The Demon Archer

The first of any by Paul Doherty that I have read, though I have long seen them in book shops (both new and second hand) and libraries.

Doherty has a number of series, this based in Medieval times, others in Ancient Egypt etc.

He is compared favourable to Ellis Peter’s Brother Cadfael series of Medieval who done its, and (having read all of those) I can see why.

Having read only this one example, the eleventh in the Hugh Corbett series, I cannot tell whether there is main character or other development over the series which suggests that it is best to read them in (roughly if not actual) order. But this book, certainly stood on its own and there was little, if any, discernible repetition of back story that is found in some series ( eg show more Sue Grafton’s A is for Alibi, B is for Burgular which features Kinsey Milhone, though it does not bother me there, as it is lightly done).

The death of Lord Henry Fitzalan at the beginning of a hunt in 1303, by an arrow to the heart, is clearly not an accident and because Henry (and his brother William and half sister Prioress Madeleine) are intertwined with matters at the English Court of King Edward and at the French Court of King Phillip, Edward sends Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal and special emissary of the King, to investigate.

The importance of bringing some understanding of what has happened is explained by posing the question: if one of the most prominent of the King’s cohort be killed in such a public manner and not to be brought to (albeit, rough) justice, what safety could an ordinary person expect?

Corbett’s investigations uncover some readily discernible reasons why Henry is a despised person, and further deaths occur. Corbett is assisted by Ranulf, his man servant.

Whilst there is much talk of swords, daggers and arrows, the investigations proceed largely by enquiry and deduction. As Corbett encourages Ranulf on occasion, think, use logic!

As such, there is a fair degree of conversation, probably more than action per se. But this is not a book if one wants swashbuckling action.

The denouement is involved, not too outlandish, and reasonably logical (to use that word).

It is a welcome newcomer to my reading universe and should be for those who enjoy an easy, cosy historical crime mystery.

Big Ship
21 April 2022 show less

The Demon Archer, by Paul Doherty, is one of a series of medieval mysteries featuring the Royal Clerk, Hugh Corbett, a sort of roving emissary for King Edward in 14th Century England. This novel deals with the murder of Lord Henry Fitzalan, who is killed by an arrow while preparing to hunt in his forest land. While the man's death is a shock, not many mourn him as he was a cruel, lascivious master who had made many enemies; this fact makes Corbett's charge, to find the killer, rather more difficult as he has a surfeit of choices for lead suspect. Soon, he finds himself embroiled in webs of deceit, political maneuverings and venomous humans, all of which lead to further deaths and mysteries to resolve....I have read some of the Corbett show more stories at shorter lengths, but this is my first full-length novel, and I found that Doherty did a good job of keeping the medieval world at the forefront of his tale, without dragging in 21st century concepts. There are a number of earlier novels in the series (as well as some later ones, I believe), but I didn't feel that I missed anything because I hadn't read them first, always a welcome point when diving into the middle of a series! I also felt that he dealt fairly with the suspects, and it was refreshing to find that, when the culprit was revealed, I was surprised but also agreed that the murderer was the logical choice given the evidence provided. Fans of historical mysteries, particularly set in medieval times, will enjoy this series, and I plan to seek out more of Doherty's work in the future. show less

This is another book in the Hugh Corbett medieval sleuth series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was sufficiently 'creeped out' by the description and happenings in the forest, happy at the introduction of a new supporting character and surprised to learn who the culprit was at the end. (Although I did think that 'Demon Archer' was a harsh description of the villain).

I thought Corbett 'got to the point' quicker in this book with more investigating and less reflection, and I enjoyed the quicker pace.

If you enjoy a good crime story set in medieval times, this is a terrific series.

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.

Apenas nadie lloró la muerte de lord Henry Fitzalan, brutalmente asesinado durante una bulliciosa fiesta. Célebre por sus libertinas costumbres, sus escapadas a medianoche en compañía de brujas y su ilimitado egoísmo, tenía muy, muy pocos amigos.Así la investigación que debe llevar a cabo Hugo Corbett consiste no tanto en hallar un sospechoso, sino en escoger entre ellos al auténtico culpable.