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Hugh Corbett #15
Корабът на страха
Пиратски кораб е пленен край бреговете на Англия. Носят се слухове, че на кораба е имало карта, указваща пътя до легендарно съкровище. Но съкровището си остава скрито, картата е изчезнала, ясно е, че не са я взели и търговците от Ханзата, пленили пиратите. Ясно е също, че и ханзейските търговци, и крал Едуард I са готови на всичко, за да се доберат до натоварения със злато кораб, заровен в древни времена заедно с вожда на саксонско племе.
Години по-късно един от търговците, участвали в залавянето на пиратите, пристига в Кентърбъри. Носят се слухове, че той се е добрал до загадъчната карта. Сър Хю Корбет, доверен кралски служител, е изпратен да преговаря с търговеца Паулентс. Но преди да успее да се срещне с него, търговецът и цялото му семейство са открити обесени в имението, където са били настанени. По същото време заможен кентърбърийски търговец също става жертва на убийство. Трупът му е открит в заключена стая, а ключовете от стаята висят на колана на мъртвия.
Картата, донесена от Паулентс, не е открадната, но никой не е в състояние да я разчете. Защо тогава е трябвало да загинат Паулентс и близките му? Кой е убиецът, проникнал в старателно охраняваното имение? Как са били обесени жертвите, след като няма следи от насилие, а не личи и да са били упоени? Сър Хю Корбет трябва да навлезе отново в царството на мрака, за да открие корена на злото и да разобличи убиеца.
Години по-късно един от търговците, участвали в залавянето на пиратите, пристига в Кентърбъри. Носят се слухове, че той се е добрал до загадъчната карта. Сър Хю Корбет, доверен кралски служител, е изпратен да преговаря с търговеца Паулентс. Но преди да успее да се срещне с него, търговецът и цялото му семейство са открити обесени в имението, където са били настанени. По същото време заможен кентърбърийски търговец също става жертва на убийство. Трупът му е открит в заключена стая, а ключовете от стаята висят на колана на мъртвия.
Картата, донесена от Паулентс, не е открадната, но никой не е в състояние да я разчете. Защо тогава е трябвало да загинат Паулентс и близките му? Кой е убиецът, проникнал в старателно охраняваното имение? Как са били обесени жертвите, след като няма следи от насилие, а не личи и да са били упоени? Сър Хю Корбет трябва да навлезе отново в царството на мрака, за да открие корена на злото и да разобличи убиеца.
Unknown Binding
First published December 1, 2006
72 people are currently reading
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About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books607 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 46 reviews
September 28, 2022
Харесва ми автора,пише много увлекателно,харесва ми че във всяка книга има исторически факти вплетени в книгите.
October 24, 2021
Read this book in 2010, and its the 15th episode of the amazing "Hugh Corbett" series.
Set in Ad 1303, and with Wilhelm Von Paulents, a representative of the Hanseatic League, visiting England.
Some three years before the English privateer "The Waxman" was overpowered by two war cogs from the wearing the streamers of the Hanseatic League of North Germany.
This same privateer "The Waxman" was carrying a casket obtaining the "Carta Mysteriosa", a collection of valuable and detailed maps and sea charts.
Hugh Corbett is sent to negotiate about these sea charts, because it is believed that Von Paulents own them.
At the Manor of Maubisson, the Von Paulents family will fall sill, when in the morning of the fourth in Advent, Von Paulents, his wife, son and clerk are found murdered.
What will follow is an intriguing and exciting mystery, in which Hugh Corbett will have to tread carefully to find the truth behind these gruesome murders, and after quite some twists and turns, followed by a superbly executed plot, he will be able to solve the riddle of murder and mayhem, and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Highly recommended, for this another captivating medieval mystery of this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this tale: "A Wonderful Waxman Mystery"!
Set in Ad 1303, and with Wilhelm Von Paulents, a representative of the Hanseatic League, visiting England.
Some three years before the English privateer "The Waxman" was overpowered by two war cogs from the wearing the streamers of the Hanseatic League of North Germany.
