Rating: 
Summary: Thrilling addition to fun series!
Review: I liked this addition a lot. This series is a lot of fun and the characters are easy to connect with. My favorite of course is the Monk. Buy this one you'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Thrilling addition to fun series!
Review: I liked this addition a lot. This series is a lot of fun and the characters are easy to connect with. My favorite of course is the Monk. Buy this one you'll be glad you did.
Rating: 
Summary: I will not change my score but...
Review: I was a little hasty with my review of this particular Cadfael the first time I read it, and feel duty bound to give a better account this time. I still maintain that there is not enough sleuthing for my money in this book, but what I did not appreciate last time was the very skilful manner in which Cadfael pits his wits against the sinister, and extremely intelligent, Hugh Beringar. This book is far more interested in having three main plot lines as opposed to the usual whodunit mentality of the other Cadfaels that deal just with the one main line of enquiry to do with one murder.I still believe I prefer the straight forward detective approach in Cadfael novels, but I think that Ellis Peters was concerned with writing vaguely the same story over and again and so attempted to branch out from the typical style of story one might expect for a crime novel. I think she should be applauded for this, and although it in some cases this means a weaker end product, I do think it is beneficial to the Cadfael series as a whole. Whatever the story in a Cadfael novel, we are as always treated to the exciting and enchanting world that Peters has decided to portray. A glimpse of what life may truly have been like in the 12th century, or at least we can believe that some parts of the novel could at least be a little bit historically accurate. The fun is in accepting that you do not which parts are and so we can allow ourselves the pretence that it is, in fact, all true. Nice
Rating:
Summary: I will not change my score but...
Review: I was a little hasty with my review of this particular Cadfael the first time I read it, and feel duty bound to give a better account this time. I still maintain that there is not enough sleuthing for my money in this book, but what I did not appreciate last time was the very skilful manner in which Cadfael pits his wits against the sinister, and extremely intelligent, Hugh Beringar. This book is far more interested in having three main plot lines as opposed to the usual whodunit mentality of the other Cadfaels that deal just with the one main line of enquiry to do with one murder. I still believe I prefer the straight forward detective approach in Cadfael novels, but I think that Ellis Peters was concerned with writing vaguely the same story over and again and so attempted to branch out from the typical style of story one might expect for a crime novel. I think she should be applauded for this, and although it in some cases this means a weaker end product, I do think it is beneficial to the Cadfael series as a whole. Whatever the story in a Cadfael novel, we are as always treated to the exciting and enchanting world that Peters has decided to portray. A glimpse of what life may truly have been like in the 12th century, or at least we can believe that some parts of the novel could at least be a little bit historically accurate. The fun is in accepting that you do not which parts are and so we can allow ourselves the pretence that it is, in fact, all true. Nice
Rating:
Summary: Reading the book benfits viewers of PBS series.
Review: One Corpse Too Many : The Second Chronicle of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters After watching a number of the Brother Cadfael episodes on PBS, I was pleased to learn that the series was based upon the books written by Ellis Peters. One Corpse Too Many is my first adventure into the written version. As in most cases the written version is much richer and even more entertaining than the television version. As I read the book, I cannot but help hear Derek Jacobi's voice as Brother Cadfael. The written format adds much to character development, especially of secondary characters. Ellis Peters also helps us with the very interesting historical facts surrounding these exceptional episodes of our beloved Brother Cadfael.
Rating: 
Summary: Cadfael's story continues
Review: Set against the backdrop of civil war-torn England in 1138, "One Corpse Too Many" is the second book in The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael. Shrewsbury (the home of Cadfael's Abbey) is caught up in the conflict between Empress Maud and King Stephen. The Castle is laid siege to and seized by Stephen. Stephen then executes ninety-four of Maud's supporters in Shrewsbury. Yet, when a count is taken of the bodies, there are ninety-five corpses. Thus the mystery begins--and Cadfael, the monk/herbalist of Shrewsbury springs into action. I cannot make heads or tales of whether I like "One Corpse Too Many" as much or more than the first book in the series (A Morbid Taste For Bones). Both books are quite good. However, with the exception that they are both mysteries featuring Brother Cadfael, they are quite different. This gives me great hope for the rest of the series. The character of Cadfael is developed successfully and Peters avoids being formulaic. I missed some of the characters from "A Morbid Taste For Bones" (particularly the pompous presence of Prior Robert). Yet there are some great new characters in book two. My favorites are "the boy Godric" and the wily and resourceful Hugh Beringar. The dual love stories of "One Corpse Too Many" add another dimension to the book. Cadfael's closing comments (in which the title phrase is used) are well worth the price of the book. All in all, I give "One Corpse Too Many" a heartfelt recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: Chilling and thrilling
Review: There is a civil war in England, as two claimants to the English throne fight it out in Shrewsbury. After an assault on the castle, the attacker, King Stephen, overthrows the supporters of Empress Maud. After the victory, King Stephen orders the surviving defenders to be executed. However, Brother Cadfael discovers an extra body among the dead. He tries his best to discover the identity of the victim and the murderer. To add to his troubles, he finds himself the caretaker of one of the daughters of a supporter of Empress Maud. The young girl lives in the monastary disguised as a young novice. Also he finds an injured supporter of Empress Maud who is charged with delivering the gold from the castle treasury. What is Cadfael to do? To make matters worse, he is being watched by a clever young nobleman, Hugh Beringar, who seems to match Cadfael's every move. Can Cadfael outwit him? Read and see.
Rating:
Summary: Chilling and thrilling
Review: There is a civil war in England, as two claimants to the English throne fight it out in Shrewsbury. After an assault on the castle, the attacker, King Stephen, overthrows the supporters of Empress Maud. After the victory, King Stephen orders the surviving defenders to be executed. However, Brother Cadfael discovers an extra body among the dead. He tries his best to discover the identity of the victim and the murderer. To add to his troubles, he finds himself the caretaker of one of the daughters of a supporter of Empress Maud. The young girl lives in the monastary disguised as a young novice. Also he finds an injured supporter of Empress Maud who is charged with delivering the gold from the castle treasury. What is Cadfael to do? To make matters worse, he is being watched by a clever young nobleman, Hugh Beringar, who seems to match Cadfael's every move. Can Cadfael outwit him? Read and see.
Rating:
Summary: One Book Too Great
Review: This is a superb story and Peters is in top form. Peters can get addictive. Peters does use the word CORN, but in the old country CORN refers to grain (see an unabridged dictionary).
Rating:
Summary: Soldier-Sailor-Crusader turned Monk
Review: This is one story which I had seen on PBS, which inspired me to read the original. What a treasure lay waiting in my bookcase!
I found that all Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael books are "Excellent Mysteries", even if I occasionally question her private brand of clerical or secular justice. But the literary gems of extreme value are those five novels which enhance our understanding of the protagonist's character. An additional bonus to the delectable mysteries themselves with their beautifully landscaped setting of England or Wales is our introduction to medieval customs and monastic ritual. I promise to be careful not to give anything away which might diminish the reader's enjoyment of future novels in the series (20, plus a prequel book of 3 short tales). My favorites are #1, where we realize the importance of Cafael's devotion to his Saint Winifrid, also Welsh. Next comes #2 because we have the wonderful relationship with Hugh Beringar, his friend and fellow sleuth--no matter which of the warring cousins they seem to serve: King Stephen or Empress Maud. My last 3 favorites are those novels which reveal Cadfael's gradual relationship with Olivier--no hints or spoilers. Thus the unlikely hero who has retired from the world to pursue a life of inner peace within the cloister becomes increasingly more human; he earns our sympathy, respect and love. Forget the clever plot on this one--for it is the unique and fascinating countredance of personalities that makes this novel precious. Each side in the battle for the kingdom is distrustful, trying to outmaneuver the other. Readers must decide for themselves who gains the most, who loses the most and who has the last laugh. Brother Cadfael certainly enjoys great freedom of movement--missing many masses and daily offices in purusit of justice--thanks to the old Abbot's pious nature and shunning of secular matters. Ellis Peters offers us much more than mystery artfully blended with medieval history; she presents great insight into the human heart and mind. Savor each novel and Brother Cadfeal will surely become your favorite herbalist-detective.
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