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erincataldi's review against another edition
5.0
As an avid fan of the Masterpiece Theater series, I was excited to finally read this bad boy. This was always my favorite episode because it introduced my man, Hugh Beringer. There is something soothing wholesome and educational about medieval mysteries and this series is the best of the best. Brother Cadfael used to be a man about the world and served in the crusades, but these days he's much more content in his herb garden. Things in the world are more hectic than ever and the battle between Queen Maude and King Stephen as they fight for the throne is literally outside the gates. When Kind Stephen takes over he kills all the rebels, but when the monks go to give the poor traitors a christian burial they discover one extra body among the hanged. Who killed him and why? Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to avenge this poor wretch whose death was not ordered by the king. Fabulous storytelling and an amazing setting!
enzobissell's review
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bponsford's review against another edition
4.0
Quite enjoyed this one. I had issues with the first book - didn't buy the Welsh village going along with Cadfael's plans at the end. This one seemed plausible. Also, I really liked the way Cadfael and Hugh played each other.
thejdizzler's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining, but after the twist was fairly predictable.
Really loved the depiction of England under Stephen. Much better than under Penman.
Really loved the depiction of England under Stephen. Much better than under Penman.
radella_hardwick's review against another edition
4.25
Yay! Hugh Beringer is here! And even more devious and dashing than in the show
garnetofeden's review against another edition
4.0
One Corpse Too Many takes us to 1138 England, where the denizens of Shrewsbury and its abbey are caught up in the war between King Stephen and Empress Maud. When Brother Cadfael learns the secret of his new helper, he enters the fray of the national conflict.
Ever sage and broad-minded, Cadfael’s “monarch is neither Stephen nor Maud,” but he “value[s] devotion and fidelity, and doubt[s] if it matters whether the object falls short” (27). It’s a delight to watch him match wits with the young Hugh Beringar. In a time of precarious allegiances, he wonders at first if Hugh is a friend or a foe. Once again the author’s adroitness impresses as she expands on this moment from history. The only quibble I have is one of the tests Brother Cadfael uses to confirm his inkling about his new helper’s secret.
One Corpse Too Many is another excellent installment in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, and it is sure to thrill historical mystery lovers and fans of medieval England. It was a pleasure to revisit as I hopefully finally fully finish the series this time around.
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “What you do and what you are is what matters.” (27)
- “All the things of the wild have their proper uses, only misuse makes them evil.” (51)
- “God’s plans for us, however infallibly good, may not take the form that we expect and demand.” (176)
Last finished reading 9/17/2023.
Ever sage and broad-minded, Cadfael’s “monarch is neither Stephen nor Maud,” but he “value[s] devotion and fidelity, and doubt[s] if it matters whether the object falls short” (27). It’s a delight to watch him match wits with the young Hugh Beringar. In a time of precarious allegiances, he wonders at first if Hugh is a friend or a foe. Once again the author’s adroitness impresses as she expands on this moment from history. The only quibble I have is one of the tests Brother Cadfael uses to confirm his inkling about his new helper’s secret.
One Corpse Too Many is another excellent installment in the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, and it is sure to thrill historical mystery lovers and fans of medieval England. It was a pleasure to revisit as I hopefully finally fully finish the series this time around.
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “What you do and what you are is what matters.” (27)
- “All the things of the wild have their proper uses, only misuse makes them evil.” (51)
- “God’s plans for us, however infallibly good, may not take the form that we expect and demand.” (176)
Last finished reading 9/17/2023.
crankyfacedknitter's review
4.0
I always enjoy the style of writing in these books. They're formal and just foreign enough in narration and dialogue, being set in the 1100's, and stylistically as accurate as is readable. The juxtaposition of this tone with a murder mystery, which I feel is a far more recent trend, and heavily reliant on deduction and observation (being limited by the scientific understanding of the time), is a good deal of fun. It doesn't hurt that the main character has a sense of humor when he's dealing with all of these rash, energetic, passionate young people and their absolute certainties in all matters.
rebeccabadger's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
4.5