One Corpse Too Many: The Second Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

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Summary: One of the best Ellis Peters
Review: Ellis Peters is one of my favorite authors--with anything she writes. The woman is just awesome!

No matter what she writes about, it's always interesting and not without humor and often makes you think about issues still relevant today. She is what I call a literate writer--a 'thinking person's' mystery writer.

One Corpse Too Many is a fascinating book in which Brother Cadfael must figure out who the extra body is and why they were murdered. As usual, he rivals Sherlock Holmes in his use of close observations and minute details that always solve the mystery. This book also introduces my second favorite character in the series--Hugh Berengar. When he first appears, one doesn't know if he's good or bad, as he and Cadfael are two of a kind when it comes to cleverness.

I would recommend any of Peters' novels and any of the audiocassettes and especially the A&E television series of Brother Cadfael, played by Derek Jacobi who also reads some of the books.

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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.

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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.

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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.