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Hugh Corbett #9
Satan's Fire
As King Edward I arrives in York for a secret meeting with the leaders of the military Order of the Temple, an attempt is made on his life. The would-be assassin is later found dead, engulfed by a mysterious fire and wearing the Templar Order livery. Hugh Corbett is called on to investigate.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
64 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books606 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 11, 2024
"Satan’s Fire," by Paul Doherty, is the ninth instalment in the Hugh Corbett series. The novel is set in the early 14th century, specifically in the year 1303. We follow Sir Hugh Corbett, a keen and loyal clerk to King Edward I, as he becomes involved in a complex and sinister investigation. Gruesome murders in London and the suspicious destruction of a church by fire point to the existence of a dangerous and shadowy group. Tasked by the king to uncover the truth, Corbett confronts a web of political intrigue, religious fervour, and dark secrets.
Doherty skillfully creates a vivid historical setting, immersing you in the medieval world with meticulous attention to detail. His descriptions bring the bustling streets of London and the pervasive atmosphere of fear to life, making you feel the grime of the city, smell the smoke from fires, and hear the whispers of conspiracies.
The character of Hugh Corbett is compelling and well-developed, with his intelligence, moral integrity, and dedication to justice making him a relatable and admirable protagonist. The supporting characters, such as Corbett's loyal servant Ranulf, add depth and richness to the story.
The novel is well-paced, with a plot that keeps you engaged and guessing. Doherty skillfully weaves together various narrative threads, creating a tapestry of suspense and intrigue. The mystery unfolds with numerous twists and turns, leading to a satisfying and well-executed climax.
One notable strength of the novel is Doherty's ability to seamlessly integrate historical facts with fiction. He provides enough historical context to enhance the story without overwhelming you with excessive detail. Overall, "Satan’s Fire" is an excellent mystery by one of my favourite historical mystery writers.
Doherty skillfully creates a vivid historical setting, immersing you in the medieval world with meticulous attention to detail. His descriptions bring the bustling streets of London and the pervasive atmosphere of fear to life, making you feel the grime of the city, smell the smoke from fires, and hear the whispers of conspiracies.
The character of Hugh Corbett is compelling and well-developed, with his intelligence, moral integrity, and dedication to justice making him a relatable and admirable protagonist. The supporting characters, such as Corbett's loyal servant Ranulf, add depth and richness to the story.
The novel is well-paced, with a plot that keeps you engaged and guessing. Doherty skillfully weaves together various narrative threads, creating a tapestry of suspense and intrigue. The mystery unfolds with numerous twists and turns, leading to a satisfying and well-executed climax.
One notable strength of the novel is Doherty's ability to seamlessly integrate historical facts with fiction. He provides enough historical context to enhance the story without overwhelming you with excessive detail. Overall, "Satan’s Fire" is an excellent mystery by one of my favourite historical mystery writers.
August 29, 2018
This thrilling medieval mystery, featuring Hugh Corbett, is the 9th volume of this very exciting series by the author Paul Doherty.
The historical details concerning this tale are as usual very well researched and explained by the author, and you can find those details in the Author's Note at the end of the book.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, because once more Paul Doherty's characters, whether they are awesome historical figures or great fictional ones, come always vividly to life within these mysteries, and so making this book a real joy too read.
This story is set in the year AD 1303, during the reign of King Edward I, and the tale is mainly situated in and around York, England.
The book starts with an interesting prologue in which Sheikh Al-Jebal, the Old Man of the Mountain at Am Massafia, will play a very important part during the remainder of this gripping mystery by releasing a Knight known as the "Unknown".
In this same prologue some three months later Dames Cecilia and Marcia of the Order of St Benedict, with their guide Thurston of Guiseborough, will witness a burning of a man's corpse while on their way to York.
What will eventually follow is a truly developing mystery, in which also the Templars are playing a devious and curious part, and where after an assassination attempt on the life of King Edward I and some gruesome murders on members of the Templars , Sir Hugh Corbett and his men, Ranulf and Maltote, are sent out to investigate to resolve this attempt and other mysteries, and so after some evil twists and turns and in an exciting plot the culprit will be revealed in the end and be dealt with.
Highly recommended, for this is truly a great series and this volume is for me for sure: "As Fiery as the Devil"!
The historical details concerning this tale are as usual very well researched and explained by the author, and you can find those details in the Author's Note at the end of the book.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, because once more Paul Doherty's characters, whether they are awesome historical figures or great fictional ones, come always vividly to life within these mysteries, and so making this book a real joy too read.
This story is set in the year AD 1303, during the reign of King Edward I, and the tale is mainly situated in and around York, England.
The book starts with an interesting prologue in which Sheikh Al-Jebal, the Old Man of the Mountain at Am Massafia, will play a very important part during the remainder of this gripping mystery by releasing a Knight known as the "Unknown".
In this same prologue some three months later Dames Cecilia and Marcia of the Order of St Benedict, with their guide Thurston of Guiseborough, will witness a burning of a man's corpse while on their way to York.
What will eventually follow is a truly developing mystery, in which also the Templars are playing a devious and curious part, and where after an assassination attempt on the life of King Edward I and some gruesome murders on members of the Templars , Sir Hugh Corbett and his men, Ranulf and Maltote, are sent out to investigate to resolve this attempt and other mysteries, and so after some evil twists and turns and in an exciting plot the culprit will be revealed in the end and be dealt with.
Highly recommended, for this is truly a great series and this volume is for me for sure: "As Fiery as the Devil"!
June 7, 2014
I've been trying for more than 6 months to buy a copy of this book, but I couldn't order it as it's out of print! I made the difficult decision to keep on reading the series, and skip this one until I could track down a copy - argh, but I hate when things aren't 'in order' so I've been desperate to get this book!! I finally found a second hand copy for sale on eBay, and snatched it up straight away and have just finished reading it.
I enjoyed it, but the relief at having read it and now restoring 'order' to the series was also, sadly, more important to me than it should have been (sigh).
Okay, all that aside, what's it about? It's another of the medieval mysteries featuring the King's Keeper of the Secret Seal, Sir Hugh Corbett. This time murders are being committed during a visit to York by members of the Order of the Temple. Corbett is asked by King Edward to investigate these murders at the hand of a mysterious fire that seems to erupt from hell.
Another enjoyable read, and the end of a book saga that has bothered me for some time.
I enjoyed it, but the relief at having read it and now restoring 'order' to the series was also, sadly, more important to me than it should have been (sigh).
Okay, all that aside, what's it about? It's another of the medieval mysteries featuring the King's Keeper of the Secret Seal, Sir Hugh Corbett. This time murders are being committed during a visit to York by members of the Order of the Temple. Corbett is asked by King Edward to investigate these murders at the hand of a mysterious fire that seems to erupt from hell.
Another enjoyable read, and the end of a book saga that has bothered me for some time.
November 16, 2020
I really enjoy mysteries that are set in medieval England. It seems that their authors always try to use historically factual and accurate information in their characters and settings. Satan's Fire is a very interesting story that revolves around the Knights Templar and the mysteries of their order. So much of what is written about them (as fiction) is exaggerated mythology, it's nice to read a book like this one that treats them like normal human men.
November 18, 2020
I am so enjoying this series. Excellent read.
April 15, 2021
This is one of those books which promises a world of possibilities and delivers nothing. Even after two chapters of absolutely nothing making the intended impact, you'd find yourself hoping that there will be a nice view at some juncture of the excruciatingly long trek that this book becomes, but you're up for a cruel surprise. You'll realise that you've arrived right where you started and the trek was just the author dragging you through the mud.
This is not a predictable mystery novel, it just is a painfully uninteresting one.
This is not a predictable mystery novel, it just is a painfully uninteresting one.
May 26, 2021
This book is good.
I lied to myself...I thought after 7 or 8 books I would give up on this series....I read the last one #21 and wanted to know more about what happened to some of the characters from the first books...where was Walcott? How old was Corvette daughter Eleanor ? What was up with wife Maeve? So I went back...read all the synopses of the remaining books and started fiddling around and about...read 15 then 14 Then 16...like that THEN decided I would most probably read the rest just for satisfactions sake. A few complaints....the uses phrases like ! "Shut up" ...did they say that in the middle ages.?..more like, Still your voice or close they mouth...hahaha...I would think. He does write women characters well and I am finding like so many books in this genre once the woman is married, has children or is having children she becomes nigh near invisible. In this book, at least Maeve is mentioned more often, Corbett even thinks of his daughter now and again. As a female myself I get this is what happens in much of literature but I had such high hopes for THIS series after Maeve is introduced and she is such a smart, funny, sardonic, breezy, confident, attractive character who even assists in one of the books to come up with suggestions that help solve the crime!!!! I so wish this author had gone with that. There is much repetition in the series and I noticed that there is a true plot formula to all of these...with variations here and there for each novel. It would be totally off putting if the stories were not so ingenious of and for each tale! This is a very good writer who writes so much that it does at times feel like he is cranking these out! I will soldier on so to all and hope I can find more of what I am looking for...and, if not, I will try some others of his to see if the formula stays the same and only the characters names change or...who knows? Remains to be seen...
I lied to myself...I thought after 7 or 8 books I would give up on this series....I read the last one #21 and wanted to know more about what happened to some of the characters from the first books...where was Walcott? How old was Corvette daughter Eleanor ? What was up with wife Maeve? So I went back...read all the synopses of the remaining books and started fiddling around and about...read 15 then 14 Then 16...like that THEN decided I would most probably read the rest just for satisfactions sake. A few complaints....the uses phrases like ! "Shut up" ...did they say that in the middle ages.?..more like, Still your voice or close they mouth...hahaha...I would think. He does write women characters well and I am finding like so many books in this genre once the woman is married, has children or is having children she becomes nigh near invisible. In this book, at least Maeve is mentioned more often, Corbett even thinks of his daughter now and again. As a female myself I get this is what happens in much of literature but I had such high hopes for THIS series after Maeve is introduced and she is such a smart, funny, sardonic, breezy, confident, attractive character who even assists in one of the books to come up with suggestions that help solve the crime!!!! I so wish this author had gone with that. There is much repetition in the series and I noticed that there is a true plot formula to all of these...with variations here and there for each novel. It would be totally off putting if the stories were not so ingenious of and for each tale! This is a very good writer who writes so much that it does at times feel like he is cranking these out! I will soldier on so to all and hope I can find more of what I am looking for...and, if not, I will try some others of his to see if the formula stays the same and only the characters names change or...who knows? Remains to be seen...
July 7, 2018
I just cannot get enough of Sir Hugh Corbett and his companions. P. C. Doherty’s Satan’s Fire (Hugh Corbett #9) may be Sir High’s most dangerous case as Edward I of England instructs Sir Hugh to place himself and his companions with The Order of the Temple - The Templars - to discover just what the Templars are planning. Edward I is ambushed as he enters York in Northern England where the Templars have an estate. The Templars have a chapter in France also, and Philip IV of France has been threatened as well just as England and France are about to sign a significant peace treaty. Just what is going on? Sir Hugh is determined to find the facts, but he becomes involved in so much more.
Learning some of the history of the Templars is fascinating, but what Sir Hugh uncovers is a true eye
opener especially with the year being 1303! But where are Sir Hugh’s thoughts throughout this fine book?
Learning some of the history of the Templars is fascinating, but what Sir Hugh uncovers is a true eye
opener especially with the year being 1303! But where are Sir Hugh’s thoughts throughout this fine book?
February 23, 2025
Doherty delivers again. 1
I have loved this series since I read the first book. This time, Corbett investigates the Knights Templar, the priestly order that fought in the Crusades. Rumors are rife that there is a coven in their ranks, and within that unholy group is one called Sagittarius. An assassin of remarkable skill and cunning who is determined to kill the king and Corbett. An assassin with a dangerous and deadly secret weapon, Greek fire. The reader is taken on an exciting and perilous journey as Corbett struggles to make sense of the clues and unmask the assassin. Doherty excels at his craft, and we readers are fortunate enough to enjoy the results of his labor.
I have loved this series since I read the first book. This time, Corbett investigates the Knights Templar, the priestly order that fought in the Crusades. Rumors are rife that there is a coven in their ranks, and within that unholy group is one called Sagittarius. An assassin of remarkable skill and cunning who is determined to kill the king and Corbett. An assassin with a dangerous and deadly secret weapon, Greek fire. The reader is taken on an exciting and perilous journey as Corbett struggles to make sense of the clues and unmask the assassin. Doherty excels at his craft, and we readers are fortunate enough to enjoy the results of his labor.
October 1, 2025
Alors que le récit démarre de façon plutôt accrocheuse, l’intrigue s’embourbe ensuite, tourne en rond, et tout le premier tiers du livre finit par paraître assez long. Le dernier tiers est heureusement bien plus captivant.
Un peu déçu du rôle finalement minime joué par « l’Inconnu ». Je pense que lui-même se demande à quoi il sert…
La traduction française est recherchée et bien documentée, au point que j’ai parfois dû consulter les dictionnaires — certains mots paraissent même sortir de nulle part (« flaneller », vraiment ?).
Un peu déçu du rôle finalement minime joué par « l’Inconnu ». Je pense que lui-même se demande à quoi il sert…
La traduction française est recherchée et bien documentée, au point que j’ai parfois dû consulter les dictionnaires — certains mots paraissent même sortir de nulle part (« flaneller », vraiment ?).
November 7, 2021
A Glimpse into History
This is my favorite of all the Corbett mysteries! It incorporates the intrigue of the French king as he seeks to possess the Templar riches. The tale foreshadows the devastating downfall of this powerful order, a few years hence. Everyone has a theory on the great secret of the Templars, and I love Professor Doherty’s explanation!
This is my favorite of all the Corbett mysteries! It incorporates the intrigue of the French king as he seeks to possess the Templar riches. The tale foreshadows the devastating downfall of this powerful order, a few years hence. Everyone has a theory on the great secret of the Templars, and I love Professor Doherty’s explanation!
September 10, 2017
Great mystery and works really well in depicting the troubled times of Templar order.
December 23, 2017
Brilliant
Each book keeps up where the previous ended. The note by the author at the end helps with the realism. I am truly fascinated by tales which are related to the Templars.
Each book keeps up where the previous ended. The note by the author at the end helps with the realism. I am truly fascinated by tales which are related to the Templars.
January 25, 2018
Definitely one of the best Corbett books I've read so far. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the most part and the ending was really good.
May 25, 2018
Interesting historical context but Corbett just blunders around asking the same questions until he finally stumbles on the solution. A fun series but not exceptional writing.
November 24, 2018
What a great well written read with especially interesting characters, historical details on Templars and life in a the 1300’s. It turned into a very quick and entertaining read.
July 2, 2019
I love medieval mysteries. This one was fun, but repetitive and slow in places. I have not read any others, so might give this author another try sometime.
March 19, 2020
Knights, murders, superstition, and intreague
For all those who enjoy the High Corbet books. The words true history don't apply to the story but the use of imagination does.
For all those who enjoy the High Corbet books. The words true history don't apply to the story but the use of imagination does.
September 28, 2020
A fun read for a day off. Lots of learning too. Thank God for ‘grab’ book tables. :-)
November 9, 2020
4.5 stars
June 5, 2023
Very good, definitely recommend a read if you like murder mystery.
September 30, 2023
This is a very good series. Doherty has a superb understanding and knowledge of the period about which he is writing. His plots are intricate and his characterisations excellent.
December 16, 2023
Good read. Nice use of history intertwined with fiction
June 13, 2021
Another great book from Paul Doherty. I can't wait to read the next one.
December 18, 2014
Satan’s Fire written by Paul C. Doherty and featuring Sir Hugh Corbett, a clerk in the court of Edward I of England starts when the King visits York to meet the French envoy, to discuss the terms of marriage between the King’s son and the daughter of the King of France, Phillip III. No sooner had he reached York, than there was an attack on his life, which ultimately is revealed to be a threat from the Old Man of the Mountain and the Assassins. He asks Sir Hugh to investigate the threats as he is convinced the Knight Templars are involved in a conspiracy against him. Sir Hugh himself receives a threat from the same source as he starts to dig for the truth with the added responsibility of finding out a counterfeit who is using Gold to make and circulate coins without the King’s permission.
If compared to the Matthew Shardlake novels of C.J. Sansom, (though it can’t be done) some distinctive points of difference arise. One, unlike Matthew, Sir Hugh definitely remains in the good books of the King, and he himself holds a lot of power. Two, the plot was like a mystery novel with a touch of political conspiracy, which made this book an outright Crime novel, unlike Sovereign (Shardlake novel #3) which had a lot of political conspiracy and turned into a political thriller from being a mere murder mystery. And lastly, the period differs. Sir Hugh is walking when the English are fighting the Scots, the Pope still holds control over Edward I, unlike Matthew whose life saw a different type of anarchy in England, the Reform.
Personally I liked Satan’s Fire more, as I prefer a straight Mystery novel where the murder remains the main plot. The solving of the crime involves clues and twists, which this book had in abundance. And most important, and ironically this has nothing to do with crime, this book involved the Crusades which still remains one of the most favourite topic of History for me.
If compared to the Matthew Shardlake novels of C.J. Sansom, (though it can’t be done) some distinctive points of difference arise. One, unlike Matthew, Sir Hugh definitely remains in the good books of the King, and he himself holds a lot of power. Two, the plot was like a mystery novel with a touch of political conspiracy, which made this book an outright Crime novel, unlike Sovereign (Shardlake novel #3) which had a lot of political conspiracy and turned into a political thriller from being a mere murder mystery. And lastly, the period differs. Sir Hugh is walking when the English are fighting the Scots, the Pope still holds control over Edward I, unlike Matthew whose life saw a different type of anarchy in England, the Reform.
Personally I liked Satan’s Fire more, as I prefer a straight Mystery novel where the murder remains the main plot. The solving of the crime involves clues and twists, which this book had in abundance. And most important, and ironically this has nothing to do with crime, this book involved the Crusades which still remains one of the most favourite topic of History for me.
December 18, 2014
Satan's Fire (Hugh Corbett #9) by Paul Doherty Satan’s Fire written by Paul C. Doherty and featuring Sir Hugh Corbett, a clerk in the court of Edward I of England starts when the King visits York to meet the French envoy, to discuss the terms of marriage between the King’s son and the daughter of the King of France, Phillip III. No sooner had he reached York, than there was an attack on his life, which ultimately is revealed to be a threat from the Old Man of the Mountain and the Assassins. He asks Sir Hugh to investigate the threats as he is convinced the Knight Templars are involved in a conspiracy against him. Sir Hugh himself receives a threat from the same source as he starts to dig for the truth with the added responsibility of finding out a counterfeit who is using Gold to make and circulate coins without the King’s permission.If compared to the Matthew Shardlake novels of C.J. Sansom, (though it can’t be done) some distinctive points of difference arise. One, unlike Matthew, Sir Hugh definitely remains in the good books of the King, and he himself holds a lot of power. Two, the plot was like a mystery novel with a touch of political conspiracy, which made this book an outright Crime novel, unlike Sovereign (Shardlake novel #3) which had a lot of political conspiracy and turned into a political thriller from being a mere murder mystery. And lastly, the period differs. Sir Hugh is walking when the English are fighting the Scots, the Pope still holds control over Edward I, unlike Matthew whose life saw a different type of anarchy in England, the Reform.Personally I liked Satan’s Fire more, as I prefer a straight Mystery novel where the murder remains the main plot. The solving of the crime involves clues and twists, which this book had in abundance. And most important, and ironically this has nothing to do with crime, this book involved the Crusades which still remains one of the most favourite topic of History for me.
October 6, 2014
Another engrossing medieval tale by the talented author, Paul Doherty. Sir Hugh Corbett is sent by the king to investigate a somewhat messy situation involving the Knights Templar, an incredibly wealthy military religious order of men. Edward of England needs money to defeat Scotland, Philip IV in France needs money to continue his military ambitions and all Corbett wants is a return to his wife and daughter. Doherty's expertise in medieval history gives the reader an appreciation for the complex political and social challenges of the era.
June 26, 2014
Doherty is probably one of my favorite historical mystery writers. I have read most of his series under the name Doherty and others. I enjoy his Hugh Corbett series best, followed closely by the Canterbury series.
March 2, 2013
I love a good Medieval mystery!
May 28, 2020
Excellent
This is the second time that I’ve read this novel and the second that I have been totally engrossed “,Wonderful “
This is the second time that I’ve read this novel and the second that I have been totally engrossed “,Wonderful “
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews