Satan's Fire (Hugh Corbett Mysteries 09) [Paperback]

P C Doherty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 1996 | Series: Hugh Corbett Mysteries 09

1303 and the Old Man of the Mountain remembers back to when he nearly killed Edward I thirty years before. He now decides to release an imprisoned leper knight to avenge old grievances and take the King's life. A few months later two nuns are returning to their monastery in York, where they are confronted by the horrific sight of a man being consumed by fire, the sickly smell of burning flesh lingering in the air. News of the grisly death greets Edward as he arrives in York for secret negotiations with the leaders of the military Templar Order. His unease deepens when an attempt is made on his life. When the assassin, wearing Templar livery, is found dead -- having been engulfed by a mysterious fire -- Edward immediately turns to his Keeper of the Secret Seal, Hugh Corbett, to investigate.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough. He studied History at Liverpool and Oxford Universities and obtained a doctorate for his thesis on Edward II and Queen Isabella. He is now headmaster of a school in north-east London and lives with his family in Essex.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (January 11, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747249059
• ISBN-13: 978-0747249054
• Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 0.6 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #531,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Devil of a Good Read!, September 2, 1998

By 

Billy J. Hobbs "Bill Hobbs" (Tyler, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Satan's Fire: A Hugh Corbett Medieval Mystery (Hardcover)

In "Satan's Fire," author P.C. Doherty brings to life once more Hugh Corbett, accomplished clerk and spy of King Edward I of England. Doherty, who is an Oxford graduate and history scholar, is a popular author writing under other names as well and he is able to bring the 14th century literally to life in an intriguing series that weaves logic, realism, and romanticism with medieval European thoughts and actions. Indeed, Doherty really does lay bare some of the romantic concepts we're used to, in not only this book, but the others as well. Thus, it is Hugh Corbett's responsibility to save the King once more in this ninth accounting.

The year is 1303 and Edward's nemesis, Philip IV of France, continues to threaten the very essence of Edward's kingship. This time, Edward arrives in York to begin a series of secret negotiations with the Knights Templar. Following an attempt on his life, the King sends for Corbett and his faithful servants Ranulf and Maltote (Ranulf has been promoted to "assistant" by now). From this point, the book picks up its always-suspenseful form and the reader is carried to a satisfying, intriguing end (what else?) in royal fashion.

The title comes from the fact that the assassin in the book uses a mysterious fire to kill his victims. This fire seems "unexplainable," but Corbett (whose skills in logic seem to leap centuries!) is able to "break the code" and solve the mystery, as one would expect.

Doherty's flair for evoking the realistic images of the period is no accident, as he is an accomplished historian who specializes in Edward I. Doherty also writes under the noms de plume of Michael Clynnes, Anna Apostalou, C.L. Grace, Edward Marston, among others. Each "name" features a series with exciting historical characters--none to be missed. An exciting read!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars KNIGHTS TEMPLAR UNDER FIRE, January 15, 2001

By 

Kenri A. Mugleston - See all my reviews

This review is from: Satan's Fire: A Hugh Corbett Medieval Mystery (Hardcover)

Hugh Corbett, bloodhound to King Edward I is back in business. Strange lights are being seen in the forest, people are becoming human fire balls and counterfeit money is showing up in the realm. Hugh is sent by the king from York to Framlingham to the temple of the Templar Order in order to search out rumours of Knights Templar trying to assassinate the king. Hugh has to keep his wits about him as he has become the assassins target as well.

P. C. Doherty writes about the 14th century as if he had been there. Hugh Corbett novels are wonderful, some of the best historical mysteries I have found.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Engrossing, February 16, 1999

By A Customer

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This review is from: Satan's Fire: A Hugh Corbett Medieval Mystery (Hardcover)

I loved this book - Didn't want it to end! A definite must-read for fans of historical fiction and suspense.