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The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #16
A Polluted Font
When Hugh and Kate's new-born son is taken to the church to be baptized, they are astounded to find that the locked font is completely dry. The possibility of a leak is quickly ruled out, and just as Hugh is beginning to wonder if there may be a sinister explanation for the stolen holy water, Fr Robert is found lying motionless by the rood screen in a pool of blood . . .
Meanwhile, parliament has passed a poll tax, stipulating everyone above the age of 14 is to be taxed equally. Folk are soon scrambling to find the money to pay and, inevitably, unscrupulous elements in society see an opportunity to feed off people’s desperation and make some cash . . . But what connection can there possibly between this and events at Bampton?
Mel Starr's latest novel is a thoroughly enjoyable medieval crime mystery. It may be enjoyed as complete in itself, or as part of the Hugh de Singleton series.
Meanwhile, parliament has passed a poll tax, stipulating everyone above the age of 14 is to be taxed equally. Folk are soon scrambling to find the money to pay and, inevitably, unscrupulous elements in society see an opportunity to feed off people’s desperation and make some cash . . . But what connection can there possibly between this and events at Bampton?
Mel Starr's latest novel is a thoroughly enjoyable medieval crime mystery. It may be enjoyed as complete in itself, or as part of the Hugh de Singleton series.
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2023
45 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Melvin R. Starr
26 books306 followersMel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and eight grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 24, 2024
You could read almost every review I've provided on the Hugh de Singleton series and apply it to this book as well. The mysteries are solved and the day gets saved, all without too much tension or heartache. Always fun and easy to read, always a delight to rekindle the relationship with the folks of Bampton.
May 4, 2024
A more gentle (mostly) mystery for Hugh this time and satisfying in the usual ways- history and daily life as the boy King Richard ascends the throne.
These books are always a pleasure.
These books are always a pleasure.
February 8, 2024
Another good installment in this series. Not my favorite, but another solid book.
This book was not as action packed and if anything I felt as frustrated as our beloved Sir Hugh. He seemed to go around and round in circles for most of the story. The author actually eluded to something critical early on, and then had Hugh "forget" about it until the end.
Slight spoilers.... (and, I only add this in case the author or his editor actually read the reviews...)
I'm not sure why the author didn't mention the baby Hugh and his wife lost when he was recounting their children. Most parents mention a child that has passed, when listing their children. The child that died was forgotten. Also, the culprit was to return the holy water and the second key. It is mentioned that the barrel and water inside were returned, but not the key. That is assumed but not mentioned. As it was a critical clue to the story, I thought the loop should have been closed.
I bought this book for myself with my own money. :)
This book was not as action packed and if anything I felt as frustrated as our beloved Sir Hugh. He seemed to go around and round in circles for most of the story. The author actually eluded to something critical early on, and then had Hugh "forget" about it until the end.
Slight spoilers.... (and, I only add this in case the author or his editor actually read the reviews...)
I'm not sure why the author didn't mention the baby Hugh and his wife lost when he was recounting their children. Most parents mention a child that has passed, when listing their children. The child that died was forgotten. Also, the culprit was to return the holy water and the second key. It is mentioned that the barrel and water inside were returned, but not the key. That is assumed but not mentioned. As it was a critical clue to the story, I thought the loop should have been closed.
I bought this book for myself with my own money. :)
October 13, 2023
I think this might be Mel Starr's best mystery yet! I was curious until the last word. I'm always impressed by De Singleton's humility and moral sense. Love this series!
November 15, 2023
Why I Chose This Book: I have been a dedicated follower of the Hugh de Singleton series ever since the first book captured my imagination, particularly due to John Wycliffe's appearance in the story. Having read each book in the series twice, my anticipation for "A Polluted Font" was high, driven by my deep investment in the characters and the narrative world Mel Starr has so vividly created.
My Thoughts: The Hugh de Singleton series has been delightful, offering a unique blend of 14th-century medicine, gripping crime-solving, and likeable characters. Mel Starr's style of writing continues to be a highlight in this installment. Notably, "A Polluted Font" maintains the series' tradition of being accessible as a stand-alone novel, although I would advise new readers to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and the evolving storylines.
However, "A Polluted Font" fell slightly short of my expectations, which is why I've given it four stars. The central crime - the mystery of the stolen holy water - lacked the compelling nature I've come to expect from Starr's work. This plot element failed to evoke the same sense of urgency or danger as previous books in the series. Furthermore, Hugh's role as a surgeon, a facet of his character I particularly enjoy, was underutilized, with him attending to only one patient compared to the multiple intriguing medical cases in past novels.
Despite these shortcomings, my commitment to Hugh de Singleton's adventures remains unshaken. The charm of the series lies in its rich historical tapestry and the interesting occupations of its main character, which continue to be a draw for me. I read "A Polluted Font" eager to see what Hugh would encounter next and, despite my critiques, I am looking forward to the next chapter in this engaging series. My connection to Hugh and the world Starr has crafted is strong, and I am invested and will continue to read the books as they come.
I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
My Thoughts: The Hugh de Singleton series has been delightful, offering a unique blend of 14th-century medicine, gripping crime-solving, and likeable characters. Mel Starr's style of writing continues to be a highlight in this installment. Notably, "A Polluted Font" maintains the series' tradition of being accessible as a stand-alone novel, although I would advise new readers to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and the evolving storylines.
However, "A Polluted Font" fell slightly short of my expectations, which is why I've given it four stars. The central crime - the mystery of the stolen holy water - lacked the compelling nature I've come to expect from Starr's work. This plot element failed to evoke the same sense of urgency or danger as previous books in the series. Furthermore, Hugh's role as a surgeon, a facet of his character I particularly enjoy, was underutilized, with him attending to only one patient compared to the multiple intriguing medical cases in past novels.
Despite these shortcomings, my commitment to Hugh de Singleton's adventures remains unshaken. The charm of the series lies in its rich historical tapestry and the interesting occupations of its main character, which continue to be a draw for me. I read "A Polluted Font" eager to see what Hugh would encounter next and, despite my critiques, I am looking forward to the next chapter in this engaging series. My connection to Hugh and the world Starr has crafted is strong, and I am invested and will continue to read the books as they come.
I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 11, 2023
I’ve been reading the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton almost since the beginning, and I’m more than willing to admit some of the books were better than others. This one, I think was one of the better ones. Mel Starr has managed to so something quite remarkable in this book- allow for there to be a complex mystery, investigation and a satisfactory conclusion with no murder having taken place. A man is attacked and left with a head injury but is not killed.
Another interesting aside: this series has spanned a length of time almost as long as I have been reading the series. The first book was set in 1364 and this one take place in 1377. I first discovered this series in 2011. Twelve years to Hugh’s thirteen. I had wondered for some time how the series would cover the death of Edward III and some of the more tumultuous events at the end of his reign, if it got that far. I think it handled both well, and some of the events were even woven into the story. Considering how some of the laws and political changes might have impacted on ordinary people was the backdrop of the story.
My only sort of gripe was the negative portrayal of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Hugh never met the man, so why does he consider him corrupt, greedy and untrustworthy? Yeah, he was unpopular with some commoners, but Hugh is not a commoner. Seems more like the interpretation of modern historians if you ask me. I’ve read a biography of John of Gaunt and I don't think this image reflects reality, or at least its too simplistic.
Anyway, The Polluted Font was an interesting and detailed mystery which also managed to explore the importance of compassion and forgiveness, and even to make you feel sorry for the antagonist. It also explores the importance of religion to 14th century people, without some of the pitfalls of the genre which include treating all Medieval Catholics as bad and the proto-Protestant character as the only real believer.
Thanks to SPCK and Lion Fiction for approving me for this title via Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Another interesting aside: this series has spanned a length of time almost as long as I have been reading the series. The first book was set in 1364 and this one take place in 1377. I first discovered this series in 2011. Twelve years to Hugh’s thirteen. I had wondered for some time how the series would cover the death of Edward III and some of the more tumultuous events at the end of his reign, if it got that far. I think it handled both well, and some of the events were even woven into the story. Considering how some of the laws and political changes might have impacted on ordinary people was the backdrop of the story.
