Popsugar reading challenge: a book about a horse or with a horse on the cover
The Devil’s Hunt- by Paul C Doherty
Paul C Doherty is a really famous historical mystery writer, especially in regard to the middle ages, although he has done both Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Rome. I have read a lot of his Hugh Corbett stories, which is set in the 14th century, under the reign of Edward I. I think the problem with the series, however, is that he ended up reusing an idea for so many times because it worked so well the first few time. Later on, the pattern in the Hugh Corbett series is that Hugh Corbett would solve the crime, only for his servant (Ranulf) to kill them despite the former not wanting this. It almost as if they are just stuck
But at the same time, I do enjoy reading a book set in the Middle Ages and the writer clearly knows that period of history very well. I do still recommend it, although as I said, I reached a point where I stopped due to feeling it is too repetitive.
Hugh Corbett is the main character and he started off as a clerk, eventually reaching quite a high position. His servant, Ranulf, was once a criminal that was sentenced to hang. Hugh actually met Ranulf in the very first book. There is a slight contradiction, though. In the first book, Ranulf was black haired and has blue eyes, only to then have red hair and green eyes. But I think Ranulf is probably my favourite character because he is much more interesting due to his chequered past, as well as being more ruthless.
This is the book where Hugh’s other servant, Maltote dies. Maltote is a complete contrast to Ranulf- he was a soldier, but is unable to use any weapon. However, he is extremely skilled with horses, as well as bearing a deep love for them.
This book has them investigating a murder in a university and initially, Ranulf was actually reading works by St Augustine, even contemplating being a priest. However, with Maltot’s death, he decided against this.
‘And I intend to kill again,’ Ranulf added, ‘I intend to hunt down my friend’s assassin and carry out an execution.’
‘That must be done by the due process of law,’ the priest hastily replied.
‘I will kill him, Father.’
The priest crossed himself. ‘Then I cannot give you absolution, my son.’
‘No, Father, I don’t suppose you can,’ Ranulf genuflected and, without a backward glance, walked out of the church.
The criminal was an old noble woman that once served the King and due to both her status and position, it was likely that she would not have been punished, but sent to a nunnery. I really like how there were constant hints of Ranulf’s decision throughout Hugh revealing how the crime was committed.
Corbett looked at Ranulf, who just stood with his back to the door, arms crossed, staring down at the floor. There was no excitement, none of his usual desire to participate in the questioning. Corbett hid his unease.
‘I am sure that the King would be merciful,’ Corbett replied, ignoring Ranulf’s black looks.
Corbett looked at Lady Mathilda. He felt uneasy. Ranulf’s silence and grim face made the hair on the nape of his neck curl in fear.
Ranulf actually put poison in the wine he got for them, having obtained the poison to give the fatally injured Maltote a quick death. I thought this whole next bit was written really well.
She put the cup to her lips and sipped. Her eyes rounded in alarm as Ranulf, with a vice-like grip, seized her hand. He stood up, pushed back her head, forcing more wine down her throat.
‘And Ranulf-atte-Newgate toasts you!’ he hissed. ‘You asked for wine, you bitch, now drink deep of the poison.’
She struggled, but Ranulf held her fast.
‘You killed my friend, you malicious, murdering bitch! And, when I’ve finished with you, I’ll settle with Master Moth as well!’
Ranulf ignored the pounding on the door and Corbett’s yells from outside. He held the cup firm, his eyes glaring in fury.
‘Never trust a Plantagenet,’ he whispered, ‘Drink the poison. Go down to hell and tell the Lord Satan that I, Ranulf-atte-Newgate, sent you there!’
Afterwards, Hugh would be really angry at what happened and remind Ranulf of their first meeting, and Ranulf’s reply was super touching.
‘I remember it everyday, Master. In my life I have had two friends: one I met that day, the other was poor Maltote. So before you object, Sir Hugh, remember Maltote. That bitch,’ he spat out, ‘really had planned to spend the rest of her days in some comfortable nunnery! Justice has been done. Not according to your likes, but, as Father Luke said when he hanged Boso, it’s what God wanted.’
When Maltote died, Ranulf actually says this: ‘I had two friends, now I have only one.’ It is really touching to see him explain that he actually value Hugh as a friend, but also sad as there’s the reminder that his other friend, is no longer there.
Later on, Hugh does get another servant, who is very different from Maltote and even though Ranulf does seem to have develop a certain friendship with him, I feel that there is still a slight distance.
In regard to how this fit the prompt, it is because Maltote love horses so much, and this is the final book he is in.
