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It is 1301 and a fragile peace exists between Edward of England and Philip IV of France. In the fetid alleys and slums of London and Paris it is a different matter. Here the secret agents of both countries still fight their own, silent, deadly battles. The Prince of Wales wallows in luxury under the sinister influence of his favourite, Gaveston, who has secret political ambitions to dominate the young prince and the English crown. These scandals are threatened with exposure when Lady show more Belmont, the prince's former mistress, is found dead, her neck broken, at the foot of a nunnery's steps. Was it suicide? An accident? Or malicious murder? Edward turns to his master spy, Hugh Corbett, to solve the mystery. In doing so, Corbett must face the deadly rivalry of his French counterpart, the murderous rage of Gaveston and the silent threats of assassins. He must also contend with the lies and silken deceits of his own master. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Like all P. C. Doherty's books about Hugh Corbett, a rattling good read. A Mediaeval murder mystery that brings to life the sounds and smells of the cities, villages and people of the period. Great characterisation, well researched (the author knows the period exceptionally well), gentle humour combined with suspense and some "religious" terror. Un-put-down-able. Thoroughly recommended.
This is the first Doherty mystery I have read, and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the characterization. Doherty draws his characters well, and fleshes out even the minor characters, and has a deft way of putting the characters together in ensemble. The story was well plotted. Not quite as much historical detail as some others, but a very satisfying read.
This is another in the series of medieval mysteries featuring Hugh Corbett. Set in 1301 Hugh Corbett is sent by King Edward to investigate the murder of Lady Belmont. With assassins and spies on his trail, Corbett is able to unravel the mystery and avoid triggering a civil war between King Edward and his son the Prince of Wales.
All the usual suspects are here, and this was another enjoyable 'whodunnit'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction.
All the usual suspects are here, and this was another enjoyable 'whodunnit'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction.
El Príncipe de Gales se hunde en la depresión bajo la siniestra influencia de su favorito, Gaveston, un sórdido personaje que practica la magia negra y tiene la secreta ambición de dominar al joven príncipe y de paso a la Corona inglesa. Esos escándalos adquieren una dramática evidencia con la misteriosa muerte de lady Eleanor Belmont, amante del príncipe, quien es hallada con el cuello roto al pie de la escalinata de un convento. ¿Suicidio? ¿Accidente? ¿O se trata de un crimen perversamente planeado? Eduardo I requiere los servicios de su más notable espía, Hugo Corbett, a quien encarga la investigación de esa muerte y de otros extraños crímenes. Corbett ha de enfrentarse a la rivalidad mortal de su alter ego francés, show more a la cólera del peligroso Gaveston y a los intrincados silencios y medias verdades de su propio señor. show less
Feb 18, 2011Spanish
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Kindle Historical Fiction
159 works; 1 member
Author Information
138+ Works 13,250 Members
Paul C. Doherty was born on September 21, 1946. He is an award winning British author, educator, and historian. He is also the Headmaster of Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green, Essex, in the United Kingdom. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and at Exeter College, Oxford, where he show more received a doctorate for his thesis on Edward II. Dr. Doherty is a historian who lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries. Dr. Doherty was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his services to education in 2011. His other career is that of Headmaster at Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green, Essex for 30 years. In 1999, the school was given Beacon status which rates it as outstanding among other schools in it's category. Dr. Doherty has published a series of historical mysteries set in the Middle Ages, Classical, Greek, and Ancient Egypt. He writes both fiction and non-fiction under his own name, both as P.C. Doherty and Paul C. Doherty, as well as the pennames: Anna Apostolou, Michael Clynes, and Ann Dukthas. Doherty is the author of several mystery series, including The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan, the Hugh Corbett medieval mysteries, and the Canterbury Tales of mystery. He has written 100 published books which have been printed in several languages and distributed in several different countries including the UK, United States, Spain, and Germany. He was also awarded the Herodotus, for lifelong achievement for excellence in the writing of historical mysteries by the Historical Mystery Appreciation Society. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Prince of Darkness
- Original publication date
- 1992
- People/Characters
- Sir Hugh Corbett; Ranulf-atte-Newgate
- Important events
- Reign of Edward I, King of England (1272-11-16 | 1307-07-07)
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 266
- Popularity
- 121,174
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (3.80)
- Languages
- 5 — Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 13
- ASINs
- 3
