"The Waxman Murders" is the 15th in the series by Paul Doherty, mysteries "featuring medieval sleuth Hugh Corbett." It certainly seems to be his best, as well.
This series, one of at least five for Doherty, is set in 1303 and concerns a long-hidden map to a large fortune of treasure, hidden sometime during King John's reign. Needless to say, the pursuit of this treasure, as well as the map, over the years has quite a history, a history of more than just lucre, but of royal intrigue and, yes, murder. This is where, naturally, Sir Hugh, the official representative of the current King, Edward I, comes in.
A few years earlier, a war cog named "The Waxman" sails into the estuary and reportedly carries "The Cloiser Map," the map to lead its owners to the treasure. Alas, treachery and subterfuge come into play and "The Waxman's" crew, except one, are executed as pirates (which they are) but no map is found at that time.
Later, a representative of the Hanseatic League arrives in England (supposedly in possession of the now-found map) for a meeting in Canterbury. Coincidentally, Corbett is also descending upon Canterbury on a mission from the king to hear a domestic murder case. It just so happens that when he arrives, murder raises its head, and everything, sooner or later, becomes related and involved. The representative of the League, his family, and servant are found hanged. Other murders follow.
Corbett and Doherty are clever, of course, and in no time all the clues point to murders of revenge (it doesn't stop here) based upon an earlier set of crimes and with their usual deftness the case is cleared up. But not before the reader is able to enjoy a well-written medieval mystery, one that displays well-contrived character inter-actions and relationshiops. Doherty always has a good tale and this one in this series seems his best. It seems to be better written, too, as if more time was devoted to the book. Corbett is an interesting character, as he's evolved well over the 15 books. Perhaps Doherty should develop Corbett's assistants (Ranulf and Chanson) in greater detail (both are very interesting and show possibility). "The Waxman Murders" is well crafted and rides the waves in a fine, ship-shape fashion.