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)

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.

I love this series

These books do a great job of capturing the Middle Ages, the monastic life, & the role the church played in every day life. Add to that great characters, good plots, early forensics, & a narrator whose voice fits the story perfectly, and what's not to love? (Note: I don't care much for the versions read by a woman, simply because there are SO many male characters that it just works better when read by a man.)

A favorite

This is one of my favorite Brother Cadfael stories. The story, the crime, the chase are all done very well.

Worth Every Single Moment

I'd have to break out the ole' Roget's to get enough words to describe how much I enjoyed every moment of this book and performance.

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.

One of the best historical mysteries.

This second mystery of Brother Cadfael continues, in a time period of great poverty and riches, civil war between two mediocre would be monarchs, diseases which would horrify us and a true picture of the Medieval World and the tug between Church,State, and Secular worlds. Brother Cadfael, a monk who came late to the Religious life, solves mysteries, brings together two sets of lovers, and introduces us to the Middle Ages. What more could one ask? If this review sounds dry, the book is not. I have heard it many times and am never bored. The reader is great.

Wonderful read every time!

I’ve read all this series more than once. However, this was the first listening experience. Patrick Tull brings a marvelous richness to the book. He’s not just reading to me. He’s sitting with me and masterfully telling me a story!

Great book, good recording, terrible production

Better than the first book by far, with a great performance, but when there are whole sections of the book missing in the transition between chapters.

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.