Waxman Murders (Hugh Corbett Mysteries 15) [Paperback]

Paul Doherty (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hugh Corbett Mysteries 15 | Publication Date: April 5, 2007

In 1300, an English privateer named 'The Waxman' was trapped and overrun by two powerful war cogs flying the streamers of the powerful Hanseatic League of North Germany. The ship was carrying a casket containing the 'Carta Mysteriosa', a collection of valuable and detailed maps and sea charts. The rulers of Europe, not to mention their merchant princes, would wade through a sea of blood to obtain them. Three years later Wilhelm Von Paulents, a representative of the Hanseatic League, comes to England. Rumours have it that he owns the sea charts and Sir Hugh Corbett is sent to negotiate with Von Paulents. But the German visitors fall ill of some mysterious ailment and then, on the morning of the fourth Sunday in Advent, Corbett is summoned to a scene of bloody mayhem and murder: Von Paulents, his wife, son and clerk have been barbarously assassinated. The 'Carta Mysteriosa' have not been stolen. So why were the murders committed and by whom? Corbett investigates and, once again, he enters the world of shadows to confront the Seed of Cain.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in December 1303, Doherty's intricate 15th Hugh Corbett mystery (after 2009's The Magician's Death) opens after a prologue with Hugh, keeper of the secret seal of Edward I, riding into the snowbound cathedral city of Canterbury, where Sir Rauf Decontet has been murdered, perhaps by his adulterous wife. More killings follow that appear to originate in the slaying three years earlier of a pirate, Adam Blackstock, on his vessel The Waxman. A missing treasure map adds to the intrigue. An entire family is found hanged while their bodyguard has disappeared, and a spy who disguises himself as a leper also turns up dead. In addition to a richly detailed medieval courtroom scene, the prolific Doherty provides, as usual, a tantalizing locked-room puzzle. Historical mystery fans will cheer as Corbett sifts through a "farrago of half-truths" and sees to the rout of the "criminals, wolfsheads and outlaws he pursued on behalf of the Crown." (Dec.) (c)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Like a fine wine, Sir Hugh Corbett, keeper of the secret seal of Edward I of England, is mellowing gracefully. After 14 outings, he is back in better form than ever. This time, the King’s business brings the raven-haired Hugh and his stalwart redheaded sidekick, Ranulf atte Newgate, to Canterbury in order to secure and decipher the prized Cloister Map, rumored to point the way to a buried treasure sorely needed by Edward to replenish his dwindling coffers. After mayhem and murder break out, Hugh must reach back three years into the past to solve the mystery of a particularly gruesome series of homicides. Intelligent, suspenseful, and historically accurate, this medieval series continues to deliver the goods. --Margaret Flanagan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Headline Paperbacks (April 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755328841
• ISBN-13: 978-0755328840
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 1 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,326 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sir Hugh Corbett at His Best, November 26, 2006

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Waxman Murders (Hugh Corbett Mysteries 15) (Hardcover)

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 now he has taken to writing about 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.

In this novel Doherty returns to the year 1300 and the book is the latest in the wonderful series featuring Sir Hugh Corbett. An English privateer ship is trapped and overrun by two warships flying the flags of North Germany. What was the privateer carrying that was so important? A collection of maps and sea charts, but not just any maps but the most details maps and charts of their day. Charts that most of Europe's rulers would pay handsomely for.

Several years later a representative of the Hanseatic Leagues arrives in England. Rumour has it that he owns the sea charts and Sir Hugh Corbett is sent to negotiate a deal with him. To write any more would spoil the plot for the reader. Suffice to say that Corbett is once again embroiled in murder, mystery and mayhem

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A different form of Canterbury Tales., January 27, 2007

By 

S. Schwartz "romonko" (alberta canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Waxman Murders (Hugh Corbett Mysteries 15) (Hardcover)

This book is set in Canterbury England in the year 1303. Hugh Corbett and his two companions have been sent to Canterbury to discover the truth behind the death of a prominent citizen and to find a treasure map for King Edward I. Edward was desperate for money, so he has sent his trusted aide to try find this map. As Hugh invesitgates, he finds that a trail of murder is being cut through the city, and he is also threatened. He finds that he has to go back in the history of this city in order to try to unravel the tangled mess. Doherty is an excellent historical mystery writer, and his characters are believable. Medieval England comes alive with his pen. I like Mr. Doherty's writing style, and I especially like the taciturn, but bright Hugh Corbett. This is an excellent series, and is well worth the time taken to read it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doherty's Corbett triumphs once again!, May 13, 2008

By 

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

This review is from: The Waxman Murders (Isis (Hardcover Large Print)) (Hardcover)

The Waxman Murders" is the 15th in the series by Paul Doherty, mysteries "featuring medieval sleuth Hugh Corbett." It certainly seems to be his best, as well.

This series, one of at least five for Doherty, is set in 1303 and concerns a long-hidden map to a large fortune of treasure, hidden sometime during King John's reign. Needless to say, the pursuit of this treasure, as well as the map, over the years has quite a history, a history of more than just lucre, but of royal intrigue and, yes, murder. This is where, naturally, Sir Hugh, the official representative of the current King, Edward I, comes in.

A few years earlier, a war cog named "The Waxman" sails into the estuary and reportedly carries "The Cloiser Map," the map to lead its owners to the treasure. Alas, treachery and subterfuge come into play and "The Waxman's" crew, except one, are executed as pirates (which they are) but no map is found at that time.

Later, a representative of the Hanseatic League arrives in England (supposedly in possession of the now-found map) for a meeting in Canterbury. Coincidentally, Corbett is also descending upon Canterbury on a mission from the king to hear a domestic murder case. It just so happens that when he arrives, murder raises its head, and everything, sooner or later, becomes related and involved. The representative of the League, his family, and servant are found hanged. Other murders follow.

Corbett and Doherty are clever, of course, and in no time all the clues point to murders of revenge (it doesn't stop here) based upon an earlier set of crimes and with their usual deftness the case is cleared up. But not before the reader is able to enjoy a well-written medieval mystery, one that displays well-contrived character inter-actions and relationshiops. Doherty always has a good tale and this one in this series seems his best. It seems to be better written, too, as if more time was devoted to the book. Corbett is an interesting character, as he's evolved well over the 15 books. Perhaps Doherty should develop Corbett's assistants (Ranulf and Chanson) in greater detail (both are very interesting and show possibility). "The Waxman Murders" is well crafted and rides the waves in a fine, ship-shape fashion.