My only sort of gripe was the negative portrayal of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Hugh never met the man, so why does he consider him corrupt, greedy and untrustworthy? Yeah, he was unpopular with some commoners, but Hugh is not a commoner. Seems more like the interpretation of modern historians if you ask me. I’ve read a biography of John of Gaunt and I don't think this image reflects reality, or at least its too simplistic.
Anyway, The Polluted Font was an interesting and detailed mystery which also managed to explore the importance of compassion and forgiveness, and even to make you feel sorry for the antagonist. It also explores the importance of religion to 14th century people, without some of the pitfalls of the genre which include treating all Medieval Catholics as bad and the proto-Protestant character as the only real believer.
Thanks to SPCK and Lion Fiction for approving me for this title via Netgalley. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 20, 2025
A baptismal font is empty of its holy water, and Hugh must discover who stole the water and for what purpose. The thieves go through a lot— and I mean a lot— of trouble to steal a few gallons of holy water. I’ve got to wonder why. They are thieves after all, and their moral compass is already broken, so why not pass off regular water for holy water? And who is buying it? Don’t they wonder where it came from? There are probably priests; we’ve already seen a few whose moral compass is broken who would bless water for a fee. Unfortunately, Hugh stumbles about for most of the book. When it is clear, all he has to do is make it known that the font has been filled with new water. Then wait with two men, as his wife suggested. Waiting outside the church with a few men and capturing whoever exits the church with a barrel filled with water would solve the mystery. Instead, he seems to be tentative. He only discovers a clue while waiting in the dark and relying on his spy, holly man friend. Actually, the holly man could have solved the case himself given clearer directions. Not the best Hugh De Singleton book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
The 16th in a wonderful series, they just keep getting better and better! It can easily be read as a stand alone however it’ll make you want to read them all if you haven’t.
I’ve got a long association with Bampton having moved there over 20 years ago, the books are written so accurately that you can easily see the characters in the location and feel the atmosphere- just brilliantly written. Keep this series going please Mel, they are fabulous!
Many thanks to the author publishers and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review
I’ve got a long association with Bampton having moved there over 20 years ago, the books are written so accurately that you can easily see the characters in the location and feel the atmosphere- just brilliantly written. Keep this series going please Mel, they are fabulous!
Many thanks to the author publishers and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2023
When the font at Bampton is found to be empty of holy water, Hugh Singleton is charged with investigating. The aftermath of the Plague means that money is tight and the King has enacted a new Poll Tax, every person has to pay and this makes some desperate. Hugh is also charged with demanding the tax from the people of Bampton. Could the disappearance of the Holy Water be connected to the need for individuals to raise money quickly?
This is the sixteenth volume in this very entertaining series. It's short, it's fun and it's beautifully researched. A comfortable read
This is the sixteenth volume in this very entertaining series. It's short, it's fun and it's beautifully researched. A comfortable read
March 10, 2024
I had a hospital appointment so I picked up a light paperback that I knew would be a light read to keep me occupied on the almost an hour-long tram journey.
Melvin Starr's Chronicles are light and entertaining. He does appear to have swallowed an encyclopaedia of Mediaeval meals and has to liberally throw them in like punctuation marks (he doesn't even give us a clue how they're made of what they might taste like, it's just a "porridge of pease" or a "coddle of eggs and ... whatever"), and his doubting Thomas of a Hugh, potential kindling on some heretic's fire of the future, committing himself to his diaries... I see trouble ahead, methinks, forsooth!
Yes, the language...
Yet despite all these eccentricities the stories remain interesting, entertaining... fun. And they ARE a light read.
Melvin Starr's Chronicles are light and entertaining. He does appear to have swallowed an encyclopaedia of Mediaeval meals and has to liberally throw them in like punctuation marks (he doesn't even give us a clue how they're made of what they might taste like, it's just a "porridge of pease" or a "coddle of eggs and ... whatever"), and his doubting Thomas of a Hugh, potential kindling on some heretic's fire of the future, committing himself to his diaries... I see trouble ahead, methinks, forsooth!
Yes, the language...
Yet despite all these eccentricities the stories remain interesting, entertaining... fun. And they ARE a light read.
July 27, 2025
I listen to this an audiobook. This is a continuation in a series of books, set in mediaeval England. Hugh de Singleton is a surgeon and bailiff. Someone has stolen holy water from a font. He sets out to discover who is the culprit and if they’re willing to go so far as to murder someone to cover their crimes. This was one of the authors shortest books in the series. It was enjoyable, I will continue with the series as more books are released. I appreciate the detail to history as these books are also set during plague times.
November 4, 2023
I didn’t make it all the way thru this book. I will try again another time. I do normally like this series, however this story line just didn’t grab me. It seemed (as others have said) too tame. That may not be exactly the correct word, but I haven’t found a better descriptor yet. I always like the characters, and am sorry when we have to loose one.
November 11, 2023
I love this series and this was another great well written entry. The mystery was solid with the usual twists an turns. However since there is no murder it did loose a bit of the excitement. However it's probably more realistic as there can't always be murder or there will be no-one left. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2024
Always nice to find my way back to the comfortable--albeit crime-prone--life in 14th century Bampton.
This is just another straight-forward murder mystery but interesting in how locks were made/unmade at that time. Who would have known how expensive a lock is and why "holy water," would be a purloined product.
Happy to see the family's grown.
This is just another straight-forward murder mystery but interesting in how locks were made/unmade at that time. Who would have known how expensive a lock is and why "holy water," would be a purloined product.
Happy to see the family's grown.
November 23, 2024
This was an interesting read. Not something I'd normally pick up. I felt like the story was a bit slow to start, but began to pick up. I ended up liking Hugh, but really liked his wife, Kate. I thought the reason the fonts were empty was a little "meh." I thought the head injury to Father Robert, and Hugh's "patch" was interesting.
October 5, 2023
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. And this latest one too. However, I did find it very tame in comparison to the others as no one was murdered. Not very exciting hence the 4 stars instead of the 5 I usually give.
November 7, 2023
This novel made me discover a very interesting historical mystery series. It's a twisty and gripping novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The background is vivid, and the mystery is solid.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The background is vivid, and the mystery is solid.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 15, 2024
Enjoyable as ever, but a little slight, perhaps? It is probably hard to convey the veneration of holy water in period to a modern audience, and I am not sure this book was quite up to filling the gap, although the tie-in to the wider events and how they affected the ordinary people of England was nicely-done.
September 19, 2024
I always enjoy a visit to mediaeval Bampton with Sir Hugh. I was disappointed that this episode wasn’t made available on audible though as a very short book I wonder if it was felt people wouldn’t pay a credit for it.
October 11, 2023
Yes this book was well written but very tame in comparison to others in the series. Looking forward to next book. Hugh may have some "reformation" in him.
October 19, 2023
I thought it was boring. I usually like this saga. This one about stollen water for the church was not engagin at all. I think Mr. Starr can do better.
October 30, 2023
I just love the history and the realistic characters in these books!
December 21, 2023
A good entry in the series- always interesting to visit the surgery.
August 22, 2024
I like the regular characters in these books. It was a nice story.
November 25, 2024
It's a really lame story. Poorly plotted and no character development.
December 4, 2024
Another exciting read!
This was a quick read, however, it was a very exciting and suspenseful story. You feel you’re right there with Sir Hugh.
This was a quick read, however, it was a very exciting and suspenseful story. You feel you’re right there with Sir Hugh.
June 17, 2025
This episode was unfortunately very boring and unsatisfactory.
September 2, 2024
A time when holy water was worth stealing
A mystery without a murder. This is a book for those who are fascinated with the ordinary life of ordinary people in the early medieval period in England. I was,captivated by every day life as our hero has to solve this serious crime. Oh. And the king has died leaving a ten year old boy as the new king. And while such things happen in the distance, they do influence everyone's life. Each book continues the history of these very real fictional characters. It is a good idea to read them all. And read them in order.
A mystery without a murder. This is a book for those who are fascinated with the ordinary life of ordinary people in the early medieval period in England. I was,captivated by every day life as our hero has to solve this serious crime. Oh. And the king has died leaving a ten year old boy as the new king. And while such things happen in the distance, they do influence everyone's life. Each book continues the history of these very real fictional characters. It is a good idea to read them all. And read them in order.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews