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Hugh Corbett #19
Devil's Wolf
Paul Doherty's most popular series character returns. Hugh Corbett is about to take up a life of danger once again in the nineteenth novel in his series and the follow up to DARK SERPENT. If you love historical mysteries from Robin Hobb, Susanna Gregory, Michael Jecks, Peter Tremayne and Bernard Knight, you will love this.
1296: King Edward I has led his army to Scotland, determined to take the country under his crown. But the fierce Scots have no intention of submitting to their oppressor and violent and bloody war breaks out.
1311: Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, finds himself back in Scotland and is revisited by the horrors he witnessed there fifteen years ago.
An anonymous letter was delivered to the new king. It promised information about a fatal incident that could allow England to finally bow out of the war with the Scots. Tasked with finding out the truth about the murder, Corbett is forced to take risks he would rather avoid and put his faith in the words of strangers.
But with an unknown traitor lurking in the shadows and danger around every corner, will Corbett be able to unravel the complex web of plots in time?
1296: King Edward I has led his army to Scotland, determined to take the country under his crown. But the fierce Scots have no intention of submitting to their oppressor and violent and bloody war breaks out.
1311: Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, finds himself back in Scotland and is revisited by the horrors he witnessed there fifteen years ago.
An anonymous letter was delivered to the new king. It promised information about a fatal incident that could allow England to finally bow out of the war with the Scots. Tasked with finding out the truth about the murder, Corbett is forced to take risks he would rather avoid and put his faith in the words of strangers.
But with an unknown traitor lurking in the shadows and danger around every corner, will Corbett be able to unravel the complex web of plots in time?
371 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
104 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books611 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
February 5, 2018
In 1296 Edward I sacked Berwick in a shameful display of cruelty and murder.
Years later, his son is on the throne of England, Scotland is as big a mess as ever, and Henry Percy has bought Alnwick castle with gods know what ideas in mind.
Sir Hugh Corbett is despatched north to visit Percy, locate the Lily Crown of Scotland, and negotiate a hostage transfer. His retinue is attacked by a coven known as the Black Chesters, someone tries to murder both him and his Master of Archers Ap Ythel, and there is the matter of the mysterious one-eyed bowman. Not to mention the fact that bloody handed murder seems to be raging unchecked.
I have never been as big a fan of Hugh Corbett as I have of Brother Athelstan, but this book is excellent. Full of red herrings and surprises.
I like the way Paul Doherty grows his characters. Hugh Corbett is a different man in many ways from the one we met way back in "Satan in St Mary's". But the biggest change is in Ranulf atte Newgate. Corbett's trusted right hand has come a long way from the terrified boy that Hugh saved from judicial hanging.
Great characters and a great plot. Paul Doherty never goes stale.
Highly recommended.
Years later, his son is on the throne of England, Scotland is as big a mess as ever, and Henry Percy has bought Alnwick castle with gods know what ideas in mind.
Sir Hugh Corbett is despatched north to visit Percy, locate the Lily Crown of Scotland, and negotiate a hostage transfer. His retinue is attacked by a coven known as the Black Chesters, someone tries to murder both him and his Master of Archers Ap Ythel, and there is the matter of the mysterious one-eyed bowman. Not to mention the fact that bloody handed murder seems to be raging unchecked.
I have never been as big a fan of Hugh Corbett as I have of Brother Athelstan, but this book is excellent. Full of red herrings and surprises.
I like the way Paul Doherty grows his characters. Hugh Corbett is a different man in many ways from the one we met way back in "Satan in St Mary's". But the biggest change is in Ranulf atte Newgate. Corbett's trusted right hand has come a long way from the terrified boy that Hugh saved from judicial hanging.
Great characters and a great plot. Paul Doherty never goes stale.
Highly recommended.
March 20, 2018
For the past week I have been trying to start reading a novel, one by an author whose works I enjoy, but have never made it past page 5. Then Devil's Wolf arrived from Book Depository and I thought I'd try reading that instead. 24 hours later it has been read and enjoyed.
What makes a book like Devil's Wolf so hard to put down and make one's reading compulsive? Well Paul Doherty is a good author who knows how to capture your attention and then keep it. This is #19 of the Hugh Corbett series and I, personally, think it is the best so far as it has so many strands skillfully woven together. Corbett has to deal with murder, politics, espionage, treachery and witchcraft as he travels to Northumberland on King Edward II's business - business that is not what it seemed when he first sets out. Others have given details of the plot, so I won't bore you with saying it again, except to say that the war between Edward II of England and Robert the Bruce of Scotland was devastating, especially in the marcherlands along the border and this tale reflects that. Oh, and the ending of the book indicates that Hugh Corbett will have continued grief from the Satanic forces he encountered in Northumberland.
As always with Doherty, the history is there and the historical details good and you would have to scratch hard to find any errors.
One thing I have pondered, after reading this book, is, given the problems that Robert the Bruce's brother, Edward, caused the English in Ireland, whether Doherty will take Corbett to the Emerald Isle at some point.
Recently Paul Doherty has seemed to concentrate on his other 14thC sleuth, Brother Athelstan, so it is good to have Corbett and his henchmen back. Athelstan is very domestic and has much humour in his tales: Corbett 's tales are quite political and rather dark.
What makes a book like Devil's Wolf so hard to put down and make one's reading compulsive? Well Paul Doherty is a good author who knows how to capture your attention and then keep it. This is #19 of the Hugh Corbett series and I, personally, think it is the best so far as it has so many strands skillfully woven together. Corbett has to deal with murder, politics, espionage, treachery and witchcraft as he travels to Northumberland on King Edward II's business - business that is not what it seemed when he first sets out. Others have given details of the plot, so I won't bore you with saying it again, except to say that the war between Edward II of England and Robert the Bruce of Scotland was devastating, especially in the marcherlands along the border and this tale reflects that. Oh, and the ending of the book indicates that Hugh Corbett will have continued grief from the Satanic forces he encountered in Northumberland.
As always with Doherty, the history is there and the historical details good and you would have to scratch hard to find any errors.
One thing I have pondered, after reading this book, is, given the problems that Robert the Bruce's brother, Edward, caused the English in Ireland, whether Doherty will take Corbett to the Emerald Isle at some point.
Recently Paul Doherty has seemed to concentrate on his other 14thC sleuth, Brother Athelstan, so it is good to have Corbett and his henchmen back. Athelstan is very domestic and has much humour in his tales: Corbett 's tales are quite political and rather dark.
October 27, 2019
Brutality in the medieval era as seen through Paul Doherty’s Devil’s Wolf (Hugh Corbett #19), frighteningly, becomes understandable. What Edward I did to Scotland in 1296 is inherited by his son, Edward II. In 1311 Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal and Royal envoy, returns to the NE of England near Scotland’s border and Berwick which had been violently decimated by Edward I and his army; innocent men, women, and children killed; town burnt to the ground; memories carved into survivors’ minds. This is a treacherous place to be, and Sir Hugh knows this well as this area appears to have laws unto itself, not Crown law: assassinations of opposing leaders, ambitious lords attempting to carve out ‘empires’, stolen Scottish regalia, gang warfare, and the practice of black magic. At least Crown law is not visible often by Sir Hugh, but when it is, the barbarity of the sentences, however horrifying, send the Crown’s message. Sir Hugh seems gifted with a ‘6th sense’ when danger is present and positions himself and those with him in safety (In chapel Sir Hugh orders all to ‘fall to the floor’.) as crossbow arrows come flying into the chapel. “This is a nightmare place; a malignancy lurked here.......” These Northern areas are in complete chaos.
The author’s style of writing places the reader exactly where Sir Hugh is. One can experience the medieval era as though she/he is actually there. History envelopes the reader thanks to the author’s writing and knowledge. The author’s notes always provide startling facts that are interwoven in the story. Phenomenal series! 4.25 stars.
The author’s style of writing places the reader exactly where Sir Hugh is. One can experience the medieval era as though she/he is actually there. History envelopes the reader thanks to the author’s writing and knowledge. The author’s notes always provide startling facts that are interwoven in the story. Phenomenal series! 4.25 stars.
November 16, 2018
This exciting book is the 19th volume of the wonderful "Hugh Corbett" series from the author Paul Doherty.
This particular series as well as the "Brother Athelstan" series are my favourite ones from this very fine author.
At the end of the book you'll find an Author's Note where the historical details concerning this tale are very well defined and explained, while at the beginning you'll notice a great Character List.
Story-telling is once more of a superb quality, and all the characters, whether they are real or fictional, come vividly to life within this eventful mystery.
The book is divided into six parts, and this tale is like its predecessor set in the year AD 1311, and still with King Edward II and Queen Isabella on the throne of England.
In this story Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, is sent north towards Scotland with four Scottish prisoners to exchange with the Scots and try to get Peter Gaveston, the King's favourite, out of the country, but before he will
reach that destination deathly occurrents will happen, so that he has to stay with his helpers at Alnwick Castle and at Tynemouth Priory.
What will follow is a very thrilling mystery, where an unknown traitor in lurking in the shadows and committing murders, and in this dangerous and mysterious complex web of treachery and deceit Hugh Corbett has to unravel the plots in time to can reveal the culprit of these deadly crimes in the end.
Highly recommended, for this once again in my opinion: "A Devilish Intriguing Hugh Corbett Mystery"!
This particular series as well as the "Brother Athelstan" series are my favourite ones from this very fine author.
At the end of the book you'll find an Author's Note where the historical details concerning this tale are very well defined and explained, while at the beginning you'll notice a great Character List.
Story-telling is once more of a superb quality, and all the characters, whether they are real or fictional, come vividly to life within this eventful mystery.
The book is divided into six parts, and this tale is like its predecessor set in the year AD 1311, and still with King Edward II and Queen Isabella on the throne of England.
In this story Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, is sent north towards Scotland with four Scottish prisoners to exchange with the Scots and try to get Peter Gaveston, the King's favourite, out of the country, but before he will
reach that destination deathly occurrents will happen, so that he has to stay with his helpers at Alnwick Castle and at Tynemouth Priory.
What will follow is a very thrilling mystery, where an unknown traitor in lurking in the shadows and committing murders, and in this dangerous and mysterious complex web of treachery and deceit Hugh Corbett has to unravel the plots in time to can reveal the culprit of these deadly crimes in the end.
Highly recommended, for this once again in my opinion: "A Devilish Intriguing Hugh Corbett Mystery"!
March 25, 2018
I received a free EArc from Netgalley.
Devil's Wolf is an enjoyable jaunt through early fourteenth century England. I found it particularly enjoyable as its setting is very familiar to me.
While the beginning of the novel is somewhat repetitive, as Hugh tries to work out what's happening and tries to order his thoughts, the end of the novel is far more complex and reads more quickly.
The characterisations are good, and the author certainly doesn't shy away from killing off characters left, right and centre.
Devil's Wolf is an enjoyable jaunt through early fourteenth century England. I found it particularly enjoyable as its setting is very familiar to me.
While the beginning of the novel is somewhat repetitive, as Hugh tries to work out what's happening and tries to order his thoughts, the end of the novel is far more complex and reads more quickly.
The characterisations are good, and the author certainly doesn't shy away from killing off characters left, right and centre.
August 4, 2021
It wasn't until I was about a quarter of the way through did I realise this was not the first in a series, nor was it a standalone. I think I would have found it a bit easier had I read the others first, but I did enjoy the book and believe I will get around to reading the rest one day.
May 30, 2019
Not the best Hugh Corbett, but steadily paced and with some unexpected twists. I guessed one of the baddies fairly early on. I actually prefer the Hugh Corbett novels based amongst the ordinary people of mediaeval England, rather than this sort of high political setting.
Hugh Corbett is heading to northern England on a secret mission, but the northern wolfs heads and witches covens seem to know his every move and the group come under attack. Then a prisoner being returned to Scotland is horribly poisoned by totally unknown means. Hugh works to unravel the mystery, but not knowing all that is going on is a hindrance.
Hugh Corbett is heading to northern England on a secret mission, but the northern wolfs heads and witches covens seem to know his every move and the group come under attack. Then a prisoner being returned to Scotland is horribly poisoned by totally unknown means. Hugh works to unravel the mystery, but not knowing all that is going on is a hindrance.
July 2, 2022
Not bad, but not as good as his earlier Corbett mysteries. I would have enjoyed it more, but it seemed a bit too long and halfway in it became quite a slog to finish.
October 12, 2018
Doherty’s novel is set during the early 14th century reign of Edward II in the aftermath of his father Edward I’s war against the Scots and bloody sack of Berwick Upon Tweed. Turbulent times. Our hero is Sir Hugh Corbett the Keeper of the Secret Seal and personal envoy of the king sent North on a secret mission.
Corbett is confronted by bloodshed and betrayal on his travels around the North East. Confronting a powerful band of witches, the Black Chesters, Hugh risks his own life to reveal the coven ring leaders and discover the whereabouts of The Lily Crown.
The book features locations - like Alnwick and Tynemouth - that can be visited today. Many of the characters are also based on historical figures. The author draws his characters and settings expertly bringing them to life for the reader. Doherty places you in the heart of the action and the story is well paced.
My only criticism is the long final exposition which runs for around 40 pages. A bit too much telling rather than revealing for me.
Overall a well crafted novel by a seasoned and experienced writer perfect for the historical novel fan. It forms part of a series and definitely left me wanting to read about Sir Hugh’s further adventures.
Corbett is confronted by bloodshed and betrayal on his travels around the North East. Confronting a powerful band of witches, the Black Chesters, Hugh risks his own life to reveal the coven ring leaders and discover the whereabouts of The Lily Crown.
The book features locations - like Alnwick and Tynemouth - that can be visited today. Many of the characters are also based on historical figures. The author draws his characters and settings expertly bringing them to life for the reader. Doherty places you in the heart of the action and the story is well paced.
My only criticism is the long final exposition which runs for around 40 pages. A bit too much telling rather than revealing for me.
Overall a well crafted novel by a seasoned and experienced writer perfect for the historical novel fan. It forms part of a series and definitely left me wanting to read about Sir Hugh’s further adventures.
August 2, 2021
Surprisingly, I found this Sir Hugh Corbett mystery more difficult to get into than others; nevertheless, it was a powerful story of evil, corruption, and violence, this time in Northumbria. As a direct result of the mayhem wrought against the Scots by King Edward I, Sir Hugh is riding north with his retinue ostensibly to deliver 4 Scottish prisoners back to their kin, Robert the Bruce. En route, they are attacked by an evil coven called the Black Chesters, and if they hadn’t been warned ahead of time, Sir Hugh, Ranulf-atte-Newgate, and Chanson, as well as everyone in the party would have been slaughtered. Finally, believing themselves safe at Aldwick castle, Sir Hugh is perplexed as more people die in a classic “locked room” event, and as he and Ap Ythel are themselves attacked. They hear repeatedly of “Paracelsus”, the leader of the Black Chesters, and of the gangs of black visored and cloaked horsemen who gallop across the moors, slaughtering indiscriminately. Once again, Sir Hugh is hard pressed to determine what is actually going on, but the climax of this book, when he finally makes his plans and sees them through, is truly gripping.
January 6, 2018
Devil’s Wolf is the nineteenth Sir Hugh Corbett Medieval Mystery set in 1311. Sir Hugh is sent to Scotland to look into information about a fatal incident that could allow England to finally settle the war with the Scots. However, Sir Hugh has to relive the horrors he witnessed in Scotland fifteen years ago. Corbett becomes embroiled in searching for a murderer, in a world where he has a to rely on the faith of strangers. Whilst in the shadows, a mysterious unknown traitor lurks, which spells danger for Corbett.
Corbett is one of my favourite Doherty characters, this series shows no signs of being tired. As usual, Doherty evokes the Medieval world brilliantly with his vivid descriptions. The atmosphere is tense and suspenseful the mystery keeps you guessing until near the end. The characters are interesting and there is plenty of gruesomeness to entertain.
Overall, an excellent and enjoyable read which hits all the right notes, such a great way to spend a rainy weekend; in Medieval Scotland.
Corbett is one of my favourite Doherty characters, this series shows no signs of being tired. As usual, Doherty evokes the Medieval world brilliantly with his vivid descriptions. The atmosphere is tense and suspenseful the mystery keeps you guessing until near the end. The characters are interesting and there is plenty of gruesomeness to entertain.
Overall, an excellent and enjoyable read which hits all the right notes, such a great way to spend a rainy weekend; in Medieval Scotland.
October 25, 2023
#19 in the Keeper of the Secret Seal Hugh Corbett mystery series.
In 1296, Edward I invades Scotland to bring the country under his control opening a violent and bloody war. It is now 1311 and Edward II is king and Hugh finds himself back in Scotland which has him recalling all the horrors he was part of in the 1296 invasion. He's there on a royal mission that has many open and secret components as he faces assassination attempts, attacks on his group, lords seeking to consolidate their power, a satanic cult seeking to create chaos in Scotland to further their ambitions.
This was first of the series I have read. It works as a stand alone, but I was probably missing out on background material regarding Hugh Corbett.
In 1296, Edward I invades Scotland to bring the country under his control opening a violent and bloody war. It is now 1311 and Edward II is king and Hugh finds himself back in Scotland which has him recalling all the horrors he was part of in the 1296 invasion. He's there on a royal mission that has many open and secret components as he faces assassination attempts, attacks on his group, lords seeking to consolidate their power, a satanic cult seeking to create chaos in Scotland to further their ambitions.
This was first of the series I have read. It works as a stand alone, but I was probably missing out on background material regarding Hugh Corbett.
June 14, 2018
I chose this book as my #Readharder selection for "A Book with a Cover You Hate." I did hate the cover, but I also though the plot would be interesting since I live in Scotland and enjoy learning about the history of this country. It was an okay book in that it was basically a fictional portrayal of some of the events that happened in the middle ages in Scotland. It talked about witches covens, wars, and the general life that was fraught with animosity between the English and the Scots. However, it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I found it to be boring and a bit dragged out. At the beginning I was really into it, but I struggled to have the focus to keep reading and finish it off.
January 20, 2020
Two of my favorite series are the Hugh Corbett and the Brother Athelstan books by Paul Doherty. Both series portray the middle ages in a realistic, gritty way. You won't find a romanticized medieval tale with these books. I might prefer the Brother Athelstan books, but mostly because I am more familiar with that era in English history. In Devil's Wolf, Hugh Corbett, senior clerk in the chancery, has been sent to the Scottish border by King Edward II. After his travel party is attacked, Corbett soon realizes there is a traitor among his companions. To get a full appreciation of the books and the characters, the series needs to be read in order.
February 25, 2026
This book is genuinely on a very interesting topic - but my review is very subjective. You can tell this was written by someone with deep knowledge, and honestly this adds such credibility to the book, but I still found myself wanting more from visceral descriptions of the horrors of war. I think this has cemented my ideas of historical fiction and what I most enjoy to read, as at times I felt I was being dragged along a storyline. The sacking of Berwick could have been an entire book for me. Would recommend to true history buffs who can follow many character plots.
November 18, 2018
This is one of Doherty's best books. It's book 19 of the series and is fantastic. Don't read his stuff out of order. Sir Hugh Corbett has his most difficult mystery to date and he is seriously in trouble in this book. Good stuff. If you like historical fiction you should read this guy.
December 10, 2017
One of the finest entries in one of the finest series of historical mysteries. Full review at classicmystery.wordpress.com
December 13, 2018
Wowsas what a novel I have always loved Paul Doherty’s books, and he only gets better love love it simply marvellous.
March 28, 2019
I found this a very good book. However, it may be me but I found the ending a little in the air .
August 15, 2019
I used to read a lot of Hugh Corbett and found them entertaining, if somewhat formulaic. This one had a better plot than many with enough twists to keep me intrigued.
August 30, 2019
Well-plotted but not Doherty's best writing.
August 24, 2020
HIS BEST YET
Paul Doherty's "Devil's Wolf," is his best yet. With 18 previous Hugh Corbett historical mysteries behind him, Doherty has honed his writing skills to a razor edge.
Paul Doherty's "Devil's Wolf," is his best yet. With 18 previous Hugh Corbett historical mysteries behind him, Doherty has honed his writing skills to a razor edge.
December 21, 2020
Excellent read
March 1, 2021
Twists and more twists
Just when you think you've solved the mystery, another clue sends you off in a different direction. That's what makes this series so much fun.
Just when you think you've solved the mystery, another clue sends you off in a different direction. That's what makes this series so much fun.
December 29, 2021
Who is the Wolf???
What a story. It moves along very fast so keep your wits about you or you'll get lost an have to back track. So many irons in the fire. Bloody good read
What a story. It moves along very fast so keep your wits about you or you'll get lost an have to back track. So many irons in the fire. Bloody good read
August 25, 2022
Good when it started, but I gave it only 3 stars because the ending was a constant rehash of what the reader was already told.
Padding, Paul Doherty, OBE?
Padding, Paul Doherty, OBE?
April 3, 2025
What really surprised me when reading this book was how much I enjoyed it at first. I've never been so interested in a mystery story since Death in the Clouds, as this has some interesting investigating, like an Agatha Christie novel. Also, the main characters weren't what I was expecting either. They were more like the bad guys than simple sleuths, with them taking prisoners like something out of Lord of the Rings. This made it a lot more interesting and subversive than what you're used to. It was also surprisingly easy to read at 254, and I got through this one surprisingly quickly.
But then, once the revel at the end happened, it all fell apart for me. The reason was that I had a good idea of who the murderer might be, but I started thinking about it differently as the story went along. And then, at the very end, it turns out that all my initial theories as to what was going on were all true. With Agatha Christe, she made red herrings that you didn't know were red herrings until they became apparent. With this, it's like the secret red herring was the murderer the whole time, which beats the entire point in a red herring.
It had a good prologue set in Scotland after a massacre during the English/Scottish war, which set up a good character beat for Corbett and we see his interactions with King Edward I. But his became so irrelevant that I completely forgot it after a while. It "is" important to the story as the story itself is set in Scotland and is all about prisoners of war in the English/Scottish war, but after the group gets to the castle, all of them feel quite unimportant.
If it weren't for that ending, I would have said that this was a perfect starting point for new readers into this series and for Paul Doherty, as this was the first book of his I read. But because of that ending, I can't recommend this one.
But then, once the revel at the end happened, it all fell apart for me. The reason was that I had a good idea of who the murderer might be, but I started thinking about it differently as the story went along. And then, at the very end, it turns out that all my initial theories as to what was going on were all true. With Agatha Christe, she made red herrings that you didn't know were red herrings until they became apparent. With this, it's like the secret red herring was the murderer the whole time, which beats the entire point in a red herring.
It had a good prologue set in Scotland after a massacre during the English/Scottish war, which set up a good character beat for Corbett and we see his interactions with King Edward I. But his became so irrelevant that I completely forgot it after a while. It "is" important to the story as the story itself is set in Scotland and is all about prisoners of war in the English/Scottish war, but after the group gets to the castle, all of them feel quite unimportant.
If it weren't for that ending, I would have said that this was a perfect starting point for new readers into this series and for Paul Doherty, as this was the first book of his I read. But because of that ending, I can't recommend this one.
March 22, 2018
It is 1311 and Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal once again returns with another mystery to solve and a justice to be done. This time the beautiful and rugged Northumberland coast and the forbidding Alnwick Castle and Tynemouth Priory are the setting in this the nineteenth novel in the medieval mystery series.
Hugh Corbett, along with his companions, Ranulph AtteNewgate, Chancery of the Green Wax, Welsh archer, Ap Ythel and stable clerk, Chanson, band together to solve a series of murders involving poisoning and linked to the Scottish Marches and a hellish coven, The Black Chesters, who deal in the black arts. Villagers around the marshes live in fear from this coven who roam the territory and bring death and destruction to all who get in their way.
As usual with Paul Doherty novels there are many twists and turns with plenty of action to keep the plot flowing and lots of historical facts. Although his books follows a formula i think that this is his success as he really knows how to write about each point in history and has the imagination to keep things fresh and alive.
Each book can be read as a stand alone novel or like i have done, have read every one in the series going back twenty years ago as each one has been published.
This novel would appeal to anyone who loves a historical mystery with plenty of action and thrills and chills.
My thanks to #NetGalley and the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
Hugh Corbett, along with his companions, Ranulph AtteNewgate, Chancery of the Green Wax, Welsh archer, Ap Ythel and stable clerk, Chanson, band together to solve a series of murders involving poisoning and linked to the Scottish Marches and a hellish coven, The Black Chesters, who deal in the black arts. Villagers around the marshes live in fear from this coven who roam the territory and bring death and destruction to all who get in their way.
As usual with Paul Doherty novels there are many twists and turns with plenty of action to keep the plot flowing and lots of historical facts. Although his books follows a formula i think that this is his success as he really knows how to write about each point in history and has the imagination to keep things fresh and alive.
Each book can be read as a stand alone novel or like i have done, have read every one in the series going back twenty years ago as each one has been published.
This novel would appeal to anyone who loves a historical mystery with plenty of action and thrills and chills.
My thanks to #NetGalley and the author and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.
March 16, 2018
Good Historical Mystery
I've been a fan of Paul Doherty mysteries for a long time and have enjoyed them for their attention to detail and atmosphere. He really takes you to the time period an immerses you into it. This book was part of the Hugh Corbett mystery series but it can be read as a stand alone as Doherty explains the characters and their relationships.
I've been a fan of Paul Doherty mysteries for a long time and have enjoyed them for their attention to detail and atmosphere. He really takes you to the time period an immerses you into it. This book was part of the Hugh Corbett mystery series but it can be read as a stand alone as Doherty explains the characters and their relationships.
November 5, 2018
Another Excellent Mystery
This is the 19th Hugh Corbett mystery. I've read them all. By this time, I blithely believe I'll figure out "who done it" well before the end. Of course, I never do. Only after the reveal do I see all the clues I've missed. In addition, I learn a little more about Corbett and Ranulf and Chanson. Doherty never disappoints.
This is the 19th Hugh Corbett mystery. I've read them all. By this time, I blithely believe I'll figure out "who done it" well before the end. Of course, I never do. Only after the reveal do I see all the clues I've missed. In addition, I learn a little more about Corbett and Ranulf and Chanson. Doherty never disappoints.
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