One Corpse Too Many

The Second Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

By: Ellis Peters

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

When the castle of Shrewsbury is taken during the war between Empress Maud and King Stephen, 94 prisoners are taken, 94 are hanged. When Brother Cadfael arrives to perform the burial rites, he finds one corpse too many among the bodies stacked about the fortress. Cadfael reports the discrepancy to Stephen's newly appointed Sheriff Gilbert Prescote, who reluctantly announces it to the town, asking if anyone can identify the unknown man.Godith identifies the murdered man as Nicholas Faintree, a squire of the rebel leader FitzAlan.

Investigate another case with Brother Cadfael.

©1979 Ellis Peters (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Delightful...a colorful and authentic medieval background fraught with swordplay and a challenge to the death." ( Publishers Weekly)

One Death Hidden Among Many

A wonderful story from from the early days of the beloved Brother Cadfael. This book introduces Hugh Beringar, who will go on to become Cadfael's best friend and fellow detective. The title refers to one murdered corpse hidden among nearly 100 men who were executed by King Stephen in his battle against Empress Maud for the throne of England. A secondary plot involves a new novice who is not quite what he seems. Patrick Tull is a fabulous narrator, with a compelling style and a real sense of connection to the words of Ellis Peters. Solid entertainment all around.

A perfect combination

I love the Cadfael mysteries—their sense of a specific place and time in history, their portrayal of various medieval people from all walks of life, the inevitable romantic pairings which lighten the solemnity of the murders— and Patrick Tull’s narration is, for me, the perfect embodiment of the old Welsh monk. These mysteries are not very challenging to solve; I listen to them mostly for setting and character. One Corpse Too Many is the second in the series, but the first set in Shrewsbury, so it can serve as a great introduction to the series for newcomers.

I am a Fan of the Brother Sleuth

Where does One Corpse Too Many rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right at the top. I think that this series will continue to enchant me more than Sherlock, Hercule, and others I have read.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, it did and I was not expecting Hugh's change of attitude. Surprises abound in this delightful tale.

What does Patrick Tull bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Welsh accent I'm told is great for male voices but falls short when a feminine voice speaks softly.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

How things get sorted out and then resorted during the story is something that I will not divulge. Have to read for yourself.

Any additional comments?

Ellis Peters is now one of my favorite authors in Historical Fiction. I am kind of surprised I had never heard of her until now. What an author! Wow!

Really enjoyed this story.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I really enjoy Ellis Peters' books. This is one of the first I listened to as an audiobook. It took a little while to catch on to all of the characters but was very good when I did.

Fantastic story and reader

The story was compelling and the reading dramatic without seeming over-the-top. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cadfael is a new favorite

This is only my second in the series, but I think I have found a new favorite mystery. Excellent writing, excellent characters. I love the setting. And Patrick Tull as narrator is the crème de la crème.

A Must-Listen!

This, the second of the Brother Cadfael mysteries, introduces Cadfael to Hugh Beringar, who becomes a valued friend and the under-sheriff of Shrewsbury.

In the summer of 1138, the two contenders for the throne of England have brought civil war to Shrewsbury as King Stephen battles the Empress Maud for the throne of England. Two murders have happened, both related to Stephen's conquest of the town and the flight of Maude's chief supporters. Two young people, both important to Maude's cause, are caught in the town, in hiding from Stephen. Cadfael shelters them and plots their escape, follows the clues to the murderers, and finds Hugh Beringar first a worthy opponent and eventually a staunch friend. Along the way Hugh meets the love of his life.

Wonderful story, top-notch characterizations, and some thoughtful discussions on the nature of friendship and love. I've become convinced that Patrick Tull has a perfect voice for Cadfael, regardless of my love for Derek Jacobi from the PBS TV adaptations.

A good listen

Patrick Tull has a very realistic Welsh voice, but is still very understandable.

A Wonderful Historical Novel

This book had stunningly good characters and a plot to match. I was transported back in time to 12th century England while Ellis Peters explored the complexities between good and evil, loyalty and betrayal in a time of civil war.

The narrator inhabited all the characters splendidly, namely Brother Cadfael. His voice was perfect in displaying the thought process of each individual in the story.

History made easy

What made the experience of listening to One Corpse Too Many the most enjoyable?

The vividness of life hundreds of years ago. Not a student of English history. Interesting for that reason.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not that kind of story. I suppose the Cadfael mysteries are a species of cozy mystery.

Have you listened to any of Patrick Tull’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Listened to the previous Cadfael novel. Tull does okay.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again, not that kind of book.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to reading all the Cadfael mysteries.