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Hugh Corbett #8
The Song of a Dark Angel
November 1302, and Sir Hugh Corbett, Edward I's Keeper of the Secret Seal, together with his manservant, Ranulf, and messenger, Maltote, are sent to Mortlake Manor on the Norfolk coast to confront an evil rarely seen before. A man's headless corpse, its head impaled on a pole, has been found on a beach and the pretty young wife of a local baker is discovered hanging from a gallows. The scene is set for more gruesome deaths and Corbett soon realises that the icy wastes of Norfolk, where the eerie song of the Dark Angel wind chills those that live in the small villages along the coast, are just as treacherous as the silken intrigue at the royal court or the violence of London's fetid alleyways...
249 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
54 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books609 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 30 reviews
October 22, 2021
Read this book in 2014, and its the 8th volume of the amazing "Hugh Corbett" seires.
Set in November, in the year AD 1302, and the Keeper of the Secret Seal, Hugh Corbett, along with his manservant, Ranulf, and messenger, Maltote, are sent to the icy wastes at the Norfolk coast.
Over there at Mortlake Manor in Norfolk, the three men will encounter very chilling circumstances, being the man's heedless corpse, his head impaled on a pole on the beach, while the pretty young wife of the baker is found hanging from the gallows.
In these eerie, dangerous and treacherous circumstances, Hugh Corbett and his men must find a way to catch this Dark Angel of death.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling medieval mystery, in which the cunning and determined Hugh Corbett will find a way to get to the truth behind these gruesome murders, and when he has it all worked out, he'll be able to unravel this mystery of mayhem and murder, and reveal the culprit.
Highly recommended, for this is an amazing addition of this remarkable great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Dark Angel Mystery"!
Set in November, in the year AD 1302, and the Keeper of the Secret Seal, Hugh Corbett, along with his manservant, Ranulf, and messenger, Maltote, are sent to the icy wastes at the Norfolk coast.
Over there at Mortlake Manor in Norfolk, the three men will encounter very chilling circumstances, being the man's heedless corpse, his head impaled on a pole on the beach, while the pretty young wife of the baker is found hanging from the gallows.
In these eerie, dangerous and treacherous circumstances, Hugh Corbett and his men must find a way to catch this Dark Angel of death.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling medieval mystery, in which the cunning and determined Hugh Corbett will find a way to get to the truth behind these gruesome murders, and when he has it all worked out, he'll be able to unravel this mystery of mayhem and murder, and reveal the culprit.
Highly recommended, for this is an amazing addition of this remarkable great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Dark Angel Mystery"!
March 27, 2018
P. C. Doherty’s The Song of the Dark Angel is one of the author’s earlier books with Sir Hugh Corbett and his trusty but mischievous clerk, Ranulf-atta-Newgate, headed to the Norfolk Coast by orders of Edward I, but Sir High is not clear as to why he has been sent to this wild and desolate place. He is to stay with an old friend at Morlake Manor. Upon his arrival Sir Hugh sees a woman hanging from a gallows located on a high cliff overlooking the sea. Then another murder - a headless body is found on the beach somewhat below the high cliff - with the head set on top of a pole beside the body. Why was Sir Hugh sent here? The author has incorporated into the story all true facts that took place in England at this time period except one which happened during the present king’s grandfather’s reign - King John. And what is the “ Song of the Dark Angel?” What a unnerving mind Sir Hugh Corbett has! Thus, P. C. Doherty’s mind is incredible! I love Sir Hugh Corbett’s adventures!
November 13, 2021
Damn fine reading
Good reading and great work. I so like reading about history that I didn't know existed. Very enjoyable read when there is truth.
Good reading and great work. I so like reading about history that I didn't know existed. Very enjoyable read when there is truth.
June 18, 2024
A Quick Read
This is the eighth book in the Hugh Corbett series and the story is based on King John's Lost treasure that went missing as he tried to cross the wash in Norfolk. This is a quick but very enjoyable read and anyone who as read a Paul Doherty book knows what to expect. Recommended.
This is the eighth book in the Hugh Corbett series and the story is based on King John's Lost treasure that went missing as he tried to cross the wash in Norfolk. This is a quick but very enjoyable read and anyone who as read a Paul Doherty book knows what to expect. Recommended.
December 9, 2011
I suppose that it is a sign that you have enjoyed a book, if when you have finished reading it, you cant wait to get hold of another in the same series.
This was the case here. I have read several others in this series, including the first ones, and although I am sure that it is preferable to read them in sequence, it is far from essential.
As for this one, I thought that the early stages took a little patience ( although perhaps I had other distractions at the time) but the pace soon picked up until the final ferw chapters where it became quite a page-turner.
I emjoy trying to work out 'Who-dun-it' and failed miserably here. I totally missed the first crime to be revealed or the culprit of the rest. Sir Hugh Corbett and Ranulf triumph again.
This was the case here. I have read several others in this series, including the first ones, and although I am sure that it is preferable to read them in sequence, it is far from essential.
As for this one, I thought that the early stages took a little patience ( although perhaps I had other distractions at the time) but the pace soon picked up until the final ferw chapters where it became quite a page-turner.
I emjoy trying to work out 'Who-dun-it' and failed miserably here. I totally missed the first crime to be revealed or the culprit of the rest. Sir Hugh Corbett and Ranulf triumph again.
May 21, 2021
So disappointed...
The last two books Books 7 and 8 I have finished were both so disappointing...there was so much promise at first...the previous 6 books were getting better and better! In my opinion...not these two. They are feeling and reading more and more like books knocked out in a rush just to keep it going. So sad. The stories are still well crafted but the repetition is now much more apparent. The characters have boost their character development and growth. The wife of Hugh Corbett and his daughter have become just persons mention a couple times with no detail. My joy at reading a male author who writes great women characters is missing. The women characters in these books are sketchy and back to typical stereotypes...whores, Hurricane, hags, silent, arrogant or absent. Such a shame....such a damn shame. Th wonderful language of the first 6 books gets more absent...some seeming contemporary phrases are creeping in especially in this book where the denouement of this 'case' sound just like that, a contemporary police case. So disappointing....disappointing...disappointing. I will now read the last entry in the series to see where these characters I WAS falling in love with get to...just for completion sake...I hope it is better than these and I will try a couple of the books in his other series just to see how it goes. I hope unlike these they do NOT become just books written to sell and not necessarily to savor....I will add that the research into the topics of these mysteries, like before, are fully researched and are fascinating in encouraging readers to read more about the era covered. Ah, well.
The last two books Books 7 and 8 I have finished were both so disappointing...there was so much promise at first...the previous 6 books were getting better and better! In my opinion...not these two. They are feeling and reading more and more like books knocked out in a rush just to keep it going. So sad. The stories are still well crafted but the repetition is now much more apparent. The characters have boost their character development and growth. The wife of Hugh Corbett and his daughter have become just persons mention a couple times with no detail. My joy at reading a male author who writes great women characters is missing. The women characters in these books are sketchy and back to typical stereotypes...whores, Hurricane, hags, silent, arrogant or absent. Such a shame....such a damn shame. Th wonderful language of the first 6 books gets more absent...some seeming contemporary phrases are creeping in especially in this book where the denouement of this 'case' sound just like that, a contemporary police case. So disappointing....disappointing...disappointing. I will now read the last entry in the series to see where these characters I WAS falling in love with get to...just for completion sake...I hope it is better than these and I will try a couple of the books in his other series just to see how it goes. I hope unlike these they do NOT become just books written to sell and not necessarily to savor....I will add that the research into the topics of these mysteries, like before, are fully researched and are fascinating in encouraging readers to read more about the era covered. Ah, well.
October 21, 2023
The eighth book in a twenty-four-book series, featuring Paul Doherty's Hugh Corbett master spy for Edward I. "The Song of a Dark Angel," is another engaging instalment in the series. Set in November, in the year 1302, the Keeper of the Secret Seal, Hugh Corbett, along with his manservant, Ranulf, and messenger, Maltote, are sent to the icy wastes on the Norfolk coast. At Mortlake Manor in Norfolk, Corbett encounters death and murder, the first being a man's heedless corpse, his head impaled on a pole on the beach, while the pretty young wife of the baker is found hanging from the gallows. Can Corbett find The Dark Angel. What follows is an intriguing and thrilling medieval mystery, in which the cunning and determined Hugh Corbett tries to unravel the truth behind these gruesome murders.
As ever, Doherty gives us an eerie atmospheric read full of treachery and danger. The historical accuracy and storytelling skills shine through in this novel, making it a must-read for fans. It is an intricately plotted novel, with well-developed characters, and vivid historical details that combine to create a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Can you unravel this mystery of mayhem and murder, it is always fun trying to work out who the murderer is. A brilliant and immersive series that gives you the sites, sounds and smells of medieval England.
As ever, Doherty gives us an eerie atmospheric read full of treachery and danger. The historical accuracy and storytelling skills shine through in this novel, making it a must-read for fans. It is an intricately plotted novel, with well-developed characters, and vivid historical details that combine to create a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Can you unravel this mystery of mayhem and murder, it is always fun trying to work out who the murderer is. A brilliant and immersive series that gives you the sites, sounds and smells of medieval England.
October 14, 2019
It has been a long time since I last read something by Paul Doherty. This was highly engaging, a well-told fireside tale. I like the way the action moves along, and the use of some real events in history. I'm less keen (bit of a spoiler this) on the device of a mad person inspired by the voices in their head, which stigmatises people who experience voices. But Doherty is a genius and I look forward to reading more of his books in future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
It's all in the detail
What a heady mixture of murder thieving and treasure throw in Corbett and Ranulph and it's excitement all the way.
I couldn't put the book down lost hours sleep but it was worth it.
I gave this five stars because I was never bored there was always something just around the corner to stimulate and I can't wait to get on to the next book.
What a heady mixture of murder thieving and treasure throw in Corbett and Ranulph and it's excitement all the way.
I couldn't put the book down lost hours sleep but it was worth it.
I gave this five stars because I was never bored there was always something just around the corner to stimulate and I can't wait to get on to the next book.
October 19, 2020
Dark Angel
I chose a five star rating because the story kept me guessing until the very end. The atmosphere of a medieval town and of a remote manor house are well described and is easy to absorb. At times one can almost smell the rotting filth of the city roads. The long uncomfortable rides from place to place make me greatful for modern transport!
I chose a five star rating because the story kept me guessing until the very end. The atmosphere of a medieval town and of a remote manor house are well described and is easy to absorb. At times one can almost smell the rotting filth of the city roads. The long uncomfortable rides from place to place make me greatful for modern transport!
November 19, 2024
Another Great One...
I am re-reading this series after decades. I loved them then, even more so now. Great mystery here and great sadness, all based on actual historic events. Enjoy!
I am re-reading this series after decades. I loved them then, even more so now. Great mystery here and great sadness, all based on actual historic events. Enjoy!
July 16, 2017
King John's treasure .
Very entertaining and up to the high standards of the previous books in the series .
Looking forward to the next book .
Very entertaining and up to the high standards of the previous books in the series .
Looking forward to the next book .
January 17, 2018
What can I say? I adore Doherty's style of writing and Corbett is onе of my most favourite characters of all time. Can't get enough!
March 22, 2018
The story is OK but not as well plotted as some of the previous stories. It is fast paced and engaging, nonetheless, but the outcome is predictable.
July 12, 2018
Great
I just love reading High Corbett stories, always keeps you on your toes. So now on to the next one.
I just love reading High Corbett stories, always keeps you on your toes. So now on to the next one.
November 11, 2018
Liked this one. I really like Paul Doherty. Hugh Corbett and Brother Athelstan are my favorites.
November 7, 2020
Excellent read.
December 21, 2020
A little repetitive. A good piece of fluff.
July 7, 2025
The characters of this series are becoming more flushed out and the storyline was nicely tied into history with creative fictional wrapping.
August 21, 2024
'The Song of a Dark Angel' is the eighth book in the Hugh Corbett series by P.C. Doherty, and it’s a fantastic medieval mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in November 1302, the story takes you to the chilly Norfolk coast, where Sir Hugh Corbett, a secret agent, is sent on a dangerous mission.
The book starts with Sir Hugh Corbett arriving at Mortlake Manor with his loyal servant, Ranulf, and a quick-witted messenger named Maltote. They’ve been sent to Norfolk to investigate some truly creepy and mysterious deaths. The first body they find is particularly gruesome: a man’s headless corpse, with his head stuck on a pole on the beach. Even more disturbing, the young wife of a local baker is discovered hanging from a gallows on a cliff.
The Norfolk coast is as cold and eerie as the crimes they’re investigating. The winds that blow through the area are called the “Dark Angel” winds, adding an extra layer of spookiness to the story. Corbett and his team have to figure out who is behind these horrifying murders while dealing with the harsh environment and the secrets of Mortlake Manor.
Paul Doherty does an amazing job of making the historical setting come alive. The book is full of details about medieval life, which helps you really feel like you’re back in the 1300s. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an important part of the story, making everything feel more intense and realistic.
Hugh Corbett is a smart and determined detective. He uses his brains and his knowledge of politics to solve the mystery. His interactions with Ranulf and Maltote add a lot of depth to the story. Ranulf, in particular, brings some humor and warmth to the book, balancing out the darker parts of the plot.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
The book starts with Sir Hugh Corbett arriving at Mortlake Manor with his loyal servant, Ranulf, and a quick-witted messenger named Maltote. They’ve been sent to Norfolk to investigate some truly creepy and mysterious deaths. The first body they find is particularly gruesome: a man’s headless corpse, with his head stuck on a pole on the beach. Even more disturbing, the young wife of a local baker is discovered hanging from a gallows on a cliff.
The Norfolk coast is as cold and eerie as the crimes they’re investigating. The winds that blow through the area are called the “Dark Angel” winds, adding an extra layer of spookiness to the story. Corbett and his team have to figure out who is behind these horrifying murders while dealing with the harsh environment and the secrets of Mortlake Manor.
Paul Doherty does an amazing job of making the historical setting come alive. The book is full of details about medieval life, which helps you really feel like you’re back in the 1300s. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an important part of the story, making everything feel more intense and realistic.
Hugh Corbett is a smart and determined detective. He uses his brains and his knowledge of politics to solve the mystery. His interactions with Ranulf and Maltote add a lot of depth to the story. Ranulf, in particular, brings some humor and warmth to the book, balancing out the darker parts of the plot.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
May 31, 2021
Another great read
Paul Doherty certainly knows how to weave a good story. He blends fact and fiction so well. Reading some of his books, you wonder how we survived as well as we did! There was corruption everywhere from the court all the way through the Church to the man in the street!
Paul Doherty certainly knows how to weave a good story. He blends fact and fiction so well. Reading some of his books, you wonder how we survived as well as we did! There was corruption everywhere from the court all the way through the Church to the man in the street!
June 7, 2014
It's 1302 and Hugh Corbett, King Edward I's Keeper of the Secret Seal, is sent to Norfolk to investigate a series of murders. Again, this novel is based on fact and has been well researched.
The Pastoureaux (or Shepherds Movement) of France are part of the plot, and the Children's Crusade is also mentioned. A dark but fascinating part of history I wasn't aware of prior to reading this book and was inspired to research afterwards.
The loss of King Johns treasure at the Wash in 1216 is also a large part of the plot, as rumours and myths surrounding the treasure are rife and some characters devote their lives to searching to uncovering the mystery.
Overall, another satisfying medieval mystery. I thought I was close to the end of the series, but just learned that there are another 8 in the series, so I'm really only half way.
The Pastoureaux (or Shepherds Movement) of France are part of the plot, and the Children's Crusade is also mentioned. A dark but fascinating part of history I wasn't aware of prior to reading this book and was inspired to research afterwards.
The loss of King Johns treasure at the Wash in 1216 is also a large part of the plot, as rumours and myths surrounding the treasure are rife and some characters devote their lives to searching to uncovering the mystery.
Overall, another satisfying medieval mystery. I thought I was close to the end of the series, but just learned that there are another 8 in the series, so I'm really only half way.
April 18, 2014
Fun. Warming to this series in a way that I didn't with Alexander Kent. This is a page turner, and with hidden treasure, secret lovers, murder, mystery and mayhem in the mire this bounces along happily. Hugh Corbett is fun as a sleuth with a tadah! 'I am the representative of the king' which gets pulled out of the hat when faced with rude witnesses, and makes the story moves along at a pace. There's no 'I never did it guv, and you'll never prove anything here'! Short and sweet, some clever twists, and a nice tying of loose ends.
October 16, 2012
I really like these Hugh Corbett because I like the historical settings. It's a period I don't know a lot about and Doherty make it seem authentic. I also like the characters. Hugh is a brooding introvert, but he gets his mytery solved and serves the king's interest as well as his own. I would recommend this series for reader's interested in history, especially early English history.
August 25, 2011
Set in 1300, Hugh Corbett is sent to Norfolk to assist in the search for the murderers of some locals as well as investigate a religious cult. Not really a very good mystery - perhaps I've just read too many Cadfael books.
April 14, 2016
Love love love this series just the quality and wealth of description into the tiniest detail, I can almost see and hear and smell mediaeval England coming to life from these pages. Looking forward to the newest tales in this series
Read
July 31, 2013Another really enjoyable historic mystery which made good reading. Always nice when you almost get it right, but not quite.
June 14, 2014
Another great book.
March 13, 2012
A very enjoyable read about the exploits of Hugh Corbett as he solves another mystery.
Read
January 18, 2019Excellent
Paul Doherty is a master storyteller and he never disappoints. I will always know that I will thoroughly enjoy the story and so is the case here.
Paul Doherty is a master storyteller and he never disappoints. I will always know that I will thoroughly enjoy the story and so is the case here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews