The Waxman Murders

by Paul Doherty and P.C. Doherty

Book Overview

Renowned medieval detective Sir Hugh Corbett takes on his most bizarre case yet In 1303, a collection of invaluable maps and sea charts have surfaced and the rulers of Europe would wade through a sea... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312533969
• ISBN13: 9780312533960
• Release Date: December 2010
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Doherty's Corbett triumphs once again!

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.

Hugh Corbett lives on

I must admit that I am one of those readers who anxiously await every Doherty book featuring Hugh Corbett or Athelstan (written under the Paul Harding pseudonym). True to form, The Waxman Murders upholds the high standard maintained by the series. Sir Corbett is sent on a mission by the king and finds himself in a position where he has to solve a riddle all while trying to stay alive.

A different form of Canterbury Tales.

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.

Sir Hugh Corbett at His 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