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The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #2
A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel
Alan, the beadle of the manor of Bampton, had gone out at dusk to seek those who might violate curfew. When, the following morning, he had not returned home, his young wife Matilda seeks out Master Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of the manor. Two days later Alan’s corpse is discovered in the hedge, at the side of the track to St. Andrew’s Chapel. His throat has been torn out, his head half-severed from his body and his face, hands, and forearms lacerated with deep scratches. Master Hugh, meeting Hubert the coroner at the scene, listens carefully to the coroner’s surmise that a wolf had caused the great wound. And yet. . . if so, why is there so little blood?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2009
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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 - 30 of 201 reviews
September 11, 2016
When venturing into the pages of a Mel Starr novel, one steps into medieval England in the mid 1300s. Thoroughly enjoy these sojourns in the villages and across Shill Brook with the incomparable Hugh de Singleton Surgeon and bailiff of Lord Gilbert's estate and village. For those unfamiliar, Master Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon a character of many fine points that the author develops quite well. Singleton is Oxford educated and medically read and trained. He is friend of John Wycliffe (Bible Translator). He is not married, though he longs for the comfort and warmth of a wife.
The story is written first-person with the voice of Singleton. Author Mel Starr is a historian by education and trade and has thoroughly research this series of period novels. Included in the front of the book are words and terms to help understand the terminology of the period. But you don't feel as though you are reading a history book. As Hugh de Singleton rides Bruce, the horse given him to use about the village and castle's business, he ponders the varied events that he must resolve and charge the culprits for the poaching and murders that trouble his village.
The story takes the reader through the mental exercises, daily treks and journeys, meals of loaves of bread and ale and pieces of meat taken cold because he missed meal time. Mel Starr writes with ease and knowledge about the life and times and the status of different folk. How each person's job or status determined the lodging and even the quantity, frequency, and types of food they are able to eat.The reader will gain an appreciation for the laws of the period about ownership, poaching, curfews, and simple rights or lack of rights. You grasp the social order and the privilege of rank that exists.
Singleton is trying to solve multiple murders and poaching that occurred on his Lord's estate and in going about this, his skills as a detective/bailiff are used but also his knowledge, and "cutting edge" opinions and skills as a surgeon.
I began this series in the middle and have now read six of the books. I had to go back and start with the first book. I found Starr's style different and refreshing. It was interesting to read this period book and I felt that I could trust Starr's interpretation of the customs of the time.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of A Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel from Kregel Publishing on behalf of the author for the purpose of my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide favorable comments. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story is written first-person with the voice of Singleton. Author Mel Starr is a historian by education and trade and has thoroughly research this series of period novels. Included in the front of the book are words and terms to help understand the terminology of the period. But you don't feel as though you are reading a history book. As Hugh de Singleton rides Bruce, the horse given him to use about the village and castle's business, he ponders the varied events that he must resolve and charge the culprits for the poaching and murders that trouble his village.
The story takes the reader through the mental exercises, daily treks and journeys, meals of loaves of bread and ale and pieces of meat taken cold because he missed meal time. Mel Starr writes with ease and knowledge about the life and times and the status of different folk. How each person's job or status determined the lodging and even the quantity, frequency, and types of food they are able to eat.The reader will gain an appreciation for the laws of the period about ownership, poaching, curfews, and simple rights or lack of rights. You grasp the social order and the privilege of rank that exists.
Singleton is trying to solve multiple murders and poaching that occurred on his Lord's estate and in going about this, his skills as a detective/bailiff are used but also his knowledge, and "cutting edge" opinions and skills as a surgeon.
I began this series in the middle and have now read six of the books. I had to go back and start with the first book. I found Starr's style different and refreshing. It was interesting to read this period book and I felt that I could trust Starr's interpretation of the customs of the time.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of A Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel from Kregel Publishing on behalf of the author for the purpose of my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide favorable comments. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 25, 2019
3.5 stars for this 2nd chronicle of Hugh de Singleton. I liked the first book a bit better, because it told more about the life and background of Master Hugh, leading up to a crime story. This one plunges right into a medieval crime mystery. All in all, quite a nice book to read.
August 27, 2016
c2009.Such a sweet little book made enjoyable because of the historical details. The crime is secondary to the life of the various classes in medieval England. Lovely details of the meals eaten and the reasons for the various components. However, the best things about this book is the wry, dry and subtle humour that consistently weaves through the chapters. FWFTB: beadle, curfew, surgeon, severed, wolf. FCN: Master Hugh de Singleton, Thomas atte Bridge, John Kellet, Lord Gilbert (in absentia but looms over the story, Katherine Caxton. A few typo errors - eg P 69 and 167. "I traded a glance with the coroner. We exchanged raised eyebrows. At such moments I often try to raise but one eyebrow, as does Lord Gilbert Talbot. But I have been unable to master the pose.I am convinced it is an ability to which only the gentry are born."
October 22, 2012
Melvin R. Starr'ın yazdığı Cerrah Hugh de Singleton'un ''ikinci'' günlüğü CESEDİN ŞİFRESİ okundu, bitti.
Kitabı büyük bir keyifle okudum. Karakterler gerçekçi, kurgu nefes kesiciydi. Kitabın geçtiği dönem (1300'lü yıllar) çok iyi betimlenmişti. Ve diyebilirim ki, yazar gerçekten yüreği ile yazıyor. Esrarengiz bir olayı çok iyi kurmuş, başarıyla çözmüş. :))
Beni bir polisiye romanı olarak en çok etkileyen kısım ise olayların geçtiği dönem. Hugh bir mübaşir olarak katilleri bulmakla görevli, aynı zamanda da bir cerrah olarak cesedi incelemekle yada insanları tedavi etmekle. Büyüleyici kısmı ise şu; o dönemde olmayan aletlerle bunları yapıyor.
Yazarı kimi yerlerde fazla ayrıntıya girmiş buldum, fakat o ayrıntılarda yine o dönem hakkında bizi bilgilendirmeye çalışmış.
Sanırım bu seriyi de bu yüzden seviyorum. Evet yazarın dili başarılı. Çevirisi kusursuz. Kurgusu soluksuz okunuyor. Ama beni çeken kitabın geçtiği dönem... Ne yapayım yani, o dönemleri seviyorum. :)):))):)) Bir kadının yemeğini beğendiğinde geğirip geğirmemeye karar vermek, ibadete giderken kırmızı giysin yoksa o gün kilisiye gidememek... Ve zamanımız da bol bulunan her şeyin o zamanlarda kısıtlı olması. Mesela et veya bir çift ayakkabı...
İşte Cesedin Şifresi'nde geçen olaylar da, olayların çözümü de yasak avcılığa ve bir ayakkabıya bağlı.
Kitapta cinayetler işleniyor. Çözümler aranıyor. Altta yatan sebep ise belli; ''açgözlülük''.
Kısacası Cesedin Şifresi, bize ders veren kitaplardan biri, aslında. Ve kitabı başarılı kılan da yazarın bu konuda ki ustalığı.
Ben bu kitabı severek, bir çırpıda okudum bitirdim. Ve kesinlikle tavsiye ederim !!!
Kitabı büyük bir keyifle okudum. Karakterler gerçekçi, kurgu nefes kesiciydi. Kitabın geçtiği dönem (1300'lü yıllar) çok iyi betimlenmişti. Ve diyebilirim ki, yazar gerçekten yüreği ile yazıyor. Esrarengiz bir olayı çok iyi kurmuş, başarıyla çözmüş. :))
Beni bir polisiye romanı olarak en çok etkileyen kısım ise olayların geçtiği dönem. Hugh bir mübaşir olarak katilleri bulmakla görevli, aynı zamanda da bir cerrah olarak cesedi incelemekle yada insanları tedavi etmekle. Büyüleyici kısmı ise şu; o dönemde olmayan aletlerle bunları yapıyor.
Yazarı kimi yerlerde fazla ayrıntıya girmiş buldum, fakat o ayrıntılarda yine o dönem hakkında bizi bilgilendirmeye çalışmış.
Sanırım bu seriyi de bu yüzden seviyorum. Evet yazarın dili başarılı. Çevirisi kusursuz. Kurgusu soluksuz okunuyor. Ama beni çeken kitabın geçtiği dönem... Ne yapayım yani, o dönemleri seviyorum. :)):))):)) Bir kadının yemeğini beğendiğinde geğirip geğirmemeye karar vermek, ibadete giderken kırmızı giysin yoksa o gün kilisiye gidememek... Ve zamanımız da bol bulunan her şeyin o zamanlarda kısıtlı olması. Mesela et veya bir çift ayakkabı...
İşte Cesedin Şifresi'nde geçen olaylar da, olayların çözümü de yasak avcılığa ve bir ayakkabıya bağlı.
Kitapta cinayetler işleniyor. Çözümler aranıyor. Altta yatan sebep ise belli; ''açgözlülük''.
Kısacası Cesedin Şifresi, bize ders veren kitaplardan biri, aslında. Ve kitabı başarılı kılan da yazarın bu konuda ki ustalığı.
Ben bu kitabı severek, bir çırpıda okudum bitirdim. Ve kesinlikle tavsiye ederim !!!
June 16, 2024
This well-told mystery is perhaps more slowly paced than a modern thriller, but all of life moved more slowly in the 14th century and the sense of time and place are a major part of the attraction of this series. Surgeon and bailiff Hugh de Singleton follows Henry de Mondeville in his surgery (allowing for more modern medical practice than typical of the era) and Master John Wycliffe at Oxford (giving him a proto-Protestant theology.) Both Henry and Wycliffe are historical personages. Master John even figures in the stories as confidant and sounding board to Hugh. I love the way the author weaves insightful theological comments into an engaging plot with interesting characters and that pervasive sense of time and place. There is even a touch of romance (14th c style) as Hugh is in want of a good wife.
August 11, 2020
Good portrayal of 1300s England.
May 7, 2020
I enjoyed the 2nd in this series and may read the third, but you have to be in the mood for a relatively slow intimate mystery. (Sometimes I am, especially in a medieval setting.) Almost all of it revolves around the musings and investigations of Hugh de Singleton, bailiff and surgeon.
In this one, the beadle (who enforces other rules on castle lands) is found dead. Killed by wolves? Murdered? As Hugh investigates, he is attacked three different times, another townsman is killed, poaching is discovered, and he discovers a serious romantic interest.
In this one, the beadle (who enforces other rules on castle lands) is found dead. Killed by wolves? Murdered? As Hugh investigates, he is attacked three different times, another townsman is killed, poaching is discovered, and he discovers a serious romantic interest.
December 31, 2020
Zoznámenie sa s ďalšími zločincami má pre Hugha aj príjemné momenty (okrem toho, že dostáva rany do hlavy) - stretne krásnu Kate. A teda rieši zločiny, čas pomaly plynie, menia sa ročné obdobia a baví ma celková atmosféra... aj jedlo, krajina, oblečenie, jednotlivé právomoci... je to naozaj zaujímavý príbeh.
June 15, 2019
It's probably not religious fiction, but something about the handling of religion in these books (more so this one than the first one) is reminiscent of religious fiction. It's too modern somehow. (Too Protestant, a couple hundred years too early?) Or, for all the discussion of religious matters, I have trouble believing in the main character's faith? Both, perhaps. It's just...wrong.
It doesn't help that the character has religious doubts/differing opinions (that seem all strangely in line with modern Protestant faith), has modern sensibilities about bathing, subscribes to new ideas about surgery... and has zero doubts or concerns about the way the world around him works. No doubts about laws or social class or any of that. He can snark about fat priests, but gives no thought to the laws that prop up the nobility while the common folk are lucky if they have shoes. He's a man who can go from the hovels of the poor - noting how little food they have and that they won't have meat for months at that time of year - to his own sumptuous dinner at the castle and not have the slightest twinge of compassion or guilt.
Frankly, the main character is kind of an asshole. And neither he nor the author seem to notice. Despite his own social status, and the fact that he's paid and kept as a bailiff, he never fails to charge for his skills as a surgeon, even though he's nearly always employing them on people of lower status (and presumably less money) than himself. (And in one case, charges someone for saving their life when they were bleeding out in the street.) Then there's the whole going straight from the desperately poor to multi-course meals at the castle without a second thought. There's him going on (and on and on and on and onnnnnn) about wanting a wife. That is to say, someone to take care of him. He just sucks at really caring about anyone but himself (and maybe people he considers equals), yet there's nothing to suggest he's intentionally a not very likable protagonist. He's supposed to be a nice guy.
Then there's the book's other flaws. The continuing need for the author to make sure we know just how much research he did. The fact that the main character gets hit over the head more often than a parody hard boiled detective, but never suffers any real ill effects from it. (Or even seems to realize he should, despite there being a minor character who has lasting effects from a head wound our "hero" treated last book.) The commoners in the story all blur together because the author couldn't be bothered to make them distinct individuals. (Which is really bad in a murder mystery.)
Also, which is extra bad considering money is effectively the motive in this book, I have no sense for the value of money at the time. Values are mentioned (four pence, six pence, etc), but not the impact that having to pay or gaining an amount would have on the people involved. Or what would happen if a person was unable to pay a fine or pay for the main character's (already given) services. This matters. Quite a lot!
Worst of all, there's no sense of pacing: the main character witnesses an puzzling interaction, wants to talk to those involved, but goes off and has dinner first (I am so bored of lists of medieval foods, book. So bored.); a life and death fight scene is paused for a bit of barely relevant reminiscence of the protagonist's childhood; the main character wanders off to Oxford so he can talk to John Wycliffe and meet his love interest. Hell, the main character barely seems to care about solving the mysteries. So why should I?
Let's call it 1 1/2 stars and an end to my reading this series.
It doesn't help that the character has religious doubts/differing opinions (that seem all strangely in line with modern Protestant faith), has modern sensibilities about bathing, subscribes to new ideas about surgery... and has zero doubts or concerns about the way the world around him works. No doubts about laws or social class or any of that. He can snark about fat priests, but gives no thought to the laws that prop up the nobility while the common folk are lucky if they have shoes. He's a man who can go from the hovels of the poor - noting how little food they have and that they won't have meat for months at that time of year - to his own sumptuous dinner at the castle and not have the slightest twinge of compassion or guilt.
Frankly, the main character is kind of an asshole. And neither he nor the author seem to notice. Despite his own social status, and the fact that he's paid and kept as a bailiff, he never fails to charge for his skills as a surgeon, even though he's nearly always employing them on people of lower status (and presumably less money) than himself. (And in one case, charges someone for saving their life when they were bleeding out in the street.) Then there's the whole going straight from the desperately poor to multi-course meals at the castle without a second thought. There's him going on (and on and on and on and onnnnnn) about wanting a wife. That is to say, someone to take care of him. He just sucks at really caring about anyone but himself (and maybe people he considers equals), yet there's nothing to suggest he's intentionally a not very likable protagonist. He's supposed to be a nice guy.
Then there's the book's other flaws. The continuing need for the author to make sure we know just how much research he did. The fact that the main character gets hit over the head more often than a parody hard boiled detective, but never suffers any real ill effects from it. (Or even seems to realize he should, despite there being a minor character who has lasting effects from a head wound our "hero" treated last book.) The commoners in the story all blur together because the author couldn't be bothered to make them distinct individuals. (Which is really bad in a murder mystery.)
Also, which is extra bad considering money is effectively the motive in this book, I have no sense for the value of money at the time. Values are mentioned (four pence, six pence, etc), but not the impact that having to pay or gaining an amount would have on the people involved. Or what would happen if a person was unable to pay a fine or pay for the main character's (already given) services. This matters. Quite a lot!
Worst of all, there's no sense of pacing: the main character witnesses an puzzling interaction, wants to talk to those involved, but goes off and has dinner first (I am so bored of lists of medieval foods, book. So bored.); a life and death fight scene is paused for a bit of barely relevant reminiscence of the protagonist's childhood; the main character wanders off to Oxford so he can talk to John Wycliffe and meet his love interest. Hell, the main character barely seems to care about solving the mysteries. So why should I?
Let's call it 1 1/2 stars and an end to my reading this series.
March 11, 2013
The second book in Starr’s series about Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff for Lord Gilbert Talbot, centres on solving the murder of the beadle of Bampton, Alan. Found outside St Andrew’s Chapel, Alan has had his throat ripped out and mysterious marks on his body. The coroner decides it was a wolf that killed him. Hugh, of course, isn’t convinced and so sets out to discover just who or what took the beadle’s life. Only, his investigations put his own at risk and, when he’s attacked late one night, he understands that the killer may be closer than he thinks…
In Hugh de Singleton, Starr has created the most unlikely of heroes. By his own admission, he’s not very handsome, athletic or even brave. Hugh nonetheless manages to be incredibly endearing, loyal and even, occasionally, funny (eg. He longs (in each book) to be able to arch his brow like his lord and fails). More than capable of negotiating with belligerent villagers or extracting what he wants from a lord who’s obviously glad to have his capable services, Hugh is also highly intelligent and patient. So is the story. Bringing the period (1365) to life with fabulous detail – but details that don’t detract from the story – and ambience, the daily life of a surgeon and bailiff and all the characters that make up local towns and villages and the laws, hierarchy and faith that bind them together are brought to life.
What are of particular interest with these books as well are the medical procedures, which are unpacked for the reader, sometimes in wince-worthy ways. Likewise, the food, the rituals and the expectations placed upon an individual due to their sex or roles are beautifully explored.
This is an easy and engaging read that should keep lovers of good historical fiction and mysteries more than satisfied.
In Hugh de Singleton, Starr has created the most unlikely of heroes. By his own admission, he’s not very handsome, athletic or even brave. Hugh nonetheless manages to be incredibly endearing, loyal and even, occasionally, funny (eg. He longs (in each book) to be able to arch his brow like his lord and fails). More than capable of negotiating with belligerent villagers or extracting what he wants from a lord who’s obviously glad to have his capable services, Hugh is also highly intelligent and patient. So is the story. Bringing the period (1365) to life with fabulous detail – but details that don’t detract from the story – and ambience, the daily life of a surgeon and bailiff and all the characters that make up local towns and villages and the laws, hierarchy and faith that bind them together are brought to life.
What are of particular interest with these books as well are the medical procedures, which are unpacked for the reader, sometimes in wince-worthy ways. Likewise, the food, the rituals and the expectations placed upon an individual due to their sex or roles are beautifully explored.
This is an easy and engaging read that should keep lovers of good historical fiction and mysteries more than satisfied.
May 25, 2013
Cleverly written. Subsribes to the modern interest in forensic science in a period setting
February 11, 2021
Book 2 of the Hugh de Singleton series. I'm really getting to like the main character and the storyline. I especially like the way the author ends his books
July 29, 2018
Un récit intéressant pour la vie au moyen âge dans une bourgade anglaise et ses personnages plus pittoresques les uns les autres du point de vue d'un lecteur sans grande connaissance de cette période
Le récit à la première personne rend certains détails communs et anodins alors qu'ils sont propres à cette période Le lecteur est donc plongé dans un autre univers J'aurai parfois aimé un peu plus de détail ou d'explication (mais merci pour la carte et le lexique)
Hugh est un sympathique jeune chirurgien/enquêteur/ gérant en l'absence du Comte, parfois un peu naïf, parfois intuitif mais surtout persévérant, aimant manger (on a droit au menu de tous ses repas mais pas au recettes ! ) et maladroitement à la recherche d'une future épouse (sans romance à l'eau de rose oui oui oui cela existe ! ) ce qui nous le rend plus humain
J'ai eu un peu de mal à m'immerger dans les premiers chapitres Finalement, j'ai trouvé que cela sonnait juste Pas de tueur en série, pas de manigances politiques, mais un fait divers qui touche par son côté réel et quelques fausses pistes bien agencées
Par ailleurs, Hugh s'avère un personnage sympathique, encore novice dans son rôle de bailiff mais tachant de faire de son mieux. Je lirai avec plaisir ses prochaines enquêtes
Le récit à la première personne rend certains détails communs et anodins alors qu'ils sont propres à cette période Le lecteur est donc plongé dans un autre univers J'aurai parfois aimé un peu plus de détail ou d'explication (mais merci pour la carte et le lexique)
Hugh est un sympathique jeune chirurgien/enquêteur/ gérant en l'absence du Comte, parfois un peu naïf, parfois intuitif mais surtout persévérant, aimant manger (on a droit au menu de tous ses repas mais pas au recettes ! ) et maladroitement à la recherche d'une future épouse (sans romance à l'eau de rose oui oui oui cela existe ! ) ce qui nous le rend plus humain
J'ai eu un peu de mal à m'immerger dans les premiers chapitres Finalement, j'ai trouvé que cela sonnait juste Pas de tueur en série, pas de manigances politiques, mais un fait divers qui touche par son côté réel et quelques fausses pistes bien agencées
Par ailleurs, Hugh s'avère un personnage sympathique, encore novice dans son rôle de bailiff mais tachant de faire de son mieux. Je lirai avec plaisir ses prochaines enquêtes
April 7, 2023
See my review for book one.
February 23, 2024
The second in this crime series set 1300 s Oxfordshire England was good.
I shall continue to follow this series.
I shall continue to follow this series.
August 27, 2023
Bloody love this series so far.
Interesting time in history, protagonist you can relate to and a mix of mystery and medieval hospital novel.
Banging.
Interesting time in history, protagonist you can relate to and a mix of mystery and medieval hospital novel.
Banging.
March 11, 2017
Nicht ganz so spannend und kurzweilig wie der erste Band, doch immer noch interessant und gut geschrieben. Der Kriminalfall kommt zwar etwas zu kurz, die Geschichte entwickelt sich nur langsam, dafür hat mich die Charakterisierung und das Setting überzeugt.
December 29, 2012
This is a murder mystery set in the small area of Bampton in old England. We follow our detective, Mast Hugh de Singleton, as he tries to solve the case of a brutal murder. A man has been found with his throat slashed in the bushes near the road leading to St. Andrew's Chapel. While investigating the murder, he uncovers an unusual trail of related crimes that leads to quite a stunning conclusion.
While I was able to guess several of the details before they were explained by Hugh. However, as the story is written by Hugh himself as a chronicle of his investigation, he often informs the reader that something turned up to be important, but he did not realize it at the time of the discovery. The case leads the reader on quite a merry chase through the little town, introducing us to many of the residents. Starr's writing brings these people and their town to life through the eyes of Hugh as he struggles to find the trail of the killer.
The writing was nice and leisurely, carrying you through the book at a steady pace as Hugh lays the groundwork for everything to come together. On the down side, I found very little to feel suspense about. Since it was written as a chronicle by Hugh after the fact, there were many insights and thought included. I got a little tired of hearing how badly he wanted to find a wife, the subject was dwelt on too many times and too often. I can hardly imagine that a man investigating such a grisly murder would have much time to complain to himself about his lack of a wife.
I had added earlier chronicles to my wish list, but they are not near the top. The story was engaging but needed to have that moment of suspense to make it a little more exciting for me.
While I was able to guess several of the details before they were explained by Hugh. However, as the story is written by Hugh himself as a chronicle of his investigation, he often informs the reader that something turned up to be important, but he did not realize it at the time of the discovery. The case leads the reader on quite a merry chase through the little town, introducing us to many of the residents. Starr's writing brings these people and their town to life through the eyes of Hugh as he struggles to find the trail of the killer.
The writing was nice and leisurely, carrying you through the book at a steady pace as Hugh lays the groundwork for everything to come together. On the down side, I found very little to feel suspense about. Since it was written as a chronicle by Hugh after the fact, there were many insights and thought included. I got a little tired of hearing how badly he wanted to find a wife, the subject was dwelt on too many times and too often. I can hardly imagine that a man investigating such a grisly murder would have much time to complain to himself about his lack of a wife.
I had added earlier chronicles to my wish list, but they are not near the top. The story was engaging but needed to have that moment of suspense to make it a little more exciting for me.
March 1, 2016
3.5-4 stars - I am a big fan of historical mystery series, and this may become a new favorite. I read the first book in the series, "The Unquiet Bones", several years ago and enjoyed the characters, especially young surgeon Hugh de Singleton but thought the pacing was a bit slow. A GR friend reviewed a more recent installment which prompted me to seek out book two to see what I've been missing (Thanks, Judy!)
Hugh is very engaging - young, still unsure of himself in his role as bailiff at Bampton Castle, preoccupied with finding a wife; but he is also a skilled surgeon, which helps him solve murders and gives Mel Starr a chance to share fascinating historical medical practices with readers. I was almost more intrigued with this aspect of Hugh's dual role in Bampton and his interactions with his patients then with the murder mystery! I really enjoyed Hugh's visits with John Wyclif, one of his former professors at Oxford, and their discussions about philosophy, religion and faith. I learned about Wyclif in history and comparative religions classes in college, but it was a treat to see him portrayed here as a contemplative scholar with a dry sense of humor, mulling over the murder mystery with Hugh. He makes a good Watson!
I will read more in this series and recommend it to fans of historical mysteries and fiction.
Hugh is very engaging - young, still unsure of himself in his role as bailiff at Bampton Castle, preoccupied with finding a wife; but he is also a skilled surgeon, which helps him solve murders and gives Mel Starr a chance to share fascinating historical medical practices with readers. I was almost more intrigued with this aspect of Hugh's dual role in Bampton and his interactions with his patients then with the murder mystery! I really enjoyed Hugh's visits with John Wyclif, one of his former professors at Oxford, and their discussions about philosophy, religion and faith. I learned about Wyclif in history and comparative religions classes in college, but it was a treat to see him portrayed here as a contemplative scholar with a dry sense of humor, mulling over the murder mystery with Hugh. He makes a good Watson!
I will read more in this series and recommend it to fans of historical mysteries and fiction.
June 14, 2022
A rather obvious error fairly early in the narrative spoiled the credibility of the story for me. Henry atte Bridge was buried in a linen shroud but a few weeks later, after being unofficially exhumed by Hugh de Singleton, the shroud has 'vanished'. He wasn't buried long enough for the shroud to have completely decayed; indeed, his cotehardie seemed to suffer no ill effects at all, other than dirt. Another albeit minor irritation for me was the incorrect use of the word 'laying' instead of 'lying' i.e. the stick laying on the ground.
I also wondered at the necessity of being told what Hugh had for breakfast every morning, although I suppose that the narrative is supposed to be a journal or diary of some sort.
I doubt whether I'll be continuing with this series.
I also wondered at the necessity of being told what Hugh had for breakfast every morning, although I suppose that the narrative is supposed to be a journal or diary of some sort.
I doubt whether I'll be continuing with this series.
September 22, 2020
I enjoyed this second in the series even more than the first! Starr does a wonderful job of weaving the details of ordinary life in the 1300's into an intriguing mystery. Hugh relates the events in his thoughtful account in a way that made me feel I was spending time with a young friend.
This is not a fast-paced thriller with explosions everywhere but a contemplative and frequently introspective conversation that often made me smile. Both of these have been such welcome diversions from the current dismal misery of our world.
I'm so glad I found them - thank you Goodreads! I will definitely continue on the series.
This is not a fast-paced thriller with explosions everywhere but a contemplative and frequently introspective conversation that often made me smile. Both of these have been such welcome diversions from the current dismal misery of our world.
I'm so glad I found them - thank you Goodreads! I will definitely continue on the series.
April 21, 2022
On the whole I quite enjoyed the book, an interesting story.
The author has obviously done a lot of research regarding life in the Middle Ages. Consequently it’s such a shame that there is a massive error - no one in 14th century England would have eaten meat during lent; yet Hugh reports eating chicken, coney (rabbit) and venison in the days before Easter. This would NEVER have happened.
This glaring error ruins an otherwise enjoyable book and makes me wary of the rest of the research underpinning the novel.
The author has obviously done a lot of research regarding life in the Middle Ages. Consequently it’s such a shame that there is a massive error - no one in 14th century England would have eaten meat during lent; yet Hugh reports eating chicken, coney (rabbit) and venison in the days before Easter. This would NEVER have happened.
This glaring error ruins an otherwise enjoyable book and makes me wary of the rest of the research underpinning the novel.
May 24, 2021
The mystery was too easy to solve and took the protagonist too long to figure out. I like the characters and setting but I was getting a little exasperated waiting for progress in the mystery. I also felt there was even more proselytizing in this book than the first and I didn't care for that either. You can prove or disprove a belief by using one quote from the Bible. I don't know if I'll read any more. I might try one more and see how it goes because I really want this series to be good.
February 16, 2015
Oldukça anlaşılır bir dilde yazılmış rahat okunabilen bir kitap.Ancak hikaye çok yavaş ilerliyor ve olaylar sonunda pek de insanı şaşırtmayacak şekilde bir çırpıda çözülüyor.Yazarın bir potansiyeli var, çok daha gizemli ve etkileyici yazabilir diye düşünüyorum ama bu kitabı beni pek tatmin etmedi.
March 13, 2013
Once again, the medieval sleuth (bailiff/surgeon) charmingly finds his criminal, saving lives and philosophizing along the way. Fantastic how historically accurate and realistic this series is.
December 25, 2015
This one was just ok.....went back to the library before I finished it.
July 22, 2017
Another interesting mystery unraveled by my favorite 14th century English surgeon/bailiff.
October 7, 2021
Still enjoying reading about the 1300's. I found the plot to be a bit slow and redundant at times.
December 6, 2021
I am enjoying this Christian historical mystery series! 4 full stars!
September 7, 2017
I don't usually start book series with the second book, but in this case, books #2 and #4 of the wonderfully medieval mysteries Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon Chronicles were sitting on the paperback cart besides our small town library's door, and the covers, then the titles, struck me. I invested my quarter and purchased book #2, and once I had started it, made sure I acquired book #4 on my next library trip.
I quite enjoyed this leisurely mystery, full of details of medieval life in a village outside of Oxford. John Wyclif is also a character as Hugh's mentor, so Hugh often makes pre-Reformation remarks about the abuses of the Church and the value of reading Scriptures for oneself. So I value these insights into medieval faith and practice and the contemplative life of those who follow Christ very much.
The mysteries were also quite intriguing. The books are written in first person, so we get all of Hugh's thoughts and musings along the way. I can't help but to like Hugh; he's an unassuming man of 25-ish, knowing well his weaknesses and well as his strengths. We also get to see him fall in love with the daughter of an Oxford stationer whose beauty and sweetness are a great pull for the students at Oxford.
Not only is Hugh a surgeon, but he is also Lord Gilbert's bailiff, so any problems on the lord's lands end up as Hugh's problems as Lord Gilbert is often at his other holdings.
So this series has quite drawn me in, and after the wonderful cliffhanger in the last sentence of this volume, I may have to hunt down the third book before proceeding to the fourth volume that I already have at hand. We shall see....
I quite enjoyed this leisurely mystery, full of details of medieval life in a village outside of Oxford. John Wyclif is also a character as Hugh's mentor, so Hugh often makes pre-Reformation remarks about the abuses of the Church and the value of reading Scriptures for oneself. So I value these insights into medieval faith and practice and the contemplative life of those who follow Christ very much.
The mysteries were also quite intriguing. The books are written in first person, so we get all of Hugh's thoughts and musings along the way. I can't help but to like Hugh; he's an unassuming man of 25-ish, knowing well his weaknesses and well as his strengths. We also get to see him fall in love with the daughter of an Oxford stationer whose beauty and sweetness are a great pull for the students at Oxford.
Not only is Hugh a surgeon, but he is also Lord Gilbert's bailiff, so any problems on the lord's lands end up as Hugh's problems as Lord Gilbert is often at his other holdings.
So this series has quite drawn me in, and after the wonderful cliffhanger in the last sentence of this volume, I may have to hunt down the third book before proceeding to the fourth volume that I already have at hand. We shall see....
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