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eososray's review
3.0
After the tragic loss of his wife and child, Hugh Corbett became a King's Bench clerk. When Bishop Burnell becomes suspicious about the death of a murderer who had claimed sanctuary at St Mary's Le Bow, he assigns Hugh the task of finding the truth in the matter.
This was an okay story. I wasn't that keen on the character of Hugh Corbett, mostly because of his odd relationship with tavern owner Alice atte Bowe.
The combination of paganism, murder mystery and politics was just too much for a short book like this.
This was an okay story. I wasn't that keen on the character of Hugh Corbett, mostly because of his odd relationship with tavern owner Alice atte Bowe.
The combination of paganism, murder mystery and politics was just too much for a short book like this.
tiffwaffles's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is an interesting book. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy my time with it. It's the first book in the Hugh Corbett Medieval Mysteries series- but it is not the first time I was introduced to the character since I read a book further on in the series. You do have an interesting mystery and of course the plot twists are fun (if not a bit predictable).
As for Hugh Corbett himself... he's a good character. It's clear that the author put in a lot of thought towards the creation of this character. However, sometimes I felt that his voice mingled in with the rest of the cast- which made it difficult for me to grow attached to him. He's a charming hero when we get bits and pieces of who he is as a person. His backstory is especially tragic and I would have loved to see that past come to the forefront of Hugh's life, but since this was more plot driven, it's understandable that the story was on the mystery.
Which speaking of the mystery- while this aspect of the book was fun to read, I did figure out who was responsible pretty early on in this book. Pretty much the moment we are introduced to one of the players in the story, I knew that they were the antagonist of the book and they were responsible for what had happened. I was proven right in the end. Which led to me being bored since I felt like there was little point in finishing the book. However, I persevered and was a little disappointed since the book went in the direction that I had predicted.
That said, I did enjoy this book for what it was. I love medieval European history and I adore mysteries, so to read a book that combines both my loves is excellent. I love learning new things and this book did not disappoint since I found myself researching a lot of the history associated with this book, so that was an added bonus.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to reading more of Hugh Corbett's adventures in future. He may not be a Sir Baldwin de Furnshill (Michael Jecks) or a John de Wolfe (Bernard Knight)... he's not even a Justin de Quincey (Sharon Kay Penman), but the character definitely has grown on me even though I felt like I was being held at an arms length when it comes to getting to know who he is.
As for Hugh Corbett himself... he's a good character. It's clear that the author put in a lot of thought towards the creation of this character. However, sometimes I felt that his voice mingled in with the rest of the cast- which made it difficult for me to grow attached to him. He's a charming hero when we get bits and pieces of who he is as a person. His backstory is especially tragic and I would have loved to see that past come to the forefront of Hugh's life, but since this was more plot driven, it's understandable that the story was on the mystery.
Which speaking of the mystery- while this aspect of the book was fun to read, I did figure out who was responsible pretty early on in this book. Pretty much the moment we are introduced to one of the players in the story, I knew that they were the antagonist of the book and they were responsible for what had happened. I was proven right in the end. Which led to me being bored since I felt like there was little point in finishing the book. However, I persevered and was a little disappointed since the book went in the direction that I had predicted.
That said, I did enjoy this book for what it was. I love medieval European history and I adore mysteries, so to read a book that combines both my loves is excellent. I love learning new things and this book did not disappoint since I found myself researching a lot of the history associated with this book, so that was an added bonus.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to reading more of Hugh Corbett's adventures in future. He may not be a Sir Baldwin de Furnshill (Michael Jecks) or a John de Wolfe (Bernard Knight)... he's not even a Justin de Quincey (Sharon Kay Penman), but the character definitely has grown on me even though I felt like I was being held at an arms length when it comes to getting to know who he is.
tome15's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Some solid history. But I have been spoiled by Lindsey David when it comes to historical who-done-its.
vesper1931's review
4.0
1284 in the reign of Edward I, it seems that there are traitors everywhere. Chancellor Burnell instructs Hugh Corbett, clerk, to investigate the death of a goldsmith Duket, after Duket had killed a Ralph Crepyn. But Corbett is soon drawn into a more dangerous situation.
I enjoyed this well paced mystery and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I enjoyed this well paced mystery and look forward to reading the next in the series.
trillianmagic's review
5.0
Maybe 4.5 stars. Just as skillfully written and enjoyable a read as I remember.
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