An interesting short medieval mystery, where surgeon Hugh finds himself accompanying his Lord to battle in France during 1370. This is the ninth chronicle in the ‘Hugh de Singleton, surgeon’ series but can easily be read as a standalone. Hugh tells his own story and finds his investigative skills are absolutely vital during a siege. The author, Mel Starr brings the the day to day activity, during the siege and brutality of battle, to life around you whilst the glossary of terms comes in very handy too. The thoughts of Hugh are very much of the time and there is one particular point where his views and choice of words will jar in today's world, that aside, this is a captivating and readable little tale. ~ Liz Robinson
King Charles of France has announced that he is confiscating Aquitaine, and Prince Edward has sent for knights and men at arms from England to assist him in opposing the French king. Lord Gilbert Talbot is required to provide five knights, twelve squires, and twenty archers and men at arms, and wishes his surgeon - Hugh de Singleton - to travel with the party, while Hugh's wife Kate will oversee the castle. Among the party will be Sir Simon Trillowe, Hugh's old nemesis and Kate's former suitor, who had once set fire to Hugh's house. After a brawl on the streets of Oxford Sir Simon had nearly lost an ear; Hugh had sewn it back on but it had healed crooked, and Simon blamed Hugh for the disfigurement. Finding himself in the same party, Hugh resolves not to turn his back on the knight - but it is Sir Simon who should not have turned his back.
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, Since retiring he has focused on his highly successful novels. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.
