Mürekkep İzi

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #3

by Melvin R. Starr

"Üstat John Wyclif'i daha önce bu kadar kederli gördüğümü hatırlamıyorum. Her şey nihayet sona erdiği zaman bana bir âlimin kitaplarını çalmanın bir erkeğin karısını çalmak kadar külfetli bir iş olduğunu söyledi.

Ancak o zamanlar bir karım veya pek fazla kitabım olmadığından, bu düşüncenin doğruluğunu tayin edebilecek bir durumda değildim."

İşte Oxford yakınlarındaki ortaçağ kasabası Bampton'da cerrahlık yapan Bampton Kalesi mübaşiri Hugh de Singleton'ın yaşamından enfes ve merak uyandırıcı bir öykü daha. Hugh kitapları arayışında en az kendisi kadar etkili olan güzel Kate'e abayı yakmıştır.

Birkaç kararlı hasım onu durdurmaya çalışmaktadır, ancak bunun nedeninin açgözlülük mü, yoksa daha kişisel bir garez mi olduğu bilinmez. Sonra nehirde kitaplardan birini satmaya çalışan yoksul bir öğrencinin cesedi bulunur: fakat görünüşe göre delikanlı öylece nehirde boğulmamıştır...

"Çok çeşitli karakterleri ve basit bir dille anlatılmış hikâyesi ile Mürekkep İzi okuyucuya 14. Yüzyıl mutfağı ve toplumsal adetleri hakkında geniş bir manzara sunuyor. Yazarın John Wyclif'in öğretilerinin yarattığı politik ve dini etkilerin çoğundan kaçınmış olması romanı genç yetişkinler için kusursuz bir hikâye haline getirmiş."
-Historical Novel Society-

"Bu kitabın en etkileyici yönlerinden biri de, Mel Starr'ın hikâyeyi yazmadan önce yaptığı araştırmaların derinliği olsa gerek. Yazar hikâyeyi bir ortaçağ cerrahının ağzından kalmayıp Ortaçağ'a dair günlük yaşam şartları, yemekler, giysiler ve çok daha fazlasına ışık tutuyor. Hem de son derece heyecan verici bir biçimde."
-Mustard Seed Reviews-

"Yazar, okuyucuları sürekli bir merakta bırakacak geçişler ve gelişmeler yaratmak konusunda çok yetenekli. Özellikle ortaçağ gizemine meraklı okuyucular bu müthiş eğlenceli kitabı ellerinden bırakamayacaklar."
-Mini Book Bytes-

"Kitap büyük bir özenle kurgulanmış ve Mel Starr'ın hikâyelerin geçtiği dönem hakkında sahip olduğu bilgi birikimi müthiş!"
-Susan Lutes-

"Mel Starr bana göre okuyucuyu yakalayarak, neyi kimin yaptığını öğrenene dek sayfaları karıştırmaya devam ettirecek hikâyeler yazmayı gerçekten iyi beceriyor. Mel Starr ve muhteşem kahramanını tanıdığıma çok memnun oldum. Bu kitabı ısrarla tavsiye ediyorum."
-Vic's Media Room-

"Bu kitap son sayfasına kadar eğlenceli bir gizem havasında devam ediyor. Yazarın okuyucuya Ortaçağ'da yaşıyormuş hissi veren, akıcı üslubuna bayıldım."
-Tammy is Blessed-

"Bu tazeleyici romanı hem yetişkin, hem de genç okuyucular için şiddetle tavsiye ediyorum!"
-The Ramblings of Two Readers-
(Tanıtım Bülteninden)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Crime

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Mel 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.

