazon.
What is interesting about a re-read in 2025 is the easier access via the internet to historical information about the actual events which Ellis Peters fictionalized for her long-running series (1977-1994). I plan to continue the books with Monk's Hood (Brother Cadfael #3 - 1980).
The front cover of the original MacMillan hardcover (1979). Image sourced from Wikipedia.
Soundtrack
The monks and abbey settings of Ellis Peters novels allows me to sneak in some music by my favourite Estonian composer Arvo Pärt (1935-) whose 90th birthday year is being celebrated throughout 2025 with many concerts and festivals dedicated to his music. One of his most popular works is Fratres (Latin: Brothers) (1977) which was originally composed for the Estonian Early Music group Hortus Musicus (Latin: The Music Garden). It has since been adapted into a few dozen different solo and ensemble versions. You can see a performance of the original version by Hortus Musicus on YouTube here. Other famous performances are the solo variations version for violin and piano performed by Gidon Kremer and Keith Jarrett here and the violin solo with ensemble version performed by Gidon Kremer here.
Trivia and Links
One Corpse Too Many was adapted for the Cadfael TV series as Series 1 Episode 1 in 1994. The complete Cadfael series is currently available on Britbox here in Canada. The full episode is also currently available for free on YouTube here.
Ellis Peters was one of the pennames used by author Edith Pargeter (1913-1995), who was of Welsh ancestry. Aside from her own fiction and non-fiction works, she also became fluent in the Czech language and translated Czech works into English.
A review of the Mysterious Press/Open Road eBook (August 5, 2014) of the MacMillan hardcover original (June 1, 1979).
This continues my current re-read of the early Brother Cadfael books which are available on Kindle Unlimited, so they have the feel of being "free" 😉.
The setting is the Summer of 1138 and the beginnings of the English civil war known as The Anarchy (1138-1153) with cousins Empress Maud aka Matilda and Stephen of Blois vying for the throne of England. Stephen has been crowned King and his forces lay siege to Shrewsbury Castle which is aligned with Maud. Maud had the right of succession as decreed by her father Henry 1 but as she herself was not in England, Stephen managed to usurp the throne.
Brother Cadfael and the monks of Shrewsbury Abbey try to remain neutral in the fight but with Stephen's taking of the Castle they must acquiesce to circumstances. Stephen takes revenge on the conquered garrison with a mass hanging, but when Brother Cadfael is assigned burial duties he discovers a murdered man among the corpses. Meanwhile, a local lord Hugh Beringar has arrived to declare his loyalty to King Stephen but also begins to act suspiciously around Cadfael, who is protecting some of Maud's allies in secret.
Cadfael has to solve the murder, outwit Hugh Beringar and save an innocent couple from Stephen's wrath. The monk manages a few tricks up his sleeve in order to do it. It all comes down to a trial by combat at the conclusion and in the end a new alliance is formed.
The front cover of the current eBook edition which I read. For some reason GR does not allow alternate cover variations for Kindle editions. Image sourced from Amazon.
What is interesting about a re-read in 2025 is the easier access via the internet to historical information about the actual events which Ellis Peters fictionalized for her long-running series (1977-1994). I plan to continue the books with Monk's Hood (Brother Cadfael #3 - 1980).
The front cover of the original MacMillan hardcover (1979). Image sourced from Wikipedia.
Soundtrack
The monks and abbey settings of Ellis Peters novels allows me to sneak in some music by my favourite Estonian composer Arvo Pärt (1935-) whose 90th birthday year is being celebrated throughout 2025 with many concerts and festivals dedicated to his music. One of his most popular works is Fratres (Latin: Brothers) (1977) which was originally composed for the Estonian Early Music group Hortus Musicus (Latin: The Music Garden). It has since been adapted into a few dozen different solo and ensemble versions. You can see a performance of the original version by Hortus Musicus on YouTube here. Other famous performances are the solo variations version for violin and piano performed by Gidon Kremer and Keith Jarrett here and the violin solo with ensemble version performed by Gidon Kremer here.
Trivia and Links
One Corpse Too Many was adapted for the Cadfael TV series as Series 1 Episode 1 in 1994. The complete Cadfael series is currently available on Britbox here in Canada. The full episode is also currently available for free on YouTube here.
Ellis Peters was one of the pennames used by author Edith Pargeter (1913-1995), who was of Welsh ancestry. Aside from her own fiction and non-fiction works, she also became fluent in the Czech language and translated Czech works into English.
April 13, 2020
A very strong follow up! This one steps up the historical battle between King Stephen and Empress Maud, so it's more about lords and knights, rather than cloistered monks.
I enjoyed reading the origins of some of the series' mainstay characters, such as Hugh Beringar and his wife to be. Cadfael's wit and wisdom is always a pleasure.
Book two in the Cadfael series is not quite as clever as the first. The murderer was easy to pick out. However, this book is more about drama, stealth, vengeance and justice as played out through some solid action scenes. Nothing disappointing about that!
I enjoyed reading the origins of some of the series' mainstay characters, such as Hugh Beringar and his wife to be. Cadfael's wit and wisdom is always a pleasure.
Book two in the Cadfael series is not quite as clever as the first. The murderer was easy to pick out. However, this book is more about drama, stealth, vengeance and justice as played out through some solid action scenes. Nothing disappointing about that!
Read
December 10, 2020Nekad možete da birate između toga da li ćete jesti nutelu supenom kašikom pravo iz tegle ili slistiti neki slučaj brata Kadfaela, ovo drugo je... manje škodljivo... a željeni psihički efekat je isti :)
February 23, 2019
…for every untimely death, every man cut down in his vigour and strength, without time for repentance and reparation, is one corpse too many.
One Corpse Too Many is the second of the chronicles of “Cadfael”, a Welsh Benedictine monk in 12th century England at Shrewsbury Abbey, near the Welsh border. Author Edith Pargeter who wrote under the pseudonym of Ellis Peters, passed away in 1995. I vaguely remember a TV series of the same name when I was young but never watched, now I am enjoying the novels with fresh eyes.
The story opens in 1138 with Shrewsbury under siege by King Stephen: when King Henry I died without a male heir the throne was to pass to his daughter, the Empress Maud (Matilda according to history) but her cousin took it for his own, plunging England into Civil War. As some approached Stephen to offer men and horses, others loyal to Maud are trying to escape to Wales from where they can secure a passage to France. The middle-aged Benedictine monk, Cadfael, who harvests herbs for medicinal remedies and makes wine and potions, is approached by a nurse asking him to take charge of a fresh-faced youth. Cadfael fought in the first crusade and was a ship’s captain off the Holy Land before taking his orders, and his suspicions are aroused, but he takes the boy in.
With the battle in its bloody climax, prisoners are bound then hung by the neck off the castle walls, and the next day Cadfael is sent to recover the bodies and ready them to be either identified by their loved ones, or to be given a Christian burial in a mass grave. Among the 94 bodies dispatched by the Flemish mercenaries another body is found - the massacre masking a murder - and Cadfael draws it to the attention to the king, who charges him to investigate and bring the offender to justice.
By all the signs there would be plenty of killing in Stephen’s realm in the near future, and he would not lose his sleep over most of it, but to have a killer-by-stealth creeping for cover into his shadow, that he would take as a deadly insult to himself, and avenge accordingly.
This was a story with everything: romance and loss; deception and derring-do, as Cadfael tries to outwit the nobleman Hugh Beringar, leading to a hand-to-hand fight to the death in the finale. The language is that of Medieval England, yet not difficult to read, with maps in the preface and a glossary of terms (particularly of garments and weaponry). And a gentle humour permeates through the hostilities.
The town was willing to put on a festival face, not so much in the king’s honour as in celebration of the fact that the king was about to depart…
This book has inspired me to read more in the series, and to check up on that period in English history and the city of Shrewsbury (birthplace of Charles Darwin), which has retained many of its medieval buildings, escaping both the Luftwaffe and 1960’s demotions, though Frankwell, noted in the book on the far bank of the River Seven, suffered severe flooding.
One Corpse Too Many is the second of the chronicles of “Cadfael”, a Welsh Benedictine monk in 12th century England at Shrewsbury Abbey, near the Welsh border. Author Edith Pargeter who wrote under the pseudonym of Ellis Peters, passed away in 1995. I vaguely remember a TV series of the same name when I was young but never watched, now I am enjoying the novels with fresh eyes.
The story opens in 1138 with Shrewsbury under siege by King Stephen: when King Henry I died without a male heir the throne was to pass to his daughter, the Empress Maud (Matilda according to history) but her cousin took it for his own, plunging England into Civil War. As some approached Stephen to offer men and horses, others loyal to Maud are trying to escape to Wales from where they can secure a passage to France. The middle-aged Benedictine monk, Cadfael, who harvests herbs for medicinal remedies and makes wine and potions, is approached by a nurse asking him to take charge of a fresh-faced youth. Cadfael fought in the first crusade and was a ship’s captain off the Holy Land before taking his orders, and his suspicions are aroused, but he takes the boy in.
With the battle in its bloody climax, prisoners are bound then hung by the neck off the castle walls, and the next day Cadfael is sent to recover the bodies and ready them to be either identified by their loved ones, or to be given a Christian burial in a mass grave. Among the 94 bodies dispatched by the Flemish mercenaries another body is found - the massacre masking a murder - and Cadfael draws it to the attention to the king, who charges him to investigate and bring the offender to justice.
By all the signs there would be plenty of killing in Stephen’s realm in the near future, and he would not lose his sleep over most of it, but to have a killer-by-stealth creeping for cover into his shadow, that he would take as a deadly insult to himself, and avenge accordingly.
This was a story with everything: romance and loss; deception and derring-do, as Cadfael tries to outwit the nobleman Hugh Beringar, leading to a hand-to-hand fight to the death in the finale. The language is that of Medieval England, yet not difficult to read, with maps in the preface and a glossary of terms (particularly of garments and weaponry). And a gentle humour permeates through the hostilities.
The town was willing to put on a festival face, not so much in the king’s honour as in celebration of the fact that the king was about to depart…
This book has inspired me to read more in the series, and to check up on that period in English history and the city of Shrewsbury (birthplace of Charles Darwin), which has retained many of its medieval buildings, escaping both the Luftwaffe and 1960’s demotions, though Frankwell, noted in the book on the far bank of the River Seven, suffered severe flooding.
August 24, 2021
Тут доброго винца поменьше, зато в ассортименте благородные рыцари и не менее благородные дамы!
May 21, 2020
In 'One Corpse Too Many' by Ellis Peters the year is 1138 and it's war! King Stephen and Empress Maud fight each other for the right to rule England. Back and forth, the lords, their Knights and men-at-arms fight for their chosen liege. Unfortunately for the town of Shrewsbury the castle is in the hands of supporters of Maud while Stephen's men are surrounding the town and preparing to attack. The people wisely lock their doors and windows and stay out of it. The Benedictines behind their abbey walls pray for peace, and Cadfael prepares his medicines for the injured.
Soon it is clear King Stephen and his forces have won the castle. Those who were fighters for Maud still alive are sentenced to hang, and after the sentence is carried out, their bodies are collected by Cadfael for religious burial. But first, the bodies must be arranged and washed for viewing, and word is passed to the countryside for families to come with no penalty to find their loved ones. In carrying out his duties to the dead, Cadfael counts 95 bodies. As horrifying as the results of war are to view, this is even worse. Only 94 were killed in warfare - but one has been murdered! There must be Justice! He cares nothing for politics; Cadfael can do nothing for those who died in lawful battle, but he must find out who caused an unlawful death.
The investigation begins. Empress Maud's man, FitzAlan, before he fled the castle when it became clear the battle to hold it was lost, had the foresight to send away his war treasury, trusting to two trusted couriers to carry it away under cover of darkness to Empress Maud in Normandy. But something went wrong. The extra body is one of the couriers, strangled. Where is the other courier and the treasure?
Meanwhile, an honorable lady, Aline Siward, who unlike her brother Giles, has declared for King Stephen, so she comes to see the bodies looking for Giles. Two young men jump to help her, glaring daggers at each over her head. Hugh Beringar and Adam Courcelle, both Stephen's men, immediately do not like each other much.
But even as the fog of war is being slowly lifted by the self-appointed Nemesis Cadfael and the young lord Hugh Beringar, who seems to be following Cadfael - whose side is he really on? - a young boy, Godric, has been given temporary leave to live with the monks. Cadfael desperately needs help with his herb garden, so he quickly puts the young lad to work. However, the lad is peculiarly delicate and fair of face.....it is rumored FitzAlan's friend Adeney may have escaped King Stephen, but Adeney's daughter did not escape with her father. Beringar could find her out if she is still in Shrewsbury; he was betrothed to her before the war.
Cadfael is very very stressed in this mystery. War is easy for him, but young lovers are a different story! Omg!
Soon it is clear King Stephen and his forces have won the castle. Those who were fighters for Maud still alive are sentenced to hang, and after the sentence is carried out, their bodies are collected by Cadfael for religious burial. But first, the bodies must be arranged and washed for viewing, and word is passed to the countryside for families to come with no penalty to find their loved ones. In carrying out his duties to the dead, Cadfael counts 95 bodies. As horrifying as the results of war are to view, this is even worse. Only 94 were killed in warfare - but one has been murdered! There must be Justice! He cares nothing for politics; Cadfael can do nothing for those who died in lawful battle, but he must find out who caused an unlawful death.
The investigation begins. Empress Maud's man, FitzAlan, before he fled the castle when it became clear the battle to hold it was lost, had the foresight to send away his war treasury, trusting to two trusted couriers to carry it away under cover of darkness to Empress Maud in Normandy. But something went wrong. The extra body is one of the couriers, strangled. Where is the other courier and the treasure?
Meanwhile, an honorable lady, Aline Siward, who unlike her brother Giles, has declared for King Stephen, so she comes to see the bodies looking for Giles. Two young men jump to help her, glaring daggers at each over her head. Hugh Beringar and Adam Courcelle, both Stephen's men, immediately do not like each other much.
But even as the fog of war is being slowly lifted by the self-appointed Nemesis Cadfael and the young lord Hugh Beringar, who seems to be following Cadfael - whose side is he really on? - a young boy, Godric, has been given temporary leave to live with the monks. Cadfael desperately needs help with his herb garden, so he quickly puts the young lad to work. However, the lad is peculiarly delicate and fair of face.....it is rumored FitzAlan's friend Adeney may have escaped King Stephen, but Adeney's daughter did not escape with her father. Beringar could find her out if she is still in Shrewsbury; he was betrothed to her before the war.
Cadfael is very very stressed in this mystery. War is easy for him, but young lovers are a different story! Omg!
December 30, 2015
One Corpse Too Many is the second Brother Cadful book I’ve read. The Brother Cadful series has a lot going for it: a unique “investigator”, the medieval time setting, a close attention to period detail. The minuses include: cardboard characters, stale dialogue, and a somewhat stilted writing style. That said, I’d recommend the book for mystery/historical fiction lovers, who want something different.
June 30, 2019
What is there not for me to love about Ellis Peters Brother Cadfael series and in particular about the second novel of the series, about One Corpse too Many? It (and this is actually also the general case for the entire series) presents a wonderfully realistic sense of historic time and place (showing and telling readers both about Mediaeval England in general and specifically about the 12th century AD English Civil War between King Stephen and the Empress Maud delightfully, enlighteningly but also engagingly and never ever pedantically, didactically), with Ellis Peters equally and indeed fortunately verbally presenting the action of the storylines without either the use of modern 20th century vernacular and slang or (and this even more importantly and appreciatively) without gratuitous violence, gruesomeness or horror visions (even when bodies are located and battle scenes etc. need to be described, showing that yes indeed, one can easily textually and narrationally depict even scenes of violence, of murder and mayhem without having to resort to wallowing in grief, terror and visions of disgustingness).
But of course for me personally, the best part of One Corpse too Many is how for one Brother Cadfael discovers that there is indeed an extra body amongst the battle dead (and that this individual had been murdered and hidden amongst the latter to cover up this crime) and for two how Brother Cadfael meets Hugh Beringar and how slowly they learn to work together, to trust each other and that their friendship is shown by Ellis Peters as developing slowly and not as some sudden deus ex machina revelation (for the development of Hugh and Cadfael's friendship is thankfully depicted and shown as realistic and as not something sudden and out of the blue so to speak, that both Cadfael and Hugh originally tread warily and at first also with a bit of distrust, even if Cadfael in the end does confide to Hugh that he never actually believed him to have been the villain, the murderer of Nicholas Faintree, but that he did have to make sure and test him even if he actually had basically no doubts as to Hugh's innocence in this regard). Five stars for One Corpse too Many (and indeed, for me, the true beginning, the true start of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series is NOT the fist novel, is NOT A Morbid Taste for Bones but is the second instalment of the series, is One Corpse too Many with its Civil War between Stephen and Maud setting and with the advent of Hugh Beringar to act as Brother Cadfael's foil and soon to be best friend).
But of course for me personally, the best part of One Corpse too Many is how for one Brother Cadfael discovers that there is indeed an extra body amongst the battle dead (and that this individual had been murdered and hidden amongst the latter to cover up this crime) and for two how Brother Cadfael meets Hugh Beringar and how slowly they learn to work together, to trust each other and that their friendship is shown by Ellis Peters as developing slowly and not as some sudden deus ex machina revelation (for the development of Hugh and Cadfael's friendship is thankfully depicted and shown as realistic and as not something sudden and out of the blue so to speak, that both Cadfael and Hugh originally tread warily and at first also with a bit of distrust, even if Cadfael in the end does confide to Hugh that he never actually believed him to have been the villain, the murderer of Nicholas Faintree, but that he did have to make sure and test him even if he actually had basically no doubts as to Hugh's innocence in this regard). Five stars for One Corpse too Many (and indeed, for me, the true beginning, the true start of Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series is NOT the fist novel, is NOT A Morbid Taste for Bones but is the second instalment of the series, is One Corpse too Many with its Civil War between Stephen and Maud setting and with the advent of Hugh Beringar to act as Brother Cadfael's foil and soon to be best friend).
June 19, 2025
I didn't make many notes for this book, except for the aspects I particularly liked.
🌱🌿🌳🌿🌳🌿🌱
❤ I especially liked Brother Cadfael keeping the secret of his young assistant, and helping them perfect their disguise ♥
🧡 I enjoyed both the young female characters 🙂
💛 I enjoyed the layers to Brother Cadfael's cunning and perfecting of plans 🙂
💚 I always enjoy the pace, the herb gardens, and his herbal remedies 🙂
💙 I have a mild crush on Brother Cadfael 😉
🌱🌿🌳🌿🌳🌿🌱
I got abit distracted after the two young people got away OK, and didn't really pay so much attention to the last hour or so. I guess I was less invested in who dunnit 😉
🌟 🌟 🌟 3.5+ 🙂
accessed as an RNIB talking book, read by Andrew Timothy.
🌱🌿🌳🌿🌳🌿🌱
❤ I especially liked Brother Cadfael keeping the secret of his young assistant, and helping them perfect their disguise ♥
🧡 I enjoyed both the young female characters 🙂
💛 I enjoyed the layers to Brother Cadfael's cunning and perfecting of plans 🙂
💚 I always enjoy the pace, the herb gardens, and his herbal remedies 🙂
💙 I have a mild crush on Brother Cadfael 😉
🌱🌿🌳🌿🌳🌿🌱
I got abit distracted after the two young people got away OK, and didn't really pay so much attention to the last hour or so. I guess I was less invested in who dunnit 😉
🌟 🌟 🌟 3.5+ 🙂
accessed as an RNIB talking book, read by Andrew Timothy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2017
The trouble with me, he thought unhappily, is that I have been about the world long enough to know that God's plans for us, however infallibly good, may not take the form we expect and demand.
Brother Cadfael, that former military man in a monk’s robe, knows his onions….and his murder victims and fugitives! When a murderer dumps his victim amongst the bodies of those hung for treason, Cadfael is not willing to let the perpetrator get away scot-free. Dragged away from his garden and his herbal potions, the good Brother must search for justice, but not interfere in politics.
I so enjoy the time period and setting of this particular series! I also appreciate the non-gory nature of the mysteries and the slower pacing more suited to the historical period depicted. Sure, there are pressures to solve the murder, but Cadfael has the time and thinking space in his garden to put the facts together and come up with a logical argument. He has both his military experience and his monastic learning to draw on, a formidable combination.
But it is Cadfael’s common sense and knowledge of human behaviour that makes him a good detective—and his willingness to admit that sometimes his monastic duties will need to be set aside if justice is to be done. A good man to have on your side!
Brother Cadfael, that former military man in a monk’s robe, knows his onions….and his murder victims and fugitives! When a murderer dumps his victim amongst the bodies of those hung for treason, Cadfael is not willing to let the perpetrator get away scot-free. Dragged away from his garden and his herbal potions, the good Brother must search for justice, but not interfere in politics.
I so enjoy the time period and setting of this particular series! I also appreciate the non-gory nature of the mysteries and the slower pacing more suited to the historical period depicted. Sure, there are pressures to solve the murder, but Cadfael has the time and thinking space in his garden to put the facts together and come up with a logical argument. He has both his military experience and his monastic learning to draw on, a formidable combination.
But it is Cadfael’s common sense and knowledge of human behaviour that makes him a good detective—and his willingness to admit that sometimes his monastic duties will need to be set aside if justice is to be done. A good man to have on your side!
December 25, 2015
1138 England. King Stephen is in conflict with Empress Maude for the throne. During the siege of Shrewsbury, executions are ordered and Father Cadfael finds one body too many in with the dead....murder!
I like the medieval setting and the descriptions of the customs, lifestyles and places. Father Cadfael is a wonderful character. Solving mysteries using only clues and logic without the help of fingerprints or forensics is interesting.
I enjoy this series so far and plan on continuing in future.
I like the medieval setting and the descriptions of the customs, lifestyles and places. Father Cadfael is a wonderful character. Solving mysteries using only clues and logic without the help of fingerprints or forensics is interesting.
I enjoy this series so far and plan on continuing in future.
August 24, 2018
3.5 stars. I'm still not 100% sold on this series. I'll have to read another. :)
July 28, 2013
I've read this before but have no memory of the plot, so I thought I'd read it again.
Later: This is, in a way, a medieval "spy vs. spy" story, and to my mind the best in the Brother Cadfael series.
I think I'd start a reader new to the Cadfael series here, actually.
Later: This is, in a way, a medieval "spy vs. spy" story, and to my mind the best in the Brother Cadfael series.
I think I'd start a reader new to the Cadfael series here, actually.
March 19, 2022
Considering I’m a staunch hf lover, you’d have thought I might have tried an Ellis Peters book before now, but no! For some reason I had a bit of an aversion to the idea of the series, the British TV series largely to blame. However I needed this for a challenge so I gave it a go and I was impressed. What d’ ya know?! All those fans of the series were correct- it was a really good read with several new facts learned too.
June 2, 2011
If I didn't know after reading the first Brother Cadfael, A Morbid Taste for Bones, that I wanted to read ALL of the Brother Cadfael books, I definitely know it now after reading book two! Brother Cadfael is such a smart, interesting, capable, and overall cool character! He is exactly what I look for in a mystery protagonist. And, as in book one, I loved the cast of characters surrounding Brother Cadfael as well.
Ellis Peters does a wonderful job of building the medieval world her characters live in without slowing down the story with too many details. The mystery itself was good, although the solution wasn't a huge surprise. Mostly I just enjoyed spending time with these characters. I look forward to reading book three, Monk's Hood, sometime in the near future!
One thing that did bug me a little is that the cover picture of the edition I read doesn't match the details in the story. But overall that is a minor thing and doesn't keep me from wanting to read more in the series.
Ellis Peters does a wonderful job of building the medieval world her characters live in without slowing down the story with too many details. The mystery itself was good, although the solution wasn't a huge surprise. Mostly I just enjoyed spending time with these characters. I look forward to reading book three, Monk's Hood, sometime in the near future!
One thing that did bug me a little is that the cover picture of the edition I read doesn't match the details in the story. But overall that is a minor thing and doesn't keep me from wanting to read more in the series.
March 21, 2022
I've tried Brother Cadfael books before but always found the mystery part too simple and never was grabbed by the other events that provided background. This one, which I was able to lick up free as a Kindle Prime library loan, somehow worked. Perhaps because it was more adventure than mystery (once again with an obvious culprit), I was engaged the entire time in Brother Cadfael's battle of wits with Hugh. Very enjoyable and I'll try the next one to see if it too surprises me.
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Rereading - via that Patrick Tull audiobook - for an upcoming podcast episode. Once again the battle of wits between Cadfael and Hugh was simply delightful.
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Rereading - via that Patrick Tull audiobook - for an upcoming podcast episode. Once again the battle of wits between Cadfael and Hugh was simply delightful.
February 21, 2017
A good old fashioned murder mystery. A marked improvement on Cadfael #1 in my opinion, but the ingredients were the same - good plot, several suspects and of course a love brewing in the background.
June 1, 2024
It was OK, maybe even better than OK because Brother Cadfael rocks. That said, I spotted the bad guy the moment he first appeared. Knowing that so early, the pace became excruciating. Add in to that a couple of love birds that Peters clearly dotes on (under Brother Cadfael's gentle but wise eyes), and you can see a pattern for these emerging for the series. I enjoy how Peters anchors these books in historical fact, so it was particularly odd to see a two-hour duel to the death between two characters, which I would think to be physically impossible, even in a Conan book. Then again, it may have been meant as a clumsy metaphor for the long English civil war that is just starting.
April 18, 2025
TV serijom sam bila oduševljena, kao i maestralnim Derekom Jacobijem u ulozi brata Cadfaela i jednostavno ne mogu dati manju ocjenu od 5. Imam samo dvije primjedbe i to izdavaču - zašto se krenulo s prevođenjem drugom dijela serijala, a ne s prvom knjigom "A Morbid Taste for Bones" i šteta zbog ovakvog prijeloma teksta u romanu, sve je zgusnuto i teže je za pratiti.
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