The Death of a King

By Paul Doherty

Book Overview

The fate of kings is not always glorious.... Indeed, England's Edward II so angered his wife, her lover, and his subjects when he flaunted his male favorites that they revolted, deposed him, and made him prisoner. History records Edward II was eventually murdered most foully in Berkeley Castle and buried most publicly in Gloucester cathedral. But was he? The heir, Edward III, charges Chancery Clerk Edmund Beche with uncovering the truth of the matter. Beche's investigation is torturous, blocked by hidden records, outright lies, unexpected confessions, double crosses, and a high body count. Grave-digging, burglary, and soldiering at the bloody battle of Crecy await him. But he's a most determined man.... When you read it you will see why there is no sequel. This edition contains a full bibliography with all pseudonyms.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1890208116
• ISBN13: 9781890208110
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A brief but compelling fact-based historical mystery

The author has obviously done much research on this topic and time period; it shows in this story. While basing the book on some facts about the alleged murder of Edward II, Doherty uses that as a starting off point and weaves a very credible tale of what-ifs and possibilities. The book has the flavor, smells, sights, and sounds of the middle ages. Caution: this book may make you want to go dig through the musty files of history yourself into the details of the baffling death of a king.

Well Done

An excellent book. Well written. The style, letters back and forth between two of the characters, made it even more interesting. After reading this book, I am looking forward to more P.C. Doherty stories.

Great mystery with a true 'gritty', dark setting

I usually like books with more 'fantastic' elements but all the history and action in this book kept it interesting enough without those elements.It doesn't have a lot of humor but instead has a very dark, medieval feeling, more like I'm sure it really was than what you see in movies.

A broken skull!

I read this book a few years ago, so I don't remember much... however, I do remember gasping suddenly and gripping to the end of my chair. I was in much suspence while reading the book, that clutching the book with white knuckles showing, happened often.

Intriguing medieval mystery!

For those with a fascingation for things medieval, P.C. Doherty's The Death of a King is a tale worth reading. Although minimal knowledge of the basic events, the death of Edward II and the eventual rule of Edward III, is helpful, it is not necessary to enjoy this book. I also appreciate it when the author concludes the tale by separating fact from fiction as does P.C. Doherty. For the history buff this book will stimulate your desire to 'learn more about it.'