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The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #11
Prince Edward's Warrant
Master Hugh won the Black Prince's favour when he helped to ease the Prince's illness.
Now, in the autumn of 1372, the prince is suffering a relapse and sends to Bampton for Master Hugh to attend him. While at dinner in Kennington Palace, Sir Giles, the knight who escorted Hugh to London, is stricken and dies. Poison!
Sir Giles is not popular, and there are many who would gladly see the fellow done away with... except for Prince Edward. The Black Prince feels a debt to the slain man because of his heroic behaviour at the Battle of Crecy, where the knight stood firm with the prince when the fight seemed of uncertain outcome.
Despite caring little for Sir Giles, Master Hugh must once again place himself in jeopardy and seek to uncover the perpetrator of the crime...
Now, in the autumn of 1372, the prince is suffering a relapse and sends to Bampton for Master Hugh to attend him. While at dinner in Kennington Palace, Sir Giles, the knight who escorted Hugh to London, is stricken and dies. Poison!
Sir Giles is not popular, and there are many who would gladly see the fellow done away with... except for Prince Edward. The Black Prince feels a debt to the slain man because of his heroic behaviour at the Battle of Crecy, where the knight stood firm with the prince when the fight seemed of uncertain outcome.
Despite caring little for Sir Giles, Master Hugh must once again place himself in jeopardy and seek to uncover the perpetrator of the crime...
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2018
121 people are currently reading
177 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 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 6, 2018
The Eleventh installment in this ongoing Medieval Mystery series delivers everything that readers have come to love. A detailed account of everyday life and living in late 14th century England, for one. Only this one is set in London instead of rural Oxfordshire, as is usual. Specifically, its set in a place called Kennington (NOT Kensington) palace, once a Medieval royal residence, favoured by the Black Prince, the famous son of Edward III.
Although, as the author says, he was not known as the Black Prince in his lifetime, and is referred to instead as the Duke of Cornwall.
There are also some good details about Medieval surgery and Medicine. The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton would be sadly lacking without Hugh performing at least one operation in each book. I think the audience would complain! Don't let that put you off though, the surgeries are not described a gruesome or disgusting way. More in a sort of clinical manner one might expect from a medical professional. Yes, they had them in the Middle Ages!
Hugh also comes into conflict with a physician, which leads to some interesting discussion about the differences between surgeons and physicians, and a small helping of acerbic wit from Hugh, and one time even the Prince.
The mystery itself, at the heart of the story seems simple at first, but becomes more complicated as time progressed. I found myself a little confused, towards the end in fact. Needing to give a couple of passages a re-read. I tend to find that I don't read this series primarily for the mystery, but mysteries they are, and its kind of central to the story. I did not predict the culprit or the motive, so that's probably good, although as another reader mentioned: there was something of a plot hole. Something which could have been done earlier and better.
One hopes the author does not write himself into that situation again. Its still very good though: and there is another one coming next year.
Recommended as always for all fans of this series. For the people who say they want vivid, accurate and well researched Medieval Fiction WHY haven't you read this series? There's more than enough to keep people interested who aren't normally into mysteries. Just reading the glossary can be really informative and fascinating.
Thanks to Lion Fiction for my copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, or a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
Although, as the author says, he was not known as the Black Prince in his lifetime, and is referred to instead as the Duke of Cornwall.
There are also some good details about Medieval surgery and Medicine. The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton would be sadly lacking without Hugh performing at least one operation in each book. I think the audience would complain! Don't let that put you off though, the surgeries are not described a gruesome or disgusting way. More in a sort of clinical manner one might expect from a medical professional. Yes, they had them in the Middle Ages!
Hugh also comes into conflict with a physician, which leads to some interesting discussion about the differences between surgeons and physicians, and a small helping of acerbic wit from Hugh, and one time even the Prince.
The mystery itself, at the heart of the story seems simple at first, but becomes more complicated as time progressed. I found myself a little confused, towards the end in fact. Needing to give a couple of passages a re-read. I tend to find that I don't read this series primarily for the mystery, but mysteries they are, and its kind of central to the story. I did not predict the culprit or the motive, so that's probably good, although as another reader mentioned: there was something of a plot hole. Something which could have been done earlier and better.
One hopes the author does not write himself into that situation again. Its still very good though: and there is another one coming next year.
Recommended as always for all fans of this series. For the people who say they want vivid, accurate and well researched Medieval Fiction WHY haven't you read this series? There's more than enough to keep people interested who aren't normally into mysteries. Just reading the glossary can be really informative and fascinating.
Thanks to Lion Fiction for my copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, or a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2018
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for a digital galley of this novel.
I have enjoyed the Mel Starr novels featuring Master Hugh de Singleton in the past and liked this one too. I like the personality Starr has given Master Hugh and all the interesting facts I learn when I read one of these mystery novels regarding medicine practiced in 1372, especially the difference between a physician and a surgeon. What bothered me a lot was the plot hole so big a horse and cart could have been driven through it. Naturally that plot hole cannot be spoken of because it would be an immense spoiler. There is a Glossary at the beginning of the story explaining the meaning of words from this period of history so you can easily enjoy this novel even if it is your first time experimenting with the time period. This is story number eleven in the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series and there is a pleasant surprise at the end which will be appreciated by fans who have followed the stories so far.
So - Edward of Woodstock, Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, is suffering once again from the physical malady he had when he first met Hugh de Singleton at Limoges. Master Hugh was able to ease his suffering at that time so he wants Hugh to come to Kennington Palace London to take over his treatment again. It seems the Prince has lost confidence in his physician. On his first night at the Palace Hugh sees Sir Giles Cheyne, who accompanied Hugh from Bampton to London, fall over dead during the evening meal. Prince Edward felt a bond of friendship with Sir Giles and he gives Hugh a Royal Warrant to investigate the crime and bring the criminal to justice. In fact, you might say the Prince enjoyed himself more than most folk would have expected.
I have enjoyed the Mel Starr novels featuring Master Hugh de Singleton in the past and liked this one too. I like the personality Starr has given Master Hugh and all the interesting facts I learn when I read one of these mystery novels regarding medicine practiced in 1372, especially the difference between a physician and a surgeon. What bothered me a lot was the plot hole so big a horse and cart could have been driven through it. Naturally that plot hole cannot be spoken of because it would be an immense spoiler. There is a Glossary at the beginning of the story explaining the meaning of words from this period of history so you can easily enjoy this novel even if it is your first time experimenting with the time period. This is story number eleven in the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series and there is a pleasant surprise at the end which will be appreciated by fans who have followed the stories so far.
So - Edward of Woodstock, Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, is suffering once again from the physical malady he had when he first met Hugh de Singleton at Limoges. Master Hugh was able to ease his suffering at that time so he wants Hugh to come to Kennington Palace London to take over his treatment again. It seems the Prince has lost confidence in his physician. On his first night at the Palace Hugh sees Sir Giles Cheyne, who accompanied Hugh from Bampton to London, fall over dead during the evening meal. Prince Edward felt a bond of friendship with Sir Giles and he gives Hugh a Royal Warrant to investigate the crime and bring the criminal to justice. In fact, you might say the Prince enjoyed himself more than most folk would have expected.
April 7, 2023
See my review for book one.
December 13, 2018
I have read all ELEVEN books in this series... and, I am sad to say this one was my least favorite.
While still good, I felt like the author missed some opportunities to make it so much better. The mystery unraveled quite quickly in the last couple of chapters. It seemed that this book focused too much on what Hugh was eating every day and him assisting Prince Edward with his own personal health problems, and not as much time with linking clues together to solve the murders. I still adore these books and will continue reading them. Hopefully, the author has more tricks to pull out of his bag and book twelve, "Without a Trace," will be the best SIR Hugh de Singleton yet!
I bought this book by me, for me.
While still good, I felt like the author missed some opportunities to make it so much better. The mystery unraveled quite quickly in the last couple of chapters. It seemed that this book focused too much on what Hugh was eating every day and him assisting Prince Edward with his own personal health problems, and not as much time with linking clues together to solve the murders. I still adore these books and will continue reading them. Hopefully, the author has more tricks to pull out of his bag and book twelve, "Without a Trace," will be the best SIR Hugh de Singleton yet!
I bought this book by me, for me.
February 24, 2023
I have obviously invested in this series if I am on book 11, however, Hugh has become increasingly arrogant through this series which I find very frustrating. He has a thinly veiled, high opinion of himself which permeates most of his interactions with a pseudo humility. It's hard to read a book when the protagonist constantly annoys you. I am moving onto #12, with the hopes that this one was a one off, and that Hugh's opinion of himself will deflate somewhat.
November 10, 2018
Hugh de Singleton is summoned to the Black Prince's side to ease the man's illness. When a man falls dead from poison, Hugh is then asked to find the murderer.
This was my first introduction to Master Hugh and now I dearly want to start from the beginning. He is a charming and interesting character. He is witty and more than holds his own against those who dislike him. Through the whole story, all he wants is to return home to his wife, which is more than understandable.
The details of the time period help make this a delight to read. Master Hugh conducts his investigation with logic, although there were moments when his introspection was a bit repetitive.
For fans of medieval tales, I would highly recommend Hugh de Singleton. I was given a copy through NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
This was my first introduction to Master Hugh and now I dearly want to start from the beginning. He is a charming and interesting character. He is witty and more than holds his own against those who dislike him. Through the whole story, all he wants is to return home to his wife, which is more than understandable.
The details of the time period help make this a delight to read. Master Hugh conducts his investigation with logic, although there were moments when his introspection was a bit repetitive.
For fans of medieval tales, I would highly recommend Hugh de Singleton. I was given a copy through NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
September 23, 2018
Love Hugh de Singleton. I'm ready for #12. This is a good mystery with a twist at the end. I kept thinking that I would have liked a map of London during this time period. There is a small map of the palace, but I would like to have seen it in a larger context. Also, I missed his family. I think Mr. Starr does a good job of slipping in historical background without appearing to give a history lesson. Recommend.
September 14, 2018
Kept me guessing...Again
I thoroughly enjoy reading the adventures of Hugh, the Surgeon/Bailiff. The stories always keep me guessing up to the very end. Can't wait for the next one!!
I thoroughly enjoy reading the adventures of Hugh, the Surgeon/Bailiff. The stories always keep me guessing up to the very end. Can't wait for the next one!!
October 13, 2018
Prince Edwards Warrent
Reading Mel Starr is Like reading about old friends. I can hardly wait for the next book to become available.
I’ve read all of the Bampton series and look forward to the next one!!
Reading Mel Starr is Like reading about old friends. I can hardly wait for the next book to become available.
I’ve read all of the Bampton series and look forward to the next one!!
August 27, 2019
I always enjoy stepping back into Master Hugh Singleton's world and spending time with him as he solves crimes. Mel Starr has such thorough knowledge of the place and time, I get an education right along with the entertainment of a great story. What more could you ask?
September 3, 2018
Great series
Love this character and the stories are always intriguing. This one did not disappoint and I look forward to the next one!
Love this character and the stories are always intriguing. This one did not disappoint and I look forward to the next one!
January 1, 2019
I love Sir Hugh!
August 11, 2023
This is one series I've thoroughly enjoyed as a relaxing whodunit read.
There are other mysteries with a medieval backdrop but this one is unique. The author presents the lifestyle at the time very realistically, showing his knowledge on the subject, from the food to the type of dress to the current politics.
He often uses the terminology that was common, and nicely provides a glossary at the beginning of the book for the benefit of the reader in translating such words as groat - a silver coin worth four pence.
The major character, Hugh de Singleton, is an intelligent young man from lesser nobility who as a younger son has to make his way in life. He's doing so as a surgeon and a baliff, serving a major lord and landowner.
At this point Hugh is a happily married man with two young children. He isn't always thrilled at finding himself in situations such as the one he's in at present, tasked with finding out who's behind the poisoning of a knight, Sir Giles, that Prince Edward showed favor to due to past loyalties and service.
One of the things that endear Hugh to me is the fact he isn't possessed with a brilliant intellect or an extremely observant nature, although he has his share of both qualities. Rather he's doggedly determined to do the right thing and fulfill his duty. Sometimes he takes wrong turns and makes the wrong conclusions. He readily admits his human fragility and keeps looking. He is also possessed of a certain dry wit.
A devout man of God in spite of his private doubts about some of the practices of the church, Hugh is altogether human, endearing and a man to be admired.
And yes, he eventually gets to the truth of the matter.
There are other mysteries with a medieval backdrop but this one is unique. The author presents the lifestyle at the time very realistically, showing his knowledge on the subject, from the food to the type of dress to the current politics.
He often uses the terminology that was common, and nicely provides a glossary at the beginning of the book for the benefit of the reader in translating such words as groat - a silver coin worth four pence.
The major character, Hugh de Singleton, is an intelligent young man from lesser nobility who as a younger son has to make his way in life. He's doing so as a surgeon and a baliff, serving a major lord and landowner.
At this point Hugh is a happily married man with two young children. He isn't always thrilled at finding himself in situations such as the one he's in at present, tasked with finding out who's behind the poisoning of a knight, Sir Giles, that Prince Edward showed favor to due to past loyalties and service.
One of the things that endear Hugh to me is the fact he isn't possessed with a brilliant intellect or an extremely observant nature, although he has his share of both qualities. Rather he's doggedly determined to do the right thing and fulfill his duty. Sometimes he takes wrong turns and makes the wrong conclusions. He readily admits his human fragility and keeps looking. He is also possessed of a certain dry wit.
A devout man of God in spite of his private doubts about some of the practices of the church, Hugh is altogether human, endearing and a man to be admired.
And yes, he eventually gets to the truth of the matter.
September 22, 2018
“Prince Edward’s Warrant” falls just shy of the very high standard author Mel Starr set in “Deeds of Darkness,” the preceding book in his series of mysteries set in medieval England. This time around, Hugh de Singleton, a skillful surgeon and bailiff, is asked by Prince Edward to unravel the murder—during dinner at Kennington Palace—of a man most everyone dislikes.
The novel is engaging and well paced, with Hugh's investigation growing steadily more complicated as both suspects and bodies pile up. Hugh must also deal with an arrogant physician whose diet recommendations threaten the life of the ailing heir to the throne. Though well-versed in the period, the author never belabors his scholarship. Starr's detailed depiction of a minor surgical procedure, for example, proves both chilling and relevant to the investigation his fictional bailiff is pursuing.
If there’s a downside, it’s that Hugh himself is less threatened in this tale than usual—operating as he does with the Prince’s warrant. And we see little of his home life in Brampton, an appealing aspect of previous books. But fans of the series will surely enjoy the time they get to spend again with competent, thoughtful, and occasionally skeptical Hugh de Singleton.
The novel is engaging and well paced, with Hugh's investigation growing steadily more complicated as both suspects and bodies pile up. Hugh must also deal with an arrogant physician whose diet recommendations threaten the life of the ailing heir to the throne. Though well-versed in the period, the author never belabors his scholarship. Starr's detailed depiction of a minor surgical procedure, for example, proves both chilling and relevant to the investigation his fictional bailiff is pursuing.
If there’s a downside, it’s that Hugh himself is less threatened in this tale than usual—operating as he does with the Prince’s warrant. And we see little of his home life in Brampton, an appealing aspect of previous books. But fans of the series will surely enjoy the time they get to spend again with competent, thoughtful, and occasionally skeptical Hugh de Singleton.
May 17, 2024
These books are a no-fail-go-to for me when I am flailing around with reader's block! The first sentence always pulls me into the story and the time and instantly re-acquaints me with a favorite character Hugh de Singleton. Charming, puzzling and always interesting, I have carefully spooled the stories out as treats instead of gobbling them all up in a rush like I'm tempted to do.
I really enjoyed this one set in London and requiring Hugh to solve both a medical mystery and murders happening in the highest society. I love the infused history of the period (the glossary is helpful!), the unraveling of the mysteries but it is the character of Hugh that always delights me and keeps the pages turning.
Please keep writing these, Mr. Starr!!
I really enjoyed this one set in London and requiring Hugh to solve both a medical mystery and murders happening in the highest society. I love the infused history of the period (the glossary is helpful!), the unraveling of the mysteries but it is the character of Hugh that always delights me and keeps the pages turning.
Please keep writing these, Mr. Starr!!
February 20, 2019
I stopped reading An absorbing book once I realised there was a Hugh de Singleton novel to read
I just knew I would not be disappointed!!
Mel Starr has created a singularly interesting character I Sir Hugh ( a title well deserved, I might add having read all the previous books) is modest, highly intelligent and kind and considerate almost to a fault. The character's ability to get to the nub of a problem through dogged logical old fashioned deduction is so refreshing.
I can't wait to read his latest book , which I have already ordered
R Drew
I just knew I would not be disappointed!!
Mel Starr has created a singularly interesting character I Sir Hugh ( a title well deserved, I might add having read all the previous books) is modest, highly intelligent and kind and considerate almost to a fault. The character's ability to get to the nub of a problem through dogged logical old fashioned deduction is so refreshing.
I can't wait to read his latest book , which I have already ordered
R Drew
July 20, 2024
11th book in series. 14 th century medieval England setting. Having previously been aquatinted Prince Edward calls for Hugh de Singleton to assist him when the princes health fails. In addition to helping Prince Edward, he is called upon to solve the murder of Sir Giles. I’m really really enjoying this series via audiobook. I like the historical context and at the end of each novel the author tells the reader what is fact .
February 4, 2019
Once again, Mr. Starr has written a mesmerizing meld of murder, medieval CSI, fact checked historical fiction, intelligent language, a fascinating protagonist, settings that draw you in, and marvelous depictions of medical practices in the cusp of enlightenment. Even the glossary makes for interesting reading. I'm impatiently waiting for the fall, when the next one comes out!
December 9, 2020
I don’t recall this plot but on Kindle, I did purchase this book. It is marked as read and advances to the last page of the story on the Kindle App. I bought it back in May so maybe I read it back in May? I have loved all of the books in this series, so why would this one be any different? Giving it five stars. ***Because I couldn’t remember the plot details I read this again and enjoyed it very much.
April 10, 2022
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.
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.
May 5, 2024
I love the stories and the murder mysteries I just wasn't that into this one. There's wasn't anything wrong with it but I prefer the murder mysteries when they are more of a personal nature to Hugh. The characters were interesting but once again I prefer when characters I know love are involved. Still loved the book but just not my favorite in the series.
January 30, 2025
Hugh de Singleton is assigned to the court of Prince Edward to discover who poisoned one of the Prince's favorite knights. That question gets complicated by further murders, but the Prince is steadfast in supporting Hugh's efforts, and is also encouraged by Hugh's skills has an herbalist. Hugh's stay in London is longer than he would like, but he is rewarded in the end.
August 3, 2020
Wine’s not always healthful.
A look into the 14th C. through the eyes of a surgeon. Royals and commoners alike are at risk of unpleasant ends. Those readers interested in the past will shiver and appreciate the present.
A look into the 14th C. through the eyes of a surgeon. Royals and commoners alike are at risk of unpleasant ends. Those readers interested in the past will shiver and appreciate the present.
January 5, 2021
It is always a joy to go back into the days of Hugh de Singleton! I love his reflections of life and the occurences around him. This time he is helping Prince Edward with a medical problem and ends up also trying to solve some murders. Great job!
October 15, 2022
A fun novel with lots of wonderful detail about medical procedures in the 1300s, clothing, food and life at court.
The actual murder mystery relied on coincidence and overheard conversations and was pretty unbelievable, but it was still an enjoyable read.
The actual murder mystery relied on coincidence and overheard conversations and was pretty unbelievable, but it was still an enjoyable read.
March 3, 2019
I love these books with Hugh De Singleton. They are exciting and very entertaining to me.
August 21, 2020
I always enjoy plodding along with master Hugh.
March 24, 2021
Master Hugh helps out Prince Edward with his health issues -- and surprise -- a murder or two. Amply rewarded.
March 12, 2022
Another deeply enjoyable tale thoroughly anchored in the historical minutiae, mores and religious ethics of the period.
January 18, 2023
I enjoyed it immensely!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews