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A review by sydsnot71
One Corpse Too Many by Ellis Peters
4.0
I first read this book back in the early-to-mid 1990s. I think it might have been the first Cadfael book I read. It is a rather fine detective novel, with an interesting historical setting. Shrewsbury, in England, during the 'Anarchy'. The civil war between King Stephen and Queen Maud. When Shrewsbury Castle is final seized by the men of King Stephen its 94 defenders are executed. Yet, when Brother Cadfael comes to the bodies there is one corpse too many. A 95th man. Someone has used these hanging to cover up a different crime. Parallel to that are the stories of Hugh Beringar - who may or may not be a villain; the Lady Aline, Godric and Torund.
Brother Cadfael finds himself involved in all these stories and gradually pulls all the threads together to solve a crime.
Cadfael is such an excellent creation. The Monk who lived as a soldier before he became a Monk. His observational skills are Sherlockian. He's a man you can trust with your secrets.
There's one wild coincidence at the end which seems a little much like cheating, but apart from that this is a joy. So far in the two books I've read only Cadfael has been a properly detailed recurring character. Others are mentioned occasionally. I suspect after this there will be one or two more.
Highly entertaining.
Brother Cadfael finds himself involved in all these stories and gradually pulls all the threads together to solve a crime.
Cadfael is such an excellent creation. The Monk who lived as a soldier before he became a Monk. His observational skills are Sherlockian. He's a man you can trust with your secrets.
There's one wild coincidence at the end which seems a little much like cheating, but apart from that this is a joy. So far in the two books I've read only Cadfael has been a properly detailed recurring character. Others are mentioned occasionally. I suspect after this there will be one or two more.
Highly entertaining.