Master Wycliffe’s Summons

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #14

by Melvin R. Starr

One of Master John Wycliffe’s scholars is found dead after a thunderstorm. Was he struck by lightning, or was there something more sinister to his death? Scholar Richard Sabyn, a particularly obnoxious fellow, was believed to have been struck by lightning. However, Master Wycliffe believes otherwise and calls upon Sir Hugh de Singleton for help. Sir Hugh shares Wycliffe’s suspicions and launches a private investigation, learning that it might indeed be possible to make it look as though a man has died from a lightning strike. But who would go to all that effort, and why? When fellow scholar Simon Duby dies, it raises even more questions and suspicions. What is the connection between the two men? Sir Hugh believes a bronze pot, a bucket of urine, and a small quantity of charcoal and brimstone may hold the answer. During a bleak 1375, can he survive the insidious plague and several attempts on his life as he continues his quest for truth?

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

233 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2021

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

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical mysteries. I'll read mysteries set in pretty much any historical period, but admit to having a soft spot for the 14th Century, which is what drew me to Master Wycliffe's Summons—that, and the fact that Wycliffe appears in the title. Wycliffe was one of the early proponents of translating the Bible into English, which was a dangerous stance at the time, and which makes him of great interest to me.

Master Wycliffe's Summons if the first title I've read in the Hugh de Singleton series, but it's the 14th volume in that series, so I'm stepping into things a bit late. Nonetheless, I had no difficulty whatsoever sorting out the characters and following the action. The text makes it clear that this volume isn't the first in which Singleton has worked with Wycliffe, which opens up the interesting possibility that if Wycliffe keeps appearing, we may get some interesting portrayal of the process by which he became a proponent of the vernacular Bible. In this volume, Wycliffe is not yet an advocate, but a side part of the mystery involves a small group of Oxford students translating the gospels into English—and Wycliffe and Singleton's awareness of how dangerous this undertaking might be if the wrong people found out.

So, to be honest, I'm primarily reading Master Wycliffe's Summons because of my interest in Wycliffe, not because of a specific interest in this series. That said, Master Wycliffe's Summons is certainly satisfactory. The characters are interesting and have a back story. The plague makes an appearance, which is always a sort of bonus in mysteries set in this period. While the mystery is not complex in the way of the best historical mysteries (such as Pears' An Instance of the Fingerpost), the solution isn't obvious from the start, and the main characters engage in some interesting detective work on their way to a solution.

This is a series I will keep reading when I'm in one of my need-some-historical-mystery-entertainment-stat moods. Given Wycliffe's presence, I'll be tracking it and looking for Wycliffe's next appearance. If historical mysteries are an important part of your entertainment reading, you will most likely enjoy this title.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

[English · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned to read this novel by the end of 2021. The first day of the new year isn't bad, surely?

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton are a favourite series of mine. I've been a sucker for Medieval Mysteries since "discovering" Cadfael is a teenager, and this series usually doesn't fail to disappoint. I say "usually" because although I have never given a Hugh de Singleton book less than 3 stars. Yet such a long series as is is bound to be a mixed bag.

Master Wycliffe's Summons is one of the better books in the series, delivering a lot of the ingredients I have come to love. Details about 14th century social history and everyday life, as well as medicine and surgery. An authentic setting.
In this novel, there's a lot of detials regarding the making of saltpetre, which was an essential indgredient in explosives and later, gunpowder. Yes, Hugh gets to dabble in Chemistry.

I would argue that this secondary theme of this novel was the impact of the plague, or the return of the plague which at least one major and well beloved character dies of. Its first arrival in 1348, the Black Death returned in several cycles over the next few decades. Some varied in severity, some killed only a few, but each was devestating in its own way.

The central mystery is kind of slow, but it makes for a gentle read whih isn't too taxing. It also
wasn't easy to guess who did it, and the setting in an Oxford College provided an interesting break from the usual. Normally, the mysteries take place in the various villages in and around Bampton, Oxfordshire.
What was interesting was the way that John Wycliffe featured in the story. He's been in a couple of others, since he's meant to be a personal friend and former mentor of Hugh, but he plays a more prominent role in this one.

The lack of a preview of the next book in the back of this one might give rise to some speculation that Master Wycliffe's Summons is the final book in the series. I don't know if that's true or not, but each of the stories can sort of stand alone.

Thanks to Lion Fiction for approving me for the PDF review copy of this title via Netgalley. This is no way influenced my opinions and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had Wycliffe as a central character and Starr introduces the idea of the bible being translated into English as a basis, or was it?, for a series of murders at Oxford.
The tie-up to the mystery wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be and the story seemed to peter out a bit at the end: that's where the story lost a star for me.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel Starr has done well with this series. Likeable characters and completely harmless and inoffensive storylines - rather like dark-age cosy mysteries. None of your anachronistic 21st century mores and attitudes, and modern characters dressed up in period costume. The stories are true to their period setting and the 'olde English' vernacular is wonderful. All characters look, behave and speak just as they should.

If there is one criticism it is that the death of Arthur passed rather swiftly and unremarked, for so prominent a character. Killing him off was a big surprise, since it was akin to Conan Doyle killing off Watson halfway through the Holmes cannon! Arthur's replacement, Sir Jaket, was nothing more than a vague shadow lurking in the background of the story, emerging only when necessary, though his squire Thomas's presence was a little more marked. If Sir Jaket is to remain, hopefully Starr will flesh him out a little more.

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel Starr has the talent to take me back in time (here it's 1375) and make me feel right at home. Sir Hugh de Singleton is the bailiff to Lord Gilbert, Third Baron Talbot in Bampton when he receives a request from John Wycliffe of Queen's College, Oxford to come examine the body of one of his students who seems to have died from a lightening strike. Wycliffe doesn't believe that to be the cause of death and he wants his friend to come investigate this death. Master Hugh and his assistant in other cases, Arthur Wagge, leave immediately to try to find out what is making Wycliffe question the cause of death for the student.

This is a lovely book with special treats enjoyed by readers of historical mysteries: a Glossary for those of us who can't always remember what a word or phrase means during this time period and a drawing of the streets and locations spoken of in the city of Oxford. Both helpful to readers who are reading the 14th volume or those just embarking on this series. There are three distinct lines of substance, each with major historical significance, to keep the story moving forward which kept me interested from first page to last. Both Wycliffe and Master Hugh have prominent roles in the solving of these mysteries so if you favor one character over the other you will still be satisfied at how well they work together. Definitely recommended for readers contemplating trying a mystery set in this time period and for readers already familiar with the series. A satisfactory way to spend your reading time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for an e-galley of this novel.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great series of mysteries playing in the Middle Ages that I have missed before! Although my introduction to Hugh de Singleton comes somewhat late in the series, the book was sufficiently stand-alone to read without any difficulty and, thankfully, without any long-winded recaps in the text.
'Master Wycliffe's Summons' are written in the first person, from the viewpoint of the likeable, tenacious Sir Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, bailiff, and well-known sleuth of his closer environs. While Sir Hugh is investigating one suspicious death another one occurs, but in a completely different manner. The plot entails a whole lot of action and dangerous twists, including the recurrence of the bubonic plague, yet the story meanders at a relatively slow and comfortably steady pace. In the process, interesting tidbits are being revealed, such as the first use of gunpowder in Europe, beliefs about the bubonic plague at the time, as well as attempts to protect oneself from it, not to forget descriptions of the culinary fare dished out in colleges and hospitals. It seems that a lot of pease and bean pottage was being consumed... Although the prose is in modern English, lots of expressions from the 14th century are included, providing additional authentic atmosphere and a cosy aura.
I enjoyed this book and its characters immensely, and recommend it to all those with a bent for medieval mysteries!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me this eARC.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Lion Hudson for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review Master Wycliffe’s Summons. All opinions are my own.

Master John Wycliffe of Oxford College asks Hugh de Singleton, bailiff of Bampton Manor to come to the town to investigate a suspicious death. Ordinarily this is far outside Hugh’s bailiwick, but he receives permission from the lord of his manor and makes the trip. Accompanied by his assistant Arthur Wagge Hugh makes the trip, and after some investigation determines that the young man died in an explosion, not the lightning strike that the college authorities would like everyone to believe. However, before the investigation can be well begun, someone close to Hugh becomes ill and dies, and it’s evident that the man contracted the plague. Proceedings are abandoned as Hugh takes the body home. It will be taken up again, for Hugh knows that a murderer must be found.

Hugh must deal with this and the deaths -- for there are more -- throughout Master Wycliffe’s Summons, the fourteenth book in the medieval series, this one set in circa 1375. Death and dying will be part and parcel of the plot in the book, along with the Christian doctrine and practices that underscored all daily life. You will be immersed in this as you read along.

Our murdered scholar is found to be involved in a forbidden practice; translating the Bible to English. In discovering this and trying to find the murderer Hugh is attacked, and so must send his companions to continue the investigation, including John Wycliffe. All of this takes time and thus the book does meander a bit, especially since the plague is driving potential suspects out of Oxford.

A trap is set, and it succeeds. Hatred is a powerful force, and crimes must be covered up. But dogged investigation does have its day, even if it takes a while. Hugh returns swiftly to Brampton and finds that the plague has arrived there. How this will affect future books, readers will just have to see.

Master Wycliffe’s Summons is another competent tale from Mel Starr, filled with historical facts (how explosives are created with saltpeter, for instance) and why an English Bible was considered treasonous. It takes a while to get to its conclusion, but fans of the series should find this no hindrance to enjoy this latest book, and anyone new to Hugh de Singleton and his adventures will find it a satisfying read (although you really should start at the beginning – no reason to miss out on all the others!).

[J.J. Rusz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Master Wycliffe’s Summons” takes Sir Hugh de Singleton to Queen’s College at Oxford to investigate a student death that distinguished scholar John Wycliffe regards as suspicious. Did a lightning strike during a fierce summer storm kill the student or were human hands responsible?

In many ways, books in this series are the medieval equivalent of police procedurals: Hugh is systematic, logical, and occasionally tedious in his investigation. But the author also keeps readers aware of the specific political and religious assumptions of Hugh’s world. Even when it is clear the plague has returned to the area, Hugh persists in his investigation, fully conscious that his wife and young children miles away in Bampton might be vulnerable. He and others confront death buoyed by the faith of their time—one not untainted by doubts and fear.

“Master Wycliffe’s Summons” may not be the most intriguing book in Mel Starr’s chronicles of Hugh de Singleton. But it is thoughtful, well written, and quite timely.

[Zosia Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of the previous 'chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, each year avidly awaiting the next instalment.
I whizz through the book very quickly as I really enjoy the stories. And although I have given this a 4 star instead of 5, as always it is written very well. I have to say I was not excited by the story at all. I thought it a bit boring although the plot was good.
I can't put my finger on it but I didn't feel it was as good as the others in the series. And I think that the author may have come to the end of line with the 'Hugh de Singleton chronicles'
The author usually leaves chapter 1 of his next book at the end of the present book, there isn't one. Although I will be sad, if this is the last book in the series as I would really like it to end in a different way, I cannot blame the author if he has taken Hugh as far as he can on his journey.
I maybe wrong & next year will see another book. In that case, I shall again look forward to reading it.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Called to Oxford by his old friend John Wycliffe, Sir Hugh de Singleton confirms Wycliffe's suspicions that a recent death was not caused by lightning but was murder. When another scholar is also found dead, again presumed accidentally, Hugh knows that a plot is afoot. However plague is making inroads in the area and Hugh knows that he is up against time to unmask the killer.
This is the 14th book in a series and , whilst I have not read them all, I really enjoy them. The research is excellent with a real sense of time and place but not to extent that masks a decent plot. The pace of the books is lively and they are not too demanding so ideal for a quick read. Here the formula is not changed and it's great.

[Beth Ledford · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the biggest appeals to these books has been how Arthur and Sir Hugh have worked together to solve so many crimes! I loved Starrs portrayal of him. His character had so much depth and always brought a little bit of humor to the story. I felt that Sir Hugh had no friends except for Arthur!
I have loved Arthur tremendously and I feel like, sir Hugh did not care for him or mourn him to the degree that I felt was adequate for all that Arthur meant to him and had done for him! I have loved every book and have never had any criticisms until the death of Arthur! I have to say that I am still processing this, as I was so disappointed in the way that his death was handled!

[Diane Estrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good addition to the Chronicles of Sir Hugh. It kept me turning the pages quickly.

I was a little disappointed at how abruptly the ending came, after a long slow burn up to the last chapter.

I was also disappointed at how there was no next book, sneak peak that is usually included. Insert sad face here...

I bought this book for my own reading pleasure and will happily pass it on to others. Highly recommend this series!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I treated myself to this next Hugh de Singleton book to distract me on our long flight to Croatia and it did the trick - mostly. The book was terrific as always and Sir Hugh remains one of my favorite characters.

Here Hugh receives a plea for help from his former teacher Master Wycliffe in Oxford. On arrival, Hugh finds not only several on-going mysteries, murders and the re-appearance of the dreaded Black Death.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Starr is at it once again! I learned fascinating facts about medieval chemistry & medicine & mores. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I cried when it felt like I lost a friend. With brilliantly developed characters, I always feel like I can't wait for the next book, so I can see what these people are up to next.

[Lynne Tull · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy these stories, but this one had way too much filler to plod through. The filler was mostly a repeat after repeat of why someone might be involved or not. It was almost a novella or short story. I like the stories that take place in Brampton, his home. I'll keep reading just for the characters.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel Starr has added another riveting chronicle to Sir Hugh's adventures. With the plague threatening his loved ones back home, Sir Hugh tries to figure out if a student in Oxford has been hit by lightning or murdered! Lots of fascinating medieval information woven into a good story.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is well plotted and the writing is good technically but Starr's heart doesn't seem to be in story. He constantly repeats the provost is disliked and why. As usual it is preachy with some questionable theology.

[THOMAS B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, but great

Another enjoyable Mel Starr read but slow. Seemed at times to drag. The ending was not at all dramatic, exciting or unexpected. I read only “clean read” and this book was certainly that which I very much appreciated.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1375. Sir Hugh de Singleton is summoned by Master Wycliffe to Oxford. As during a recent storm oone of his scholar's died. But he is suspicious of the cause of death and wishes Hugh to investigate. Unfortunately the plague has once again come to the area.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many questions?

Question after question and without them the book would be half the length and twice as good at the leadt

[Sandy Carruthers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good tale

A good tale but not one of his best, a bit protracted and not a very likely or believable end.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Hugh is back in Oxford solving a crime for Wycliffe. Leaves you wanting to know what's going on in Bampton. More pottage for lunch and supper!

[Andy53 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was the weakest of the series. A lot of conversation repeated and the plot really didn’t grab me.

I do love the series and eagerly await the next offering.

[Bumpy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series of books and have read them all. I felt this one wasn’t as absorbing as the previous ones, let’s hope the next book makes up for it.

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting about making gunpowder, though not called that at the time. Will miss Arthur. Didn't find the mystery compelling, slim motives.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one. A little convoluted, but as always it drops you into the fourteenth century and doesn't let go. Always highly recommended, but read them in order. :)

[Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as usual. A pleasant read.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of my favourite series and this didn't disappoint not my favourite era but this series and a couple of other's are moving it up my list

[Melody Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable chapter in the Hugh de Singleton Chronicles

[Red Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back on form after a slightly disappointing last book, I think.