In 1300, an English privateer named 'The Waxman' was trapped and overrun by two powerful war cogs flying the streamers of the powerful Hanseatic League of North Germany. The ship was carrying a casket containing the 'Carta Mysteriosa', a collection of valuable and detailed maps and sea charts. The rulers of Europe, not to mention their merchant princes, would wade through a sea of blood to obtain them.

Three years later Wilhelm Von Paulents, a representative of the Hanseatic League, comes to England. Rumours have it that he owns the sea charts and Sir Hugh Corbett is sent to negotiate with Von Paulents. But the German visitors fall ill of some mysterious ailment and then, on the morning of the fourth Sunday in Advent, Corbett is summoned to a scene of bloody mayhem and murder: Von Paulents, his wife, son and clerk have been barbarously assassinated. The 'Carta Mysteriosa' have not been stolen. So why were the murders committed and by whom? Corbett investigates and, once again, he enters the world of shadows to confront the Seed of Cain.

Murder, treachery, intrigue and betrayal abound in the fascinating fifteenth tale to feature medieval sleuth Hugh Corbett

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.

Reviews
Praise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *
A romping good read * Time Out *
Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *
This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *



Book Information
ISBN 9780755328840
Author Paul Doherty
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Headline Book Publishing
Publisher Headline Publishing Group
Weight(grams) 222g
Dimensions(mm) 178mm * 117mm * 27mm