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Hugh Corbett #21
Hymn to Murder
Hugh Corbett returns in the twenty-first gripping mystery in Paul Doherty's ever-popular series. If you love the historical mysteries of C. J. Sansom, E. M. Powell and Bernard Cornwell you will love this.Secrets simmer in the lonely wasteland of Dartmoor.Spring, 1312. At Malmaison Manor, Lord Simon is concealing a dark secret - one he arrogantly assumes will never catch up with him. But someone knows about the crime he committed and they've found a way to make him pay. And he's not alone. When he is found mysteriously slain, other deaths soon follow. Meanwhile, ships on the Devonshire coast are being deliberately wrecked, their crews slaughtered, their cargoes plundered.Sir Hugh Corbett and Lord Simon are bound by the Secret Chancery and their search for one precious ruby - the Lacrima Christi. So, when Corbett learns of Lord Simon's death, he is once more dragged into a tangled web of lies and intrigue and it's not long before secrets of his own start to surface. As the Hymn to Murder reaches its crescendo, can Corbett confront his past and live to see another day?Praise for Paul Doherty's dark and suspenseful ' His fascination for history comes off the page ' Daily Express'An opulent banquet to satisfy the most murderous appetite ' Northern Echo' Deliciously suspenseful, gorgeously written and atmospheric ' Historical Novels Review'Paul Doherty has a lively sense of history . . . evocative and lyrical descriptions ' New Statesmen
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2020
134 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books608 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 4, 2021
This amazing historical mystery is the 21st volume of the wonderful "Sir Hugh Corbett" mystery series.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a Character list with very entertaining figures amongst them, and who are featuring in this fantastic mystery.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Author's Note, where the historical details concerning this great story are superbly explained by the author, and these are brilliantly interwoven within this marvellous mystery of murder and mayhem.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, this period of history is the author's specialty, the atmosphere of these times comes splendidly off the pages, and all figures, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life in this excellent executed mystery.
This tale is set in the year AD 1312, during the reign of King Edward II, and Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, along with his henchman and Principal Clerk of the Green Wax, Ranulf-Atte-Newgate, and his Clerk of the Stables, Chanson, are heading to a case of murder, committed in a desolate spot of Devon and Cornwall.
The book is divided into various chapters, and each chapter begins with a confession from the master thief, Richard Puddlicot, while the plot of the story refers back to the Lacrima Christi, a precious ruby which was part of the Great Robbery in April AD 1303, and its former thief/owner, Lord Simon Malmaison, has now been murdered, and this man was a former member along with Sir Hugh Corbett of the Secret Chancery, concerned with the recovery of the stolen jewels, but also with arresting and bringing these perpetrators to justice.
What is to follow is an action-packed, intriguing and gripping medieval mystery, in which Sir Hugh Corbett and Ranulf will enter a world of lies and deceit, where they will also meet with old/new acquaintances from the past, and during their investigations they will have to survive several attempts on their lives, before Sir Hugh by using his wits and cunning will be able to unravel the different perpetrators of several different killings and thefts, before sentencing them to their deserved punishment.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this magnificent series, and for me personally this is along with the Brother Athelstan series my favourites, and that's why I like to call this awesome episode: "A Fabulous Murderous Hymn"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a Character list with very entertaining figures amongst them, and who are featuring in this fantastic mystery.
At the end of the book you'll notice an Author's Note, where the historical details concerning this great story are superbly explained by the author, and these are brilliantly interwoven within this marvellous mystery of murder and mayhem.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, this period of history is the author's specialty, the atmosphere of these times comes splendidly off the pages, and all figures, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life in this excellent executed mystery.
This tale is set in the year AD 1312, during the reign of King Edward II, and Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, along with his henchman and Principal Clerk of the Green Wax, Ranulf-Atte-Newgate, and his Clerk of the Stables, Chanson, are heading to a case of murder, committed in a desolate spot of Devon and Cornwall.
The book is divided into various chapters, and each chapter begins with a confession from the master thief, Richard Puddlicot, while the plot of the story refers back to the Lacrima Christi, a precious ruby which was part of the Great Robbery in April AD 1303, and its former thief/owner, Lord Simon Malmaison, has now been murdered, and this man was a former member along with Sir Hugh Corbett of the Secret Chancery, concerned with the recovery of the stolen jewels, but also with arresting and bringing these perpetrators to justice.
What is to follow is an action-packed, intriguing and gripping medieval mystery, in which Sir Hugh Corbett and Ranulf will enter a world of lies and deceit, where they will also meet with old/new acquaintances from the past, and during their investigations they will have to survive several attempts on their lives, before Sir Hugh by using his wits and cunning will be able to unravel the different perpetrators of several different killings and thefts, before sentencing them to their deserved punishment.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this magnificent series, and for me personally this is along with the Brother Athelstan series my favourites, and that's why I like to call this awesome episode: "A Fabulous Murderous Hymn"!
May 14, 2021
Welcome back, Sir Hugh! You were missed intensively! Westminster Abbey, London, England. April 1303. ‘And darkness fell.’ Paul Doherty’s Hymn to Murder (Hugh Corbett #21) begins with the words ‘And darkness fell.’ “The chroniclers of London often quoted this phrase, taken from the story of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus Christ, to describe the sinfulness of their own city.” By the final week of April 1303, on Wednesday night, 24th of April, Adam Warfield, the sacristan of the Abbey of Westminster and as sacristan, Warfield, is “directly responsible for its security” , and a great responsibility it is as in the crypt of this greatest of abbeys is the Royal Treasury which included the royal regalia of England, “coffers and caskets” of precious stones, coins of silver and gold, goblets, chalices, and the list goes on. Also kept here is a ‘priceless ruby’ named Lacrima Christi housed in “its thick gold casket” . Over a period of months, the Blackrobes, a Benedictine order of monks, of Westminster are seduced by Warfield and Richard Puddlicot, a London lowlife, into agreeing to steal the Crown Jewels which they do on April 24th. This unholy gang is successful. The gang of Blackrobes is celebrated while the King, Edward I, is put down!
Enter Sir Hugh Corbett with other mailed clerks in tow. Sir Hugh “feared neither God nor man.” He entered Westminster Abbey and tears it apart looking for anything tied to robbery. The Blackrobes think they are safe while behind sacred walls, but they are not safe from Sir Hugh. He and his men find treasure that belonged with the Crown Jewels. The Blackrobes are disgraced and sent to an isolated neglected abbey located in ‘desolate’ spot in Dartmoor close to Sir Simon’s estate, Malmaison. A coincidence? I think not. Sir Hugh goes to Malmaison, an lonely estate in Dartmoor. What he discovers will definitely open readers’ eyes! A beauty of medieval mystery with a locked room mystery added! I congratulate Dr. Paul Doherty as his writing puts the reader where this medieval mystery is. Well done and highly recommended! 5 stars. PS: Much of what is written here is true! Amazing!
Enter Sir Hugh Corbett with other mailed clerks in tow. Sir Hugh “feared neither God nor man.” He entered Westminster Abbey and tears it apart looking for anything tied to robbery. The Blackrobes think they are safe while behind sacred walls, but they are not safe from Sir Hugh. He and his men find treasure that belonged with the Crown Jewels. The Blackrobes are disgraced and sent to an isolated neglected abbey located in ‘desolate’ spot in Dartmoor close to Sir Simon’s estate, Malmaison. A coincidence? I think not. Sir Hugh goes to Malmaison, an lonely estate in Dartmoor. What he discovers will definitely open readers’ eyes! A beauty of medieval mystery with a locked room mystery added! I congratulate Dr. Paul Doherty as his writing puts the reader where this medieval mystery is. Well done and highly recommended! 5 stars. PS: Much of what is written here is true! Amazing!
January 4, 2022
Damn good read
Well done. This read moves along with ease. But you best pay attention to all that goes on cause you will never guess who did what ,when an where. There are a lot of characters in play in this one. So I'll give you a hit. Ah hell I can't give it away.
Well done. This read moves along with ease. But you best pay attention to all that goes on cause you will never guess who did what ,when an where. There are a lot of characters in play in this one. So I'll give you a hit. Ah hell I can't give it away.
October 15, 2023
An interesting new book about Sir Hugh Corbett. This time, he is in Cornwall where Lors Simon Malmaison has been murdered in the traditional locked-room mystery. In addition to the murders, ships are being sunk off the coast by the “Wreckers”, a group of men called the “Scarecrow” led by Sagittarius, a masked and violent man. Add to these two crimes, the criminous monks from Westminster who had participated in the robbery of the royal treasury in 1303 had been banished to a ruined priory in Dartmoor. Wolves don’t turn their coats and these are soon out on the prowl, wreaking havoc and then claiming Benefit of Clergy. Of course, Corbett figures out what’s going on and distributes justice as the King’s representative.
My only question is why people who are shot by crossbows (arbalests) are shot in the face 99% of the time. I would have thought that would have been the hardest place to hit. If you want to kill someone, shoot them in the heart. Maybe the head is always a killing shot.
My only question is why people who are shot by crossbows (arbalests) are shot in the face 99% of the time. I would have thought that would have been the hardest place to hit. If you want to kill someone, shoot them in the heart. Maybe the head is always a killing shot.
March 20, 2021
I've enjoyed Doherty's many novels of medieval London and Britain, but this latest is stretching my enthusiasm. Doherty is a scholar, has written dozens of novels, short stories, etc. I happily waited my turn for his latest, set on the moors of Devon in the 1300s. And was quite quickly disappointed. Too much repetition--a phrase spoken by one character, repeated verbatim by the recipient, and not to verify if that was what was meant. Yes, we talk like that. But we DON'T read like that. And for three major characters of dubious reputations to all have names beginning with W...well, it just makes sorting them out...work. After a while, you just don't care so much. Lots of medieval gore and punishments, some historical, following the actual theft of gold and jewels from the crypt at Westminster where the king kept all his good stuff. But no freshness, no subtlety of character, no little jokes for the reader.
January 7, 2021
It's such a comfort to find that a favorite author has completed another book. So it is with Doherty's "Hymn to Murder."
We find the Clerk of the Secret Seal, Hugh Corbet, investigating a locked room murder with Sir Ranulf, his henchman. The plot is - as always - convoluted and the solution brilliant. Corbett has to unravel the connections among and between old friends and old enemies. Is the lady of the manor, a lady with a dead husband, as innocent as she seems? Are the Benedictines really following the Holy Rule? What about that village priest? Where did Hugh see him before?
Relax and immerse yourself in 1312. Come to think of it, I have learned more about the history of the time than I ever thought possible. And, as always, the life of the streets of London and the villages of the countryside rings true. A splendid novel.
We find the Clerk of the Secret Seal, Hugh Corbet, investigating a locked room murder with Sir Ranulf, his henchman. The plot is - as always - convoluted and the solution brilliant. Corbett has to unravel the connections among and between old friends and old enemies. Is the lady of the manor, a lady with a dead husband, as innocent as she seems? Are the Benedictines really following the Holy Rule? What about that village priest? Where did Hugh see him before?
Relax and immerse yourself in 1312. Come to think of it, I have learned more about the history of the time than I ever thought possible. And, as always, the life of the streets of London and the villages of the countryside rings true. A splendid novel.
April 29, 2021
Paul Doherty, one of our best historical novelists, has a new book out featuring his best repeating character, Sir Hugh Corbett. It is good to see Doherty back on form, and this one of the best Corbett offerings.
Corbett is older now, no longer the engaging young man who courted and married Lady Maeve and sparred with Edward I. He now serves a feckless and weak king, Edward II, and he has become hard and stern in pursuit of those who would use the rising anarchy to prey on their fellows. He is sent to Cornwall, the seat of the King's favorite, Gaveston, where he discovers a nest of interlocking plots flourishing in the absence of its earl, or, indeed, of any effective government. Be aware that this book is not positive, feel good reading. The villainous conspiracies--there are more than one--are truly wicked, and the revenge Corbett takes on them is exemplary.
Corbett is older now, no longer the engaging young man who courted and married Lady Maeve and sparred with Edward I. He now serves a feckless and weak king, Edward II, and he has become hard and stern in pursuit of those who would use the rising anarchy to prey on their fellows. He is sent to Cornwall, the seat of the King's favorite, Gaveston, where he discovers a nest of interlocking plots flourishing in the absence of its earl, or, indeed, of any effective government. Be aware that this book is not positive, feel good reading. The villainous conspiracies--there are more than one--are truly wicked, and the revenge Corbett takes on them is exemplary.
March 1, 2021
4.5. Doherty's Brother Athelstan mysteries and the Hugh Corbett mysteries are two of my very favorite series. Doherty consistently writes an atmospheric medieval mystery. Corbett books take place in the late 120os/early 1300s. I do think the series must be read in order. Also don't expect a romanticized medieval England. These books are grim and gritty, but they are beautifully researched. "Hymn to Murder" is very complicated so I will just say that Hugh, who is basically the crown's spy master, is dispatched to Cornwall to investigate the murder of three people with ties to the crown. There are is a subplot about the theft of the crown jewels and about wreckers on the coast. As an aside, forget guns. I don't think anything is as lethal as a crossbow bolt fired at close range.
August 2, 2020
Like his last three books, this is darker than his earlier books, and more detailed. I love all the Hugh Corbett books, and the Athelstan ones too.
Dartmoor is a dark place and the descriptions are vivid. His characterisation of Ranulf shows a growing change but I miss the fun side of him, chasing women and visiting his son. He has used the term Sagittarius in several books and to begin with I wondered whether this in some way related to the previous book, ending as it did with unfinished business. However, this is a new scenario and a very enjoyable read. I do hope there is yet another Corbett in the pipe line.
Dartmoor is a dark place and the descriptions are vivid. His characterisation of Ranulf shows a growing change but I miss the fun side of him, chasing women and visiting his son. He has used the term Sagittarius in several books and to begin with I wondered whether this in some way related to the previous book, ending as it did with unfinished business. However, this is a new scenario and a very enjoyable read. I do hope there is yet another Corbett in the pipe line.
September 13, 2020
The 21st Sir Hugh Corbett mystery. As a cliche slogan says: "And the hits just keep on coming!" As usual, this is a meticulously plotted "locked room" mystery. And even though I know the standard solution to it, I'm always surprised by how Sir Hugh discovers and reveals that solution. The conspirators in this story are legion and I was completely fooled by who were the "good guys" and the "bad guys." If I was disappointed in anything, I would have loved more character development about Sir Hugh, Ranulf and Chanson. If I had not read all the previous novels I would not have appreciated the trust and camaraderie these three have. They are a well-oiled team and as crucial to solving these mysteries as Sir Hugh's knowledge of the King's secrets.
December 1, 2024
Yet another enthralling Sir Hugh Corbett murder mystery.
This is a multilayered and complex tale where, it seems, all the characters, except Sir Hugh and his men, could be the guilty ones of all, or perhaps only some, of the many murders.
At the end of the book Corbett unravels the many strands of the murders and his punishment for the guilty very harsh indeed.
The precious jewel involved may be fictional, but much of the back story is fact, and reading about the great jewelry robbery of Westminster Abbey can be an interesting follow on.
This is a multilayered and complex tale where, it seems, all the characters, except Sir Hugh and his men, could be the guilty ones of all, or perhaps only some, of the many murders.
At the end of the book Corbett unravels the many strands of the murders and his punishment for the guilty very harsh indeed.
The precious jewel involved may be fictional, but much of the back story is fact, and reading about the great jewelry robbery of Westminster Abbey can be an interesting follow on.
December 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I didn't realize this was part of a long series, so this may have not been the best place to start. Some may find the 14th century language/terms a bit daunting but there are enough context clues for most. Also, the large cast of characters can be challenging.
Once you adapt to the author's rhythm it is a fun read with lots of surprises.
Once you adapt to the author's rhythm it is a fun read with lots of surprises.
August 18, 2020
Methodical intriguing
Big fan. Paul Doherty has triggered a desire to learn all I can about British history. His characters become known and the settings allow you to observe first hand every moment.
Big fan. Paul Doherty has triggered a desire to learn all I can about British history. His characters become known and the settings allow you to observe first hand every moment.
February 15, 2021
Excellent book! I have read these books in sequence and they build upon each other. These are historically accurate books with the author's own characters placed in the story and this book is no different. If you love historical fiction you would love this series.
September 15, 2020
wonderful read cant wait for the next one
October 14, 2020
Disappointing read.
Rambling, prosy and and , may I say deeply disappointing. Not up to his usual standard. Waste of a day!
Rambling, prosy and and , may I say deeply disappointing. Not up to his usual standard. Waste of a day!
December 24, 2020
Excellent
Never fails to capture the imagination of the reader and I am completely captivated by the way the game of minds and the twists and turns are resolved. Love Corbett!
Never fails to capture the imagination of the reader and I am completely captivated by the way the game of minds and the twists and turns are resolved. Love Corbett!
February 5, 2021
Well done. Fast paced and well plotted.
April 29, 2024
First time I have read anything from this series. A medieval story with allot of side stories and threads to follow.
January 15, 2021
I love these books by Paul Doherty and I have all this series (Sir Hugh Corbett) as well as his Brother Athelstan series. They are so well written and keep me hooked from start to finish. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews