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Hugh Corbett #11
The Demon Archer
The death of Lord Henry Fitzalan on the feast of St Matthew, 1303, is a matter widely reported but little mourned. Infamous for his lecherous tendencies, his midnight trysts with a coven of witches and his boundless self-interest, he was a man of few friends. So when Hugh Corbett is asked to bring his murderer to justice it is not a matter of finding a suspect but of choosing between them. Immediate suspicion falls on Lord Henry's chief verderer, Robert Verlian. His daughter had been the focus of the Lord's roving eye in the weeks before his death and he was not a man to take no for an answer. But the culprit could just as easily be Sir William, the dead man's younger brother. It is no secret that Sir William covets the Fitzalan estate, but would he kill to inherit it? For Sir Hugh Corbett the possibilities are endless, but even he could never have imagined the real truth behind the murder...
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1999
65 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books609 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 35 reviews
October 23, 2021
Read this book in 2010, and its the 11th volume of the magnificent "Hugh Corbett" series, set in medieval England during the Reign of King Edward I.
This tale is set in the year AD 1303, and starts during and after the feast of St Matthew, with the death of Lord Henry Fitzalan.
Many suspects are lurking in the shadows, being Lord Henry's chief verderer, Robert Verlian, but also Sir William, the dead man's younger brother could be the culprit, and so are many more who hated that despicable man, and who wished him dead.
In this environment of mistrust and danger, Corbett must try to unravel this web of deceit and death, and the possibilities are endless, but after quite some twists and turns, which will end with a superbly executed plot, the culprit of this terrible murder will be revealed by Hugh Corbett, and brought to justice.
Highly recommended, for this is another amazing addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Astonishing Archer Mystery"!
This tale is set in the year AD 1303, and starts during and after the feast of St Matthew, with the death of Lord Henry Fitzalan.
Many suspects are lurking in the shadows, being Lord Henry's chief verderer, Robert Verlian, but also Sir William, the dead man's younger brother could be the culprit, and so are many more who hated that despicable man, and who wished him dead.
In this environment of mistrust and danger, Corbett must try to unravel this web of deceit and death, and the possibilities are endless, but after quite some twists and turns, which will end with a superbly executed plot, the culprit of this terrible murder will be revealed by Hugh Corbett, and brought to justice.
Highly recommended, for this is another amazing addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Astonishing Archer Mystery"!
March 24, 2025
The Demon Archer by Paul Doherty is the eleventh medieval mystery featuring Hugh Corbett. Doherty once again writes a gripping medieval mystery that blends historical intrigue with murder and deception. Set in the reign of Edward I, it follows Sir Hugh Corbett as he investigates a series of brutal assassinations linked to a mysterious archer. As with all the previous volumes Doherty’s meticulous historical research shines, immersing you in the political tensions and atmosphere of 14th-century England. The plot is engaging, with plenty of twists and a satisfying level of complexity. However, at times, the detailed descriptions can slow the pacing, and some characters feel more functional than fully developed. Overall, it’s a well-crafted historical thriller that will appeal to fans of medieval crime fiction.
March 18, 2023
Great as ever, Doherty never misses the point. Hugh will always be my favourite Medieval character.
November 16, 2007
Murder Most Medieval
I must admit I would not have picked out this book in a bookstore. But I’m glad that somebody else did. My first P.C. Doherty and I am not disappointed. I wonder why I didn’t come across him much earlier? Doherty makes for an excellent read for anyone with a taste for history, adventure, and mystery.
Obviously there is a detective Hugh Corbett (infact the sub title of the book puts it succinctly, “A Medieval Mystery featuring Hugh Corbett”) and a Watson called Ranulf. The other characters are flamboyant, including the victim. But it’s the description of the setting that is very creative. It is evident that Doherty has researched his subject. I often wondered how a medieval mystery might work but that was before I read this work. The Medieval Ages in Europe especially England were also known as Dark Ages with little respect for law and order. So the moral authority of the detective, which is a must for him to uncover the mysteries, would be questioned. But Doherty manages it amazingly. He raises the stature of the detective and uses the King’s authority as well to commission an investigation into the unexplained murders.
Now to the story: Lord Henry Fritzalan was killed on the eve of the feast of St. Matthew in 1303. Henry had few friends and fewer good qualities. When Corbett is asked to find his murderer he is faced with the task of not just finding the suspect but choosing among many.
Doherty excels in creating the medieval atmosphere of intrigue in the courts, amongst nobles and the taverns. The pace of the story is unbelievably racy. The characters are also etched out well. If only people would write more books like that.
I must admit I would not have picked out this book in a bookstore. But I’m glad that somebody else did. My first P.C. Doherty and I am not disappointed. I wonder why I didn’t come across him much earlier? Doherty makes for an excellent read for anyone with a taste for history, adventure, and mystery.
Obviously there is a detective Hugh Corbett (infact the sub title of the book puts it succinctly, “A Medieval Mystery featuring Hugh Corbett”) and a Watson called Ranulf. The other characters are flamboyant, including the victim. But it’s the description of the setting that is very creative. It is evident that Doherty has researched his subject. I often wondered how a medieval mystery might work but that was before I read this work. The Medieval Ages in Europe especially England were also known as Dark Ages with little respect for law and order. So the moral authority of the detective, which is a must for him to uncover the mysteries, would be questioned. But Doherty manages it amazingly. He raises the stature of the detective and uses the King’s authority as well to commission an investigation into the unexplained murders.
Now to the story: Lord Henry Fritzalan was killed on the eve of the feast of St. Matthew in 1303. Henry had few friends and fewer good qualities. When Corbett is asked to find his murderer he is faced with the task of not just finding the suspect but choosing among many.
Doherty excels in creating the medieval atmosphere of intrigue in the courts, amongst nobles and the taverns. The pace of the story is unbelievably racy. The characters are also etched out well. If only people would write more books like that.
May 29, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in November 1999.
It is a pleasure to read this new Hugh Corbett novel. Paul Doherty, with a doctorate in medieval history, knows the early fourteenth century extremely well and, moreover, conveys the background convincingly and unobtrusively. Corbett is a good central character, and the mysteries he investigates usually interesting and complex enough to please any crime fiction aficionado.
This particular novel is set in Ashdown Forest, in Kent, then thickly wooded. ("Forest" in medieval English refers to land set aside for hunting, usually but not always covered with trees.) One of the foremost nobles of the kingdom, Henry Fitzalan Earl of Surrey is killed here by an assassin who has only made a minimal attempt to disguise the death as a hunting accident. Since he was about to lead an embassy to France to negotiate the treaty accompanying the marriage of Prince Edward (later Edward II) and Isabella daughter of Philip IV of France, his death could have important political consequences, but his private live could equally provide a motive for murdering him, as seduction was his chief hobby. In addition, he had just refused to pass on some of the family estate to his brother and heir to make him financially independent, a move not calculated to endear William to him.
It is a pleasure to read this new Hugh Corbett novel. Paul Doherty, with a doctorate in medieval history, knows the early fourteenth century extremely well and, moreover, conveys the background convincingly and unobtrusively. Corbett is a good central character, and the mysteries he investigates usually interesting and complex enough to please any crime fiction aficionado.
This particular novel is set in Ashdown Forest, in Kent, then thickly wooded. ("Forest" in medieval English refers to land set aside for hunting, usually but not always covered with trees.) One of the foremost nobles of the kingdom, Henry Fitzalan Earl of Surrey is killed here by an assassin who has only made a minimal attempt to disguise the death as a hunting accident. Since he was about to lead an embassy to France to negotiate the treaty accompanying the marriage of Prince Edward (later Edward II) and Isabella daughter of Philip IV of France, his death could have important political consequences, but his private live could equally provide a motive for murdering him, as seduction was his chief hobby. In addition, he had just refused to pass on some of the family estate to his brother and heir to make him financially independent, a move not calculated to endear William to him.
November 30, 2014
As soon as I completed The Devil's Hunt I began , the eleventh installation in the Hugh Corbett series. This was one of those novel's that made me lose sleep - the only way I could put it down was to fall asleep with the book in my lap. As usual in this series there are some very nasty characters wielding their evil deeds in some very creative ways. De Craon, super nemesis of Sir Hugh figures into the plot as he serves his French master, Philip IV. Also, a new character is introduced, Baldock (who has no last name). He "sleeps with the horses", is handy with a knife, carries his own dice, can't carry a tune and fills a void suffered by Ranulf, as well as Sir Hugh. The final chapter of the book really gives the reader a wonderful insight into the sharp, cunning manner of King Edward. All I can now say is 'Bring on number twelve!"
August 7, 2018
Corbett and Ranulf journey to Surrey to investigate murder and political intrigue. Ranulf's character continues to grow and is becoming more interesting. The story is well plotted and engaging.
September 10, 2018
I was wondering what I was going to read next when I recalled I had more Sir Hugh Corbett Mysteries on my shelf. I selected the next book in the series, P. C. Doherty’s The Demon Archer (Hugh Corbett, #11), and I felt right at home! In 1303 Edward I of England sends Sir Hugh to investigate the death of the powerful Lord Henry Fitzalan of Ashdown Manor in Sussex. Sir Hugh’s assistant, Ranulf-Atte-Newgate, who has been promoted to Senior clerk in the Chancery of the Green Wax, accompanies Sir Hugh to help discover the murderer. The problem found is there are many who wished this lecherous lord dead. Sir Hugh’s incredibly clever mind goes into overdrive. Ranulf makes friends with an ostler as Maltote was killed in the previous book, and Sir Hugh hires Baldock who cannot wait to leave Ashdown Manor, but who killed Lord Henry? This medieval mystery with Mr. Doherty’s superb writing whisks the reader back to 1303. Love this series!!
August 2, 2020
Good,
I have always liked this book,this was the third reading of it. I particularly like the backdrop of forest lands, as yet still a natural landscape, a broadleaf forest a thousand years ago.
I have always liked this book,this was the third reading of it. I particularly like the backdrop of forest lands, as yet still a natural landscape, a broadleaf forest a thousand years ago.
July 30, 2017
Another enjoyable book in the Hugh Corbett series.
January 18, 2019
I love a good medieval mystery. They are so pleasant and spooky.
March 12, 2019
Stuck with me for some reason.
April 15, 2021
Made it to page 55 and gave up. Sooooo dull. I love the period and I so want to like these books, but I don't. This as the last attempt of three.
June 24, 2023
My first encounter with Hugh Corbett. Murder spurred by political intrigue and personal passion set in medieval England.
Read
January 10, 2026bought this from a thrift store in Canada. Meh 🤷🏻♀️
December 1, 2018
I enjoyed the book. I am a fan of historical fiction and I really like Hugh Corbett.
October 7, 2019
Love this series
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to reading the rest. Hugh Corbett is a memorable character that continues to grow on me.
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to reading the rest. Hugh Corbett is a memorable character that continues to grow on me.
March 13, 2015
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 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.
January 6, 2012
I am a great fan of this author and it was good to get back into his work again.
I enjoyed the tale and the authors way of telling it -as I usually do, and I found that the story was a little easier to follow this time than some of my earlier reads. Having said that, I was miles away from spotting the killer, even though it was quite logical when explained.
I was left with a question however that it is difficult to ask here without giving anything away. However, towards the end of the book someone confesses to having a guilty secret, but we are not told what that secret is and it does not seem to have a bearing on the main story. I do not suppose that it is an ommission by the author and so, it looks as if I shall have to look out for the 12th in the series to see if it explained there.
I enjoyed the tale and the authors way of telling it -as I usually do, and I found that the story was a little easier to follow this time than some of my earlier reads. Having said that, I was miles away from spotting the killer, even though it was quite logical when explained.
I was left with a question however that it is difficult to ask here without giving anything away. However, towards the end of the book someone confesses to having a guilty secret, but we are not told what that secret is and it does not seem to have a bearing on the main story. I do not suppose that it is an ommission by the author and so, it looks as if I shall have to look out for the 12th in the series to see if it explained there.
June 7, 2014
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.
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.
August 12, 2013
I read a lot of these books when Ellis Peters died desparately trying to find a replacement for Cadfael. This is an entertaining story and I do still read Paul Doherty's books but Hugh Corbett doesn't do it for me. It works well but although I enjoyed it, there was no spark. His Brother Athelstan story was far more fun, and not trying to be Cadfael at all.
December 18, 2007
The Hugh Corbett series tends to be excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed what I have read of this series, but sadly, these cool editions with the cold foil covers are hard to find in the US. Recommended for anyone who enjoys mysteries, or medieval adventures.
Read
January 7, 2017A lovely book. Painted the bygone era beautifully. The international politics and the intertwining with the narrative was interesting. The detective Sir Hugh Corbett character was well thrashed out along with his Watson [Ranulf]. Overall an engrossing book.
January 18, 2019
Excellent
Medieval England is a great source for fiction. Real historical figures can be woven into the story to almost make you believe it to be true history. These books are some of the best at this.
Medieval England is a great source for fiction. Real historical figures can be woven into the story to almost make you believe it to be true history. These books are some of the best at this.
June 13, 2021
Twisting and turning...
If real life was anything like the life depicted in Paul Doherty's books then life at Court must have been like living in a maze, one threaded with the mind rather than with the feet. Still it all makes great reading!
If real life was anything like the life depicted in Paul Doherty's books then life at Court must have been like living in a maze, one threaded with the mind rather than with the feet. Still it all makes great reading!
December 16, 2007
Another great historical mystery series. Appears we'll have a new recurring character added.
March 13, 2012
Hugh Corbett solves yet another mysterious death. Full of intrigue and skullduggery this is another entertaining book from Mr. Doherty.
June 26, 2012
Love all Paul Donerty Books
July 14, 2012
A perfectly readable, if forgettable, book.
December 28, 2012
This is the 2ns I've read in this series - I expect to keep going.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews