One Corpse Too Many - Ellis Peters - A Short Summary & Review

One Corpse Too Many - Ellis Peters - A Short Summary & Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

A monk's discovery of a murder during a rebellion.

A short summary:

One Corpse Too Many introduces Brother Cadfael against the backdrop of civil war during England’s twelfth-century Anarchy. When a group of monks is ordered to locate the remains of a martyred saint, Cadfael discovers an unexpected extra body, evidence of a recent murder hidden among ancient bones.

As rebellion brews and loyalties fracture, Cadfael quietly pieces together the truth. His investigation moves through political tension, human ambition, and spiritual responsibility, revealing how violence thrives when power is uncertain, and lives are treated as expendable.

My favorite quote from the book:

"Your thoughts are safe in your head; best keep them there."

- Ellis Peters, One Corpse Too Many

Questions to ponder while reading:

Do you always follow your conscience?

Does every problem need to be solved?

My review:

I’m a big fan of Brother Cadfael, and this is why.

This is a good, clean, deeply satisfying mystery. Peters gives us a plot that is careful without being slow, layered without being confusing. The historical setting never overwhelms the story; instead, it sharpens the moral stakes.

Cadfael’s strength lies in empathy and lived experience. He understands people as well as he understands plants, and that insight makes the mystery feel organic rather than contrived. The tension builds steadily, and once it takes hold, it’s hard to put the book down.

I stayed up all night to finish it, and I didn’t regret a minute. This is historical mystery comfort food done right.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

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