Reviews

[Annet · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton are pretty good reads for those fans of medieval or historic books. I agree with other reviewers, this third book in the Chronicles is better than the second, as it has a varied mix of mystery, crime, love, monasteries, Oxford university life at the time... very enjoyable. What amuses me about this writer is that he pays particular interest to the food which comes to the table every day, described in detail.... and the potages vary in quality ;-).
This writer is I think well prepared to write a historic story, shows knowledge of the times, but at the same time knows how to put down an entertaining story. Look forward to the next book.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trail of Ink: The Third Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon is the 3rd book in a luminous medieval series by Mel Starr. This brilliant time capsule of a novel is tailor made for fans of historical fiction and detective stories. Hugh de Singleton is a character so real, so human that the reader identifies with his duo plights, that of finding stolen books and at the same time, winning the hand of Kate, a merchant's daughter. The writing is both crisp and inviting, capturing each emotion and action perfectly. Master John Wyclif is an especially noteworthy character, in that he is both a scholar, and held in high esteem, yet also a man who values his books( at the time so very valuable as each were handwritten) over most other things. Mr. Starr has created a world of his very own, this one taking place near Oxford, in which even the most discerning of readers will want to return to over and over.
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really much of a mystery but, to be fair, it's hard to make missing books into an interesting plot. It seemed like the real point of this book was to show Hugh's efforts to get a wife.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kıssadan Hisse ile içine düştüğüm Ortaçağ'dan çıkmayı istemedim bir türlü. Mürekkep İzi ile devam etmek çok iyi geldi. Üç veya dört aylık periyotlarla Ortaçağ' ı konu eden romanları ya da kurgu dışı kitapları okumayı sürdüreceğim bundan sonra da.

Mürekkep İzi, yazarın önsözünde belirttiği gibi bir gezinin getirdiği tesadüflerin ve tanışıklığın samimiyetiyle yazılmış. Bampton'un tarihi dokusu ve Oxford'un ilk halini okumak, tıbbın o zamandaki uygulamalarını öğrenmek ve Ortaçağda bir soruşturmanın aşamalarında hazır bulunmak büyüleyiciydi. Aşk da vardı elbette, güzel ve akıllı Kate için rakiplerin çekişmesi, sevenlerin kalplerinin olduğu kadar zihinlerinin de buluşması heyecanlıydı. Eş seçiminin, boşanmanın imkânsızlığı yüzünden o yıllar için ne kadar önemli olduğunu hatırladım bir kez daha.

Okurlar için başlangıca sözlük konulması iyi düşünülmüş bir kolaylık. Günlük yaşamın yemekten ibadete, giyim kuşamdan temizliğe kadar ayrıntıları, zamane meslekleri, okumayı keyiflendiren unsurlardı; hele kitapların değeri! Bir âlimin hayatı boyunca kendi kitaplığını oluşturmasının güçlüğünü, en fazla 50 kitaba sahip olabilmesini anlamama rağmen üzüldüğüm bir gerçekti.

Cerrah Hugh de Singleton serisinin dilimize çevrilmiş üç kitabından ikisini okumadan üçüncüye başlamak delice bir karardı, biliyorum, ama hiç pişman olmadım:) Yazar, Singleton'un önceki maceralarından ve bulduğu çözümlerden hiç söz etmeseymiş daha iyi olurmuş diyeceğim sadece. Serinin diğer kitaplarını orijinalinden okumayı düşünüyorum.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh de Singleton is a reluctant detective in the tradition of Brother Cadfael. A fourteenth century surgeon turned bailiff on the Cotswolds estate of Lord Gilbert Talbot, Hugh has a knack for solving puzzles. This one involves the stolen books of none other than Master John Wyclif, the non-conformist and translator of the Bible into English for whom the Christian mission organization Wycliffe Bible Translators is named. As a librarian myself I was particularly anxious to have these books found and returned undamaged. As he looks for the books, Hugh is able to court Kate Caxton, daughter of an Oxford bookseller. (William Caxton brought the printing press to England in a century later. I doubt Starrs choice of name was accidental. Alas, Kate is an only child so we cant imagine William as a book-loving descendant.)

I am enjoying this series tremendously for its authenticity and dry wit as much as for its mystery. Pigs are much like men. Or perhaps men are like pigs: we think little of what todays pleasure may cost tomorrow. ( p 32-33) I admit that I did feel a bit disappointed that Hugh arrived just a few minutes too late for us to enjoy the action of the climax (although he was there to stitch up the wounded.) Hes not a man of physical action, but I would have liked to see him ducking and perhaps tripping up a malefactor during the melee.

Starr uses quite a bit of period vocabulary. Most of it is more or less understandable in the context, but there is a glossary if you want precise meanings. The books stand alone, but like in the Brother Cadfael series, relationships develop along the way, so they are most enjoyed in sequence.


Later: I loved how Kate played a significant role in sleuthing.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Trail of Ink (Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton #3) - Mel Starr By this point in the series, Hugh should be dead about 100 times over. He just has this knack for getting himself into situations that he should see coming from a mile away. I'm not entirely sure how he ever actually solves a mystery. My favorite character at this point just might be Hugh's horse, Bruce.
 
All of that aside, I'm still reading the next book. They are quick light reads. I have all of the available books in e-book form. They are my bedtime books. 

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched and well written, A Trail of Ink drew me with the writer’s individual and unique style. It took me a few pages to get used to it, but as the mystery continued, I grew to really like the way it was written. Sounding everything like a personal diary of Hugh’s, it reminded me of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books.

Hugh was a pretty interesting character. He had a very funny sense of humor – I found myself chuckling at a few points in the book. His courtship with Kate was very cute. She seemed a very strong character and I love how she put Hugh at ease with calling on her. They will make the perfect couple.

The characters in the book were all very well fleshed out in just about every way except appearance. Since this book was written like Hugh’s own personal diary, I can understand how guys wouldn’t be taking up a few paragraphs to describe how a person looks. But it would have been nice to know what Kate looked like beyond extremely comely, or what Jack looked like beyond immense in stature and strength. But, while these details would have been nice, it didn’t ruin the book for me. I still was able to connect with the characters – obviously, because it is written as a personal diary, I connected with Hugh the most. But I grew to really like Jack’s protectiveness and Kate’s fearlessness and strength. Wonderful characters!

The mystery was well thought out. And using John Wyclif’s books as the object to center a mystery around was brilliant on the part of the author. Very unique. The mystery made me realize how prized books were back then, in comparison to now – where they are nearly growing out our ears! (Not that that’s a bad thing!)

All in all, it was an enjoyable read, though if you don’t appreciate the way it is written, I think it would be a very hard read for someone. A few times in the book the plot dragged, but not much and it usually picked up quickly. Mel Starr has a very interesting voice in his books and I would probably pick up another of his books in the future.

[Susan in NC · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, which is "I really like this" on my personal rating scale; it didn't make it to 4 stars because it took me five days to read this slim volume, it just didn't pull me in and make me rush back to read more.

I read a lot of historical mysteries so I don't necessarily expect gripping action and a spanking pace, but I do expect a sense of urgency that makes me want to keep reading. This series, which I do intend to keep reading, is more character-driven and very enjoyable for the wry, self-deprecating young hero, Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Bampton Castle. His friendship with Master John Wyclif of Oxford adds a lot of interesting insights into the religious thoughts and feelings of the period (1365). This entry in particular is really more about the romance between Hugh and Kate Caxton, daughter of an Oxford stationer; Hugh treated her father for a back injury in the last book (Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel).

Here, Hugh faces off against a rival for Kate's affections as he searches for books stolen from Master John; Kate helps in his investigation as their courtship continues apace. The story is fun and funny as deals with the powerful men trying to hold up his investigation; is it to cover up the whereabouts of the stolen books, or for more personal reasons? An easy-going and enjoyable read, I look forward to following the further adventures of Hugh, Kate, Master John and friends in both Bampton and Oxford.

[Diane Standish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Hugh de Singleton series. Hugh is engaged to find the 22 books of his mentor John Wycliffe, stolen from the masters room. Hugh also continues his wooing of Kate, the booksellers daughter. An assortment of ambushes, trials and intrigue make this a good third book of the series. Recommend

[Laura Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugh seemed unusually dense in this one. Why he was so slow on the uptake regarding Sir Simon's malicious ill will might be the real mystery in this book. He kept on dismissing it as a somewhat trivial matter. And he also kept missing or misreading clues about the missing books. Seems this case was solved by good luck more than skill.

I also wish the author had chosen a rival suitor for Kate's affections other than Simon. Left with these two choices (Hugh and Simon), only an idiot would choose Simon over Hugh. I'd much rather see Hugh win Kate's favor in an even contest, not by default. One good thing, however. It wasn't a long, drawn out affair as Simon showed his true colors early on.

While I think the author does a good job rendering the essence of the times, he may have laid it on too thick this time around in regard to Hugh's meals. We were giving a detailed rundown every time he ate. A bit much. Also, I thought I would puke if I had to hear how comely Kate was one more time.

I've enjoyed the series thus far (only three books into it though), but I hope the next is a bit better, more like the first two. I do think it will be interesting to see Hugh and Kate married and working together.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Táto časť sa mi veľmi páčila (čítala som ju v poradí ako druhú, ale nevadí, pre pochopenie deja sa pár vecí aj zopakovalo, takže som bola v obraze). Historické prostredie, vyšetrovanie zločinov a liečenie, samozrejme aj tu sú stále spomínané jedlá, zamyslenia sa nad teologickými problémami, romantické dvorenie... a záhada zmiznutých kníh ma naozaj zaujala. Odporúčam.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read from this series, the more I like it. It helps that I'm learning something new with each book, but I like the characters and very much enjoyed this book's resolution. Putting the culprit in his place must have brought Hugh a great deal of satisfaction :)

[Joseph Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review for book one.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying the series.

[Michelle Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third book in the Hugh de Singleton series was a good listen. Hugh has made some progress toward finding a wife. The single life has left him lonely and in want of a wife.

3.5

I am going to continue with the series for sure!

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a speed read. There is so much travail in the world during the pandemic, that I couldn't linger during the suspenseful bits and just turned the pages quickly. Still love these characters. Still love the authentic medieval medical miracles. Still enjoy the respectful romance. Still like the theological reflection. Don't dispense with the theological reflection please. We need more of that.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent plot and interesting characters with a good narration by an award winning performer. Christian based morality.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel Starr is a good writer who manages to create a believable, English medieval world. I found the pace of this book slightly faster than his others - I think because it is set in a busy city (Oxford) - and the action is on the go throughout. I also like the way he has built his story up in stages; initially our hero, Hugh, goes to Oxford to find some missing books (only 22 of them, but in those days that was more than most educated scholars would collect in a lifetime) and try to win himself a bride at the same time. Complications start to set in quite early and it's not long before murder and violence raise their ugly heads.
If I have a criticism (and it's a small one) the villains are bad throughout - they might as well wear black and a sign saying "I'm a bad 'un". Despite that, this is an easy, enjoyable read that I would recommend wholeheartedly.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure and episode in the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon (although also bailiff for Lord Gilbert of Talbot at Brampton).
The theft was nicely introduced at the end of the previous book and I was quite surprised that it has taken me this long to reurn to the series to read about it.
I like the swift moving style of the narrative and even though I feel that I can envisage the scenes, they do not seem as 'overdescribed' as in similar books. However, I did think that the meals at Canturbury Hall became a bit repetitious in their inclusion, much as the pottage must have been there.
I suppose it could be said that the novels are a bit formulic - but I dont really care as they make for a good tale .
As the story ends with our hero entering a new paragraph of his life with Kate , one cant but notice that all of his adversaries in this story were not rounded up.