This same privateer "The Waxman" was carrying a casket obtaining the "Carta Mysteriosa", a collection of valuable and detailed maps and sea charts.
Hugh Corbett is sent to negotiate about these sea charts, because it is believed that Von Paulents own them.
At the Manor of Maubisson, the Von Paulents family will fall sill, when in the morning of the fourth in Advent, Von Paulents, his wife, son and clerk are found murdered.
What will follow is an intriguing and exciting mystery, in which Hugh Corbett will have to tread carefully to find the truth behind these gruesome murders, and after quite some twists and turns, followed by a superbly executed plot, he will be able to solve the riddle of murder and mayhem, and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Highly recommended, for this another captivating medieval mystery of this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this tale: "A Wonderful Waxman Mystery"!
December 9, 2021
Got to read
Blood is thicker than water. Will kick it this was a DAMN GOOD READ!!! The Waxman Murders had me at the edge of my set. I figured one out but not the others Paul Doherty did a bag up job on this one!!!
Blood is thicker than water. Will kick it this was a DAMN GOOD READ!!! The Waxman Murders had me at the edge of my set. I figured one out but not the others Paul Doherty did a bag up job on this one!!!
June 7, 2014
I'm still reading the medieval mystery series starring Hugh Corbett, although I'm almost up to date, woohoo!!! This is the 15th in the series and was another great medieval 'whodunnit', published in 2007.
This time the historical fiction was set in 1300 - 1303 and the plot involved the legend of a buried treasure, pirates as well as numerous murders and assassinations.
The regular characters were all in attendance; Sir Hugh Corbett, Ranulf and Chanson, and as usual the plot kept me guessing until close to the end. In my opinion this novel had a well stocked plot filled with much detail and interest in comparison so some of his earlier work in this series.
I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the latest publication in the series 'Nightshade', published in 2008.
This time the historical fiction was set in 1300 - 1303 and the plot involved the legend of a buried treasure, pirates as well as numerous murders and assassinations.
The regular characters were all in attendance; Sir Hugh Corbett, Ranulf and Chanson, and as usual the plot kept me guessing until close to the end. In my opinion this novel had a well stocked plot filled with much detail and interest in comparison so some of his earlier work in this series.
I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the latest publication in the series 'Nightshade', published in 2008.
January 11, 2011
Although set in the early 1300's at Canterbury, England this mystery has it all: a missing treasure map; locked room murders; invisible cross bow shooters; threatening messages, including a withered hand; disappearing servants; and all the pageantry and mess of daily life in a large city with no plumbing and very little law enforcement. Of course, what justice there was is swift and brutal.
It is a compelling story to see if the King's Keeper of the Secret Seal of Edward I can untwist all these complications in time to save his own life. There is a complete vocabulary you will have to learn to discover what all this stuff is that Mr. Doherty labels but does not describe. The good part is that human nature has not changed in 700 years.
In spite of a large, diverse cast of characters, this is a simple tale motivated by greed.
It is a compelling story to see if the King's Keeper of the Secret Seal of Edward I can untwist all these complications in time to save his own life. There is a complete vocabulary you will have to learn to discover what all this stuff is that Mr. Doherty labels but does not describe. The good part is that human nature has not changed in 700 years.
In spite of a large, diverse cast of characters, this is a simple tale motivated by greed.
March 14, 2011
A series of murders concerning ownership of mysterious seacharts is investigated by Sir Hugh Corbett. He finds out "whodunit" but never finds the maps. Not sure if I cared one way or the other by the time I'd finished.
June 25, 2015
High sea piracy, treachery, buried treasure, murder and revenge are all part of this fifteenth novel the series. Sir Hugh Corbett, his long time clerk Ranulf and groomsman Chanson journey to Canterbury at the command of their monarch to investigate the murder of the wealthy merchant, Sir Rauf.
January 1, 2011
Good, but a bit confusing (too many characters with similar names). Early 14th century England is not one I know much about, and this series helps fill in the knowledge gaps.
March 18, 2011
The usual storyline is becoming annoying.
Repeating the clues time and again with few new discoveries added - ends in redundancy.
Repeating the clues time and again with few new discoveries added - ends in redundancy.
September 27, 2011
I love Paul Doherty's work and this was well up to scratch.
July 13, 2012
I almost didn't finish this one. I really enjoyed the other book I read in the Hugh Corbett series, so I muscled on. But this felt as though Doherty were floundering.
April 18, 2021
This is a very strong historical mystery from one of the top authors in the field. Set in early 14th century England, it revolves around the king's 'coroner' being dispatched to solve not one but two locked-room murders. The plot is complex, the characters well-drawn and intriguing, and the writing extremely good. So, all in all, a really good read.
A couple of things stopped me from giving this a higher rating. First, I did figure out the killer's identity well before the big reveal. Second, I found Doherty to be rather fond of dumping an unnecessary mountain of period detail, as if he felt since he did all that research he'd make sure we knew it. And finally, and not the author's fault, the entire style of the tale and its writing is just a bit old-fashioned.
Had I read this back when it was released I would likely have given it an extra star.
Despite these reservations, I can comfortably recommend this for anyone who is fond of the genre.
A couple of things stopped me from giving this a higher rating. First, I did figure out the killer's identity well before the big reveal. Second, I found Doherty to be rather fond of dumping an unnecessary mountain of period detail, as if he felt since he did all that research he'd make sure we knew it. And finally, and not the author's fault, the entire style of the tale and its writing is just a bit old-fashioned.
Had I read this back when it was released I would likely have given it an extra star.
Despite these reservations, I can comfortably recommend this for anyone who is fond of the genre.
October 13, 2019
Personally one of my favourite Hugh Corbett mysteries. Not to everyone's taste. Other readers have pointed out a 'Poirot' and 'Father Brown' influence. The writer displays an extensive knowledge of 14th century Canterbury and the heavy Winter scenes add to the sinister atmosphere. Nearly every character has some sort of dark secret and extensive capacity to lie. The murder plot is horribly complicated, and with so many deplorable characters, the number of suspects is high.
The tale concerns a tragic incident, that took place a generation earlier, during the lawlessness that met the death of Henry III in 1272. The heir to the throne, Lord Edward, was absent on Crusade, and authority broke down. ....some pirates also appear based on the Eustace the Monk figure, who was active during the First Barons War against King John , and captured in 1217.
Overall complex and enjoyable.
The tale concerns a tragic incident, that took place a generation earlier, during the lawlessness that met the death of Henry III in 1272. The heir to the throne, Lord Edward, was absent on Crusade, and authority broke down. ....some pirates also appear based on the Eustace the Monk figure, who was active during the First Barons War against King John , and captured in 1217.
Overall complex and enjoyable.
February 17, 2020
I hadn't read a Hugh Corbett mystery for years, so, when I saw this displayed at the library I decided to reacquaint myself with him - and I'm so glad I did.
Delving into another Hugh Corbett story is like sitting down with a long-lost friend, only to find the relationship has not only survived the passage of time, but is even better than you remembered.
A great story combined with fascinating historical tidbits had me enjoying every moment of this book.
Human nature never changes, only the surroundings. Gritty and realistic and well worth the time to read.
Delving into another Hugh Corbett story is like sitting down with a long-lost friend, only to find the relationship has not only survived the passage of time, but is even better than you remembered.
A great story combined with fascinating historical tidbits had me enjoying every moment of this book.
Human nature never changes, only the surroundings. Gritty and realistic and well worth the time to read.
July 17, 2021
I picked up this book on a whim, thinking it sounded interesting. A murder mystery set in medieval times? Cool premise.
I ultimately just didn't really feel caught at all by this book. I didn't really like the characters, I didn't really care about figuring out who the murder was, etc. It was an okay book, and maybe my problem is I'm coming in partway in a longer series, but these kind of books are supposed to work decently on their own. I don't really feel like it did.
I ultimately just didn't really feel caught at all by this book. I didn't really like the characters, I didn't really care about figuring out who the murder was, etc. It was an okay book, and maybe my problem is I'm coming in partway in a longer series, but these kind of books are supposed to work decently on their own. I don't really feel like it did.
October 7, 2017
Enjoyed this installment in the Hugh Corbett medieval mystery series. It was filled with a tale of piracy, political intrigue, and good old-fashioned revenge! I loved ferreting out the relevant clues and being privy to the way Corbett thinks. Recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery and is fascinated by medieval history!
April 15, 2018
Unlike most of the Hugh Corbett books that I've read, this took me a while to get into the story. It seemed disjointed as if there were too many threads that had to be woven together. Sir Hugh had to explain everything at the end, something that I don't remember from previous books. It's still a good read, though, especially for the glimpse into Medieval England.
September 7, 2022
I usually love the Hugh Corbett books, but this one did not appeal to me as others have. There’s a great deal going on, and the usual high body count, but the need for the LONG explanation by Sir Hugh at the end seemed too easy an ending. I prefer the resolution to come more organically from the story.
June 23, 2017
Great!
Again I could hardly wait to finish the book. So many twists and turns weaving a great mystery. Certainly held my interest.
Again I could hardly wait to finish the book. So many twists and turns weaving a great mystery. Certainly held my interest.
May 29, 2018
Clever
Had me flummoxed. Paul Doherty has a very clever mind to be able to create such diverse ways of reaching the finale. I didn't get there until 'nearly' the end!
Had me flummoxed. Paul Doherty has a very clever mind to be able to create such diverse ways of reaching the finale. I didn't get there until 'nearly' the end!
October 26, 2018
Just a fun romp with Hugh in solving a really gruesome set of murders. Paul does his normal quality job of evoking the times and people he is writing about.
January 13, 2019
A good read.
This book was a bit tedious in places. And dragged as well. I liked the way Corbett reasoned out his conclusions..
This book was a bit tedious in places. And dragged as well. I liked the way Corbett reasoned out his conclusions..
February 25, 2019
The Waxman pirate and his brother seek treasure and revenge. Sir Hugh must find a serial killer lose in Canterbury and hunt a treasure map.
Good hunting.
Good hunting.
February 27, 2019
Engaging story but the dialogue and descriptive information was a little repetitive at times.
January 25, 2020
Great book! A good murder mystery set in medieval England.
Read
November 24, 2020Just too violent and not detective-y enough for me
December 24, 2022
Good stuff
I guessed who the one bad boy was but not his accomplice. Missed a clue, I suppose!
Great story as usual.
I guessed who the one bad boy was but not his accomplice. Missed a clue, I suppose!
Great story as usual.
May 1, 2025
I found this to be a complicated and somewhat confusing mystery.
October 4, 2014
Doherty at his best yet again. This author never disappoints with his medieval ( no pun intended) intricacies and fully fleshed characters.
In this outing, Hugh Corbett, the Kong's man has several puzzles to solve, each more perplexing than the next. There's a treasure map (history buffs will recognize a connection with recent discoveries.), a damsel in apparent distress, spies, piracy and enough murder to make everyone nervous. I found this to be a satisfying journey through history and mystery. Highly recommended.
In this outing, Hugh Corbett, the Kong's man has several puzzles to solve, each more perplexing than the next. There's a treasure map (history buffs will recognize a connection with recent discoveries.), a damsel in apparent distress, spies, piracy and enough murder to make everyone nervous. I found this to be a satisfying journey through history and mystery. Highly recommended.
Read
May 20, 2012En 1303 le roi d'Angleterre a envoy? son plus fid?le ?missaire, Sir Hugh Corbett, ? Cantorbery pour r?cup?rer la carte d'un fabuleux tr?sor. Le roi aurait bien besoin de ce tr?sor pour financer ses guerres. A peine arriv? sur place, Corbett ne tombera pas sur la carte mais sur une suite d'assassinats dont il devra trouver la raison s'il ne veut pas finir, lui aussi, de violente fa?on.
Un livre distrayant pour qui aime les atmosph?res du Moyen-Age.
Un livre distrayant pour qui aime les atmosph?res du Moyen-Age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews