The year is 1138. The bitter civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud has left England scarred by violence, suspicion, and divided loyalties. After the siege of Shrewsbury, ninety-four rebels are executed and laid out for burial.
But Brother Cadfael—Benedictine monk, herbalist, and reluctant detective—makes a startling discovery.
There are ninety-five bodies.
One corpse belongs to neither side. One young man has been murdered in secret, and someone is counting on the chaos of war to conceal the crime.
As Cadfael quietly follows the evidence through the abbey, the town, and the aftermath of battle, he is joined for the first time by the intelligent and honorable Hugh Beringar, beginning one of classic mystery fiction’s greatest friendships.
Originally written by Ellis Peters, One Corpse Too Many is widely regarded as one of the finest entries in the beloved Cadfael Chronicles. Combining medieval history, richly drawn characters, and a thoughtful mystery grounded in justice and mercy, it remains one of the greatest historical detective stories ever written.
Settle in for another unforgettable evening on Chesterton Radio—where timeless stories, enduring ideas, and the theater of the imagination are always on the air.
About Brother Cadfael
Brother Cadfael is no ordinary detective. A former soldier and crusader who entered the Benedictine monastery later in life, he brings compassion, practical wisdom, and an understanding of human nature to every mystery he investigates. Rather than seeking vengeance, Cadfael seeks truth—and where possible, reconciliation.
His adventures have delighted readers and listeners around the world for decades and remain among the finest examples of historical mystery fiction.
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