Step into the shadowy, thrilling world of Hugh Corbett, where medieval mysteries unravel amidst the gritty intrigue of 13th-century England! Paul Doherty’s beloved Hugh Corbett series follows the sharp-witted clerk and spy, Sir Hugh Corbett, as he serves King Edward I, solving crimes that threaten the crown. With a knack for untangling conspiracies and a heart devoted to justice, Corbett’s adventures blend historical authenticity with pulse-pounding suspense, perfect for fans of Ellis Peters or C.J. Sansom.
From satanic cults to treacherous spies, each novel immerses readers in a richly detailed world of flickering torchlight, royal courts, and perilous streets. Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, Corbett’s tales offer a captivating escape into a time where danger lurks in every shadow.
How Hugh Corbett Began
Born from the mind of historian and author Paul Doherty, the Hugh Corbett series debuted in 1986 with Satan in St. Mary’s. Doherty, a medieval scholar with a doctorate from Oxford, drew on his deep knowledge of the era to craft a hero who navigates the political and social complexities of Edward I’s reign. Inspired by the need for a fresh take on historical mysteries, Doherty created Corbett as a principled investigator, blending the deductive prowess of Sherlock Holmes with the moral grit of a medieval knight.
Doherty’s passion for the Middle Ages shines through, grounding the series in meticulous research. His experience as a headmaster and lecturer also shaped his storytelling, making the novels both educational and wildly entertaining. Over the decades, the series has grown to 25 books, each a testament to Doherty’s love for history and intrigue.
The Heart of Hugh Corbett
The series kicks off with Satan in St. Mary’s (1986), where Corbett investigates a suspicious suicide linked to a sinister secret society, the Pentangle. In The Assassin in the Greenwood (1993), he’s dispatched to Nottingham to probe Robin Hood’s outlaw antics and a sheriff’s murder. Satan’s Fire (1995) sees Corbett unravel a fiery conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, while The Mysterium (2010) pits him against a cunning killer in 1304 London.
Themes of loyalty, justice, and the clash between power and morality weave through each tale. Corbett, often aided by his loyal servant Ranulf-atte-Newgate, faces locked-room mysteries, serial killers, and political plots, all set against a vividly painted medieval backdrop. Doherty’s style is brisk yet atmospheric, balancing intricate puzzles with gritty details of medieval life—think muddy streets, plague-ridden villages, and whispered court secrets.
The series’ strength lies in its historical immersion. Doherty doesn’t shy away from the era’s darkness, from superstition to brutal justice, but Corbett’s integrity and wit keep the stories accessible and engaging. Fans praise the blend of suspense and historical depth, making each book a standalone adventure that also builds a larger saga.
Why Hugh Corbett Resonates
The Hugh Corbett series has carved a niche in historical mysteries, earning a devoted following for its blend of cerebral sleuthing and vivid world-building. Doherty’s ability to make medieval England feel alive—complete with its smells, sounds, and dangers—sets the series apart. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon laud its “clever twists” and “outstanding” depictions, with many calling Doherty a master of the genre.
Its lasting appeal lies in Corbett himself: a hero who’s both relatable and extraordinary, navigating a world of betrayal with unwavering resolve. The series has inspired readers to dive deeper into medieval history, while its influence echoes in modern historical mysteries. With a new book, Immortal Murder, slated for 2025, Corbett’s legacy continues to captivate.
- First Book: Satan in St. Mary’s (1986)
- Total Books: 25 (as of 2025)
- Setting: 13th-century England under Edward I
- Awards: Doherty received the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for educational contributions, enhancing his historical works’ credibility
Ready to unravel medieval mysteries? Grab Satan in St. Mary’s and dive into Hugh Corbett’s thrilling world of spies, secrets, and suspense!