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Title: One Corpse Too Many: The Second Chronicle of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters ISBN: 0-446-40051-3 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 March, 1994 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.4 (15 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Soldier-Sailor-Crusader turned Monk
Comment: This is one story which I had seen on PBS, which inspired me to read the original. What a treasure lay waiting in my bookcase!
I found that all Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael books are "Excellent Mysteries", even if I occasionally question her private brand of clerical or secular justice. But the literary gems of extreme value are those five novels which enhance our understanding of the protagonist's character. An additional bonus to the delectable mysteries themselves with their beautifully landscaped setting of England or Wales is our introduction to medieval customs and monastic ritual.
I promise to be careful not to give anything away which might diminish the reader's enjoyment of future novels in the series (20, plus a prequel book of 3 short tales). My favorites are #1, where we realize the importance of Cafael's devotion to his Saint Winifrid, also Welsh. Next comes #2 because we have the wonderful relationship with Hugh Beringar, his friend and fellow sleuth--no matter which of the warring cousins they seem to serve: King Stephen or Empress Maud. My last 3 favorites are those novels which reveal Cadfael's gradual relationship with Olivier--no hints or spoilers. Thus the unlikely hero who has retired from the world to pursue a life of inner peace within the cloister becomes increasingly more human; he earns our sympathy, respect and love.
Forget the clever plot on this one--for it is the unique and fascinating countredance of personalities that makes this novel precious. Each side in the battle for the kingdom is distrustful, trying to outmaneuver the other. Readers must decide for themselves who gains the most, who loses the most and who has the last laugh. Brother Cadfael certainly enjoys great freedom of movement--missing many masses and daily offices in purusit of justice--thanks to the old Abbot's pious nature and shunning of secular matters. Ellis Peters offers us much more than mystery artfully blended with medieval history; she presents great insight into the human heart and mind. Savor each novel and Brother Cadfeal will surely become your favorite herbalist-detective.
Rating: 4
Summary: Murder Among Medieval Mayhem
Comment: Every so often I pick up a book that has been published for years and wonder "Why didn't I read this earlier". Such is the case with this book, the second in the Brother Cadfael series. I always thought the notion of an amateur sleuth in medieval England sounded a bit too hokey for me, but after seeing this novel listed as one of the Independent Mystery Sellers Association 100 Favorite Novels of the Century I decided to give it a try. Part political intrigue, part historical romance, and part mystery, this novel had me hooked from chapter one.
There are twenty books, or chronicles, in the Cadfael series that take place against the backdrop of the battle between King Stephen and Empress Maud for the contested throne of England. In this particular novel, King Stephen and his forces overtake the castle at Shrewsbury, the town in which Brother Cadfael's abbey is situated. Allegiances to King Stephen and Empress Maud create an atmosphere fraught with danger for no one can be trusted to keep any secrets under penalty of death. Cadfael looks into the murder of a young man who is found strangled among the corpses of the defenders of the castle whom King Stephen has had hanged for treason.
This murder takes a backseat to Cadfael's efforts to protect the daughter of one of the former Nobleman of Shrewsbury castle, who had pledged allegiance to Maud, and a game of cat and mouse between Cadfael and a mysterious young man named Hugh Beringar. Both story lines have enough suspense of their own in diverting the reader's attention from the murder. The language and style of the book is written in an almost Shakespearean way lending to the atmosphere of a very romantic period. This may seem a bit "flowery" to some, but lends some authenticity to the time period. This was a fun book and I look forward to reading more of Brother Cadfael's adventures.
Rating: 5
Summary: Thrilling addition to fun series!
Comment: I liked this addition a lot. This series is a lot of fun and the characters are easy to connect with. My favorite of course is the Monk. Buy this one you'll be glad you did.
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Title: Monk's Hood: The Third Chronicle of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters ISBN: 0446403008 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 1992 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: St. Peter's Fair: The Fourth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters ISBN: 0446403016 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 1992 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Leper of Saint Giles by Ellis Peters ISBN: 0446404373 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 1995 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters ISBN: 0446404284 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 May, 1995 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Sanctuary Sparrow by Ellis Peters ISBN: 0446404292 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 1995 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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