Reading the Detectives discussion
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One Corpse Too Many
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One Corpse Too Many - SPOILER Thread
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This is probably my favorite of the 20 Cadfael books because it introduces Hugh Beringar as a major character, and quickly establishes him as someone Cadfael can trust. Their relationship has its ups-and-downs, but it is a strong one. I only wish Ellis Peters had had a chance to do more books.
I just finished. Enjoyed it but not a favorite for me--I felt the resolution of the mystery was too pat (the coincidence of seeing the kid with the dagger was just silly). The characters felt more like types to me than individuals, and the romances pretty much swamped the mystery.
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Abigail, I must agree that the romance overtakes the mystery. I felt at times the main murder plot seemed to disappear, and there were very few suspects.
For me, not as good as the first book in the series, but still quite enjoyable.
I don't usually like romance, but I found the two romances in this didn't bother me too much. I also liked Beringar and am pleased he doesn't disappear.
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I enjoyed reading this again; I enjoy the historical setting and warm readily to Cadfael’s character. But, as previously, and as others, e.g. Judy, comment, the romance aspect and the few suspects make it too easy to guess whodunnit. Meanwhile I also agree with Abigail regarding the finding of the dagger.Despite my reservations about this novel as a puzzle whodunnit I think it is hugely significant in the recent history of detective novels for this reason: More than any others I think that the Cadfael novel series really stimulated the growth, simultaneously, of the historical and cozy detective novel sub-genres: Through just sufficient historical detail, but, perhaps more, certain qualities in the dialogue, Peters manages to make us feel that we are back in 12th century Shrewsbury. Meanwhile, the “goodness” of several characters is emphasised in contrast to a typical classic whodunnit in which multiple characters are clearly potential murderers. The goodness of these characters and the sense that the two romances will both work out convey a sense of coziness that was rare when these novels were first produced, albeit at the expense of the novel as a puzzle whodunnit.
Great observations, Nick!
I recently read this, and - though I liked the story - found the mystery not so obvious. Esp. the "solving" through a duel wasn´t to my taste.I didn´t like Beringar at first, but his "fight" with Cadfael is funny. The romances were okay, though the one of Beringar and Aline very sudden.
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In the summer of 1138, war between King Stephen and the Empress Maud takes brother Cadfael from the quiet world of his garden to the bloody battlefield. Not far from the safety of the Abbey walls, Shrewsbury Castle falls, leaving its ninety-four defenders loyal to the empress to hang as traitors. With a heavy heart, Brother Cadfael agrees to bury the dead, only to make a grisly discovery: ninety-five bodies lie in a row, and the extra corpse tells Cadfael that the killer is both clever and ruthless.
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