Discover books similar to "One Corpse Too Many"

One Corpse Too Many cover

Ellis Peters

One Corpse Too Many

4.06

Part of "Chronicles of Brother Cadfael" series

"One Corpse Too Many" by Ellis Peters is a historical mystery novel and the first book in the Cadfael Chronicles series. The story is set in the medieval town of Shrewsbury, England in 1137 during the Anarchy, a civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. The novel opens with the aftermath of the Battle of Lincoln, where the defeated army of King Stephen has been brought as prisoners to Shrewsbury. The town's castle is being used as a makeshift prison, and the local sheriff, Hugo Beringar, is tasked with the grim job of counting and identifying the dead. When the count comes up one short, Beringar calls on the help of Brother Cadfael, a herbalist monk at the local abbey, to identify the missing corpse. Cadfael, a former crusader with a wealth of experience and knowledge, is intrigued by the mystery and sets out to investigate. He quickly discovers that the missing corpse is that of a young man who had been traveling with the defeated army, and whose death is surrounded by strange circumstances. As Cadfael delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of intrigue, deceit, and treachery that threatens to engulf the town and its people. Peters' writing is rich and evocative, bringing the medieval world to life in vivid detail. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, with Cadfael's wisdom, compassion, and wit making him a memorable and likable protagonist. The plot is complex and multi-layered, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Overall, "One Corpse Too Many" is a highly enjoyable and satisfying historical mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. Peters' masterful storytelling and vivid world-building make this a standout novel that is well worth reading...

List of books similar to "One Corpse Too Many":

The Name of the Rose cover

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

Set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this historical mystery novel shares the same medieval setting and intellectual intrigue as 'One Corpse Too Many'. The story revolves around a series of murders and the attempts of the protagonist, Brother William of Baskerville, to solve the case using his knowledge of logic, theology, and the occult.

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The Daughter of Time cover

Josephine Tey

The Daughter of Time

This novel, like 'One Corpse Too Many', combines historical intrigue with a cleverly plotted mystery. The protagonist, Alan Grant, is a Scotland Yard detective who becomes fascinated by the mystery of Richard III and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower, leading to a fascinating exploration of history and detective work.

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The Lies of Locke Lamora cover

Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora

If you're looking for a different kind of crime novel, 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' offers a thrilling and imaginative take on the genre. Set in a fantastical world of thieves and con artists, this novel follows the exploits of Locke Lamora and his gang, the Gentlemen Bastards, as they pull off elaborate heists and outwit their enemies.

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The Meaning of Night cover

Michael Cox

The Meaning of Night

This historical thriller shares the same gothic atmosphere and intricate plotting as 'One Corpse Too Many'. The story follows the fortunes of Edward Glyver, a man obsessed with a rare and valuable book, as he becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue, murder, and revenge.

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The Alienist cover

Caleb Carr

The Alienist

Set in 1896 New York City, this psychological thriller shares the same historical setting and focus on forensic investigation as 'One Corpse Too Many'. The story follows a team of investigators as they track down a serial killer who is preying on the city's most vulnerable residents.

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The Hangman's Daughter cover

Oliver Pötzsch

The Hangman's Daughter

This historical mystery novel, set in 17th-century Germany, shares the same focus on forensic investigation and historical detail as 'One Corpse Too Many'. The story follows the adventures of Magdalena, the hangman's daughter, as she helps her father solve crimes and uncover secrets in their small town.

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The Lincoln Lawyer cover

Michael Connelly

The Lincoln Lawyer

If you're looking for a modern take on the legal thriller, 'The Lincoln Lawyer' offers a gripping and suspenseful narrative. The story follows defense attorney Mickey Haller as he takes on a high-profile case and uncovers a web of corruption and deceit in the process.

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The Serpent on the Crown cover

Elizabeth Peters

The Serpent on the Crown

If you're looking for a historical mystery with a strong female protagonist, 'The Serpent on the Crown' offers a thrilling and engaging narrative. The story follows Amelia Peabody, a wealthy and independent-minded Egyptologist, as she solves crimes and uncovers secrets in ancient Egypt.

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The Yiddish Policemen's Union cover

Michael Chabon

The Yiddish Policemen's Union

This alternate history novel offers a unique and imaginative take on the detective genre. Set in a world where Jewish refugees have established a temporary homeland in Alaska, the story follows detective Meyer Landsman as he investigates a murder and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the very existence of his community.

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