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Hugh Corbett #4
Ангелът на смъртта
По време на нашествието си в Шотландия Едуард Първи опустошава жестоко град Берик и избива мирното население, дори чуждестранните търговци, които имат разрешение да упражняват там занаята си.
Кралят на Англия не може да предположи какви последствия ще има клането.
Година по-късно Едуард свиква благородниците и висшия клир в катедралата “Сейнт Пол”, за да изясни публично правото си да взема данък от църквата. Но по време на литургията главният свещеник, от когото се очаква да се противопостави на краля, пада мъртъв пред олтара.
Скоро става ясно, че е бил отровен. Убиецът е извършил и нечувано богохулство – сложил е отровата в причастното вино.
Докато Едуард продължава вечната си борба за власт, убиецът продължава да сее смърт. Кралският довереник Хю Корбет трябва да изясни как е възможно човек да бъде убит пред очите на краля в препълнената катедрала, и как е бил отровен с вино, от което са пили и останалите свещеници. Само така може да се добере до убиеца, чиято неутолима омраза е насочена към самия крал.
Кралят на Англия не може да предположи какви последствия ще има клането.
Година по-късно Едуард свиква благородниците и висшия клир в катедралата “Сейнт Пол”, за да изясни публично правото си да взема данък от църквата. Но по време на литургията главният свещеник, от когото се очаква да се противопостави на краля, пада мъртъв пред олтара.
Скоро става ясно, че е бил отровен. Убиецът е извършил и нечувано богохулство – сложил е отровата в причастното вино.
Докато Едуард продължава вечната си борба за власт, убиецът продължава да сее смърт. Кралският довереник Хю Корбет трябва да изясни как е възможно човек да бъде убит пред очите на краля в препълнената катедрала, и как е бил отровен с вино, от което са пили и останалите свещеници. Само така може да се добере до убиеца, чиято неутолима омраза е насочена към самия крал.
202 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 1989
84 people are currently reading
367 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 19, 2025
This small but eventful historical mystery is the 4th part of the "Hugh Corbett" series, originally published in 1989.
At the end of the book you'll notice a Conclusion about the historical facts concerning this story.
Storytelling is great, all characters, real historical and fictional, come splendidly to life in this tale about revenge and death, while the surroundings in London are wonderfully pictured.
The book is about the aftermath of the sacking of Berwick in 1298, and the subsequent assembly held at St Paul's cathedral in January 1299, in which dangers lurks in every corner of that same Cathedral.
During this assembly the main celebrant, Walter de Montfort, is poisoned, and act that should have taken the life of King Edward I., and the question remains who is the culprit of this poisoning.
Hugh Corbett is tasked by King Edward I to investigate this murder, and he will be assisted by his servant Ranulf, and steadily but determinedly Corbett will be able to identify this ruthless killer in the end and expose him within the appropriate environment of St Paul's Cathedral.
Very much recommended, for this is a wonderful small addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Exciting Lethal Angel"!
At the end of the book you'll notice a Conclusion about the historical facts concerning this story.
Storytelling is great, all characters, real historical and fictional, come splendidly to life in this tale about revenge and death, while the surroundings in London are wonderfully pictured.
The book is about the aftermath of the sacking of Berwick in 1298, and the subsequent assembly held at St Paul's cathedral in January 1299, in which dangers lurks in every corner of that same Cathedral.
During this assembly the main celebrant, Walter de Montfort, is poisoned, and act that should have taken the life of King Edward I., and the question remains who is the culprit of this poisoning.
Hugh Corbett is tasked by King Edward I to investigate this murder, and he will be assisted by his servant Ranulf, and steadily but determinedly Corbett will be able to identify this ruthless killer in the end and expose him within the appropriate environment of St Paul's Cathedral.
Very much recommended, for this is a wonderful small addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Exciting Lethal Angel"!
May 22, 2018
Hugh Corbett is an amazing character. In this P. C. Doherty mystery, Angel of Death, Hugh surmises right at the death of the Dean of St. Paul’s during a High Mass which King Edward I is attending that the method of death is administered as the priests prepare for holy communion, but which one and why? The author takes events directly from history as the Dean of St. Paul’s, Walter de Montfort, did die during this important service. I am truly enjoying getting to know the character of Hugh Corbett as well as his assistant, Ranulf. Doherty’s writing jumps right off the page. His historical knowledge and his historical writing is without doubt mesmerizing!
February 6, 2020
Il libro fa parte della serie con Hugh Corbett, ambientato nel 1299. Il decano della cattedrale di Saint Paul è stato avvelenato durante la messa solenne, alla presenza di re Edoardo I. Chi volevano avvelenare davvero? Il re forse?
Doherty ha scritto numerose serie storiche sotto vari pseudonimi ed è molto accurato anche nelle descrizioni di ambienti, usi e costumi del tempo. D'altronde è un riconosciuto studioso di storia medievale e ha conseguito il dottorato in storia con una tesi sul regno di Edoardo II.
Doherty ha scritto numerose serie storiche sotto vari pseudonimi ed è molto accurato anche nelle descrizioni di ambienti, usi e costumi del tempo. D'altronde è un riconosciuto studioso di storia medievale e ha conseguito il dottorato in storia con una tesi sul regno di Edoardo II.
November 1, 2021
Nice wrok!!!!
A good story indeed. The writer did drift a little. But that's ok we all do that now an again. This one I didn't know who the killer was.. The writer really makes you feel like you're in London in the freezing cold with all the stink.. You even fast the food that is served good or bad. Makes me want to brush my teee.
A good story indeed. The writer did drift a little. But that's ok we all do that now an again. This one I didn't know who the killer was.. The writer really makes you feel like you're in London in the freezing cold with all the stink.. You even fast the food that is served good or bad. Makes me want to brush my teee.
November 22, 2011
The concept of a medieval detective solving historically inspired crimes is certainly an appealing one. This setting is bound to provoke mental comparisons to Sherlock Holmes among readers; somewhat unfortunately, since the brilliant larger-than-life characters created by A.C. Doyle provide a sharp relief to the rather dry and uninteresting protagonist of Doherty's novels.
December 16, 2022
Excellent Read
I absolutely love Paul Dohertys Historical novels, they are quick reads but very satisfying, I am slowly working my way through his Corbett series and his Athelstan books. Highly recommended.
I absolutely love Paul Dohertys Historical novels, they are quick reads but very satisfying, I am slowly working my way through his Corbett series and his Athelstan books. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2021
The Angel of Death
I only have praise for any work by Paul Doherty, for his style is just something I particularly love.
That said, I admit, the major characters in any (I read Ancient Egypt and the Rome series so far) have SO much in common that I can predict the ways they think. They seem to enjoy jotting their thoughts down. All the three known to me by far, Amerotke, Claudia and Hugh are quiet, need space to think things through; at the same time, they are intense and have clever helpers/assistants who owe them their lives. All have miraculously escaped death at any point in their lives and think freely about their Royal bosses, which is rather entertaining to read.
I keep reaching for Doherty’s novels time after time, because the richness of his vocabulary, the descriptions of chilly mornings and fragrant evenings are so subtle, yet so strong, that it makes me want to be just there. It is refreshing to have a novel where instead of skipping the descriptions; I enjoy them.
Just like any other of his books, I read by now, this one disappointed neither. There is not one word unnecessary. Not one gesture that wouldn’t count later on.
The plot is the usual ‘who is the killer’, yet so different. Set in the real historical period, referring to historical characters and events. The mystery storyline intertwines the living conditions of people, and characteristic to that period, details of their everyday struggles. Therefore, the novels are extremely interesting for their insight into the community of those times.
We find Hugh under the spell of a beautiful and smart lady, again… We have Ranulf and a fruit of his romance. We see the relationship between the servant and his master changed into something stronger with each line.
Is it a mastership of mystery or detective plot? Not for me, for a crime story, I reach to different authors, having Doherty on the shelf is for the atmosphere, language, twisted relationships and the mystery is just a cherry on top.
I only have praise for any work by Paul Doherty, for his style is just something I particularly love.
That said, I admit, the major characters in any (I read Ancient Egypt and the Rome series so far) have SO much in common that I can predict the ways they think. They seem to enjoy jotting their thoughts down. All the three known to me by far, Amerotke, Claudia and Hugh are quiet, need space to think things through; at the same time, they are intense and have clever helpers/assistants who owe them their lives. All have miraculously escaped death at any point in their lives and think freely about their Royal bosses, which is rather entertaining to read.
I keep reaching for Doherty’s novels time after time, because the richness of his vocabulary, the descriptions of chilly mornings and fragrant evenings are so subtle, yet so strong, that it makes me want to be just there. It is refreshing to have a novel where instead of skipping the descriptions; I enjoy them.
Just like any other of his books, I read by now, this one disappointed neither. There is not one word unnecessary. Not one gesture that wouldn’t count later on.
The plot is the usual ‘who is the killer’, yet so different. Set in the real historical period, referring to historical characters and events. The mystery storyline intertwines the living conditions of people, and characteristic to that period, details of their everyday struggles. Therefore, the novels are extremely interesting for their insight into the community of those times.
We find Hugh under the spell of a beautiful and smart lady, again… We have Ranulf and a fruit of his romance. We see the relationship between the servant and his master changed into something stronger with each line.
Is it a mastership of mystery or detective plot? Not for me, for a crime story, I reach to different authors, having Doherty on the shelf is for the atmosphere, language, twisted relationships and the mystery is just a cherry on top.
December 14, 2021
The fourth novel Angel of Death in P.C. (Paul) Doherty’s series featuring Hugh Corbett, clerk to Edward I. Doherty is very adept at creating a lively sense of time and place as medieval England is brought to life.
During Mass, Walter de Montfort dies a sudden and violent death. Hugh Corbett, the King's clerk, is given the task of solving the mystery and tracking down the murderer. As ever, Doherty creates a fascinating plot. Hugh Corbett is such a well-drawn character, so is Ranulf. This is all set against the background of Edward's struggle to maintain himself, both at home and abroad, Corbett's investigations become tortuous and laced with danger.
Although this is only a short book (160) pages. It showcases Doherty’s skill at telling a superb story and a mystery you can have a go at solving yourself. As this is a progressive series there are consequences for Corbett in future stories.
A great read.
During Mass, Walter de Montfort dies a sudden and violent death. Hugh Corbett, the King's clerk, is given the task of solving the mystery and tracking down the murderer. As ever, Doherty creates a fascinating plot. Hugh Corbett is such a well-drawn character, so is Ranulf. This is all set against the background of Edward's struggle to maintain himself, both at home and abroad, Corbett's investigations become tortuous and laced with danger.
Although this is only a short book (160) pages. It showcases Doherty’s skill at telling a superb story and a mystery you can have a go at solving yourself. As this is a progressive series there are consequences for Corbett in future stories.
A great read.
June 4, 2022
Better and better!
I can easily see why this series is so popular and beloved, each story is better than the last and I am kept guessing till the very end! The character development is very good and makes the reader feel like Hugh, Ranulf and all are people we know in real life. I highly recommend these books!
I can easily see why this series is so popular and beloved, each story is better than the last and I am kept guessing till the very end! The character development is very good and makes the reader feel like Hugh, Ranulf and all are people we know in real life. I highly recommend these books!
October 24, 2024
What a ride....
Never saw this ending. Spy in Chancery I figured out, though not when I read it the first time, when it was published. That was more Golden Age rules: all the evidence is there. This one is more Christie-esque: she was notorious for her detective seeing the telling clue and...saying nothing, specific, about it. It was a had-to-finisher.
Never saw this ending. Spy in Chancery I figured out, though not when I read it the first time, when it was published. That was more Golden Age rules: all the evidence is there. This one is more Christie-esque: she was notorious for her detective seeing the telling clue and...saying nothing, specific, about it. It was a had-to-finisher.
May 18, 2018
I choose this to kill two birds with one stone. I like murder mysteries. And I like historical novels. Why not a historical novel and murder mystery rolled into one! And yet, while I liked this novel (part of a series set in the time of Edward III) I did not love it.
January 1, 2023
An enjoyable episode in the Hugh Corbett series. The descriptions of the time period were excellent considering the short length of the book. I was led astray by the red herring until the final few chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2017
Mystery
Our clerk is a quite different type of investlgator from some of the others l have discovered but a quiet and very enjoyable.
Our clerk is a quite different type of investlgator from some of the others l have discovered but a quiet and very enjoyable.
December 8, 2017
Love the series. Real comfort reading for historical crime readers.
May 2, 2019
Another Great Hugh Corbett Tale
A nice continuation of the saga and character development. Quality & storyline are exactly what you've come to expect from Doherty.
A nice continuation of the saga and character development. Quality & storyline are exactly what you've come to expect from Doherty.
October 26, 2020
Great read
I enjoy this series very much. The plots are always good and keep me guessing. I enjoy all the historical details. I highly recommend this book and series.
I enjoy this series very much. The plots are always good and keep me guessing. I enjoy all the historical details. I highly recommend this book and series.
April 30, 2025
Very atmospheric, plunging the reader right into mediaeval London with the varied ,interesting and well drawn characters.
May 18, 2021
I'm running out of things to say about Paul Doherty's books. I just love the all.
September 10, 2013
In a particularly brutal act, King Edward I of England invades Scotland and totally destroys the town and people of Berwick. This act will have far reaching repercussions undreamed of by Edward. A year later, the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Walter de Montfort, collapses and dies just after partaking of communion. Edward assigns Hugh Corbett to discover if the death was due to natural causes or murder. The investigations will lead Corbett into danger and he fears his life will be forfeit if he cannot solve the mystery.
June 7, 2014
This is another medieval mystery by Paul Doherty in his series featuring the lead character Hugh Corbett. I'm slowly working my way through this series, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this literary journey.
Based on historical fact during the reign of Edward 1 of England in 1298, the plot captured my attention from the first page and the investigation into the poisoning of de Montfort during mass was riveting. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a medieval mystery or historical fiction.
Based on historical fact during the reign of Edward 1 of England in 1298, the plot captured my attention from the first page and the investigation into the poisoning of de Montfort during mass was riveting. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a medieval mystery or historical fiction.
July 23, 2011
This was the first time that I had tried out an audio book and it certainly made the trip to Wales go faster. Funnily enough, in a way, it made the quality of the writing shine through and certainly highlighed the humour in having Ranulf as a side kick. yep - would rate this as worth the read/listen. Mind you, Doherty never disappoints.
June 15, 2011
It was good,but too short for me.I'd like the story to take some more turns,before ending.It ended inexpedtedly,like most Pauld Doherty books,but it wasn't enough for me.A good book ,though the author definitely has written even better ones :)
March 4, 2011
Continuing my journey through the series. Another intriguing history lesson which has changed my opinion of King Edward for the worse.
Nice plot and another enjoyable read.
Nice plot and another enjoyable read.
March 13, 2012
Another enjoyable tale of Hugh Corbett from the prolific pen of Paul Doherty. I loved it.
May 21, 2013
Could have been better!
November 3, 2013
Nice reading.
April 24, 2017
Audio book
Read
January 18, 2019Excellent
I really love reading these books. A great host of characters and some from actual history that can almost make you believe that the stories are true.
I really love reading these books. A great host of characters and some from actual history that can almost make you believe that the stories are true.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews