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Hugh Corbett #5
The Prince of Darkness
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 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. The fifth novel in the brilliant Hugh Corbett series.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1992
59 people are currently reading
438 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 30 reviews
October 22, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 5th volume of the incredible "Hugh Corbett" series, from the great author, Paul Doherty.
The historical details concerning this period of history, this period is the author's most knowledgeable, are brilliantly interwoven within this mystery of mayhem and murder.
This historical mystery is set in the year AD 1301, and England and France share at the moment a fragile peace.
While Prince Edward II is manipulated by his favourite, Piers Gaveston, the Prince's former mistress, the Lady Belmont, is found dead at the foot of the nunnery steps.
King Edward I turns to his master spy, Hugh Corbett, to investigate this death, while scheming and lying behind Corbett's back.
Hugh Corbett will enter a nest of vipers, whether it is from his French counterpart, the sly and dangerous Piers Gaveston, and the silent threat of lurking assassins.
In this world of mayhem and murder, Hugh Corbett must find a way towards the truth, and with some twists and turns, followed by a superbly executed plot, this master spy of King Edward I will be able to untangle this web of deceit and lies, and in the end he will come up with the culprit of this terrible murder in his own clever and determined way.
Highly recommended, for this is an astounding addition to this fantastic series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Dark Prince Mystery"!
The historical details concerning this period of history, this period is the author's most knowledgeable, are brilliantly interwoven within this mystery of mayhem and murder.
This historical mystery is set in the year AD 1301, and England and France share at the moment a fragile peace.
While Prince Edward II is manipulated by his favourite, Piers Gaveston, the Prince's former mistress, the Lady Belmont, is found dead at the foot of the nunnery steps.
King Edward I turns to his master spy, Hugh Corbett, to investigate this death, while scheming and lying behind Corbett's back.
Hugh Corbett will enter a nest of vipers, whether it is from his French counterpart, the sly and dangerous Piers Gaveston, and the silent threat of lurking assassins.
In this world of mayhem and murder, Hugh Corbett must find a way towards the truth, and with some twists and turns, followed by a superbly executed plot, this master spy of King Edward I will be able to untangle this web of deceit and lies, and in the end he will come up with the culprit of this terrible murder in his own clever and determined way.
Highly recommended, for this is an astounding addition to this fantastic series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Dark Prince Mystery"!
April 20, 2014
Another good addition to the Hugh Corbett series. After finishing the novel I had a hard time trying to figure out the rants of Edward I towards the lack of progress in the investigations being conducted by Corbett. (considering the information provided at the end of the story)
June 2, 2018
Wow! These Hugh Corbett Mysteries just get better and better! This one has everything such as royalty, religious houses, spies, assassins (one from France & one from England), military, former well-known families who have been thrown down & lost all, vicious man-eating dogs, messengers, and, of course murderous death! In addition, various emotions erupt when not expected such as fear from Hugh Corbett & his manservant, Ranulf, shock as information comes to light, feelings of comradeship where it is not expected, and awakening ‘feelings’ as Hugh Corbett continues to see Sister Agatha while he investigates as the King’s Clerk! And once again, the author teaches me more British Royal history. I love this medieval mystery!! Highly recommended!!
November 3, 2021
Kick ass read.
The writer is exactly. I could feel the fresh late summer breeze on my skin. Smell a summer storm rolling in. Corbett has his hands full from four different fronts. Now he knows two are easy. For one is trying to kill him an the other is telling lies. But one takes longer to figure out. But not me. I didn't know the why. But all falls in to place an Corvette kicks some ass an the King is no exception.
The writer is exactly. I could feel the fresh late summer breeze on my skin. Smell a summer storm rolling in. Corbett has his hands full from four different fronts. Now he knows two are easy. For one is trying to kill him an the other is telling lies. But one takes longer to figure out. But not me. I didn't know the why. But all falls in to place an Corvette kicks some ass an the King is no exception.
August 18, 2022
1301 The King's spy Hugh Corbett is sent to Godstowe Priory. The ex-lover of Edward, Prince of Wales the Lady Eleanor Belmont has been discovered dead. It is for Hugh to investigate and determine the who and why.
An entertaining historical mystery. Another good addition to this series.
An entertaining historical mystery. Another good addition to this series.
May 27, 2022
No sé como me siento respecto a este libro, es decir, normalmente amo los libros donde hay un crimen y hay que reconstruir los hechos para encontrar al culpable, pero no sé, no me atrapó del todo. Quizá se deba a que la mayoría de las conclusiones se obtienen por fuera, realmente no hay manera de que el lector haga conclusiones significativas.
Considerando los hechos del libro y el énfasis que se pone en la relación entre Gaveston y el príncipe, así como el propio título del libro, esperaba que tuvieran una mayor relevancia en los hechos, fuera de estar ahí y ser vagamente amenazantes no aportaron nada a la trama. Esperaba traiciones o alguna revelación realmente impactante, pero la trama tuvo muy poco uso para ellos.
Sin embargo, el libro no es malo, cumple el objetivo de tenerte adivinando quien fue y como. Se presentan varios sospechosos y los motivos para hacerlo, esto cumple con hacer la lectura intrigante aunque los personajes en sí son bastante planos más allá de sus funciones en la trama.
La resolución de la trama no estuvo mal, tenía sentido ya que fue explicado aunque de nuevo, el lector no tenía la información para llegar a conclusiones significativas.
Una cosa que me incomodo durante la lectura fue el uso constante de ciertas expresiones denostativas, tanto hacia las mujeres como referidas a la naturaleza de la relación entre Gaveston y el príncipe. Entiendo que es un libro de época y que esa era la forma de hablar, pero llega un punto donde raya en lo obsesivo. En todo momento se tiene que remarcar el "pecado" de Lady Eleanor y los "pecados" de Gaveston y el príncipe.
Es una lectura decente que cumple lo que se propone. No hay otra manera de describirlo, aunque probablemente me olvide de los personajes para mañana.
Considerando los hechos del libro y el énfasis que se pone en la relación entre Gaveston y el príncipe, así como el propio título del libro, esperaba que tuvieran una mayor relevancia en los hechos, fuera de estar ahí y ser vagamente amenazantes no aportaron nada a la trama. Esperaba traiciones o alguna revelación realmente impactante, pero la trama tuvo muy poco uso para ellos.
Sin embargo, el libro no es malo, cumple el objetivo de tenerte adivinando quien fue y como. Se presentan varios sospechosos y los motivos para hacerlo, esto cumple con hacer la lectura intrigante aunque los personajes en sí son bastante planos más allá de sus funciones en la trama.
La resolución de la trama no estuvo mal, tenía sentido ya que fue explicado aunque de nuevo, el lector no tenía la información para llegar a conclusiones significativas.
Una cosa que me incomodo durante la lectura fue el uso constante de ciertas expresiones denostativas, tanto hacia las mujeres como referidas a la naturaleza de la relación entre Gaveston y el príncipe. Entiendo que es un libro de época y que esa era la forma de hablar, pero llega un punto donde raya en lo obsesivo. En todo momento se tiene que remarcar el "pecado" de Lady Eleanor y los "pecados" de Gaveston y el príncipe.
Es una lectura decente que cumple lo que se propone. No hay otra manera de describirlo, aunque probablemente me olvide de los personajes para mañana.
May 15, 2021
The best so far...
Now, dammit I have to read all of these. This author writes so well! The books are concise yet full of detail. So well written I may have to read all of his books! Over a hundred now written by him under his own name, about different characters in history, different places , different issues, and many using different pseudonyms... I will go broke! Ah, well...Should be worth it, in the end! I love these well crafted, interesting, compelling and wonderful characters-filled books! Do have one complaint...when did Maeve get to Corbett; what was their courtship and wedding like; How long were they married before she became pregnant???? These questions I hope will be answered in the remains books of this series! Time and reading will tell and if not. Another novel edge to complete the story might be warranted...just sayin'. Ha!
Now, dammit I have to read all of these. This author writes so well! The books are concise yet full of detail. So well written I may have to read all of his books! Over a hundred now written by him under his own name, about different characters in history, different places , different issues, and many using different pseudonyms... I will go broke! Ah, well...Should be worth it, in the end! I love these well crafted, interesting, compelling and wonderful characters-filled books! Do have one complaint...when did Maeve get to Corbett; what was their courtship and wedding like; How long were they married before she became pregnant???? These questions I hope will be answered in the remains books of this series! Time and reading will tell and if not. Another novel edge to complete the story might be warranted...just sayin'. Ha!
October 9, 2022
Murders most foul
The Prince of Darkness is one of Doherty’s most well written books. The pace is brisk but detailed with atmosphere and history. The mystery is subtle and complicated with many vicious possible assassins. The resolution of the tale is satisfying but shows human nature at its worst and its best. I’ve read this several times and always enjoy it.
The Prince of Darkness is one of Doherty’s most well written books. The pace is brisk but detailed with atmosphere and history. The mystery is subtle and complicated with many vicious possible assassins. The resolution of the tale is satisfying but shows human nature at its worst and its best. I’ve read this several times and always enjoy it.
April 26, 2025
The best one yet!
I loved everything about this book. Complexity of characters and how they are maturing in the series. Things that early on seemed a little silly or out of character for Corbett have been replaced by a well rounded protagonist and his sidekick! Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
I loved everything about this book. Complexity of characters and how they are maturing in the series. Things that early on seemed a little silly or out of character for Corbett have been replaced by a well rounded protagonist and his sidekick! Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
April 9, 2018
Medieval mystery. Rather dark--as the title suggests. Hugh Corbett is a spy for King Edward and is sent to discover who killed lady Eleanor-- the presumptive bride of the Prince (who would much prefer his male companion).
May 17, 2021
Paul Doherty writes brilliant historical murder stories. England becomes alive as in Edward 1's reign.
and his characters become real, some are true historical ones. I am finding his books so good I am going to be reading some that I have read before.
and his characters become real, some are true historical ones. I am finding his books so good I am going to be reading some that I have read before.
November 15, 2017
Very Clever
So pleased that each adventure never fails in capturing the imagination of the reader. The conclusions by the author really are quite clever
So pleased that each adventure never fails in capturing the imagination of the reader. The conclusions by the author really are quite clever
November 29, 2017
Well plotted and engaging.
April 12, 2018
Great history
I enjoy this for the historical facts, the story held on to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who likes history.b
I enjoy this for the historical facts, the story held on to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who likes history.b
April 22, 2018
My favourite author at the moment.
August 2, 2018
Excellent
Paul Doherty is a wonderful story teller and how he consistently comes up with new stories time and time again is excellent. Not to be missed.
Paul Doherty is a wonderful story teller and how he consistently comes up with new stories time and time again is excellent. Not to be missed.
October 17, 2020
Fascinating read
A story of a very turbulent time in English History. The plot is well woven, making the reader wanting to know what is on the next page.
A story of a very turbulent time in English History. The plot is well woven, making the reader wanting to know what is on the next page.
May 17, 2021
A great yarn with a satisfying conclusion.
February 10, 2022
Good read
Excellent read. Adding more words to the review to fill up the stupid quota that Amazon insists on having here
Excellent read. Adding more words to the review to fill up the stupid quota that Amazon insists on having here
May 18, 2021
Another good outing for Hugh Corbett
Paul Doherty knows how to write a good story, expertly weaving fact with fiction. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Paul Doherty knows how to write a good story, expertly weaving fact with fiction. I'm looking forward to the next one.
April 11, 2012
I have really enjoyed previous books in this series and therefore cannot understand why I have left this one on my (real) bookshelf for so long, unread.
It took but a few pages to be fully involved again with Sir Hugh, Ranulf and King Edward I . There is action from these early pages which I may have found lacking in other historical novels that I have enjoyed.
I remembered another reason that I enjoyed these books. It was the reminders of the 'story so far' as Sir Hugh tries to marshall his thoughts by writing them onto parchment.
I managed to see though a couple of the story's puzzles although I drew the wrong conclusions.
Most enjoyable and its off to the library tomorrow to see if I can find the next in the series.
If there were half points available this would be a 4.5
September 10, 2013
As a former mistress of Edward II, Lady Eleanor Belmont is residing in a convent when she falls to her death down a flight of stairs. Hugh Corbett, royal clerk and spy, is dispatched to find out the truth and runs into treachery and more murders. The fragile peace between England and France rests on the betrothal of Edward to the infant Isabella, the daughter of the King of France. Edward, however, has found true love with a courtier named Piers Gaveston, a young man who may have his own agenda.
August 14, 2010
En 1301, une paix fragile s'installe entre l'Angleterre et la France; dans la coulisse les espions des deux royaumes continuent toutefois de se surveiller en silence. Le prince de Galles s'abandonne à la voluptueuse et dangereuse influence de son favori, le Gascon Piers Gaveston qui nourrit de secrètes ambitions politiques. La mort mystérieuse de Lady Eleanor Belmont, officiellement promise au prince, vient compliquer davantage encore le jeu diplomatique.
June 7, 2014
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.
September 22, 2012
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.
May 25, 2013
I really,really liked that novel, as I have all of Doherty's books. This one was quite interesting and I didn't have a clue what was going on until the very end. I'm so glad the Hugh Corbet series continues to grow, these novels are so addictive!
March 13, 2012
Hugh Corbett succeeds against all odds again in another well-written mystery from the pen of Paul Doherty. A great read.
September 19, 2016
Everything you expect from this author - a well-written mystery, not too easy to guess. Well-drawn characters for the length of the book and it clips along at a good pace.
On to book six...
On to book six...
June 20, 2017
A great book!
Again I was amazed with all the turns and twists reading this book. It kept me interest until the end
Again I was amazed with all the turns and twists reading this book. It kept me interest until the end
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January 18, 2019Excellent
One of my guilty pleasures is medieval crime fiction and Paul Doherty is one of my favourites. I have never been disappointed with any of his books that I have read.
One of my guilty pleasures is medieval crime fiction and Paul Doherty is one of my favourites. I have never been disappointed with any of his books that I have read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews