The Abbot's Agreement

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #7

by Melvin R. Starr, Steven Crossley (Narrator)

My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the crows. Whatever it was that the crows had found lay in the dappled shadow of the bare limbs of the oak, so I was nearly upon the thing before I recognized what the crows were feasting upon. The corpse wore black.Master Hugh is making his way towards Oxford when he discovers the young Benedictine - a fresh body, barefoot - not half a mile from the nearby abbey. The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity: John, one of three novices. But he had gone missing four days previously, and his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death: the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him . . .

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

Audiobook

First published August 15, 2014

About the author

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Annet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already the 7th book in the series of Master Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon and Bailiff I have read, and Mr. Starr's books make quite enjoyable reads. Including a very useful detailed glossary of terms of those times. Know what Misericord is? the Rule of St. Benedict prohibited eating flesh, except for monks who were ill. In 1336 Pope Benedict XII permitted Benedictines to eat meat four days each week so long as it was not served in the refectory or during a fast season. A special place called the misericord was the site of these carnivorous meals ... just so you know. And there's lots more in this interesting glossary. So.... we learn as well.
For those who like historical mysteries, the Hugh de Singleton series is recommended!

...Master Hugh is making his way towards Oxford to buy a bible, when he discovers a young and dead Benedictine monk in the woods- a body, barefoot and flesh eaten by the crows already in considerable effect. The nearby abby's novice master confirms the boy's identity, one of three novices. He had gone missing four days previously. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death, the lad has been stabbed. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot commissions him to investigate. And so we enter a story of treachery and mystery in the abby grounds...

Enjoyed it!

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the crows. Whatever it was that the crows had found lay in the dappled shadow of the bare limbs of the oak, so I was nearly upon the thing before I recognized what the crows were feasting upon. The corpse wore black."

Seeking to buy a costly Bible for his own use, Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff, is on his way to Oxford when he discovers a corpse, only a few days old, nearby an abbey. Unexpectedly, Hugh finds himself in service to the Abbot, seeking to discover who has murdered the former novice by stabbing him in the back three times. Hugh sets out with both skill and speed, as his lovely wife awaits at home soon to give birth to their second child. As he tracks down the truth, Hugh finds himself embroiled in the midst of a conspiracy that makes him wish he'd never pledged to come to the Abbot's aid.

This seventh addition to "The chronicles of Hugh De Singleton, surgeon", is a fine read indeed! I greatly enjoyed watching Hugh track down the clues to the crime, using his wit and tenacity to figure out exactly what is going on. Starr does a fabulous job at bringing to life the setting of the story in the 1300's, from what the characters eat and how they dress, to revealing that people struggled with the same sins hundreds of years ago that we do today! I especially enjoyed how Hugh found himself sharing verses of grace with the Abbot, that we do not have to earn our way to heaven as Jesus has already paid the price - but then finds himself accused of heresy. The story is fast paced, with plenty of unexpected elements thrown into the mix that kept me engaged throughout. Readers who enjoyed prior books starring the talented Hugh will no doubt enjoy following him through his latest adventure. And if you haven't yet pick up one of these novels, well then what are you waiting for? A treat awaits you!

I strongly recommend this book and award it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Lion Fiction, and Kregel blog tour services, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melvin Starr is wonderfully knowledgeable about this period of medieval history, but I find this series slow going and plodding, lacking in excitement. I actually stopped reading the series a few years ago for this reason, but was recently approved for the 11th in the series by Netgalley. I thought I would catch up with the books I hadn’t read first. Well it’s reminded me why I stopped reading them! The stories seem to have no dynamic to them. Three stars then almost totally for the attention to accurate details that this author brings.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://tinyurl.com/k9g2sud

What an interesting and unusual story! I have long been a fan of British mysteries and am delighted to discover the medieval mysteries of Mel Starr. Seventh book in the Hugh de Singleton series, The Abbot's Agreement is centered around Eynsham Abbey in the fall of 1368. It's a world of castles, knights, monks, heresy, creative doctoring, and my favorite type of detection methods - questioning and observation. This is not an action-packed, fast-paced novel, but rather a steadily moving drama set during the 14th century, and all these elements are fleshed out by a narrative that contains some profound insight. Strong secondary characters - Abbot Thurstan, Brother Gerleys, and Arthur - added much richness. The Abbot's Agreement fascinated me and completely held my attention.

Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff to Lord Gilbert Talbot, is a husband and father, with another child on the way, and we don't actually see Lord Talbot in this volume. The Abbot's Agreement stands alone, although I think reading the previous books would provide a deeper understanding of characterization and setting. These opening lines create a great sense of atmosphere . . .

"My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the birds. . . . It is said that curiosity killed the cat. It can prove hazardous for meddlesome bailiffs as well."

While I enjoyed the mystery element, this book's strength was the picture beautifully conveyed of medieval life in England. Not only does Mel have a wealth of knowledge and obvious love for those times, but he is able to communicate it in a way that draws readers in. With a lack of modern technology, medical practice and criminal detection were greatly challenged, yet triumphs occurred in ways that would surprise us today.

There's another strength as well, and that is the spiritual insight that flowed throughout and gives cause for reflection. For example, in contrast to today - when Bibles are easily obtained, yet often gather dust - Master Hugh greatly desired his own copy of the Scriptures, and that's the meaning behind the title. In return for investigating the murder of a young novice, Abbot Thurstan promised to have scribes prepare a Bible for him, in the time between Martinmas (November 11) to St. John's Day (June 24).

But I think my favorite part was when Master Hugh recited Scripture passages with a dying Abbot Thurstan - Scriptures about being forgiven and "cleansed from all unrighteousness" . . . presented "holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight." These words that bring us so much comfort and assurance were heretical thinking in those days, as evidenced in the words of Brother Gerleys: "Who will give us lands and shillings to pray for their souls if there is no purgatory from which they seek release?"

I enjoyed The Abbot's Agreement very much and hope to read more of this series soon. Recommended, especially to those who enjoy historical mysteries.

Thank you to Kregel for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jann Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

This is the seventh entry in the Hugh de Singleton series. Somewhere along the way, I managed to miss the fifth and sixth entries, but will definitely go back and catch up with them. Happily, having read the first four books, I knew the characters that form the core of the series.

Hugh de Singleton is bailiff to Lord Gilbert Talbot of Bampton. Originally, Hugh, the fourth son of a knight, had taken education as a clerk, preparatory to taking holy orders. However, he realized this was not the path for him, and he went to Paris and trained as a surgeon. He then got his position as bailiff and surgeon in Bampton.

In this entry, Hugh and Arthur, a sturdy groom to Lord Gilbert, are on their way to Oxford. Hugh intends to procure a Bible; Arthur is along to assist should anyone try to relieve Hugh of the money he has for this purchase.

Seeing crows flying about as they made their way on horseback, Hugh stops to investigate and finds the body of a young man who has been stabbed three times. He is near Eynsham Abbey, and Arthur goes for help. As it turns out, the dead man was a young novice at the abbey.

Abbot Thurston struck an agreement with Hugh – if he would investigate the murder, then the payment would be a Bible copied by those at the abbey.

I should know by now that I need to make a list of the names of various characters (Sir Robert, Sir Thomas – which one does what and lives where?), as I tend to become confused when there are too many Sirs in the story.

One difficulty for me with the digital version is that the glossary and maps of the areas are at the front; in the print version, it is quite easy to look up an unfamiliar term or to check out locations. In the digital version, it is, in my opinion, too time consuming. I have no solution for this, but am mentioning it.

I enjoy the historical descriptions of life in Medieval times, the social customs and expectations, and in this entry, religious beliefs and secret societies. I like the characters and find their actions plausible.

I highly recommend this series. It is not filled with fast action and explosions, so if that is your cup of tea, you might not find this to your liking. If you enjoy learning about the past while you try to solve a mystery (or several), then dive in!

[English · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

It’s been eighteen months or so since I read my last Hugh de Singleton novel, and I have to admit, despite some of the (entirely legitimate) comments made by other reviewers, this was one of my personal favourites.
Provided expectations are not placed too high, its generally quite good- of course there is no high drama, political intrigue, and little in the way of real action or tension, but this is not something the series generally contains.
Those expecting such things (or a series to the level of another Cadfael) may be disappointed. The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton are a more slow-paced with the occasional foray into Medieval Medicine and surgery which I for one appreciate as someone personally fascinated with the subject.

I personally enjoyed the descriptions of life in and the working of a medieval Benedictine monastery, some of the other descriptions of social life, the impact of the Black Death and the exploration of some of the religious beliefs and ideas of the period. The story did perhaps drag a little in places, and Hugh is certainly not the sharpest tool in the barn, but generally the story was compelling enough that I wanted to read on. There is something endearing about Dear Hugh, despite his occasional failings a sleuth, and even Arthur, his burly bodyguard.

My only major gripe in terms of the plot-line was a serious contradiction given about the evidence of the night the murder was committed. Without meaning to give too much away it was early on stated that there was no moon on that night- and later that there was a full moon and a cloudless sky allowing persons to see clearly. This is not presented as an error, or seemingly even remembered, and for mystery buffs, might be considered a heinous fax pas- and perhaps the solution was a little obvious. Yet for all that, those seeking a ‘light’ mystery with sound historical content, or a clean read with a Christian flavour may be satisfied.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Spuddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light, easy reading historical series featuring bailiff and surgeon Hugh de Singleton in Bampton, near Oxford, UK. The series takes place in the 1360's, with the country still reeling from the devastation of the Black Death two decades earlier, and despite a number of small problems I have with the author's writing style, remains a solid series and one I enjoy, not least because it occurs during one of my favorite time periods in history.

In this book, Hugh is off to Oxford to commission a copy of the Holy Bible for his own book shelf when he and Arthur, Lord Gilbert's groom who accompanies him, discover a dead body in a copse near the road, being slowly devoured by a murder of crows. And it's clear that the young man, who appears to be a brother from the nearby abbey, was indeed murdered. The abbot requests that Hugh discover the murderer of John Whytyng, a novice and soon he is embroiled in abbey politics, heresy and thwarted love.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to confess that I forced myself to finish this book. I didn't want to. But I did. I really like the writing style, time frame, setting, and research that went into this story. The story itself is what didn't work for me in this instance. This tale was very slow paced with much idle time, back tracking, endless conjecture and some repeated phrases (I had an advanced copy so I'm not sure if this was on purpose or not). This seemed like the Seinfeld of Mystery novels. A book about nothing. It has a plot, but it takes so very long to get there with so very little happening. There isn't the swirl of crossing story lines that keep you entertained while you head towards the conclusion. This really is an excellently written piece, just without enough substance.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I do enjoy this series and have read most of the books within it, I do confess to finding Hugh de Singleton, the main protagonist, unbearably pious and a touch sanctimonious. This is by no means a failing nor does it make him an unlikable character, but in the modern age where this level of devoutness is both uncommon and unwarranted, it does become somewhat tiresome. Holy writ and the scriptures govern almost every part of his life, and seem to drive his every thought and action. While this is most likely very authentic and true to the period, it does make for tedious reading. It also makes Hugh quite a dull and colourless individual - something of a goody two-shoes, in fact.

As a detective he is no Sherlock Holmes, and every correct conclusion he draws is ponderously wrung from the clues available. Admittedly Hugh is not really a detective at all but a Surgeon by profession, but he was appointed baliff by Lord Gilbert Talbot, a manor lord, by dint of successfully solving one crime, so now the die is cast.

Reading one of these books does take some effort, since Hugh steadfastly seems to ignore obvious connections between events, collected clues and statements from witnesses, and as a result he does seem to take some time to actually solve the crime, but he gets there in the end. He goes down many blind alleys on the way, however, and most of the time he does this by jumping to sudden and erratic conclusions from the evidence, a thing that he steadfastly appears reluctant to do at other times, when more reliable connections are staring him directly in the face. He doesn't seem to grasp the basic tenets of crime detection. "I could be wrong - I have been wrong before" he constantly introspects, but the reader replies 'yes Hugh, and you could have been much righter had you only listened to the statements made by your witesses and followed where the clues led'.

Arthur, groom to Lord Gilbert, is a gem of a character. A bluff, no nonsense yeoman, who acts as Hugh's bodyguard, assistant and moral foil, and with his plain and simple sense of logic, is actually a much better detective than is his master. Arthur and Hugh make a successful team, although the reader is usually there way before them.

The author makes an excellent job of evoking the period, and descriptions of settings and dress, as well as the language of the characters strike just the right note. Only very occasionally does phrasing or the odd word usage give away the author's transatlantic origin. The characters are all richly developed, although it would be nice to see more of Kate, Hugh's wife, and have more insight into his home life. He is clearly devoted to her and it is strange that she does not feature more in his life that appears from the books.

Although these are not the most exciting of detective novels, the Hugh de Singleton books are cozy mysteries for the Middle Ages and, so long as you are not looking for rip-roaring adventure, I would heartily recommend them.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful medieval mystery set in Bampton--or near Bampton, in this case, for this seventh mystery in the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon. Also bailiff to Sir Gilbert, Hugh de Singleton is on his way to Oxford to purchase or commission a Bible; his trusty personal guard Arthur traveling with him for safety. Nearing an abbey where they have helped solve a mystery previously, they come across the body of a young man which has been set upon by ravens and other forest creatures. Despite the body's level of decomposition and damage from birds and other creatures, Hugh discovers that the cause of death was murder. The aging abbot, recalling Hugh's facility in solving past mysteries, offers to commission a Bible for him from the abbey's scribes if he will stay and solve the murder. Hugh agrees.

But mysterious circumstance after mysterious circumstance build, confusing Hugh and Arthur as to the identity of the murderer. Another attempted murder within the abbey walls adds to the dilemma, besides the fact that Hugh's wife, Kate, is nearing the birth of their second child, and he hates to be away from home at this time.

Another terrific medieval "who-dunnit," meticulously researched and wonderfully suspenseful!! I am sooooooo enjoying this series!!

[MaryJo Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh de Singleton is such a likeable guy. He is so human and so easy to relate to, yet he is honest with himself and others, intelligent, tenacious, and always seeking to improve his knowledge of God.

His character is consistently portrayed in all of the chronicles so far, one of the many things that draws me to this series. It would not be enough, but as before this story features a very believable plot that the author places in an authentic medieval setting; which shows Mel Starr's extensive knowledge on that subject.

In exchange for his own copy of a Bible - a prize too precious to be passed up - Hugh agrees to abort his intended journey and stay at a neighboring abbey to find out who murdered a young novice. By this time his reputation as finding previous culprits in his position as bailiff to Lord Gilbert has come to the Abbot's notice.

The truth is elusive, and in finding answers Hugh and his invaluable companion Arthur stumble upon another dangerous situation within the abbey walls. To complicate matters even more, Hugh's private words of comfort to a dying man are overheard and could put him up on heresy charges, a sure path to ending not only the investigation but his life.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another entertaining book in this series. It has been a few years since I read the book before this in the series, but it didn't take long to get back in the swing of things with Hugh de Singleton and his world set in England in the 1300's. This mystery is set in a rural abby, and has many details about the monastic life of that era. Those details are well integrated with the mystery, and those details added depth to the story.

There were references to multiple waves of 'pestilence' that had occurred years in the past. I felt like I understood the aftermath of those waves with the loss of population and family members, etc -- since we are experiencing our own wave of COVID pestilence.

Now I want to jump into the next book in the series. I'm not going to wait years to read it!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventh in the series I chose this in audiobook. I find the series to be so interesting as it is set in a late 1300s. Bailiff Hugh de Singleton has stumbled upon the body of a novice monk. He’s asked by the Abbott to find the murderer. Hugh finds himself declared a heretic by one of the Priors(who may not be innocent himself)must defend himself along with unearthing the killer’s identity. My only complaints were, at the beginning the narrators voice for several characters were too similar ( hard to distinguish). At times I thought the story ran a bit long. Overall, though, I didn’t enjoy this book in the series and will continue an audiobook format.

[Lycra · Rating 3 out of 5]

#7 of the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton is another medieval murder mystery. Packed with period detail and words that require a glossary, the Hugh de Singleton series immerses the reader in the fourteenth century and the preoccupations of its inhabitants; sometimes distinctly different from our own, sometimes very similar. Red herrings and balloc broth feature when heresy and hearsay complicate Hugh's investigations at Eynsham Abbey and extend his stay there as he attempts to discover a murderer. Hugh gradually gathers crumbs of evidence as to how, where, and even when the murder took place and who might be involved, hampered by the power struggles within the religious community.

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventh installment of a very well-written and researched work of historical fiction by Mel Starr that follows the exploits of. Hugh de Singleton, bailiff and surgeon, as he solves murders in 14th century England.

As with all his previous novels, the writing is immerses you into a compelling medieval mystery rich with detail. The protagonist, Hugh, is a well conceived and thoughtful persona who must navigate the politics and mores of his times to solve crimes - not an easy task. The characters and plot lines are complex and memorable.

I highly recommend this incredible work of historical fiction and the series as a whole.

[Maurice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugh and Arthur are on their way to Oxford, where Hugh plans to purchase a bible. However, on the way they discover a dead body being eaten by birds. The dead man appears to be from the nearby monastery, and the abbot asks Hugh to help determine what happened in exchange for a bible which the monks will copy. Unfortunately, the abbot is old and frail and may not last much longer, so Hugh must determine who the killer is before the prior takes over the running of the monastery.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traveling to Oxford to find himself a Bible; Hugh de Singleton discovers a body. Identified as one of the novices of the local abbey; Singleton is asked to find the murderer. Without the use of modern criminal equipment; Singleton ferrets out the killer and a few other surprises along the way. Never assume you know who done it!

[Michelle Wileman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing read

I love this series especially as I used to live in Bampton. This was a particularly good story, less descriptive of the meals eaten which was getting rather tedious in previous books. The gentle humour is wonderful, the stories give an excellent flavour of history, traditions and lifestyle. I’m off to read the next one now...

[Mandy Schimelpfenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me after I described my love of historical fiction that explored forensics.
There is mystery, suspense, and the constraints of medicine in a medieval time. This is the only book I've read in this series and it made me want to start from the beginning. The characters are great, the whodunit was intriguing, and the case is in intriguing enough to keep turning the pages.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started slowly for me but gained pace and suspense after the initial set up. Hugh de Singleton continues to be a favorite character and Mel Starr's series is one that always brings me reading pleasure. A wonderful balance of character, time and place and mystery. Consistently entertaining.

[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.

[Mary A · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable medieval murder mystery. Hugh de Singleton is a well-rounded character with proper medieval notions and the historical detail is excellent.
The actual solving of the mystery is the least interesting (and least believable) part of the book. The journey to the denouement is much more enjoyable.

[Marilyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

for those of us who know medieval history and the benediction order and rule this book has very confusing and farcical content. the abbot wouldn’t have allowed Phillip to join the monastery let alone become a prior, even his lax and incompetent pastoral care .
there where at times passages that were very dense and not easy to understand

[THOMAS B · Rating 2 out of 5]

goes on and on…

I’ve enjoyed the other 6 books, but this one could easily have been 50 pages shorter. So much there to confuse and lead astray the reader but not in a way that leads one to say, “oh of course the killer is…. “ Any of at least 2 or 3 could just as easily been the killer.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides my enjoyment of the story, I have also enjoyed the historical information in each story in the series. This story was interesting because it took place almost entirely in the Abbey/monastery. Consequently, there were interesting details about monks and their customs.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice historical details about abby structure and life. Solid murder mystery and outstanding reading. I recommend Mel Starr's series highly for a pleasant listen. Not heavy, short length...great for entertainment.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

the death of an Abbot, heresy, and too many suitors for one girl

Interesting story about monastery life, the deceit of priors, and religious rites at an abbot’s death. This was a thorny case, and our hero made lots of mistakes— all the way to the end!

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again Mel Starr gives me a feel for the time period while engrossing me in his story and characters. In this one, Hugh gets accused of heresy when he assures the dying abbot that Christ has already paid for his sins, and he needn't fear purgatory.

[Valarie A. Whitcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

An inside view of medieval cloistered life, relevant heresies, internal religious and personal politics, the struggle of different personaties trying to live the religious rule which under the best of circumstances is never easy!

[Annmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start for me.