The Soul Slayer (Paul Doherty Historical Mysteries) [Paperback]

Paul Doherty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998 | Series: Paul Doherty Historical Mysteries

Eighteen-year-old Rebecca Lennox, daughter of a former priest, is ostracized by the villagers of Dunmow. They regard her as cursed, by both her cleft palate and her gift of second sight. Rebecca finds solace in the statue of St. Michael the Archangel, to whom she prays devotedly within the sanctity of her old parish church. But when a young Catholic priest arrives in the village, it seems that she has finally found a mortal confidant. Michael is not repelled by her infirmity, and his charm and gentleness remind her of her beloved statue. Then changes come to Dunmow. A new parson is appointed—more interested in the black arts than the teachings of religion. For Henry Frogmore, holy orders are an opportune cover for his nefarious activities, but in Rebecca and Michael, he finds powerful opponents. And in the ensuing struggle, the price for each of them is dear.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The master of the historical whodunnit" -- Booklist

From the Publisher

Historically informative, skillfully plotted, and superbly entertaining, these novels are the work of a master storyteller. Paul Doherty, who earned a doctorate in History from Oxford University, is the author of a number of successful historical mystery series, including The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan, the Alexander the Great mysteries, and the Hugh Corbett medieval mysteries. Writing pseudonymously as C.L. Grace, he is also the author of The Canterbury Tales of Kathryn Swinbrooke series.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 409 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747258724
• ISBN-13: 978-0747258728
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,102 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 Incredible Book, January 9, 2007

By 

M. Hubbard - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Soul Slayer (Paul Doherty Historical Mysteries) (Paperback)

Wow! This was one of the best books I have ever read.

I'm a big fan of PC Doherty's historical mysteries, so in one sense I am a biased reviewer. This book was different from much of his series fiction however. He retains his excellent ability to make the reader feel as if he is living the historical period, capturing the details, both pleasant and gritty. He also nicely builds suspense as usual. What is different is that this not historical mystery but historical horror.

The fantasy/horror element had a very catholic flavor. (Or at least, a flavor that seemed very catholic from my protestant viewpoint.) That is to say the 'rules' that the fantastic followed were compatible with the religious beliefs of Elizabethan England and Europe when the story occurs, and the struggles between catholic and protestant churches of the time is very much an element of the story.

The characterizations and relationships of the main characters are very convincing. The romantic subplot that accompanies the main adventure/horror plot is well done, and nicely reinforces the main plot.

I cannot say enough how much I approved of this book. If you're familiar with Doherty, this is a great book to read. If you aren't, this is a great book to make his aqquaintance with...

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Entertaining Reading, November 20, 2006

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Soul Slayer (Paul Doherty Historical Mysteries) (Paperback)

Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He also writes about Ancient Egypt and Alexander the Great. Paul Doherty has the rare talent of making you feel as though you are there, be it medieval England, or battling with Alexander. The sounds and smells of the period seem to waft from the pages of his books.

Poor Rebecca Lennox, the eighteen-year-old daughter of a former priest is regarded as cursed by the local villagers. The reason for their fear is the fact that not only has Rebecca a cleft palate but she has the gift of second sight. She find solace in the statue of the Archangel St. Michael and prays to him constantly within the wall of her old parish church.

But then a young Catholic priest arrives in the village and it seems that the poor girl has final found a confidant. The priest is not repelled by her infirmity and his gentleness reminds the girl of her beloved statue. But then things change when a new parson comes to the village. He is more interested in the black arts than practising religion. But he finds redoubtable opponents in the young priest Michael and Rebecca. There will certainly be a price to pay for someone . . .