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Hugh Corbett #6
Murder Wears a Cowl (Hugh Corbett Mysteries, Book 6): A gripping medieval mystery of murder and religion
In early 1302 a violent serial killer lurks in the city of London, slitting the throats of prostitutes.And when Lady Somerville, one of the Sisters of St Martha, is murdered in the same barbaric fashion, her death is closely followed by that of Father Benedict in suspicious circumstances. Edward of England turns to his trusted master clerk, Hugh Corbett, to reveal the identity of the bloodthirsty assassin. Joining Corbett on his mission are his devious manservant Ranulf and his faithful horseman Maltote. In the dark, fetid streets of the city and in the desolate abbey grounds, they encounter danger and deceit at every turn. Only Ragwort, the mad beggar, has seen the killer strike, and the one clue that Corbett has to help him is Lady Somerville's cryptic message: 'Calcullus non facit monachum ' - the cowl does not make the monk. The sixth thrilling novel in Paul Doherty's Hugh Corbett series.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1992
81 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books606 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 22, 2021
This thrilling book, from the year 1992, and which is part 6 of the excellent "Hugh Corbett" series by the author, Paul Doherty, is another little gem of a medieval mystery.
Important to mention is the fact that the author is an authority about the life and history of Edward II, but the author is certainly also very knowledgeable about the life and history of his father, King Edward I, which you can gloriously witness in this gripping mystery.
At the end of the book within the Author's Note you'll find important historical details concerning this period of history, and these details are wonderfully implemented in this suspenseful mystery.
Storytelling is once again of a superb quality by the author, all the characters come vividly to life within this medieval tale, and the atmosphere of London in the year AD 1302, as well as its history of violence and death come wonderfully off the pages.
This story is set in the year AD 1302, and there's a murderer lurking in the streets of London killing prostitutes and courtesans, while also Lady Somerville and Father Benedict are killed in a brutal fashion, and after being summoned by King Edward I, its time for Sir Hugh Corbett to come into action, together with his manservant, Ranulf and his horseman, Maltote.
What will also come into focus in this mystery is the Great Robbery of the Royal Treasury from the crypt down below in the Chapter House in Westminster Abbey, which in reality actually happened a year later, AD 1303, and which was perpetrated by the trickster/merchant Richard Puddlicott and his close associates from within that same Westminster Abbey, while also being helped by the French Envoy of King Philip IV of France, Amaury de Craon.
And so what will ensue for Corbett, Ranulf, Maltote and under-sheriff, Cade, are cases full of riddles, but after quite some twists and turns and ending with exciting plots, Corbett will be able to unveil the robbers, with Richard Puddlicott as the main leader, but also he will be able, after some mental struggles, to reveal the surprising culprit of the murders of the prostitutes, Lady Somerville and Father Benedict.
Very much recommended, for this is a terrific series to follow, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Little Peach of Medieval Mystery"!
Important to mention is the fact that the author is an authority about the life and history of Edward II, but the author is certainly also very knowledgeable about the life and history of his father, King Edward I, which you can gloriously witness in this gripping mystery.
At the end of the book within the Author's Note you'll find important historical details concerning this period of history, and these details are wonderfully implemented in this suspenseful mystery.
Storytelling is once again of a superb quality by the author, all the characters come vividly to life within this medieval tale, and the atmosphere of London in the year AD 1302, as well as its history of violence and death come wonderfully off the pages.
This story is set in the year AD 1302, and there's a murderer lurking in the streets of London killing prostitutes and courtesans, while also Lady Somerville and Father Benedict are killed in a brutal fashion, and after being summoned by King Edward I, its time for Sir Hugh Corbett to come into action, together with his manservant, Ranulf and his horseman, Maltote.
What will also come into focus in this mystery is the Great Robbery of the Royal Treasury from the crypt down below in the Chapter House in Westminster Abbey, which in reality actually happened a year later, AD 1303, and which was perpetrated by the trickster/merchant Richard Puddlicott and his close associates from within that same Westminster Abbey, while also being helped by the French Envoy of King Philip IV of France, Amaury de Craon.
And so what will ensue for Corbett, Ranulf, Maltote and under-sheriff, Cade, are cases full of riddles, but after quite some twists and turns and ending with exciting plots, Corbett will be able to unveil the robbers, with Richard Puddlicott as the main leader, but also he will be able, after some mental struggles, to reveal the surprising culprit of the murders of the prostitutes, Lady Somerville and Father Benedict.
Very much recommended, for this is a terrific series to follow, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Little Peach of Medieval Mystery"!
June 12, 2018
It is now ‘Sir’ Hugh Corbett, King’s Clerk, as Edward I has knighted him and has sent him to London to solve the murder of more than a dozen ‘ladies of the night’ in P. C. Doherty’s Murder Wears a Cowl.Sir Hugh has also discovered De Craon, a messenger of Philip IV of France, or as he is known to Sir Hugh, a French spy, has returned to London accompanied by another. What is De Craon doing back in London? Sir Hugh, his mansevant, Ranulf, and his young horseman, Maltote, are off to London to attempt to solve these unfortunate women’s deaths as well as the death of a lay sister, an aristocratic widow, and the death of Father Benedict of Westminster Abbey. Are they connected? In addition, Sir Hugh’s ‘new’ wife is at their home on Bread Street expecting her uncle from Wales. All Sir Hugh can think is “chaos”. Once again the author’s writing lets the reader truly feel, smell, and see medieval London. This is an excellent series!
February 12, 2023
The sixth Hugh Corbett medieval mystery. In 1302 Corbett and Ranulf investigate a violent serial killer who lurks in the city of London. Lady Somerville, one of the Sisters of St Martha, is murdered in the same barbaric fashion, her death is closely followed by that of Father Benedict in suspicious circumstances. Edward of England turns to his trusted master clerk, Hugh Corbett, to reveal the identity of the bloodthirsty assassin. Joining Corbett on his mission are his devious manservant Ranulf and his faithful horseman Maltote.
Doherty writes some great characters and Corbett is one of my favourites. The plotting has plenty of twists and false leads. Medieval London is well realised and Doherty makes you feel like your there. The atmosphere is immersive and you feel the gritty, dark, fetid streets of the city, making it feel vivid and alive. It is only a short book (200 pages) but there is a nice even pace throughout the story.
A highly entertaining, engaging and enjoyable book and series.
Doherty writes some great characters and Corbett is one of my favourites. The plotting has plenty of twists and false leads. Medieval London is well realised and Doherty makes you feel like your there. The atmosphere is immersive and you feel the gritty, dark, fetid streets of the city, making it feel vivid and alive. It is only a short book (200 pages) but there is a nice even pace throughout the story.
A highly entertaining, engaging and enjoyable book and series.
November 6, 2021
Flipping good!
Wow its entrancing when yoh read an find out at the end that it's A true story. Paul Doherty can really spin a tail so you look behind every corner before you take a step. He makes it real to life.
Wow its entrancing when yoh read an find out at the end that it's A true story. Paul Doherty can really spin a tail so you look behind every corner before you take a step. He makes it real to life.
April 15, 2022
bought this from a second hand online store since i had credits. thought it would be an amusing mystery but BORING. BORING and poorly written. meh.
August 19, 2007
MURDER WEARS A COWL (Historical Mystery-London-1302 – Poor
Doherty, P.C. – 5th in series
Headline, 1992 – UK Hardcover
King Edward has been notified that unless someone uncovers the killer of a number of London’s courtesans, they may begin exposing their high-ranking client’s secrets. It has also been rumored that Richard Puddlicott, the most wanted man in London, as been seen. Newly dubbed Sir Hugh Corbett, the king’s clerk, and his manservant Ranulf have been ordered to the task. But the pattern changes when first Lady Somerville and then a priest are murdered. Corbett’s only clue is a cryptic muttering by Lady Somerville that “the cowl does not make a monk. It’s up to Corbett to determine whether the deaths are related and whether there is one murderer or two.
*** That many of the events in the book were based on fact was fascinating. Otherwise, I had some serious problems with this book. There was no development of any of the characters. The dialogue made no serious attempt to reflect the period. Although Doherty presented the deplorable sanity conditions of the period, his protagonist’s reactions were completely unrealistic and anachronisms were rampant, particularly when Hugh pulls out his wallet to pay in a time before paper money. The clue to the killer was much too obvious and the ending was a blatant sequel to a follow-up book. For me, the negatives definitely outweighed the positive.
Doherty, P.C. – 5th in series
Headline, 1992 – UK Hardcover
King Edward has been notified that unless someone uncovers the killer of a number of London’s courtesans, they may begin exposing their high-ranking client’s secrets. It has also been rumored that Richard Puddlicott, the most wanted man in London, as been seen. Newly dubbed Sir Hugh Corbett, the king’s clerk, and his manservant Ranulf have been ordered to the task. But the pattern changes when first Lady Somerville and then a priest are murdered. Corbett’s only clue is a cryptic muttering by Lady Somerville that “the cowl does not make a monk. It’s up to Corbett to determine whether the deaths are related and whether there is one murderer or two.
*** That many of the events in the book were based on fact was fascinating. Otherwise, I had some serious problems with this book. There was no development of any of the characters. The dialogue made no serious attempt to reflect the period. Although Doherty presented the deplorable sanity conditions of the period, his protagonist’s reactions were completely unrealistic and anachronisms were rampant, particularly when Hugh pulls out his wallet to pay in a time before paper money. The clue to the killer was much too obvious and the ending was a blatant sequel to a follow-up book. For me, the negatives definitely outweighed the positive.
March 6, 2014
Too bad a recording to listen to!
work mp3
The sixth book in the Hugh Corbett series
(1992)
blurb - P. C. Doherty's medieval mysteries are known for their gripping suspense, accuracy, and appealing characters. They have delighted readers with a blend of sleuthing, adventure, and vividly conveyed atmosphere - all wrapped around a mystery from the Middle Ages. Murder Wears a Cowl, the sixth mystery featuring Hugh Corbett, a spy for Edward I, concerns a violent serial killer lurking in London, slitting the throats of prostitutes. When Lady Somerville, one of the Sisters of St. Martha, is murdered in the same barbaric fashion, followed by the suspicious death of Father Benedict, Edward I again calls on his trusted clerk, Hugh Corbett, to track the killer.
work mp3
The sixth book in the Hugh Corbett series
(1992)
blurb - P. C. Doherty's medieval mysteries are known for their gripping suspense, accuracy, and appealing characters. They have delighted readers with a blend of sleuthing, adventure, and vividly conveyed atmosphere - all wrapped around a mystery from the Middle Ages. Murder Wears a Cowl, the sixth mystery featuring Hugh Corbett, a spy for Edward I, concerns a violent serial killer lurking in London, slitting the throats of prostitutes. When Lady Somerville, one of the Sisters of St. Martha, is murdered in the same barbaric fashion, followed by the suspicious death of Father Benedict, Edward I again calls on his trusted clerk, Hugh Corbett, to track the killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
The writing for each successive book just gets better and better.
The stories are complex, sometimes too gruesome, sometimes upsetting. And the writing itself just gets better with each installment I have read. This author is soooo great! I look forward each ending to the next beginning! The books are a bit formulaic and yet, they are full of twists and turns that truly mystify which is a very satisfying thing for this reader. I can not wait for the next one! Love the descriptions of the characters and their evolving relationships with one another. Really appreciate how well Mr. Doherty writes his women characters better than many I have read; his female characters are as fully realised as his male protagonists. I really appreciate that. He does repeat himself on occasion but I do not find it detracts from the reading at all. These are well crafted, well plotted, well realised novels Too good to miss!
The stories are complex, sometimes too gruesome, sometimes upsetting. And the writing itself just gets better with each installment I have read. This author is soooo great! I look forward each ending to the next beginning! The books are a bit formulaic and yet, they are full of twists and turns that truly mystify which is a very satisfying thing for this reader. I can not wait for the next one! Love the descriptions of the characters and their evolving relationships with one another. Really appreciate how well Mr. Doherty writes his women characters better than many I have read; his female characters are as fully realised as his male protagonists. I really appreciate that. He does repeat himself on occasion but I do not find it detracts from the reading at all. These are well crafted, well plotted, well realised novels Too good to miss!
October 27, 2020
Much better written
This is the sixty book in the series.. the literary merit of the previos ones left a bit to be desired, I stuck with it for tue love of history. The author does describe bits and pieces , which add the colour to the epoch.. this book is much better written, it actually captivates the reader, and the plot with its twists seem more though-through and realistic.. later in the authors note we learn that this book is almost fully based on the real life events and people.. so less fiction, and more details, bravo :)
This is the sixty book in the series.. the literary merit of the previos ones left a bit to be desired, I stuck with it for tue love of history. The author does describe bits and pieces , which add the colour to the epoch.. this book is much better written, it actually captivates the reader, and the plot with its twists seem more though-through and realistic.. later in the authors note we learn that this book is almost fully based on the real life events and people.. so less fiction, and more details, bravo :)
January 16, 2019
3.5
I thought this was a pretty good, short caper. It started out with fairly clichéd writing, but the characters and setting were both solid. The mystery was pretty shallow but did well in a short space. The action scenes were good, and the parlour scenes (there were 3!) had good setup and follow-through. I might go to the beginning and read the series.
I thought this was a pretty good, short caper. It started out with fairly clichéd writing, but the characters and setting were both solid. The mystery was pretty shallow but did well in a short space. The action scenes were good, and the parlour scenes (there were 3!) had good setup and follow-through. I might go to the beginning and read the series.
August 29, 2021
Very Fine Series
If you are drawn to history and to mysteries you will enjoy this. The author has a good grasp of life in 1290's London. it is an accurate portrayal of medieval culture.it can be read as a stand alone book , but you may prefer to start this series with the first
Book with the Hugh Corbett character. (Satan in St. Mary's)
If you are drawn to history and to mysteries you will enjoy this. The author has a good grasp of life in 1290's London. it is an accurate portrayal of medieval culture.it can be read as a stand alone book , but you may prefer to start this series with the first
Book with the Hugh Corbett character. (Satan in St. Mary's)
December 30, 2023
Another Winner.
This is another excellent addition to the Hugh Corbett series. This is a quick read and like all the books in the series are full of little snippets of information and facts about life in medieval London, as with all of Paul Dohertys books they come very highly recommended.
This is another excellent addition to the Hugh Corbett series. This is a quick read and like all the books in the series are full of little snippets of information and facts about life in medieval London, as with all of Paul Dohertys books they come very highly recommended.
February 22, 2018
The Hugh Corbett mysteries are usually filled with interesting historical facts as Doherty unfolds a mystery. The mystery, in this story, was good, the characters were fascinating, and the information provided gave a good framework for understanding this particular time period.
May 23, 2021
Once again, Hugh Corbett solves the crimes with his trusty manservant, Ranulph. Paul Doherty writes about real characters and combines and fictional ones and he is able to make the streets of London come alive for the rich and poor alike, under the King Edward 1.
Read
March 8, 2018Hugh Corbett
Absolutely love these stories, the plots and the period . I read the last book in a day. Brilliant .
Absolutely love these stories, the plots and the period . I read the last book in a day. Brilliant .
October 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It had a good storyline and kept you guessing all the way through. Probably tge best Hugh Corbett book I've read so far.
February 11, 2021
Mr. Doherty does a great job of incorporating actual history with fiction. I like that:) His descriptive writing helps you imagine a world that is centuries old.
Read
June 7, 202123
December 21, 2021
Another good read
Good story, well told and with a nice twist or two. Will certainly read more of the Hugh Corbett stories.
Good story, well told and with a nice twist or two. Will certainly read more of the Hugh Corbett stories.
January 19, 2022
Murder wears a Cowl
The description of London and how the
People live is SO interesting! I enjoy these stories! Great plot, adventure and intrigue!!!
Love the book series!!
The description of London and how the
People live is SO interesting! I enjoy these stories! Great plot, adventure and intrigue!!!
Love the book series!!
Read
April 6, 2022Всичко от този автор си заслужава. Ако историците бяха писатели... Но те в повечето случаи са, защото историята не е много по-различна от художествената литература.
June 13, 2022
Just keeps getting better!
This one also kept me guessing to the end! And now I can't wait to start the next book to see how what happened at the very end of this one will play out!
This one also kept me guessing to the end! And now I can't wait to start the next book to see how what happened at the very end of this one will play out!
January 15, 2023
Entertaining and enjoyable enough
February 18, 2024
An excellent addition to the series
July 24, 2025
I think I read this book for a uni class a decade ago but I remembered absolutely nothing. A dense crime novel set in Medieval times that now bored me a bit.
December 9, 2025
The story felt contrived at first, but picked up at the end and the author's notes were a highlight.
May 18, 2021
Another great story
Paul Doherty certainly knows how to weave a good story. And when we today bemoan how life was much simpler in the old days, you only need to read one of his books to know it really, really wasn't.
Paul Doherty certainly knows how to weave a good story. And when we today bemoan how life was much simpler in the old days, you only need to read one of his books to know it really, really wasn't.
May 20, 2012
J?aime bien les polars historiques de Doherty. Ils se d?roulent au tout d?but du 14 i?me si?cle entre Londres et Paris. Bien-s?r, sachant que l?auteur est anglais, je vous laisse deviner o? sont les m?chants ! Mais bon, les enqu?tes sont bien ficel?es et tiennent la route. Celle-ci ne fait pas exception. Hugh Corbett, enqu?teur au service direct du roi Edouard Ier, n?a pas son pareil pour d?jouer les complots venus d?outre-Manche. Cette fois-ci, il se passe des choses tr?s louches dans la Tour de Londres ?
June 7, 2014
I did a fair bit of reading on the honeymoon, and managed to finish off another of the Hugh Corbett medieval mysteries. This story was set in 1302 and based on real events at Westminster Abbey. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the character development of Ranulf, Corbett's manservant.
I'm about half way through this series now, and looking forward to reading the next one.
I'm about half way through this series now, and looking forward to reading the next one.
May 21, 2014
Another enjoyable offering featuring newly knighted Hugh Corbett. King Edward I uses his usual trickery to send Sir Hugh to London to investigate serial murders. In the process, Corbett uncovers unfaithful monks, stolen royal funds and the always unsavory French envoy, de Craon. Mr Doherty uses a new device in this novel - a cliff-hanger ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews