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Hugh Corbett #18
Dark Serpent
Disease. Danger. Death. Sir Hugh Corbett returns...Hugh Corbett is takes up a life of danger yet again in Dark Serpent, the eighteenth novel in Paul Doherty's series. Perfect for fans of Susanna Gregory and Robin Hobb. After his recent unveiling of a devious assassin, Sir Hugh Corbett has returned to service as the Keeper of the Secret Seal, begrudgingly admitting that his appetite for adventure has once again been whetted.Summoned to meet the King to be congratulated on their work together, Corbett and Ranulf learn of the death of Corbett's close friend, Ralph Grandison. Ralph, a leper, has been found dead in a rowing boat, a dagger thrust through his chest. But this murder is not the first of its kind. Other patients of the hospital in which Ralph was staying have similarly slaughtered and it seems as though the lepers, all former knights of the Royal household, are being targeted.The discovery that Ralph was killed by no ordinary weapon, but a poison dagger that once belonged with the Crown Jewels before being famously stolen, leads Corbett down a complex path, where the risk of disease plays out against the backdrop of finding an assassin who will use any means necessary to kill. As Corbett puts himself in the path of extreme danger, will he survive to see another day?What readers are saying about Dark 'A triumphant return for Sir Hugh Corbett''Lots of twists and turns - I couldn't wait to find out who the killer was''Highly recommended. Historical fiction at its best'
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2016
90 people are currently reading
222 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 34 reviews
October 3, 2016
I have all of the Hugh Corbett series and I think this is the best yet. I see others have already given details of the plot, so I won't bore you with another synopsis. If you have not read any of Paul Doherty's medieval mysteries I can highly recommend them.
August 19, 2018
Fresh off the New Book shelf at the library, who could resist? I have previously proven to myself I do not care for the Hugh Corbett series while enjoying the Brother Athelstan series by this same author far more.
But it had such a nice cover! For whatever reason, I cannot favorably respond to the wooden characters reciting historical events/facts instead of behaving like humans. Each time I try one of these books, same reaction.
Maybe I will remember next time tempted. It's pretty bad when I want to join up with the French to be done with these English royals. Hmm.... or is it?
But it had such a nice cover! For whatever reason, I cannot favorably respond to the wooden characters reciting historical events/facts instead of behaving like humans. Each time I try one of these books, same reaction.
Maybe I will remember next time tempted. It's pretty bad when I want to join up with the French to be done with these English royals. Hmm.... or is it?
August 29, 2016
Galley provided by publisher
If there's any author I trust to write a historical mystery, it's Paul Doherty. Like the other Hugh Corbett books I've read, this was a well-built, intriguing mystery, that had me gripped from the start to the finish.
Unlike the previous books, this one pits Hugh Corbett against a more powerful foe, the King of France. A French privateer vessel, ostensibly funded by a French duke, but in fact under the command of the King himself, preys on English merchantships attempting to cross over the Channel, knowing when the ships are due to sail before the fact. Simultaneously, the Templar Knights, who have been denounced and their order dissolved by King Philip, with the backing of the Pope, finding shelter in a leper colony are being murdered one by one by an unknown assassin. All this points to the French King, but there's little that can be done without evidence. Enter Hugh Corbett, returned to the position of Keeper of the Secret Seal and charged by King Edward II to figure out what is going on.
For a good half of the book, Corbett and Ranulf are in the dark as to the sinister goings-on plotted by the French king and his henchmen. Despite this, Doherty is well able to hold the reader's attention, by upping the ante at each turn. Corbett's point of view is interspersed with vignettes from his enemies, so the reader can see the plot against England evolving, serving to ratchet up the tension.
Once past the halfway mark, everything kicks into gear, and from that point on things seem to happen at a rapid pace quickly coming to a head when the killer is unmasked.
If there is one problem I had with the book, it was that it ended quite abruptly. It seemed almost like the story hadn't been wrapped up. One moment, it's the middle of the denouement, and Corbett is explaining to his audience the when, where, why, and how of the plot, the next, there's a blank page and the book is done.
The writing also felt a little stilted early on in the book, but that was when the stage was being set, and there is little that can be done about that with historical fiction, I guess.
If there's any author I trust to write a historical mystery, it's Paul Doherty. Like the other Hugh Corbett books I've read, this was a well-built, intriguing mystery, that had me gripped from the start to the finish.
Unlike the previous books, this one pits Hugh Corbett against a more powerful foe, the King of France. A French privateer vessel, ostensibly funded by a French duke, but in fact under the command of the King himself, preys on English merchantships attempting to cross over the Channel, knowing when the ships are due to sail before the fact. Simultaneously, the Templar Knights, who have been denounced and their order dissolved by King Philip, with the backing of the Pope, finding shelter in a leper colony are being murdered one by one by an unknown assassin. All this points to the French King, but there's little that can be done without evidence. Enter Hugh Corbett, returned to the position of Keeper of the Secret Seal and charged by King Edward II to figure out what is going on.
For a good half of the book, Corbett and Ranulf are in the dark as to the sinister goings-on plotted by the French king and his henchmen. Despite this, Doherty is well able to hold the reader's attention, by upping the ante at each turn. Corbett's point of view is interspersed with vignettes from his enemies, so the reader can see the plot against England evolving, serving to ratchet up the tension.
Once past the halfway mark, everything kicks into gear, and from that point on things seem to happen at a rapid pace quickly coming to a head when the killer is unmasked.
If there is one problem I had with the book, it was that it ended quite abruptly. It seemed almost like the story hadn't been wrapped up. One moment, it's the middle of the denouement, and Corbett is explaining to his audience the when, where, why, and how of the plot, the next, there's a blank page and the book is done.
The writing also felt a little stilted early on in the book, but that was when the stage was being set, and there is little that can be done about that with historical fiction, I guess.
April 26, 2019
Sir Hugh Corbett is back! He has returned to the king’s service, but the king is now Edward II, son of Edward I, ‘Longshanks’. Sir Hugh has reunited with Ranulf and Chanson, his henchmen, and am I ever thrilled! Paul Doherty’s Dark Serpent (Hugh Corbett Mysteries #18) opens with an major incident in The Narrow Sea (English Channel) followed by Sir Hugh having an important discussion with King Edward II and his favorite, Piers (Peter) Gaveston among the tombs in Westminster Abbey. Edward II and his favorite like privacy. Sir Hugh, a King’s man and principal clerk, is needed by the king to solve the problems taking place in The Narrow Sea. Then violent deaths of the disbanded order of the Templars attract Sir Hugh’s attention as one of the victims is a former ‘comrade, but that is really only the beginning. It is 1311 in London, England, and with Paul Doherty’s gifted writing, the history of 1311 London just envelopes the reader - the people, everyday life, the vicious crime of the period, and , of course, the devilish suspense! Highly recommended! 5 stars.
January 20, 2025
Dark Serpent by Paul Doherty is the 18th book in the historical mystery series featuring Sir Hugh Corbett, The Keeper of the Secret Seal. It's 1311 and Hugh Corbett is hired by King Edward II and his favourite Piers Gaveston to investigate the murder of Corbett's friend, Ralph Grandison. Ralph - who suffered from leprosy - was killed with a poisoned dagger that formed part of the Crown Jewels stolen years earlier and it appears an assassin is killing members of the now dissolved Knights Templar.
Then there's the matter of a rogue vessel named The Black Hogge preying on English merchant vessels that could be funded by a French duke or even the King of France himself.
Series favourites Ranulf-atte-Newgate, Senior Clerk in the Chancery of the Green Wax and Chanson, Clerk of the Stables, assist Corbett in his investigations as they gather clues and eliminate suspects.
Here again Doherty confidently brings the medieval streets of London to life, as demonstrated when describing the scene of an execution. Two execution carts have arrived and the crowd is surging:
"Executioners, faces hidden behind devil masks, managed the high-sided carts. The four prisoners in each were made to stand so the accompanying mob could hurl both abuse and refuse at them. Shouts and curses dinned the air, followed by a hail of filth and slops. Bagpipes wailed. Drum beats echoed. Trumpets and hunting horns brayed their shrill, discordant blasts. Relatives of the condemned clung to the sides of the carts, shouting to their menfolk. Warlocks and wizards in dirty robes and funnel-shaped hats pushed rags through the slats of the carts to catch some of the prisoner's bloodied sweat, which they could later use in their midnight ceremonies. Quacks, conjurors and cunning men also tried to keep close; the leavings of men condemned to hang were said to contain certain healing properties." Page 53
This medieval mystery had me guessing the entire time and I could definitely relate to Ranulf's frustration as Corbett kept his observations to himself until the final satisfying reveal.
This is the longest series I've ever read and for that reason alone I feel compelled to continue. What's the longest series you've read? If you like the sound of a series, do you start with the latest release or go back to the beginning and read the first book? Often a series will get better over time as the author's writing ability improves, or sometimes the initial magic can be lost and instead, new instalments feel formulaic and stale.
The formula in this series remains the same, yet I still enjoy reading the latest instalment every now and again. However I'm now terribly behind in the series, with Devil's Wolf (Book 19), Death's Dark Valley (Book 20), Hymn to Murder (Book 21), Mother Midnight (Book 22), Realm of Darkness (Book 23 and Banners of Hell (Book 24) published a few months ago still to read.
I guess I'd better get a move on!
Then there's the matter of a rogue vessel named The Black Hogge preying on English merchant vessels that could be funded by a French duke or even the King of France himself.
Series favourites Ranulf-atte-Newgate, Senior Clerk in the Chancery of the Green Wax and Chanson, Clerk of the Stables, assist Corbett in his investigations as they gather clues and eliminate suspects.
Here again Doherty confidently brings the medieval streets of London to life, as demonstrated when describing the scene of an execution. Two execution carts have arrived and the crowd is surging:
"Executioners, faces hidden behind devil masks, managed the high-sided carts. The four prisoners in each were made to stand so the accompanying mob could hurl both abuse and refuse at them. Shouts and curses dinned the air, followed by a hail of filth and slops. Bagpipes wailed. Drum beats echoed. Trumpets and hunting horns brayed their shrill, discordant blasts. Relatives of the condemned clung to the sides of the carts, shouting to their menfolk. Warlocks and wizards in dirty robes and funnel-shaped hats pushed rags through the slats of the carts to catch some of the prisoner's bloodied sweat, which they could later use in their midnight ceremonies. Quacks, conjurors and cunning men also tried to keep close; the leavings of men condemned to hang were said to contain certain healing properties." Page 53
This medieval mystery had me guessing the entire time and I could definitely relate to Ranulf's frustration as Corbett kept his observations to himself until the final satisfying reveal.
This is the longest series I've ever read and for that reason alone I feel compelled to continue. What's the longest series you've read? If you like the sound of a series, do you start with the latest release or go back to the beginning and read the first book? Often a series will get better over time as the author's writing ability improves, or sometimes the initial magic can be lost and instead, new instalments feel formulaic and stale.
The formula in this series remains the same, yet I still enjoy reading the latest instalment every now and again. However I'm now terribly behind in the series, with Devil's Wolf (Book 19), Death's Dark Valley (Book 20), Hymn to Murder (Book 21), Mother Midnight (Book 22), Realm of Darkness (Book 23 and Banners of Hell (Book 24) published a few months ago still to read.
I guess I'd better get a move on!
December 29, 2018
This thrilling book is the 18th volume of the delightful and exciting "Medieval Hugh Corbett" series by Paul Doherty.
From all his other series and stand alone books, this series as well as the Brother Athelstan series are my favourite ones by this wonderful author.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a wonderful character list of people who're all featuring within this gripping tale as well
as a short historical note, while at the end you'll find a very well described author's note.
Story-telling is as ever of a superb quality, especially with this series because this is also the author's speciality, on the one hand the atmosphere of these medieval times comes splendidly off the pages while on the other hand all the characters, whether real or fictional, come vividly to life within this very fine exciting tale.
The time has moved on within this series from the year AD 1304 and the reign of King Edward I towards the year of AD 1311 and we find ourselves now in the reign of King Edward II and Queen Isabella of France.
The story itself is about Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, after being summoned to meet the King in Westminster Abbey, that he learns about gruesome deaths (murders) at the St Giles Lazar hospital in London, and that one of it victims is the Templar Ralph Grandison who's killed by a dagger thrust through his heart, which was one of the items stolen as the Crown Jewels some 8 years before, while other Templars are also slaughtered at that hospital as well.
While Hugh Corbett and the fearsome Ranulf-Atte-Newgate, who's Clerk of the Green Wax, dig deeper into this path of treachery and deceit, and thus trying hard to find the assassin of these murders, that they will finally encounter extreme danger from a sinister old arch enemy in this struggle of life and death.
Very much recommended, for this is the author Paul Doherty and his creation Hugh Corbett at their very best and "As Lethal As A Viper"!
From all his other series and stand alone books, this series as well as the Brother Athelstan series are my favourite ones by this wonderful author.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a wonderful character list of people who're all featuring within this gripping tale as well
as a short historical note, while at the end you'll find a very well described author's note.
Story-telling is as ever of a superb quality, especially with this series because this is also the author's speciality, on the one hand the atmosphere of these medieval times comes splendidly off the pages while on the other hand all the characters, whether real or fictional, come vividly to life within this very fine exciting tale.
The time has moved on within this series from the year AD 1304 and the reign of King Edward I towards the year of AD 1311 and we find ourselves now in the reign of King Edward II and Queen Isabella of France.
The story itself is about Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, after being summoned to meet the King in Westminster Abbey, that he learns about gruesome deaths (murders) at the St Giles Lazar hospital in London, and that one of it victims is the Templar Ralph Grandison who's killed by a dagger thrust through his heart, which was one of the items stolen as the Crown Jewels some 8 years before, while other Templars are also slaughtered at that hospital as well.
While Hugh Corbett and the fearsome Ranulf-Atte-Newgate, who's Clerk of the Green Wax, dig deeper into this path of treachery and deceit, and thus trying hard to find the assassin of these murders, that they will finally encounter extreme danger from a sinister old arch enemy in this struggle of life and death.
Very much recommended, for this is the author Paul Doherty and his creation Hugh Corbett at their very best and "As Lethal As A Viper"!
February 7, 2017
In "Dark Serpent" Sir Hugh Corbett returns from retirement to work for Edward II.
I have to say that this book feels like one done for contractual obligation purposes rather than because the author really wanted to write it.
It's flat and dull compared to his most recent Brother Athelstan novel.
Readable, but very formulaic.
It was okay.
I have to say that this book feels like one done for contractual obligation purposes rather than because the author really wanted to write it.
It's flat and dull compared to his most recent Brother Athelstan novel.
Readable, but very formulaic.
It was okay.
November 4, 2016
I have enjoyed all the Hugh Corbett books and this is no exception. Paul Doherty brings the 13th century to life. I hope we do not have to wait too long for the next book in the series.
June 16, 2021
WELL DONE!!!!
The writing gets better and better. This story is complex and puzzling, as are all Author Doherty's Hugh Corbett mysteries are. I just wanna say that my objections to this series may be mine alone and there are so many things want to know...the charm of the main characters are alluded to on many occasions...yet, here I go...why is so little mention mad of this families? Their relationships? Their children? Corvettes spouse, Maybe? He was home for six years! Why no lol about that time in alk their lives? Arnold's son has totally disappeared! Corvettes wife...seemingly his mainstay and partner is abysmally absent. Why did they not have more children? H was home for SIX years! How old are His children.???? What are they like? What do they like? Maybe handles his manor most of the time prior to his six year hiatus there and since...how was and is that going? When is Chanson going to have a relationship of his own!???what has happened to Corners friends and mentors at St. Bartholomew's Hospital who has saved his and other's lives and sight???His mentor at the record's section of the Chances? What has happened to them??! What is Leighton Manor and surrounding village like? Who are the folks who serve his wife and children and property and church and village???! I do not want to make stuff up! I wanna hear from the man who created this world f characters and stories for us! Does Corbett ever engage with his children? Does he like them, teach them, play with them, miss them. Live with them???! Is he proud of them? Is he interested in their futures? What's up with Ranked? How many children has He sired? His son has disappeared from the last many books...he was gone when he turned two? Three? Will he truly search for his mother! His father? After so many years? So much hope one of the books will be about the people who mean so much, or we think so, to these main characters. And, SERIOUSLY...he has not taken his family to Westminster??? They had a home in London at one point. Where did that go? What about events at court? Does Maeve not wish to go there? And LAST....WHAT HAPPENED TO UNCLE MORGAN AP LLEWELLYN??? Please let these questions be answered soon, not Never!!! Anyway 19 and 20...already read 21 so know the answers are not there!!! Hope springs eternal...
The writing gets better and better. This story is complex and puzzling, as are all Author Doherty's Hugh Corbett mysteries are. I just wanna say that my objections to this series may be mine alone and there are so many things want to know...the charm of the main characters are alluded to on many occasions...yet, here I go...why is so little mention mad of this families? Their relationships? Their children? Corvettes spouse, Maybe? He was home for six years! Why no lol about that time in alk their lives? Arnold's son has totally disappeared! Corvettes wife...seemingly his mainstay and partner is abysmally absent. Why did they not have more children? H was home for SIX years! How old are His children.???? What are they like? What do they like? Maybe handles his manor most of the time prior to his six year hiatus there and since...how was and is that going? When is Chanson going to have a relationship of his own!???what has happened to Corners friends and mentors at St. Bartholomew's Hospital who has saved his and other's lives and sight???His mentor at the record's section of the Chances? What has happened to them??! What is Leighton Manor and surrounding village like? Who are the folks who serve his wife and children and property and church and village???! I do not want to make stuff up! I wanna hear from the man who created this world f characters and stories for us! Does Corbett ever engage with his children? Does he like them, teach them, play with them, miss them. Live with them???! Is he proud of them? Is he interested in their futures? What's up with Ranked? How many children has He sired? His son has disappeared from the last many books...he was gone when he turned two? Three? Will he truly search for his mother! His father? After so many years? So much hope one of the books will be about the people who mean so much, or we think so, to these main characters. And, SERIOUSLY...he has not taken his family to Westminster??? They had a home in London at one point. Where did that go? What about events at court? Does Maeve not wish to go there? And LAST....WHAT HAPPENED TO UNCLE MORGAN AP LLEWELLYN??? Please let these questions be answered soon, not Never!!! Anyway 19 and 20...already read 21 so know the answers are not there!!! Hope springs eternal...
January 3, 2020
One would think that after 17 previous “cases,” Sir Huge Corbett, the Keeper of the Secret Seal for the king, would be ready for retirement. But not so, not if author and creator Paul Doherty has anything to do with it!
Sir Hugh Corbett admits that his appetite for adventure has once again been whetted and that he’s ready for any task! And in "Dark Serpent," he shows us he’s still in fine fettle!
All’s not well in the kingdom (it usually isn’t) and as this is a historical murder mystery, these three ingredients must be present. It’s the summer of 1311 (history), Corbett’s friend has been found murdered (murder), and no one knows who did it (mystery)! Corbett and his trusty aide and manservant Ranulf learn of the death of Corbett’s friend Ralph Grandison. Their friendship goes back quite awhile and, of course, Sir Hugh is not only shocked but determined to find his killer. It’s clearly a murder, for Ralph was found with a dagger in his chest (a good clue!). Alas, though, this was not the first like this—there are reports that patients of the hospital where Ralph was being treated (for his leprosy) were found also killed in much the same way. These lepers have another thing in common: they were all former knights of the king!
To complicate things further, the murder weapon just happens to be a poisoned dagger which had once belonged with the Crown Jewels! Just tracing the stolen dagger is complicated enough (with its royal, political, and religious involvements), but Doherty compounds the complexity for our venerable Sir Hugh. Disease (as it was most of the 14th century) assumes its deadly role to pair up with the assassin, who’s determined to have his way, regardless. Sir Hugh finds himself, once again, in the crosshairs of a deadly dilemma. With his usual flair (dramatic and otherwise), Doherty, of course, leads us all to an acceptable solution. Of course, fans generally leave with a “Is this Corbett’s last mission?” feeling. We hope not!
Sir Hugh Corbett admits that his appetite for adventure has once again been whetted and that he’s ready for any task! And in "Dark Serpent," he shows us he’s still in fine fettle!
All’s not well in the kingdom (it usually isn’t) and as this is a historical murder mystery, these three ingredients must be present. It’s the summer of 1311 (history), Corbett’s friend has been found murdered (murder), and no one knows who did it (mystery)! Corbett and his trusty aide and manservant Ranulf learn of the death of Corbett’s friend Ralph Grandison. Their friendship goes back quite awhile and, of course, Sir Hugh is not only shocked but determined to find his killer. It’s clearly a murder, for Ralph was found with a dagger in his chest (a good clue!). Alas, though, this was not the first like this—there are reports that patients of the hospital where Ralph was being treated (for his leprosy) were found also killed in much the same way. These lepers have another thing in common: they were all former knights of the king!
To complicate things further, the murder weapon just happens to be a poisoned dagger which had once belonged with the Crown Jewels! Just tracing the stolen dagger is complicated enough (with its royal, political, and religious involvements), but Doherty compounds the complexity for our venerable Sir Hugh. Disease (as it was most of the 14th century) assumes its deadly role to pair up with the assassin, who’s determined to have his way, regardless. Sir Hugh finds himself, once again, in the crosshairs of a deadly dilemma. With his usual flair (dramatic and otherwise), Doherty, of course, leads us all to an acceptable solution. Of course, fans generally leave with a “Is this Corbett’s last mission?” feeling. We hope not!
August 5, 2018
Paul Doherty is one of my favourite authors. It's been a while since I've read one of his Hugh Corbett mysteries, but I think I've read and enjoyed them all so far. This one took me a bit longer to read than I was expecting and it seemed that there was a need for more explanation at the end of the book than I remember in the others. Perhaps it was because there were too many threads to unravel. There is the murders of the former Templar knights hiding in the local leprosarium; the depredations of a French privateer in the English Channel;' the controversy between Edward II and his favourite Gaveston and the English barons; the theft of a royal treasure from the Tower of London with a few other murders and tavern burnings thrown in, all set against the background of the suppression of the Templars and the continuing strife between Edward of England and Philip of France. In the course of it all, Corbett needs to keep an eye on his nemesis de Craon, the French secret agent who is present in London ostensibly as an Ambassador of France.
Perhaps it was a bit too ambitious to cover it all, or maybe I'm losing my touch to keep it all straight when I'm reqading a few books at the same time, but it was still an enjoyable read and one comes away, once again, from a Paul Doherty novel knowing more about the time in which it was set than we had going in to it.
Perhaps it was a bit too ambitious to cover it all, or maybe I'm losing my touch to keep it all straight when I'm reqading a few books at the same time, but it was still an enjoyable read and one comes away, once again, from a Paul Doherty novel knowing more about the time in which it was set than we had going in to it.
October 16, 2019
I think I missed something in Sir Hugh Corbett’s life because I hadn’t know he’d retired. But here he is, back in the saddle with Ranulph-atte-Newgate and Chanson at his side to solve the mystery of how English ships are being consistently attacked and sunk by a French cog, The Black Hogge. In the meanwhile, he is also drawn into the mystery of why and how a few old Templar knights, living for safety at the lazar hospital, are being murdered with their swords and daggers right next to them.
This is a well-written enthralling mystery by that Master of 14th century London, Paul Doherty. I remarked to my husband that where other writers who describe street scenes in London in the Middle Ages just say, for example, “they passed down the street through the throngs of people”, Doherty paints a picture so vividly, you see the colour, smell the odours, hear the shouts, and feel the people pressing in all around you. He knows his stuff and it shows in his writing.
This is a well-written enthralling mystery by that Master of 14th century London, Paul Doherty. I remarked to my husband that where other writers who describe street scenes in London in the Middle Ages just say, for example, “they passed down the street through the throngs of people”, Doherty paints a picture so vividly, you see the colour, smell the odours, hear the shouts, and feel the people pressing in all around you. He knows his stuff and it shows in his writing.
February 26, 2018
This was my library’s book club choice this month and I wish I could actually give 3.5 stars because this is worth more than 3 but it is not a 4. Firstly there is very little wrong with this book but it is not overly gripping either. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction although am happy to revise this if done well. Doherty clearly knows his stuff and the descriptions were vivid and made the book come alive. However I felt Sir Hugh repeated himself too much with the constant recapping and I found have got quite tipsy had I had a drink every time the words mortal danger were used. There was enough detail to keep my interest but not enough for me to work out who did what which was a shame.
April 15, 2018
Another good yarn
Paul Doherty weaves another intricate tale of intrigue, revenge and ruthless murder. Set once again in the time of Edward II, he uses a full cast of Templars, lepers, taverners, privateers, monks, beggars, Welsh archers, and prostitutes to bring alive the sights,sounds, and smells of 12th century England. His stories are rich in historical detail, and is not afraid to integrate historical events, giving them context, and some times an alternative twist. His stories are layered, and while you may suspect the perpetrators involved; you'll seldom guess their motivation until the end of the book.
Paul Doherty weaves another intricate tale of intrigue, revenge and ruthless murder. Set once again in the time of Edward II, he uses a full cast of Templars, lepers, taverners, privateers, monks, beggars, Welsh archers, and prostitutes to bring alive the sights,sounds, and smells of 12th century England. His stories are rich in historical detail, and is not afraid to integrate historical events, giving them context, and some times an alternative twist. His stories are layered, and while you may suspect the perpetrators involved; you'll seldom guess their motivation until the end of the book.
December 24, 2017
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January 15, 2019
Another great tale
Excellent portrayal of times of olde and the wickedness that went on every day. Always look forward to reading on of Corbett mysteries. Although the author will need to find a new hero soon
Excellent portrayal of times of olde and the wickedness that went on every day. Always look forward to reading on of Corbett mysteries. Although the author will need to find a new hero soon
May 18, 2017
Mystery
A quick gallop through the trials and tribulations of a King's man in the reign of Edward the 2nd with a flock of mysteries ,murders, and intrigue
A quick gallop through the trials and tribulations of a King's man in the reign of Edward the 2nd with a flock of mysteries ,murders, and intrigue
September 18, 2017
Fantastic read
As usual the author did again weave a stir with so many twists and turns keeping one's interest till the end. Great book!
As usual the author did again weave a stir with so many twists and turns keeping one's interest till the end. Great book!
January 30, 2018
An interesting read, and part of this entertaining series. The historical setting is accurate, and the characters well rounded. I enjoyed it and will read more tales of Hugh Corbett.
July 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this historical mystery. I always have enjoy PD's writing. Another fantastic job but this one is a bit more difficult to follow. Can't wait to read the next one!
July 15, 2018
Fascinating
Not sure how to congratulate the author, the twists and turns keep me engrossed. Still cannot guess the finale. Onto the next adventure.
Not sure how to congratulate the author, the twists and turns keep me engrossed. Still cannot guess the finale. Onto the next adventure.
December 11, 2018
Wow wow wow this gripped me from beginning to end an absolute masterpiece of mysteries and puzzles murder and plotting to fill hell itself. Love love love it 😍.
June 14, 2019
Well done. One of the best in this series.
August 1, 2020
Excellent.
I have just read this again. This is one of the better ones, it has story and pace and never runs on too long. Most satisfactory.
I have just read this again. This is one of the better ones, it has story and pace and never runs on too long. Most satisfactory.
June 26, 2021
Hugh is back and serving a new King. With the death of Edward I his son is now on the throne, and his 'beloved' father-in-law is weaving his web and it could cost Hugh his life!
October 7, 2021
3.25⭐
March 16, 2023
Enjoyed this book. In the previous story, Hugh Corbett had left his role. In the meantime Edward the first had died and Edward of Carnarvon had become king. Hugh had been recalled to investigate murders, the templars and how the king of France was involved.
I was a little disappointed by how the ending kind of fizzled out though.
I was a little disappointed by how the ending kind of fizzled out though.
September 28, 2016
I have liked the Hugh Corbett since the start and it was a pleasant surprise to find this book in my library. Hugh has come out retirement and has to solve how and why Ex Templars have been murdered. This is a well written mystery and I was engrossed and found it difficult to put down.
September 18, 2016
Another cleverly written book in the Hugh Corbet series .
This author manages to bring the sights, smells and people in this era to life ,
I could almost feel as though I was present looking through his eyes .
The story starts with Hugh being brought out of retirement by King Edward II , to
investigate a number of murders , one of which was Ralph Grandison who was found with a dagger
, previously stolen from the Crown, in his heart.
From the start Hugh finds that there are several strands to his investigation ,
from Templar Knights in hiding amongst Lepers to the death at sea , by a French war cog ,
of another old friend to the involvement of the French King and his spies.
With the help of his old comrade and Clerk , Ranulf , Hugh starts to unravel the complexities of
the various murders both past and future .
The book at times felt over descriptive but the plot line was excellent with many twists and turns .
The only fault I could find was that the final scene seems to cut off abruptly e.g why was the
Rougement smiling/smirking at the end ??
This author manages to bring the sights, smells and people in this era to life ,
I could almost feel as though I was present looking through his eyes .
The story starts with Hugh being brought out of retirement by King Edward II , to
investigate a number of murders , one of which was Ralph Grandison who was found with a dagger
, previously stolen from the Crown, in his heart.
From the start Hugh finds that there are several strands to his investigation ,
from Templar Knights in hiding amongst Lepers to the death at sea , by a French war cog ,
of another old friend to the involvement of the French King and his spies.
With the help of his old comrade and Clerk , Ranulf , Hugh starts to unravel the complexities of
the various murders both past and future .
The book at times felt over descriptive but the plot line was excellent with many twists and turns .
The only fault I could find was that the final scene seems to cut off abruptly e.g why was the
Rougement smiling/smirking at the end ??
March 28, 2019
A bit slow and unsteady to start with, but a good second half.
A templar taking refuge in a lazar hospital is stabbed, and Edward II calls Hugh Corbett out of retirement because the dagger used is from the unrecovered part of the Royal treasure stolen years ago. What is the relationship, if any, between the templar and the robbers. Is it part of a plan by French envoy de Craon to entrap the young English monarch?
A templar taking refuge in a lazar hospital is stabbed, and Edward II calls Hugh Corbett out of retirement because the dagger used is from the unrecovered part of the Royal treasure stolen years ago. What is the relationship, if any, between the templar and the robbers. Is it part of a plan by French envoy de Craon to entrap the young English monarch?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews