Lucifer's Harvest

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #9

by Melvin R. Starr

Lord Gilbert Talbot must provide soldiers for Prince Edward's battle in France. He wishes his surgeon--Hugh de Singleton--to travel with the war party to tend any injuries. Among those on the road is Sir Simon Trillowe, Hugh's old nemesis, who had once torched Hugh's house.

Finding himself in the same war party, Hugh resolves to watch his back in the presence of the knight, who is still holding a grudge. But it is Sir Simon who should not have turned his back....

When Trillowe's body is found, many suspect Hugh has wreaked revenge on his adversary. To clear his name, Hugh must once again riddle a reason for murder.

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

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2016

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

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The surgeon Hugh de Singleton is required to join Lord Gilbert Talbot’s forces in opposition to King Charles of France. Sir Simon Trillowe is another member of those forces. Simon has several grievances against Hugh, resulting in confrontations between the two. Those grievances are rehashed numerous times in this short book. That was unnecessary. When Simon is found dead, Hugh is the prime suspect.

I have not read any other books in this series, but this book worked fine as a standalone. There was a lot of interesting period detail. Unfortunately, the mystery wasn’t that special. I don’t know whether that is a characteristic of the series, or this book was just a dud. There was a definite homophobic slant to the case. I have no idea whether that was accurate for the period or not, but it was distasteful.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first foray into the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, medieval mystery series and a very enjoyable outing. This novella was a simple story that kept me guessing, with a bit of a moral twist, as Hugh tries to live the injunctions of the Bible. Hugh accompanies his lord, Gilbert Talbot, to France, along with Prince Edward, the "Black Prince", and we see the English army at the siege of Limoges. The dead body of Sir Simon Trillowe, no friend to Hugh, is found stuffed down a well, and suspicion falls on Hugh as murderer, so Hugh is out to prove his innocence and to find the real culprit through his sleuthing and forensic talent. I enjoyed the details of medieval life and surgery of that period.

Highly recommended. I thank LibraryThing for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a 5 star book as the rest of his series has been except that it's being advertised and priced as novel #9 when it is in fact (At 133 pages) the size of a novella. However despite it being half the size of the rest of Mel's books our friend Hugh de Singleton does manage to do quite a bit in those 133 pages. The story itself is just as riveting and entertaining as the rest of the series though most of this one takes place in a different setting. The ending was a bit sobering but not unexpected for that time period.

My favourite quote from this little book was "A man seldom gets in trouble for saying too little".

[Spuddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad entry in this historical series featuring surgeon and bailiff Hugh de Singleton; just getting a little repetitive. I wonder how many times I've read the words, "He broke his fast with half a loaf of wheaten bread and watered ale." (Or something very similar). Hugh is off to France in this episode with Lord Gilbert at the behest of Prince Edward. While there, he ends up investigating the murder of an old rival, Sir Simon Trillowe.

[Gregoire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Une novella d'à peine 148 pages pour une aventure de Hugh assez succincte malgré la traversée de la Manche pour venir reprendre Limoges aux Français
Cela se lit d'une traite mais il manque à mon goût plus d'analyses et de détails sur ce passage historique qui aurait mérité un travail d'écriture en profondeur
Ma note est sévère car j'attendais mieux de l'auteur De plus, j'estime que c'est un récit plutôt pour jeunes lecteurs ...

****

A novella of just 148 pages for a rather succinct adventure of Hugh, despite the crossing of the Channel to retake Limoges to the French
I read it in one go but it lacks - for my taste - more analyzes and details on this historic passage that would have deserved a deep writing job
My rating is rather severe because I expected much better from the author
Moreover, I feel that it is a story rather for young readers

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mel Starr writes a new book I cannot wait to read it! His books are unique to historical novels with settings in the 1400’s. An era you rarely see written about in fiction especially Christian fiction. I never cease to learn something new. His research has yielded such detail about every aspect of that time that people come to life. I especially am fascinated my Hugh de Singleton’s occupation as a surgeon and doctor. His mysteries continuously keep me guessing who the guilty party is and I never cease to be surprised! Also, his wonderful sense of humor adds even more entertainment.
Lord Gilbert Talbot, Hugh de Singletons’ employer is always assigning him jobs that have nothing to do with medicine. Hugh must oblige of course. In this story, he is taken to battle with Lord Gilbert. In war someone with medical knowledge and skills will be needed. He does not want to leave his family and knows the risk he might not return is real. This is definitely out of his comfort zone.
A far different setting than his other books, gives readers an opportunity to see how battles were conducted during that time and the lives of soldiers. It is 1370 and Prince Edward has called all soldiers and knights to battle to reclaim British territory that the King of France has seized.
Hugh must not only be cautious about being so near the battle, but also watch his back from an old enemy, knight, Sir Simon Trillowe. Sir Simon hates Hugh and holds a bitter grudge. When Sir Simon is found dead, his father and friends point the finger at Hugh as the murderer. In their eyes no one else has a motive. Lord Gilbert supports him and believes in his innocence. As usual he sends Hugh to find the murderer, except this time he is the suspect!! Quite a twist!
Sleuthing is a bit more challenging for the surgeon this time, being unfamiliar with the new area and not knowing anyone. None the less he sets out with great determination to clear his name. It was interesting to also learn the affects war had on civilians during that time. I am always impressed with Hugh’s commitment to God in all his conduct. He does not hesitate to treat and care for his enemies. I love his integrity.
My only complaint about this book is that it was shorter than the others. I would be happy if Mr. Starr would write one the size of “War and Peace”, but that would just leave me wanting more books. At the end of the book was the first chapter of his new upcoming book “Deeds of Darkness”. Looking forward to it! Another great book Mr. Starr! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Kregel Publications. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several other books by Mel Starr and I have enjoyed them all. I find Surgeon Hugh to be a considerate and understanding man. He also has a humorous side. A hero he is not, or at least I felt so at first. No he's not the knight in shining armor but he does do what he says he will. The author goes into detail of the surgeon's way of surgery. Usually Hugh's family is part of the story but in this book, they aren't a part of it. If you've read Starr's other books, you may miss the family in this one. They just seem to be an important part of everything the surgeon does. The author describes the smells, the characters, the surroundings with such vivid detail that you can picture yourself in this Medieval setting. You get a picture of what life was like for the soldiers and the civilians. With this book the story is set in France not England so many of the characters that you know from the other books, aren't in this one. The author gives you a mystery with history added in. He takes you slowly into the time period and not only gives you either the good or bad, but both. The book is a little shorter than the others which leaves less room for the twists and turns that a reader of Mr. Starr's is used to. I'm hoping if there is another book that we'll get to know the characters a bit more. A little more depth, a little more insight into their characteristics and their lives. I would definitely recommend starting with the first book and going from there. You may get a little insight into what is going on. Read the above section on about the book to get an idea of the contents of the book.

I received this complimentary copy of this book from the author, Mel Starr and Kregel Book Tours and voluntarily decided to review it.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several in the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr and found each to be entertaining, enlightening as to the historical aspects, and refreshing. I was looking forward with delight to another Hugh de Singleton read and romp through the paths and over the streams of medieval England. That was not the case in this shortened episode in the ongoing tale.

This story centers around the battle between English (Prince Edward) army and the France ending with the routing of the French from Limones. It is essentially the march of the English toward French after crossing the English Channel, the encampment, and the activities of the men in the entourage of the Prince.

Hugh de Singleton becomes embroiled in solving the murder of a soldier and is given latitude to try find the true murderer because of a certainty Hugh de Singleton did no murder. Singleton proceeds with his usual methodical analysis of location, people, and deeds and does come to the solution; and in finding out who did it, the cause becomes apparent. The deed was accomplished by and as a result of a perversion.

I was surprised that perversion was a part of one of these stories. It was handled well and as Singleton said, "You cannot escape death..... No man can do so. But you may escape sin. To those who confess their wickedness the Lord Christ is merciful, though men are not. The Lord Christ judges a man, I think, not by where he has been, but by where he is going - the way he faces."

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel to facilitate an honest review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.

[Gerry Grenfell-Walford · Rating 1 out of 5]

This would be a short and sweet listen, but the basic plot-device swings on some pretty unpleasant homophobic assumptions. The emphasis is not on the murder perpetrated, but on the murderer's homosexuality. 'Fortunately' he is dead by the end of the story, and we're encouraged to believe that this restores balance. It certainly saves everyone else the 'shame' (again, not of murder, which is obviously fine, but of having anything to do with homosexual desire, which is clearly somehow so much worse).
Yes the views may well have been typical to Mediaeval Catholic Europe, but this book was published much more recently. The writer has a platform and has chosen to present uncritically, and thus condone, historical bigotry.
Disappointing, as I previously have very much enjoyed other works by this author. Let he who is without sin & etc....

[Red Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult one. I mostly really enjoyed this - it’s a compelling mystery lodged solidly in the facts and mores of the period, as ever. However I do need to give a CW for homophobia here. It is portrayed appropriately for the period - same-gender sexual activity was regarded as a sinful act, sodomy, and often conflated with non-reproductive sexual activity with opposite gender partners under a general “sinful sexual acts” umbrella. It is, nonetheless, jarring to encounter in the generally sympathetic protagonist that Hugh is.

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this entire series, and sometimes wonder why. It just plods along at its own pace and I just can't help rooting for Hugh de Singleton. This time he is off to France with his master, Gilbert, who must fight in France with Prince Edward for the recovery of Limoges. The contract he makes with Gilbert before they leave for the protection of his wife and children was very interesting.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ninth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, was very short compared to the previous mysteries in this amazing medieval mystery series.

Hugh has been married to his beautiful Kate for several years now, and with daughters Bessie and Sybil, they live in Galen House near Bampton Castle (a day's ride from Oxford) where Hugh is bailiff to the widowed Lord Gilbert Talbot as well as surgeon to the village of Bampton.

A message arrives one day in 1370: Lord Gilbert must provide soldiers to join Prince Edward in France. Hugh assumes that he will remain behind to administrate the affairs of Bampton Castle as he frequently does when Lord Gilbert lives in his other castle, but Lord Gilbert decides that Hugh's surgical skills may be needed on the battlefield, and he is compelled to go. Kate and the girls will move to the castle to run it in Lord Gilbert's absence, with the reeve taking on the bailiff's duties.

The long trek to Burgundy, then Limoges, is difficult, especially when Sir Simon Trillowe, who resents Hugh for winning Kate from him and also burned Galen House (and had to pay for its rebuilding), joins the soldiers from the area surrounding Oxford. Hugh must watch his back for sure. I'll leave the rest for you to discover, but Hugh also meets Prince Edward (later called The Black Prince) on a few occasions.

As always, this mystery is so well-researched and shows the unromantic realism of medieval life, especially for the peasants (this time, the peasants in the French countryside). Even the cadence and structure of the characters' speech possesses a subtle medievalism that is simply superb--not overdone nor underdone.

The glossary at the beginning of each book allows the reader to learn much about medieval life, from the ingredients to medieval dishes to the name for underwear worn in this time period.

Hugh himself is a compelling character: a humble man with some faults of temper and selfishness (like all of us), he is not a confident solver of mysteries so much as he is a careful one, a quality he has learned through experience. Hugh has earned the respect of Lord Gilbert, again through a proven track record of solving mysteries in and around Bampton, but now, in the French countryside ravaged by wars, Hugh is set to solve a mystery in order to save both his reputation and his life.

A brilliant mystery series, especially for those who thrive on details of medieval life; I just wish that there were more books available in the series. I only have one more to read, and then I'll be fully caught up and will have to wait for the publication of the next Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon.

[Gary McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is shorter than the others in the series and is closer in length to a novella. Also, there is some repeating of material throughout the book. The explanations of the problems between Hugh and Sir Simon Trillowe are covered more than once. Finally, we have another story where Hugh is falsely accused of a crime. This is the third time, or maybe the fourth if we include his religious problem over the definition of purgatory. The story covered Hugh’s trip to France to take part in the Battle of Aquitaine. Hugh runs into his old enemy and is then accused of killing him. Hugh must uncover the truth, etc. I wish the story had not included the murder but focused on the trip and the battle instead. One of the reasons for reading the book is to put yourself into this time and place. I think more detail of the battle and its outcome would have made for a more enjoyable story. The author does work hard to make the novels as realistic as possible, and I appreciate this effort. The time period of the book was a difficult time to live.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh must reluctantly leave Kate and his daughters when Sir Gilbert is called by Prince Edward to join his army and journey to France to do battle. Sir Gilbert wants his surgeon with him and the story is rich in fascinating detail of a middle ages army on the move. Hugh is mostly on the sidelines until his longtime enemy Sir Simon is found dead in a well. when Hugh is accused he must bring all his skill to solve the crime.

The setting and history was especially interesting in this volume and the puzzle just as intriguing. Prince Edward has brought his Welsh miners to dig under the fortified castle in Limoges and I was fascinated by the picture of life in a besieging camp.

One of the best so far in the series!

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Mel Starr's Hugh de Singleton books; they're an easy, relaxing read, a sort of candy-floss for the mind but not so cheap and nasty. Starr tries very hard to create a realistic representation of Mediaeval life but there are times it comes across, to me, as some sort of historical reconstruction; Twentieth Century people in fancy dress. I know all this sounds like harsh criticism and have to stress, straight away, that it's not meant to be. Starr is the man I turn to to enjoy at a leisurely pace. The "mysteries" within have almost foreseeable outcomes (we know Hugh will be alright and will get the nasty villain) and we know the story will have touches of historical reality - just like that Viking walking down the road outside the Jorvik Experience. It's fun walking or riding alongside Hugh as he encounters unpleasant individuals, wondering about the true meanings behind the Church's teachings, curing the odd sickness and carrying out the odd bit of surgery.
I would like a little bit more of the smell and the dirt and the unhealthiness, a lot more of the cruel class system and superstition... but this is Mel Starr. Fun, history and only an acceptable touch of reality.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better installments in the series, this short book follows our surgeon Hugh to war, giving a glimpse into the realities of medieval warfare in the process. The impact - on the knights, their serfs, and the French people they are invading - is well explained, and Hugh's musings provide for a chance for Starr to explore the impact of Wyclyff's bible translation on faith. The plot itself ties nicely into the themes, while the shortness of the work limits it to a simple tale, avoiding the cumbersome complexity some of these books fall into.

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugh de Singleton goes to war. As a companion of Lord Gilbert he is to serve as a surgeon - and also as a sleuth in the murder mystery, when he himself is a suspect.

Not bad, not good. As for the length, this is more novella like than a novel. As for the historical settings - the author has obviously done his homework and the historical background is well-researched. The descriptions are vivid and Master Hugh´s musings are wise as usual.
But unfortunately the mystery feels abrupt and there is very little of intellectual sleuthing work present.
But still, this series is recommendable.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

9th book in series. Set in mediaeval England -once again. I chose this in audiobook. The last couple books I felt ran a bit long. This one is much more succinct at less than five hours. Hugh de Singleton bailiff and surgeon is ordered by Lord Gilbert to accompany him to assist Prince Edward. Hugh comes upon his old adversary Sir Simon who ends up dead. Hugh is accused of murder by the victims father . Hugh must find the true killer. 5 stars for another interesting story and excellent performance by the narrator

[Chelsea ❍ * ˚ ✦ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was shocked by the climax of the book and I’ll have to stop the series after this. I have gotten the feeling earlier in the series that the author himself is actually quite religious, and it seems that this unfortunately extends to his attitude towards homosexuality. What a shame! Surprised there aren’t more reviews mentioning this. No historical murder series will ever, I think, top Shardlake- CJ Sansom perfectly dealt with homosexuality and gay characters in his stories by allowing Shardlake to express an empathy towards them without taking the reader out of the early modern setting.

[Gamgee_potaytoes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been WAITING forever for Sir Simon to get his comeuppance! I was not disappointed with what happened to him and the rest of the story of this installment. It was interesting to see more of the world outside Bampton Castle and to have Hugh be a part of historical events. I did feel bad for Hugh when his return to Bampton wasn't what we were expecting. I hope that's all the sorrow he has to go through because he's already been through a lot. I'll be reading the next installment ASAP!

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful 14th c mystery by Mel Starr. In this one Hugh travels to France in the middle of the Hundred Years War. I love the cultural and historical details that Starr brings alive in this series. Here he brings back Hugh's nemesis from earlier books, Simon Trillowe, with new revelations about him. There is a brief gospel message when Hugh explains to the killer that forgiveness is found in "our Lord Christ."

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel Starr can't write these books in this series quickly enough for me! What meticulously researched 14th century intrigue! Every detail, down to the clothing worn by each class in medieval England, is just fascinating, in and of itself, and yet the murder mystery put before Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon & Bailiff, is just as wonderfully engrossing. Just loooooooove this series of books.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm doing a review for the whole series as I've left it so long since I started listening to them.

I would highly recommend this series and in fact I have done so to a number of people already. Very impressed with the writing, the research that seems to have been done and the historical accuracy is excellent.

Nice characters, good pace, interesting stories. Really interesting to see the ability of surgeons then and the ways Hugh deducts things.

[Sari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, and well-researched. Historical fiction at its finest. Great story, endearing characters...very minor/petty complaint: I expected a little more book for my buck. For the price I would have appreciated more than 150 pages:(

[Bonnie Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book of times of a surgeon in the 13th century

Hugh re Singleton had to go to war as a surgeon with Lord Gilbert Talbot and along the way he has to solve a murder as
Well as take care of the war casualties

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would have a lot about Medieval warfare but, aside from the English army's crossing the Channel and progression through France, there was only the Siege of Limoges. The miners sapping the city wall was pretty cool though.

[Mary A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and well-researched - and the information about medical treatment in the 1300’s is fascinating.
The actual details of the mystery are rather far-fetched and are all resolved neatly in a rather short time, but it was still an enjoyable piece of detective work.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

20 This has such a dry sense of humour running through it. Although, it may not have been on purpose. Getting closer to the king, is out bailiff. Now that the wind vane ear has been resolved it will be interesting to see the next running theme.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book in the series so far. A tightly structured little story that brought us closer to the main characters (.both good and bad) than ever before - especially towards the end. More, please!

[Awallens · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery seemed a little weak in this book. Although I didn't know who did it, there wasn't a lot of suspense either. Not my favorite in the series, but still good.