Product Description

In 1300, an English privateer named ‘The Wax-Men’ 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 the manor of Maubisson, which has been set aside for them, is cordoned off in accordance with city health regulations.

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #387391 in Books
• Published on: 2006-12-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

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.

Customer Reviews

Corbett Returns in his best adventure!
"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.

Sir Hugh is back - medieval mysteries at their best
The Hugh Corbett mysteries are properly one of the best, if the THE best of medieval mysteries. I am a convinced follower of Paul Doherty's work and have not missed a single of his books. So how could I resist not buying this book and - as usual - I was not let down by the author.

The Waxman Murders is set in Canterbury and Paul Doherty creates the whole atmosphere of medieval life in such a way that can nearly feel and smell it. His characters are as usual convincing and intriguing. I particularly like his creation of Lady Alicia. The story is well written and one is drawn into the events with page one. No boring moment. Suspense guaranteed.

While in the previous novels Paul Doherty Sir Hugh Corbett's man-servant Ranulf-atte-Newgate has gained more and more prominence, here it is Sir Hugh and Sir Hugh alone who dominates the story. However one can feel it is an aging, a bit tired, but nevertheless sharp witted man. It is nice to see how Doherty's personalities develop over time and do not just stay eternally the same.

All in all, a book I highly enjoyed and can equally highly recommend.

The Author at His Very Best
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