Step into the thrilling world of Matthew Corbett, where colonial America brims with mystery, danger, and a young hero who’s part Sherlock Holmes, part James Bond! Robert McCammon’s Matthew Corbett series is a historical mystery saga that transports readers to the gritty, superstitious 18th century. With its blend of nail-biting suspense, rich historical detail, and a charismatic problem-solver, this series is a hidden gem for fans of adventure and intrigue.
From witch trials in the Carolinas to shadowy conspiracies in New York, Matthew Corbett’s journey as a detective-like figure captivates with its vivid settings and timeless themes of justice and truth. Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, this series promises a wild ride through a world where evil lurks and courage shines.
How Matthew Corbett Began
Robert McCammon, a New York Times bestselling author known for horror classics like Swan Song, pivoted to historical fiction with the Matthew Corbett series. It all started with Speaks the Nightbird in 2002, born from McCammon’s fascination with colonial America and detective fiction. After a decade-long writing hiatus, he crafted Matthew as a unique hero—a young clerk turned problem-solver blending Sherlock’s wit, Bond’s action, and a dash of Dick Tracy’s flair for weird villains. McCammon aimed to create a ‘time machine’ of sorts, immersing readers in the colonial era’s gritty realities while weaving gripping mysteries.
The Heart of Matthew Corbett
The series spans ten books, each plunging Matthew into perilous investigations. Speaks the Nightbird (2002) introduces him in 1699, defending a woman accused of witchcraft in Fount Royal, a town gripped by fear. The Queen of Bedlam (2007) sees Matthew in 1703 New York, hunting a serial killer dubbed ‘the Masker’ amid a bustling city. Mister Slaughter (2010) shifts to high-stakes action, with Matthew escorting a cunning murderer, Tyranthus Slaughter, in a manhunt that echoes The Silence of the Lambs. The finale, Leviathan (2024), wraps Matthew’s quest to unravel a mysterious mirror and defeat his nemesis, Professor Fell.
The series shines through its themes of justice, resilience, and the clash between superstition and reason. McCammon’s colonial America is vividly alive—think muddy streets, flickering taverns, and whispered fears of witches. His mysteries blend historical accuracy with supernatural hints, creating an atmosphere that’s both grounded and eerie. Matthew’s growth from naive clerk to seasoned investigator, paired with memorable characters like Hudson Greathouse and Berry Grigsby, keeps readers hooked across sprawling adventures.
Why Matthew Corbett Resonates
The Matthew Corbett series has earned a devoted following for its genre-blending brilliance, often hailed as ‘the Early American James Bond’ by USA Network. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its immersive storytelling and McCammon’s knack for crafting villains as complex as Hannibal Lecter. The series’ mix of historical depth and pulse-pounding plots appeals to readers who crave more than typical mysteries. Its exploration of societal fears—witch hunts, corruption, and moral ambiguity—feels strikingly relevant, cementing its place as a modern classic in historical fiction.
- Publication Years: 2002–2024
- Number of Books: 10
- Notable Award: Speaks the Nightbird won the 2003 Independent Publisher Book Award for Historical/Military Fiction
Ready to unravel colonial conspiracies with Matthew Corbett? Grab Speaks the Nightbird and dive into a world of mystery and adventure that’ll keep you guessing till the last page!