Summer 1312. The brutal murder of King Edward II's favourite, Peter Gaveston, unleashes a horde of demons . . .
Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, hastens to the Dominican Priory at Blackfriars where Gaveston's corpse awaits burial. But, on arrival, Corbett discovers that a series of macabre murders has turned the priory into a mansion of death, and a killer is roaming free.
Meanwhile, rumours spread that the pirate ships of the Black Banner Fleet are intent on entering the River Thames and, if the Sea Beggars succeed in their mission, they will weaken the king's power throughout the city.
Once again, Corbett must employ his wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous and deadly challenges ahead and bring the culprits to justice before matters turn grave indeed.
What readers say about Paul Doherty:
'Paul Doherty's depictions of medieval England are truly outstanding '
'Another brilliant story in the excellent Hugh Corbett series by a superb historical author '
' Good plots, clever twists and mostly impossible to work out'
Review
His fascination for history comes off the pageโDaily Express
Deliciously suspenseful, gorgeously written and atmosphericโHistorical Novels Review
Paul Doherty has a lively sense of history . . . evocative and lyrical descriptionsโNew Statesman
An opulent bouquet to satisfy the most murderous appetiteโNorthern Echo
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.