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Mathilde of Westminster #2
The Poison Maiden
1308: murder and mayhem are rife in the court of Edward II. The 'Poison Maiden' is rumoured to have arrived in England forcing Mathilde of Westminster to face her most dangerous opponent yet. England hovers on the brink of civil war. Edward II, his wife Isabella and the royal favourite Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, have been forced to retreat to the King's 'folly', as just an arrowshot away lie the Great Lords and Philip IV of France. They demand the King surrender Cornwall, so they can charge him with high treason. Edward is trapped, and worse, he has learnt that Philip has the 'Poison Maiden' on his side, a formidable spy who did untold damage during his father's reign. As Edward tries in vain to unmask the identity of the spy, Mathilde, handmaiden to the Queen, is called upon to assistance the King in his endeavours. Soon the crisis spills over into violence. The Lords attempt to take Cornwall by force and the King and his Court, including Mathilde, are forced to flee. As the enemy closes in, Mathilde finds herself embroiled not only in a brutal struggle for the English crown, but also for her own life.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2007
About the author
Paul Doherty
250 books627 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 25, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 2nd volume of the "Mathilde of Westminster" mini-series.
This tale is set in the year AD 1308, during the reign of King Edward II and Queen Isabella.
With England on the brink of civil war, King Edward II, Queen Isabella and Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, are forced to flee and retreat to the King's folly, from the threat of the great Lords of England, and behind the scenes also the scheming, King Philp IV of France.
King Philip IV has by his side the formidable spy, the "Poison Maiden", who did already much damage during King Edward I's reign, and although Kind Edward II is trapped he's determined to uncover the identity of this "Poison Maiden".
When luck is not coming King Edward's way, Mathilde, handmaiden to the Queen is called in to assist in the unmasking of this dangerous spy.
With the Lords closing in in Cornwall, they will need to flee from them, and a struggle will unfold for the English crown, with the French along the sidelines with the "Poison Maiden" at hand to take over the situation.
What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, where Mathilde will need all her wits and cunning to unravel the threads of this web of deceit and death, and with a few twists and turns, followed by a well executed plot, and with their lives constantly in danger Mathilde and King Edward II will be able to unmask and identify the culprit, who's causing this deadly violence.
Highly recommended, for this is a most captivating addition to this wonderful mini-series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fascinating Poisonous Mystery"!
This tale is set in the year AD 1308, during the reign of King Edward II and Queen Isabella.
With England on the brink of civil war, King Edward II, Queen Isabella and Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, are forced to flee and retreat to the King's folly, from the threat of the great Lords of England, and behind the scenes also the scheming, King Philp IV of France.
King Philip IV has by his side the formidable spy, the "Poison Maiden", who did already much damage during King Edward I's reign, and although Kind Edward II is trapped he's determined to uncover the identity of this "Poison Maiden".
When luck is not coming King Edward's way, Mathilde, handmaiden to the Queen is called in to assist in the unmasking of this dangerous spy.
With the Lords closing in in Cornwall, they will need to flee from them, and a struggle will unfold for the English crown, with the French along the sidelines with the "Poison Maiden" at hand to take over the situation.
What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, where Mathilde will need all her wits and cunning to unravel the threads of this web of deceit and death, and with a few twists and turns, followed by a well executed plot, and with their lives constantly in danger Mathilde and King Edward II will be able to unmask and identify the culprit, who's causing this deadly violence.
Highly recommended, for this is a most captivating addition to this wonderful mini-series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fascinating Poisonous Mystery"!
February 21, 2026
I have read and really enjoyed the first book of this series. It's really unusual for a male author to write a convincing female character in my opinion, let alone for this character to be the main one, but I thought this was really convincing. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book and felt it dragged a bit. It really did feel like the middle book in a three book series and I felt some of the material was a bit of a placeholder. The whole thing could have been cut in half and we would have still understood the story. I very much did enjoy the suggestion of Edward II having it off with his male favourite (which was probably true) and thought the book was very well written. I will read the last book in the series too.
August 23, 2022
The Poison Maiden
By Paul Doherty
Reviewed August 22, 2022
The Poison Maiden is the sequel to Cup of Ghosts (which I reviewed last March) and the second in Doherty’s Mathilde of Westminster trilogy, set in the reign of Edward II during the time of his favorite, Piers Gaveston. In this installment, the year is 1308 and Mathilde of Westminster, Queen Isabella’s favorite handmaiden, faces more murder and mayhem.
Before the book is half over, two murders have taken place. One victim is the clerk of Bishop Langton, who Edward has imprisoned. The other is a servant girl. The two victims have nothing in common but Mathilde, who came to England with Queen Isabella and is often called upon to aid in solving difficult situations, suspects there is a connection.
Unrest hovers over the country, threatening civil War. The Great Lords of the realm along with Philip IV of France (Isabella’s father) demand that Edward give up his favorite Gaveston so he can be charged with high treason in a power play over who will actually rule the land.
In addition to having many of the English lords on his side, Philip also has a mysterious person known as the Poison Maiden on his side, a spy of formidable renown who wreaked havoc during the reign of Edward’s father.
The royal couple find themselves forced to retreat to the safety of the king’s “folly”, trapped within the walls of Westminster Palace. When violence finally comes, and the Lords attempt to take Gaveston by force, the king and his court, including Mathilde, are forced to flee.
One of the aspects of this story that I found interesting is the relationship between Edward, Gaveston, and Isabella. Although outwardly the queen acts offended by her husband’s attention to Gaveston, behind the scenes this turns out to be all an act to keep their enemies off guard. Isabella accepts that Gaveston is Edward’s love, and wishes that she could find someone to love the way her husband loves his favorite.
As for Mathilde, she is a woman with many secrets and her own dark side, who dreams of revenge on those responsible for the death of those she loved in France when King Philip destroyed the Templars.
The author is well versed in this period of English history, having written his PhD thesis on the life of Queen Isabella, and this attention to detail shows in a story that is not only riveting with its depiction of deceit and corruption in Edward II’s court, but in being as historically accurate as possible. Almost all the main characters are historical persons, even Mathilde, also a plus for this history geek. All that’s left now is for me to read the third book in this series, The Darkening Glass, and learn more of Mathilde of Westminster’s story.
By Paul Doherty
Reviewed August 22, 2022
The Poison Maiden is the sequel to Cup of Ghosts (which I reviewed last March) and the second in Doherty’s Mathilde of Westminster trilogy, set in the reign of Edward II during the time of his favorite, Piers Gaveston. In this installment, the year is 1308 and Mathilde of Westminster, Queen Isabella’s favorite handmaiden, faces more murder and mayhem.
Before the book is half over, two murders have taken place. One victim is the clerk of Bishop Langton, who Edward has imprisoned. The other is a servant girl. The two victims have nothing in common but Mathilde, who came to England with Queen Isabella and is often called upon to aid in solving difficult situations, suspects there is a connection.
Unrest hovers over the country, threatening civil War. The Great Lords of the realm along with Philip IV of France (Isabella’s father) demand that Edward give up his favorite Gaveston so he can be charged with high treason in a power play over who will actually rule the land.
In addition to having many of the English lords on his side, Philip also has a mysterious person known as the Poison Maiden on his side, a spy of formidable renown who wreaked havoc during the reign of Edward’s father.
The royal couple find themselves forced to retreat to the safety of the king’s “folly”, trapped within the walls of Westminster Palace. When violence finally comes, and the Lords attempt to take Gaveston by force, the king and his court, including Mathilde, are forced to flee.
One of the aspects of this story that I found interesting is the relationship between Edward, Gaveston, and Isabella. Although outwardly the queen acts offended by her husband’s attention to Gaveston, behind the scenes this turns out to be all an act to keep their enemies off guard. Isabella accepts that Gaveston is Edward’s love, and wishes that she could find someone to love the way her husband loves his favorite.
As for Mathilde, she is a woman with many secrets and her own dark side, who dreams of revenge on those responsible for the death of those she loved in France when King Philip destroyed the Templars.
The author is well versed in this period of English history, having written his PhD thesis on the life of Queen Isabella, and this attention to detail shows in a story that is not only riveting with its depiction of deceit and corruption in Edward II’s court, but in being as historically accurate as possible. Almost all the main characters are historical persons, even Mathilde, also a plus for this history geek. All that’s left now is for me to read the third book in this series, The Darkening Glass, and learn more of Mathilde of Westminster’s story.
June 11, 2012
Another excellent and well-referenced novel that continues on from The Cup of Ghosts. This time the Spring of 1308 when England in hovering on the brink of war and Edward II calls on Mathilde of Westminster to protect him. There are rumours that King Philip of France has employed the "Poison Maiden" and it is Mathilde's task to resolve a highly volatile situation.
March 13, 2012
Fabulous sequel to Cup of Ghosts - Mathilde of Westminster continues her memoirs of her time with Edward II and Isabella. I think this is Paul Doherty at his absolute best.
March 16, 2023
A Bit repetitive... And good!
Mr. Doherty loves lists...lists and lists and lists...sometimes it feels as if he uses whole paragraphs and entire pages over again in every book. I love the feel of the London of this period; reading the myriad lists of people one might encounter on the streets of London, the sights and sounds, the Smells!...and I swear, having lived near and visited some of the biggest cities here in the U.S... It is impossible to see, hear and experience that many of them in one jaunt across town! I suppose atmospheric conditions around and about the reader enhances the story in many ways and, yet, the extensive lists can sometimes hinder the story. This, the middle book in the series, was not as compelling as the first and third, in my opinion. I really b did appreciate the furtherance of the relationships Math olds was making and the perils all the main
characters were facing did make this story full of tension and unpredictable. I do need a U.K. Dictionary, which really enhances my vocabulary and knowledge of this period in history! He uses vocabulary of the time so well and makes the reading more challenging, which I truly appreciate. I recommend Paul Doherty's books very highly and I look forward to reading more...
Mr. Doherty loves lists...lists and lists and lists...sometimes it feels as if he uses whole paragraphs and entire pages over again in every book. I love the feel of the London of this period; reading the myriad lists of people one might encounter on the streets of London, the sights and sounds, the Smells!...and I swear, having lived near and visited some of the biggest cities here in the U.S... It is impossible to see, hear and experience that many of them in one jaunt across town! I suppose atmospheric conditions around and about the reader enhances the story in many ways and, yet, the extensive lists can sometimes hinder the story. This, the middle book in the series, was not as compelling as the first and third, in my opinion. I really b did appreciate the furtherance of the relationships Math olds was making and the perils all the main
characters were facing did make this story full of tension and unpredictable. I do need a U.K. Dictionary, which really enhances my vocabulary and knowledge of this period in history! He uses vocabulary of the time so well and makes the reading more challenging, which I truly appreciate. I recommend Paul Doherty's books very highly and I look forward to reading more...
January 31, 2026
I am a fan of Paul Dohertys various series, this being the second in the Mathilde of Westminster series. This instalment is set in the court of Edward II with the vicious dispute between the King and leading nobles coming to a head. At the centre of the action is the presence and identify of the Poison Maiden who may be a person, group of people or even an institution eroding the English court from within and setting King against noble. Mathilde, maid and confident of the Queen investigates various interwined murders and plots, a sub plot being the destruction of the Knights Templar and the locaton of a treasure.
It`s a decent romp but to be honest I was less enthused by this (I haven`t read any of the other Mathilde novels) than some of the other series by this author, the descriptive text of London isn`t as strong as in some of his other novels and the King and court are supposedly hemmed in to the palace but the sense of claustrophobia is underplayed which was a bit of a lost opportunity plot wise I felt.
It`s a good read and entertaining but the author is not quite at his best here.
It`s a decent romp but to be honest I was less enthused by this (I haven`t read any of the other Mathilde novels) than some of the other series by this author, the descriptive text of London isn`t as strong as in some of his other novels and the King and court are supposedly hemmed in to the palace but the sense of claustrophobia is underplayed which was a bit of a lost opportunity plot wise I felt.
It`s a good read and entertaining but the author is not quite at his best here.
May 15, 2022
This is a solid, intriguing historical mystery set in the time of Edward II of England, and very much enmeshed with the actual goings-on of the time. The characters - and characterizations - are wonderful and vibrant, and the plot moves forward briskly and twistily to the conclusion. Except...
Except when Doherty decides to regale us with his undeniably comprehensive understanding of London in 1308. In these instances, and there are quite a few, the entire narrative grinds to a halt for as many as six pages of description of clothes, smells, social practices, food, and long-vanished occupations. All fascinating stuff historically, perhaps, but it drags down the pacing of the actual story.
3 stars.
Except when Doherty decides to regale us with his undeniably comprehensive understanding of London in 1308. In these instances, and there are quite a few, the entire narrative grinds to a halt for as many as six pages of description of clothes, smells, social practices, food, and long-vanished occupations. All fascinating stuff historically, perhaps, but it drags down the pacing of the actual story.
3 stars.
March 29, 2024
Blech!
While reading his prologue to “The Poison Maiden” I became aware of why so many writing instructors, agents, and editors caution against writing prologues: this one is a rambling, disjointed tangle of words that served no purpose beyond boring this reader silly. While the story does improve a bit once he gets into it, it often moves as slowly as a two-year-old riding a tricycle through a mud pit.
I’ve read well over a dozen of Doherty’s novels, and Ive enjoyed every other one so far; but “The Poison Maiden” is, in my opinion, the worst of the stories I’ve read so far. It reads as if Mr. Doherty wrote it in one night while suffering from the effects of a bad meal.
While reading his prologue to “The Poison Maiden” I became aware of why so many writing instructors, agents, and editors caution against writing prologues: this one is a rambling, disjointed tangle of words that served no purpose beyond boring this reader silly. While the story does improve a bit once he gets into it, it often moves as slowly as a two-year-old riding a tricycle through a mud pit.
I’ve read well over a dozen of Doherty’s novels, and Ive enjoyed every other one so far; but “The Poison Maiden” is, in my opinion, the worst of the stories I’ve read so far. It reads as if Mr. Doherty wrote it in one night while suffering from the effects of a bad meal.
May 22, 2017
As usual, P.C. Doherty has written an historically accurate novel; no mean feat. Edward II and his favourite, Piers Gaveston, are holed up at Westminster, threatened from the great barons from without, and by the Poison Maiden from within. Who is this person, man or woman, or idea? Mathilde of Westminster, confidante of Isabella of Angoulême, Edward's wife, and Demontaigu set out to find out. Twists, turns, dead bodies, and a twist I didn't see coming. A really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
History that Fascinates
Excellent writing it evokes the treachery of the Royal Court. People are driven to do heinous acts by the overwhelming desire for power. I wish I could have the privilege of being one of Dr.Dohertys students.
Excellent writing it evokes the treachery of the Royal Court. People are driven to do heinous acts by the overwhelming desire for power. I wish I could have the privilege of being one of Dr.Dohertys students.
May 26, 2021
A well written tale of medieval mystery and mayhem
I am a fan of historical novels, more so if it is coupled with a whodunnit. Written as a chronical lends authenticity to the story line. I'm looking forward to reading Book 3.
I am a fan of historical novels, more so if it is coupled with a whodunnit. Written as a chronical lends authenticity to the story line. I'm looking forward to reading Book 3.
August 3, 2017
Loving this series!
December 2, 2021
Excellent research.
September 11, 2022
As always, Doherty is very knowledgeable and his description of the time is very vivid.
May 12, 2023
Plot and writing are OK but I don't care for the characters.
August 18, 2023
Better than the first one.
March 15, 2026
Сюжет можна вмістити в 3 речення, решта — це опис середньовічного життя.
February 12, 2017
Excellent descriptions of time and place.
February 19, 2008
The Poison Maiden is the 2nd book in the Mathilde of Westminster series where Paul Doherty tells the story of Richard II and Isabella's first years of marriage. I was intrigued by the first book and last week I "found" this one at the bottom of the TBR pile and decided to pick it up.
I have now read some reviews mentioning some historical errors. I must say I didn't notice them while reading as this is a period I'm not too familiar with, but on principle errors annoy me!
Like the first book there is a mystery to solve in this story and it starts with the old Mathilde remisniscing on past events while being interrogated by the king's men. The King is now Edward III, Isabella's son, and it is suggested that the queen took some secrets to her grave that Mathilde is decided to keep.
The story then jumps to the past and the year 1309. First it is a man who is found dead and then a woman. While there are not many clues about why they have been murdered, in the first death the murdered even tried to make it look like a suicide, there is talk about The Poison Maiden, a supposedly powerful spy working for Phillip of France who emerged under the old King and now is once again trying to do the same and destroy Isabella’s husband.
I’m afraid I don't think Mathilde is a very sympathetic character, she seems rather cold and not even her doomed love affair with Demontaigu helped me seeing her on a more favourable light. I must confess that I had less trouble warming up to Isabella who may well be on her way to be the She-Wolf of France but at least has good reasons to complain. Manipulation and deceit are very useful weapons when there's no alternative and considering Isabella's dislike of most people that surround her and how dangerous some of them may be we can easily feel some empathy. I also felt Mathilde moved about a bit too freely for one who should be attending the queen.
I was surprised by the identity of the Poison Maiden and I must admit Doherty did really well with that final twist. However, although I did like the setting and the political information regarding Gaveston, the Templars and the historical context in general, I’m not sure it captivated me enough to continue with the series…
I have now read some reviews mentioning some historical errors. I must say I didn't notice them while reading as this is a period I'm not too familiar with, but on principle errors annoy me!
Like the first book there is a mystery to solve in this story and it starts with the old Mathilde remisniscing on past events while being interrogated by the king's men. The King is now Edward III, Isabella's son, and it is suggested that the queen took some secrets to her grave that Mathilde is decided to keep.
The story then jumps to the past and the year 1309. First it is a man who is found dead and then a woman. While there are not many clues about why they have been murdered, in the first death the murdered even tried to make it look like a suicide, there is talk about The Poison Maiden, a supposedly powerful spy working for Phillip of France who emerged under the old King and now is once again trying to do the same and destroy Isabella’s husband.
I’m afraid I don't think Mathilde is a very sympathetic character, she seems rather cold and not even her doomed love affair with Demontaigu helped me seeing her on a more favourable light. I must confess that I had less trouble warming up to Isabella who may well be on her way to be the She-Wolf of France but at least has good reasons to complain. Manipulation and deceit are very useful weapons when there's no alternative and considering Isabella's dislike of most people that surround her and how dangerous some of them may be we can easily feel some empathy. I also felt Mathilde moved about a bit too freely for one who should be attending the queen.
I was surprised by the identity of the Poison Maiden and I must admit Doherty did really well with that final twist. However, although I did like the setting and the political information regarding Gaveston, the Templars and the historical context in general, I’m not sure it captivated me enough to continue with the series…
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February 21, 2011Another Winner for the Author:
Paul Doherty is the consummate storyteller and whatever subject he happens to pick to write about the books and the characters within them seem to come to life. Be it medieval England or Ancient Egypt his grasp of the subject is always first class. He has written many, many books over the years and how he manages to achieve this and also have the full time job of a school headmaster beggars belief. I do not think I have missed reading one of his books and there really are a lot of them. But with hand on heart I can say that there has not been one that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. This novel is the second in the Mathilde series: It is Easter in the year 1308, Edward II will not part company with his favourite Gaveston. Edward's Earls and Barons meet. They want a Parliament to be called, but in truth this is just a ruse, what they really want is Gaveston. Edward knows that across the channel the French King, Philip IV is eager to muddy troubled water and has activated a spy known as "The Poison Maiden." Of course Edward's wife, Isabella is unhappy at the part that Gaveston is playing in her husband's life, but she knew about the pair of them before she married Edward and she is wily enough to know that if Edward is brought down she will automatically follow him. So begins Paul Doherty's latest book, full of mystery, murder and intrigue. The author's books are always good reading, this one is up there with the best of them.
Paul Doherty is the consummate storyteller and whatever subject he happens to pick to write about the books and the characters within them seem to come to life. Be it medieval England or Ancient Egypt his grasp of the subject is always first class. He has written many, many books over the years and how he manages to achieve this and also have the full time job of a school headmaster beggars belief. I do not think I have missed reading one of his books and there really are a lot of them. But with hand on heart I can say that there has not been one that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. This novel is the second in the Mathilde series: It is Easter in the year 1308, Edward II will not part company with his favourite Gaveston. Edward's Earls and Barons meet. They want a Parliament to be called, but in truth this is just a ruse, what they really want is Gaveston. Edward knows that across the channel the French King, Philip IV is eager to muddy troubled water and has activated a spy known as "The Poison Maiden." Of course Edward's wife, Isabella is unhappy at the part that Gaveston is playing in her husband's life, but she knew about the pair of them before she married Edward and she is wily enough to know that if Edward is brought down she will automatically follow him. So begins Paul Doherty's latest book, full of mystery, murder and intrigue. The author's books are always good reading, this one is up there with the best of them.
January 16, 2014
This is part two of Mathilde's story and takes her through the early spring of 1308. I've never thought about Edward II's favourite much; he was always just a place holder, the character that made the political situation more complicated than usual. If I thought about anyone I wondered about Queen Isabelle and how she handled things.It was not an enviable situation at all. Gaveston is always cited as Piers but Doherty calls him Peter, which some English might have. He was Gascon, so Piers would be more likely most familiar. The fact that he was ennobled was unfamiliar, but ennobled from what? We don't know where Edward met him, but given that monarch's penchant for associating with workmen it could have been anywhere. I think historians have tried to make Piers into a nothingness whereas he was very important to Edward and little though they liked it if you wanted access to Edward getting on Gaveston's good side would be an excellent way. Was Isabel as well educated as Doherty claims? The way Philip of France and Isabel's brothers are portrayed you wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near that French court. Of course, with Edward's unstable emotions and the various interpersonal tensions (how's that for politeness?) going on you wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near the English one, either. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to reading the third.
July 23, 2011
c2007: my star rating rationale is a bit erratic at the best of times but the only reason that I have given this book such a low rating is because the plot devices in this mystery were almost identical to another Doherty book that I had just read - Murders Immortal Mask c 2008. By that, a locked room with seemingly no way of leaving, a scrap of parchment providing mysterious clues, a female protagonist supported by a man of action. However, the background narrative and descriptions remain as superb as ever. This book is definitely better than Murders Immortal mask but probably because I am more interested in this section of history than in Ancient Rome. I would recommend far more easily than some of my latest reading in any event.
July 31, 2016
Предполагам, че средностатистическият читател изпитва известна досада, четейки подробните описания на живота в средновековния град и кралския двор в книгите на Пол Дохърти. На мен пък именно те ми харесват. Като историк, специализирал именно епохата на Едуард ІІ и Изабела, Дохърти пресъздава една толкова детайлна картина на живота в края на ХІІІ - началото на ХІV век, че дава на читателя си много повече, отколкото би му дала сухата информация на някоя научна студия. Придържайки се много близо до историческите извори и факти, поредицата на Пол Дохърти за Матилда от Уестминстър е не просто отличен представител на жанра "исторически мистерии", а истински увлекателен учебник по английска история.
March 28, 2015
Excellent Medieval mystery.The plot was nicely twisted and the reader is well embedded in the time period. There was the occasional word use that threw me out of the time period but other than that this was a fun read.
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