Doherty Strikes Again!
Rating:
5 / 5
It's the "most scholarly" of the Hugh Corbett mysteries! That's easy to conclude, as the setting of this tenth mystery in this series is in the university town of Oxford! P.C. Doherty has put his super sleuth, actually the "king's clerk," Sir Hugh Corbett, to work solving a tiresome problem for his friend and majesty King Edward I in "The Devil's Hunt." Severed heads of beggars are found in the wood around Oxford --witchcraft, Satanism, and rituals of the "old ways" spring to mind and Edward will have none of it. In addition, the Bellman has posted several notices around town warning that his revenge will know no bounds. He is determined to avenge the death and degradation of de Montfort, Edward's enemy in a civil war some 40 years earlier. And corpses of college officials begin appearing, reflecting the handiwork of this unknown Bellman. Hugh is called out of retirement and agrees to help the king. Thus, with his trusty assistants Ranulf and Maltote, Corbett strikes out for Oxford and for what he hopes is a quick solution to the king's problem. Unfortunately, it is not so simple. More murders occur and the plot (and blood) thickens. Naturally, by the time this tenth installment of the Corbett series comes to a close, all is well for the king. There are some sad turns of events in store for readers who have followed this series, however. Doherty's plot seems far more researched, more complicated than some of the earlier works. His ability to juxtapose the events of the late 13th century with modern thought and reasoning--not to mention writing styles!--is well documented. He clearly is able to make modern audiences appreciate that time period for what it was--oftentimes cruel, far less refined, and justice at the caprice of the king. He captures the tone and atmosphere of medieval England quite well. The author, who writes under a number of other names as well--Michael Clynnes, Paul Harding, Paul Doherty, Anna Apostolou, to name a few--seems a dedicated historian and well worth the time spent in reading his exciting--and convincing-- historical mysteries. His eleventh Corbett edition ("The Demon Archer") awaits. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)
A Don't Miss Read for Historical Mystery Fans
Rating:
5 / 5
Oxford in the 14th Century was a dirty, tumultuous, unique locale, and Doherty's prose conveys it with nuance rather than adjective overload. Much preferred over the Ian Morson Falconer series, Doherty's Hugh Corbett series reaches a major turning point in this book. From the beginning, it is clear that events of long-lasting significance in the career of His Majesty King Edward's Principal Clerk and Keeper of the Secret Seal will occur before the resolution of the mystery. Or should I say, mysteries. Headless corpses, locked room murders, academic rivalry, faith, family, and obligation are all played out to their end games in this fine addition to the series. While I cut my teeth on Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael, Doherty's Hugh Corbett is a character of greater dimension and breadth than the good Brother ever was. And Corbett's supporting cast has always been superior to the cardboard cutouts in the Cadfael series. My only complaint with Doherty is that his villains are sometimes a bit thinly drawn, but overall I have devoured the series greedily. I only hope there is more to come.
I loved this historical mystery
Rating:
5 / 5
In the summer of 1303 in Oxford, England, crime suddenly abounds. Someone is killing beggars, severing their heads, and tying them by their hair to trees just outside the university city. At the same time, the Regent of Sparrow Hall, John Copsale, is found dead. Rumors abound that the "Bell Man", a mysterious individual who posts seditious letters on church doors, killed the educator. A murder of the college librarian follows, leaving the city trembling in fear and shock.. King Edward II orders his royal clerk, Sir Hugh Corbett, to investigate the three mysteries at Oxford. Especially of interest to his highness are the antics of the Bell Man, who seems to relish invoking the ghost of the deceased rebel Simon de Montfort. More murders occur and Corbett soon finds himself in perilous danger even as he knows he must continue his inquiries or else fall into disfavor with Edward. The tenth Corbett novel is a brilliant historical mystery that brings to life Medieval society in a very compelling manner. This will propel readers to want to peruse the previous nine tales. Corbett is a great sleuth and the multiple who-done-its are well designed and fun to read. However, it is the grime of the era (Flynn never seemed dirty) that makes P.C. Doherty's tenth book a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, especially the Middle Ages. Harriet Klausner
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