It's the "most scholarly" of the Hugh Corbett mysteries!

That's easy to conclude, as the setting of this tenth mystery in this series is in the university town of Oxford! P.C. Doherty has put his super sleuth, actually the "king's clerk," Sir Hugh Corbett, to work solving a tiresome problem for his friend and majesty King Edward I in "The Devil's Hunt." Severed heads of beggars are found in the wood around Oxford --witchcraft, Satanism, and rituals of the "old ways" spring to mind and Edward will have none of it. In addition, the Bellman has posted several notices around town warning that his revenge will know no bounds. He is determined to avenge the death and degradation of de Montfort, Edward's enemy in a civil war some 40 years earlier. And corpses of college officials begin appearing, reflecting the handiwork of this unknown Bellman.

Hugh is called out of retirement and agrees to help the king. Thus, with his trusty assistants Ranulf and Maltote, Corbett strikes out for Oxford and for what he hopes is a quick solution to the king's problem.

Unfortunately, it is not so simple. More murders occur and the plot (and blood) thickens.

Naturally, by the time this tenth installment of the Corbett series comes to a close, all is well for the king. There are some sad turns of events in store for readers who have followed this series, however. Doherty's plot seems far more researched, more complicated than some of the earlier works. His ability to juxtapose the events of the late 13th century with modern thought and reasoning--not to mention writing styles!--is well documented. He clearly is able to make modern audiences appreciate that time period for what it was--oftentimes cruel, far less refined, and justice at the caprice of the king. He captures the tone and atmosphere of medieval England quite well.

The author, who writes under a number of other names as well--Michael Clynnes,

Paul Harding, Paul Doherty, Anna Apostolou, to name a few--seems a dedicated historian and well worth the time spent in reading his exciting--and convincing-- historical mysteries. His eleventh Corbett edition ("The Demon Archer") awaits.

(Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Oxford in the 14th Century was a dirty, tumultuous, unique locale, and Doherty's prose conveys it with nuance rather than adjective overload. Much preferred over the Ian Morson Falconer series, Doherty's Hugh Corbett series reaches a major turning point in this book. From the beginning, it is clear that events of long-lasting significance in the career of His Majesty King Edward's Principal Clerk and Keeper of the Secret Seal will occur before the resolution of the mystery. Or should I say, mysteries. Headless corpses, locked room murders, academic rivalry, faith, family, and obligation are all played out to their end games in this fine addition to the series.

While I cut my teeth on Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael, Doherty's Hugh Corbett is a character of greater dimension and breadth than the good Brother ever was. And Corbett's supporting cast has always been superior to the cardboard cutouts in the Cadfael series. My only complaint with Doherty is that his villains are sometimes a bit thinly drawn, but overall I have devoured the series greedily. I only hope there is more to come.

In the summer of 1303 in Oxford, England, crime suddenly abounds. Someone is killing beggars, severing their heads, and tying them by their hair to trees just outside the university city. At the same time, the Regent of Sparrow Hall, John Copsale, is found dead. Rumors abound that the "Bell Man", a mysterious individual who posts seditious letters on church doors, killed the educator. A murder of the college librarian follows, leaving the city trembling in fear and shock..

King Edward II orders his royal clerk, Sir Hugh Corbett, to investigate the three mysteries at Oxford. Especially of interest to his highness are the antics of the Bell Man, who seems to relish invoking the ghost of the deceased rebel Simon de Montfort. More murders occur and Corbett soon finds himself in perilous danger even as he knows he must continue his inquiries or else fall into disfavor with Edward.

The tenth Corbett novel is a brilliant historical mystery that brings to life Medieval society in a very compelling manner. This will propel readers to want to peruse the previous nine tales. Corbett is a great sleuth and the multiple who-done-its are well designed and fun to read. However, it is the grime of the era (Flynn never seemed dirty) that makes P.C. Doherty's tenth book a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, especially the Middle Ages.

Harriet Klausner

A group of boys on a Scottish island accidentally slip back in time to an age when the local lord conducts a Wild Hunt, with human prey, once a year. The boys, soon recognized as "strangers", must use their wits just to survive ... and, beyond that, to save the locals from this tyranny.

The tale is told at a cracking pace, and it's a great adventure story. But it's more impressive than that. McCracken has the knack of portraying children the way they really are, not the way that doting adults would like to think sweet little kiddiewinkies are; this realism is refreshing. Also, he's doesn't flinch from some of the ghastlier consequences of his plot: for example, one of the boys is killed and another suffers torture. Because of this darker side to the book, the sense of involvement is hugely increased: the threats aren't just Tom & Jerry stuff but very real - something that will be hugely appreciated by young-adult readers, who get tired of being shielded by well meaning adults from the unpleasant truths of life that they can see in the newspapers.

But don't get the impression the book's just for young adults. At the grand old age of, er, fiftysomething I sat up late devouring it. Grand stuff!

This book follows the adventures of a group of kids who travel backwards in time - and have to cope with the baddies and the goodies! This is a fantastic book, which not only presents historical fact in a way which doesn't feel like learning but is also totally absorbing. It's absolutely fascinating.
The next book please!

Although this book is intended for the "next generation", I found it well worth reading, and was impressed with Ms. Hunt's thorough and detailed coverage of the assassination, and its aftermath, including an examination of every possible theory as to "who killed JFK". Being a large-size "coffee table" book, there are, of course, many photographs, which adds immensely to its impact. "JFK for a New Generation" is a great addition to the subject for both newcomers and oldtimers alike.

I am afraid that I found this book utterly disappointing. Expecting people to have realised that old-fashioned fox-hunting is as much a tradition as gladiator fighting or slavery used to be, I was shocked to see that someone still seems to find it enjoyable. The fact is that countless scientific studies show that fox-hunting is not necessary, and as to all other arguments, what is wrong with drag-hunting? The only answer is that blood-thirsty hunters would not find it as much fun.

This is a book full of character and characters of an age that will not be seen again. The relationships between employer and employee of an era where etiquette and manners were all too important. It provides the reader with a real feeling of how the hunting circle worked and how a man devoted to his job through his love for the hounds and the countryside dealt with the changing landscape and attitudes over the decades. Well worth every penny, and a must have for anyone intested in foxhunting and country pursuits.

Robards is God , mind you some lesser mortals may call him the anti-Christ ! .My hunting career began as a child ,around the age of seven , with the Stonhall Harriers hunted by Miachel O' Shaughnessy M.H. & George Kennedy M.H. and with The County Limerick Foxhounds hunted by Lord Daresbury M.F.H. & Hugh Robards. I have early memories of Mr. Robards and all of them still send chills down my spine.At the sight of him arriving at the meet with those Old English Hounds, man and beast knew something special was going to happen today.With this book Mr. Robards instills that same thrill of the chase into words. The thrill and excitement he generated in those early days sealed my faith , I entered Hunt Service. For those interested in the art of venery all I can say is that I have insisted on my whips reading it before the opening of cubbing.(Diana rather than Venus!)The highest compliment I can pay this book is that it was easy to read , I finished it in two evenings!

This brief sketch of Ireland's great dramatist is a good introduction to O'Casey's life and art. If you've read his plays and are seeking more insight into the man, and the source of his writings, this book will help. The book is brief, however, and it simplifies several complex issues in O'Casey's life--such as his troubled relationship with the Abbey Theater and his nation's struggle for independence. Therefore, I can recommend Hunt's biography to the casual reader who has little background in Irish history, O'Casey, and the literary life of the 20th century.