[MsMax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very laid-back reading, but the author knows his subject, what it was like to live in the late 14th century, i.e. clothing, food, social systems, etc. and of course, the history surrounding his characters. I especially enjoyed this title, Trail of Ink, because the story involved the inns and streets of 1380's Oxford.
Another facet of Starr's series, I appreciate, he provides maps of whatever area his character travels in the respective story. Starr also includes a Glossary at the beginning of his tales for identifying medieval terms used throughout the book. However, in this 3rd story involving Oxford, Melvin only provided a thumbnail map of 1375 Oxford that has almost no information you can make out. Consequently I had to avail myself of online research to find a map with more detail so I could follow Hugh about.

[Bethan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting tale about Master Hugh Singleton. Light and easy to read.
Again, I have to take issue with the research done on the book. Lot of references to Duke John, but his older brother was not called the Black Prince during his life. Wish that the author wouldn’t make such silly mistakes (previous book had people eating meat during Lent, would never have happened in the Middle Ages)

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really great book that's easy to get on with. A good page turner. The author brings you straight into the story like few other writers can. Characters are so believable and stories straightforward to follow. Great read. On to the fourth!

[Linda Finlayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like a detective who examines his own motives why he searches for the miscreants.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third "Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon" by Mel Starr and is entitled A Trail of Ink; however, it is the fourth mystery in this series that I've read. I purchased the second and fourth chronicles from our library book sale and have obtained the first and now the third book in the series from our state-wide library "LINK+" program; this copy came from Contra Costa in Northern California (east of San Francisco) while I live but twenty miles north of the border with Mexico.

But back to this medieval mystery....

As I had already read the fourth chronicle, I knew the outcome of several plot lines already, but it was nice to see them unfold in detail rather than gather the major points in a quick summary as the fourth tale began. Unlike the other three chronicles I've read of this series, this tale took place mostly in Oxford as Hugh seeks twenty books (precious possessions in those days!) belonging to Master Wyclif of Canterbury Hall. As Hugh has often consulted Master Wyclif on matters both mysterious and personal, it was enjoyable to have a plot focused solely on this Oxford professor whose revolutionary theology sparked the pre-Reformation in England. I have often come across Wycliffe in my studies of church history, so his theology was not new to me.

But one of the aspects of this series that I most enjoy is the rhythm of life structured around the Holy Days of the Church and the way in which medieval life was drenched in Christian thought and practice. I enjoy also the gentle unfolding of these mysteries which may take weeks or even months to solve...which is much more realistic than the few days or perhaps a week devoted to many modern mystery novels. Mr. Starr has captured not only the slower cadence of life in medieval times, but also the focus of medieval thought and life centered on worship and the Church Year. As a confirmed Anglican, I am pleased to know the dates of Michaelmas and Candlemas along with many of the other Saints' Days and other Holy Days.

This story opens dramatically with the missing books which are the basis of Master Wyclif's livelihood as well as his continued studies as a theologian and philosopher. These chronicles have such a realistic tone about them as Hugh can be taken down wrong paths as he tries to solve the various crimes that come his way. He has an aptitude for solving mysteries, but he is not exceptionally intelligent as many sleuths are; he often must be pointed into a more promising line of inquiry by Master Wyclif or Lord Talbot or later, Kate Caxton. Yet Hugh de Singleton is a gifted surgeon, and here he shines. It is his intellectual curiosity and his need to do right by God and his fellow beings that drives him in solving mysteries. Sometimes he regrets certain steps he has taken, but he always rectifies his mistakes along the way. He is a humble man, a true man, and an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances due to his life's work as a surgeon and also as Lord Gilbert Talbot's bailiff in the village of Bampton (within a four hours' ride of Oxford).

I hope to search out more books in this series, and it seems that our LINK+ system carries the first nine of the ten books currently available. I'll order the fifth and work my way through the rest as I continue to follow the "Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon."

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book three, Hugh’s mentor, Master John Wycliff, is beside himself; someone stole 22 books from his chambers. In 14th Century England, books were a commodity and a status of wealth and knowledge. They were extremely expensive and hard to replace. The loss was devastating as it could take a lifetime to replace. Hugh immediately begins investigating the thief. He does this to help his mentor and gives him a reason to stay in Oxford and court Kate.

Between looking for the stolen books, courting Kate, defending himself against another of Kate’s suitors, and a dead body, Hugh has gotten his hands full. The cost of 22 books is a small fortune; however, the theft wasn’t about money but revenge. And the thief almost got away with it wasn’t for pesty Hugh and his lists. In an attempt to divert attention, the thief attempted to sell one of the books, but the stationers were aware of the theft and let Hugh know. Unfortunately, the seller could identify the thief, and that would lead to the thief. Hugh knew once he discovered the murderer, he would find the thief, and he did, with a little help.

In the end, Hugh finds the books, catches a murderer, gets the girl.

I definitely, enjoyed this book better than the second and maybe more than the first. With every book, Hugh is growing into his role. He becomes smarter and more confident but very humble at the same time. He only used his position and relationship with Lord Gilbert as a last resort. Lord Gilbert, not much. He trusts Hugh beyond reproach.

The reason I love reading series is you develop a relationship with the character. I’m able to watch them succeed and fail. I get to see them grow with each experience, and over time I can watch their family grow or shrink. I’m so happy Hugh found love, and with someone who is just like him, Kate is perfect for him.

I’m looking forward to the next book and reading about their adventures. 4 stars

[PeterK B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this series (The Unquiet Bones) was my favorite of the series so far ... the second one (A Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel) was fine too: 3.5 stars, perhaps. This third book was just OK. It takes place in Oxford and the primary crime is the theft of some valuable books from Master John Wyclif. A great deal of time and space are devoted to investigating this mystery ... it's the theft of books, not a murder. Yawn.

Admittedly, the pace picks up in the final third of the book. Having said that, I do find the protagonist Hugh to be well rounded, interesting and likable. His personal life finally gets better in this book too; romance is nice but give us a more dramatic plot! And a greater sense of urgency, motivated by a more serious crime.

Starr does a decent job of depicting the 1300s in England, but you won't find the gritty descriptions of the era provided by some of the more acclaimed authors of historical fiction/mystery: the filth, the stink, dead dogs in the street, people pouring the contents of chamber pots into the street. That will be fine for some readers, but I prefer a more accurate depiction of the era.

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel Starr begins the 3rd book in his series, A Trail of Ink, with a new and different mystery for his main character.

Hugh de Singleton is sent by his lord to London to help John Wycliff locate and recover his stolen books. On a happier note, Hugh is also encouraged to renew his acquaintance with the stationary seller's daughter--although it may be too late for that. A handsome young knight has been hanging around the shop, viewing Kate's happiness at Hugh's return with spiteful jealousy.

While on the surface, it seems like this particular mystery is played for low stakes, Hugh finds himself in more precarious positions than ever before. Neither the retrieval of stolen books nor the course of true love run smooth.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven't read the first two in the series yet I was able to follow the story just fine.

The author Mel Starr has a remarkable gift for language. This story takes place in 14th century Oxford and is written in a way that really makes you feel as though you're there.

The characters (especially Hugh, Kate, Master John, and Arthur) are well written. I enjoyed the relationship development between Hugh and Kate.

Overall this book was well written and enjoyable to read.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd in series. Set in 1365 England. This is an enjoyable series Of medieval mysteries. The author is well-versed in medieval times . He has studied both medieval surgery and medieval English so he certainly knows what he’s writing about in these books. Descriptive and engrossing, I am already looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series that Chronicles the world of Hugh de Singleton , a surgeon and bailiff who manages to come across a murder or two.