Dead Mans Ransom: A Brother Cadfael Mystery Audiobook, by Ellis Peters Play Audiobook Sample

Dead Man's Ransom: A Brother Cadfael Mystery Audiobook

Dead Mans Ransom: A Brother Cadfael Mystery Audiobook, by Ellis Peters Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Patrick Tull Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Release Date: December 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781440788635

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

16

Longest Chapter Length:

45:04 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

46 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

31:04 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

35

Other Audiobooks Written by Ellis Peters: > View All...

Publisher Description

When the village of Shrewsbury's own sheriff, Gilbert Prestcote, is taken prisoner by the Empress Maud's forces, its citizens are prepared to exchange him for a man of equal value they have within their possession. But soon after Prestcote arrives for the prisoner exchange, he dies. Was it death by natural causes or a most unnatural murder?

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"I love the Brother Cadfael books - not so much for the mystery part (since I'm not a mystery reader) but strictly because of the characters , specifically Brother Cadfael, the spunky little 12 century Welsh Benedictine monk and herbalist, and Hugh Berengar, Sheriff of Maesbury who is Cadfael's sleuthing sidekick. The books all take place in and around the Abbey of Sts Peter and Paul in Shrewsbury in Shropshire, England during the the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud of England. I love the sense of place and time that is evoked because of all the details and descriptions, as well as the historical setting that forms the backdrop for all the books. So the various plots - which all seem to follow a similar pattern anyway - don't matter nearly as much as the people and places and way of life that I can read about in these books - or in this case listen to since this time I "read" the book while listening to the audio version in my car on a long trip across Iowa."

— Trisha (4 out of 5 stars)

Dead Man's Ransom Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.62025316455696 out of 53.62025316455696 out of 53.62025316455696 out of 53.62025316455696 out of 53.62025316455696 out of 5 (3.62)
5 Stars: 15
4 Stars: 27
3 Stars: 29
2 Stars: 8
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — H.P. Mulder, 12/14/2020
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Any man (or woman) is capable of anything (even murder) in a rash moment. How I admire Brother Cadfael. "

    — Kristin, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The cast version of the mystery is enjoyable. It does feel like listening to a play. "

    — Meredith, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "

    — Amy, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Like the Brother Cadfael books. "

    — Laverne, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Brother Cadfael is caught up in the murder of the Sheriff of Shropshire while the sheriff is recovering from wounds suffered in the war between Stephen and Maud for the crown of England. Welsh nobles are raiding into Shropshire. Two pairs of star crossed lovers have to resolve differences. "

    — Fredrick, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series - set around 1000/1100, a Welsh man who had been with the Crusades, soldier/sailor, loved women etc settles down to retirement as a Benedictine monk, working as an apothecary within the abbey and the community, and assisting the sheriff with mysteries. He's a really wholesome character who understands people and life, not at all narrow and irritating. There is also a series of movies made based on these books with Derek Jacobi playing Brother Cadfael "

    — Karen, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is a wonderful series, and I particularly enjoy the stories that see Cadfael romping through Wales as this one did. The audio version is well done -- good to hear those Welsh names pronounced correctly after so many years of making it up. "

    — Cathy, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not one of my favorite Ellis Peters mystery, but still an excellent read. "

    — Karen, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Reached my limit on this series. Too much alike. "

    — TJ, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "

    — Misty, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm knowing the style enough now that I can figure out the "whodunit" part of these mysteries but the writing keeps me engaged and satisfied. Many times I will reread a paragraph just for the pleasure of how she's phrased it. "

    — Meghan, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great mystery where the murderer is unmasked only at the end. Good storytelling, some familiar characters, and some very nice comments about humanity and justice sprinkled in for good measure. I am becoming most fond of Cadfael and Hugh Beringar and now even Sister Magdalen. "

    — Frode, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Reached my limit on this series. Too much alike. "

    — TJ, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "

    — Sharon, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is a wonderful series, and I particularly enjoy the stories that see Cadfael romping through Wales as this one did. The audio version is well done -- good to hear those Welsh names pronounced correctly after so many years of making it up. "

    — Cathy, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. "

    — D.w., 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "

    — Sharon, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Any man (or woman) is capable of anything (even murder) in a rash moment. How I admire Brother Cadfael. "

    — Kristin, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "

    — Beka, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another fine entry in the Cadfael Chronicles, in which changes come to the regular cast of characters as well as to the political situation in Shewsbury and England as a whole. Also, two pairs of young lovers figure prominently in the action. Quelle suprise! "

    — M, 12/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another fine entry in the Cadfael Chronicles, in which changes come to the regular cast of characters as well as to the political situation in Shewsbury and England as a whole. Also, two pairs of young lovers figure prominently in the action. Quelle suprise! "

    — M, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "

    — Misty, 12/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was the last of the Brother Cadfael books that I read. They were all really good, but I think I read too many, too quickly and spoiled my appetite for any more. Shame really. "

    — Michael, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A bit of romance, intrigue and a few battles thrown in... Shir what more cld u ask for!! The best one yet I reckon "

    — Sam, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Available at BBC Radio 7. "

    — Laura, 12/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "

    — Jill, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Yet another strong entry in the Brother Cadfael series, though I am starting to notice similar character types showing up in these books (generally, a young couple trying for love despite inauspicious circumstances). "

    — Beth, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "

    — Miriam, 11/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think this is my favorite Brother Cadfael novel yet. "

    — Marisa, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cadfael sure sees a lot of action for a monk! I figured out the murderer way early though. "

    — liirogue, 11/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "

    — Beka, 10/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A very enjoyable read...as are all of the Cadfael books. I particularly enjoyed the young Welshman's fall into bardic satire...it made me laugh aloud. "

    — Gwyndyllyn, 10/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "

    — Cat, 10/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters is a wonderful set of mysteries that take place in 12th century England. Ellis Peters does a wonderful job of describing all the characters and she is a great mystery writer. The cases are complicated enough to make them interesting. "

    — Hazel, 8/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "

    — Amy, 7/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I did not like this particular book as much as the other Cadfael books that I have listened, but it was still a pleasant way to pass the time as I travelled back from taking my son to College. "

    — Trudy, 7/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "

    — Marlene, 7/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "

    — Cat, 7/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I did not like this particular book as much as the other Cadfael books that I have listened, but it was still a pleasant way to pass the time as I travelled back from taking my son to College. "

    — Trudy, 3/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Brother Cadfael is caught up in the murder of the Sheriff of Shropshire while the sheriff is recovering from wounds suffered in the war between Stephen and Maud for the crown of England. Welsh nobles are raiding into Shropshire. Two pairs of star crossed lovers have to resolve differences. "

    — Fredrick, 2/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another well written and fun Cadfael mystery. "

    — Jenn, 1/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "

    — Jill, 12/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " S'okay. Didn't get into this one as much as the other Cadfael books, primarily because it focuses so much on the civil war that is usually only a backdrop for the main story, and I basically think the whole civil war storyline is pretty boring. No biggie; there are other Cadfaels left to read. "

    — Priscilla, 12/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I remember this as being one of the more bittersweet, somber episodes. But I felt that was important--it prevented the Cadfael series from being all heroics and romance. And it gives the reader something more to contemplate, even wrestle. So I recommend it. "

    — Karen, 9/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was the last of the Brother Cadfael books that I read. They were all really good, but I think I read too many, too quickly and spoiled my appetite for any more. Shame really. "

    — Michael, 7/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I remember this as being one of the more bittersweet, somber episodes. But I felt that was important--it prevented the Cadfael series from being all heroics and romance. And it gives the reader something more to contemplate, even wrestle. So I recommend it. "

    — Karen, 6/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "

    — Miriam, 4/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting spin on the love triangle. "

    — Michael, 4/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting spin on the love triangle. "

    — Michael, 3/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "

    — Marlene, 2/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm knowing the style enough now that I can figure out the "whodunit" part of these mysteries but the writing keeps me engaged and satisfied. Many times I will reread a paragraph just for the pleasure of how she's phrased it. "

    — Meghan, 11/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think this is my favorite Brother Cadfael novel yet. "

    — Marisa, 4/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think this is my favorite Brother Cadfael novel yet. "

    — Marisa, 4/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "

    — Jill, 4/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite of the Cadfael books. A bit too much intrigue and far too many Welsh names to keep plot lines sorted. Still---the question of "Mercy vs. Justice" underlies the entire story, acting as almost a character who has a cameo in every scene. "

    — Jill, 4/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "

    — Miriam, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite in the series so far, in part because some of it takes place in Wales. It is interesting to see the differences between the English and the Welsh approaches to the idea of law and justice. "

    — Miriam, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Yet another strong entry in the Brother Cadfael series, though I am starting to notice similar character types showing up in these books (generally, a young couple trying for love despite inauspicious circumstances). "

    — Beth, 1/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Yet another strong entry in the Brother Cadfael series, though I am starting to notice similar character types showing up in these books (generally, a young couple trying for love despite inauspicious circumstances). "

    — Beth, 1/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "

    — Amy, 11/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Do I care about these handsome young folks? No, I do not. "

    — Amy, 11/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "

    — Misty, 10/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is my favorite Ellis Peters yet. If you are only ever going to read one of hers, read this one! "

    — Misty, 10/22/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "

    — Cat, 4/17/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the things book taught me is, if you're going set your book in a certain era of history, know your stuff. Ellis Peters certainly did, and it really adds depth to the story. "

    — Cat, 4/17/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cadfael sure sees a lot of action for a monk! I figured out the murderer way early though. "

    — liirogue, 3/15/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cadfael sure sees a lot of action for a monk! I figured out the murderer way early though. "

    — liirogue, 3/15/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Available at BBC Radio 7. "

    — Laura, 11/22/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "

    — Beka, 9/1/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A very complicated mystery deftly solved by the hilarious Cadfael. "

    — Beka, 9/1/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "

    — Sharon, 3/19/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a fun series of mysteries about Brother Cadfael, in the 1100's. I read the entire series many years ago and am reading the ones I can find in the library for a second time. They are all very entertaining as well as informative. "

    — Sharon, 3/19/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "

    — Marlene, 3/11/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Brother Cadfael tries to resolve his inner conflict over the consequences of the death of Sherrif Prescote. A book the evokes sympathy and questions justice. Good reading but kind of an unsettling ending, I thought. mm "

    — Marlene, 3/11/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. "

    — D.w., 1/21/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Seems more a semi believable love story. The color of the period however makes this a joy. "

    — D.w., 1/21/2009
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyable romp with Cadfael. I worked out whodunnit and why before he did, which makes me feel all smug inside :). Charity shop find. "

    — Debbie, 11/15/2008
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyable romp with Cadfael. I worked out whodunnit and why before he did, which makes me feel all smug inside :). Charity shop find. "

    — Debbie, 11/15/2008

About Ellis Peters

Ellis Peters (1913–1995) was the pen name of English novelist Edith Pargeter, author of scores of books under her own name. She was a recipient of the Silver Dagger Award and the Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, conferred by the Crime Writers’ Association of Great Britain, as well as the coveted Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America.

About Patrick Tull

Patrick Tull (1941–2006), born in the United Kingdom, was a multitalented actor of the stage, screen, and television, as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He acted in numerous American television shows from 1962 to 1996, including Crossroads, and he had roles in six Broadway plays between 1967 and 1992, including Amadeus. His film credits from 1969 to 1996 included roles as Cecil in Parting Glances and Jerry the bartender in Sleepers. He served as narrator for the television series Sea Tales. He narrated nearly forty audiobooks, and his readings of The Canterbury Tales, The Letter of Marque, Monk’s Hood, The Vicar of Wakefield, and How Green Was My Valley each earned him an AudioFile Earphones Award. His narration of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels was praised by novelist Stephen King as among his ten favorite audiobooks of 2006.