Eduardo I de Inglaterra llega a York para entablar negociaciones secretas con la orden del Temple, pero su llegada coincide con la enigmática muerte de un extranjero consumido por un extraño incendio.
El propio rey es agredido por un misterioso personaje que desaparece tras una cortina de fuego, y decide encargar a Hugo Corbett y a su inseparable Maltote la investigación de estos diabólicos incendios que tienen desconcertados y atemorizados a todos los habitantes de York.

Eduardo I de Inglaterra llega a York para entablar negociaciones secretas con la orden del Temple, pero su llegada coincide con la enigmática muerte de un extranjero consumido por un extraño incendio. El propio rey es agredido por un misterioso personaje que desaparece tras una cortina de fuego, y decide encargar a Hugo Corbett y a su inseparable Maltote la investigación de estos diabólicos incendios que tienen desconcertados y atemorizados a todos los habitantes de York. Corbett sospecha inmediatamente que detrás de estos fenómenos se esconde el largo brazo de Craon, el famoso espía francés, pero lo que ignora es que también tendrán que vérselas con los templarios.

I've been trying for more than 6 months to buy a copy of this book, but I couldn't order it as it's out of print! I made the difficult decision to keep on reading the series, and skip this one until I could track down a copy - argh, but I hate when things aren't 'in order' so I've been desperate to get this book!! I finally found a second hand copy for sale on eBay, and snatched it up straight away and have just finished reading it.

I enjoyed it, but the relief at having read it and now restoring 'order' to the series was also, sadly, more important to me than it should have been (sigh).

Okay, all that aside, what's it about? It's another of the medieval mysteries featuring the King's Keeper of the Secret Seal, Sir Hugh Corbett. This time murders are being committed during a visit to York by members of the Order of the Temple. Corbett is asked by King Edward to investigate these murders at the hand of a mysterious fire that seems to erupt from hell.

Another enjoyable read, and the end of a book saga that has bothered me for some time. ( )

Like all P. C. Doherty's books about Hugh Corbett, a rattling good read. A Mediaeval murder mystery that brings to life the sounds and smells of the cities, villages and people of the period. Great characterisation, well researched (the author knows the period exceptionally well), gentle humour combined with suspense and some "religious" terror. Un-put-down-able. Thoroughly recommended. ( )