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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I was headed for 4 stars, unusual for a genre read, until the final third or so where too many lucky breaks coagulated. Otherwise I liked the relaxed pace, the history, the ambience, the unexpected plot turns, the monk, and the writing. It was just what I needed at this time. So, 3.5 rounded down.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'm only two books into this series, and they've already stretched my vocabulary more than anything I've read in years. (Mostly older words, or older variants of words.) Light little mysteries (inasmuch as a murder mystery can be light, heh), set in 12th Century England and Wales. Lots of humorous/witty little turns of phrase sprinkled throughout. I sort of love how Cadfael's backstory has thus far only been hinted at, never explicitly described. Ordinarily I would be wishing for more depth there, but I feel like the way it's been handled suits the tone of the books perfectly.
All the Brother Cadfael books run together for me. They are the kind of thing I'd pick up in an airport or a train station to read. One Corpse Too Many is the second in the series.
The second installment is just as good as the first. Another delightful cast of characters, a rich, historical backdrop that enhanced the uniqueness of the premise, and a story that would be just as interesting without the murder. Honestly, it might be even better, because the ending was much more satisfying.
Still a bit flowery in terms of prose - although I think I'm getting used to it. The murder took more of a backseat to the stories of Godith, Torold, Hugh, and Aline - though their stories had their own mystery and were intertwined with the murder. Otherwise, no complaints. And those are hardly complaints, to be honest, just things to be aware of if you pick this series up. Which you should, if you're into a quick, cozy read.
On to the next! (After a brief interlude.)
Still a bit flowery in terms of prose - although I think I'm getting used to it. The murder took more of a backseat to the stories of Godith, Torold, Hugh, and Aline - though their stories had their own mystery and were intertwined with the murder. Otherwise, no complaints. And those are hardly complaints, to be honest, just things to be aware of if you pick this series up. Which you should, if you're into a quick, cozy read.
On to the next! (After a brief interlude.)
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have seen the Brother Cadfael mysteries on TV, and much prefer the books. The way the story turns out was far more touching for me in this version.
The second book of the Cadfael series but the first to take place in Shrewsbury, the setting for the majority of the series, also this volume includes more about the political situation of the time detailing the struggle between King Stephen and Empress Maude.
любові тут відкрит й передбачувані (по дві закохані пари в кожному з цих двох перших романів), правителі – великодушні, середньовічні дівчата пахнуть травами і квітами, а не так, як мали б пахнути середньовічні дівчата, а бог милосердний і повсякчас готовий втрутитися. одне слово, всуціль буколічні історійки, а те, що на дві в них вийшло 99 трупів, нітрохи їх не псує.
mysterious
medium-paced
This second book feels like a big expansion of Brother Cadfael’s world, bringing in the conflict of King Stephen v Empress Matilda—quite a leap in scope from the stakes of the first book. I’m in split minds as to how much I liked that. I enjoyed the history, but Cadfael rubbing shoulders with royalty perhaps wasn’t the story I was looking for.
The plot takes a while to warm up and relies on a few too many conveniences for its resolution to fully satisfy. Peters’ prose is enjoyable but hindered by a lusty quantity of adverbs and distracting dialogue tags, far more so than the first book. (“Half the dialogue tags,” said the reviewer wearily, “are placed like this, for no good reason. I’m serious!” she added unnecessarily, “Half of them!”)
All that said, the author paints her world with sufficient care that I could push past those rough edges. I especially liked Hugh Beringar, a clever, worthy opponentand eventual ally for Cadfael. And, of course, Cadfael rocks.
The plot takes a while to warm up and relies on a few too many conveniences for its resolution to fully satisfy. Peters’ prose is enjoyable but hindered by a lusty quantity of adverbs and distracting dialogue tags, far more so than the first book. (“Half the dialogue tags,” said the reviewer wearily, “are placed like this, for no good reason. I’m serious!” she added unnecessarily, “Half of them!”)
All that said, the author paints her world with sufficient care that I could push past those rough edges. I especially liked Hugh Beringar, a clever, worthy opponent
The story was not new to me since I watched Brother Cadfael series on Prime and the episodes were pretty faithful to the books. However, I enjoy a slower, gentler rhythm of these books in comparison to many modern crime stories where the body count is high and the murderers are psychopaths. In Brother Cadfael stories, even the villains are made more human. This particular book also introduces my favorite character in the series, Hugh Berringer and marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship. It's an easy short read and deserves all the stars I can give it.