The Death of a King

The Death of a King follows Hugh Corbett, a clerk in the court of Edward I, as he investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of King Edward II at Berkeley Castle. Set in England during the turbulent period of 1327, the novel traces Corbett's dangerous mission to uncover whether the deposed king truly died as officially reported. Corbett must navigate treacherous political waters and rival factions while gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses connected to Edward II's final days. His investigation takes him from London to Bristol and Berkeley Castle, where he encounters nobles, clergy, and commoners who may hold pieces of the truth. The Death of a King presents a historical mystery that examines questions of power, loyalty, and truth in medieval England. Through its exploration of a pivotal moment in English history, the novel considers how official accounts can diverge from reality and how the fate of kings can hinge on the actions of those who serve them.

Readers find P.C. Doherty's portrayal of Edward II's final days engrossing for its historical detail and dark atmosphere. The book's interpretation of medieval politics and court intrigue draws particular notice. Liked: - Detailed research on 14th century England - Complex portrayal of relationships between characters - Tight pacing and building tension - Clear writing style that makes complex history accessible Disliked: - Some found it too dark and graphic - A few readers noted confusion between similar character names - Critics said the ending felt rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (182 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (47 ratings) "The historical detail transported me right into medieval England" - Goodreads reviewer "A bit too violent for my taste but fascinating perspective on Edward II's demise" - Amazon review "Character development gets lost in the historical facts at times" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🗡️ Edward II's death at Berkeley Castle in 1327 has long been disputed by historians, with the infamous "red-hot poker" story being just one of many theories explored in Doherty's detailed investigation. 👑 P.C. Doherty holds a PhD in English History from Oxford University, bringing scholarly expertise to his examination of this medieval mystery. 🏰 Berkeley Castle, where Edward II met his end, still stands today and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle. 📜 The book draws from previously unpublished documents and chronicles, including the "Fieschi Letter," which suggests Edward II may have escaped death and lived as a hermit in Italy. ⚔️ Queen Isabella, Edward II's wife, was nicknamed the "She-Wolf of France" for her role in deposing her husband and ruling alongside her lover Roger Mortimer until her son Edward III took power.