Tuesday, December 31, 2013

{Kregel Blog Tour} Rest Not In Peace, the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon by Mel Starr

Book Description:  Another slice of medieval skullduggery from the surgeon-turned-sleuth
Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle. Sir Henry—with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants—has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.
The next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to do with the potion.
 The sixth tale following Hugh de Singleton, Rest Not in Peace is sure to find its place among fans of detective and medieval historical fiction.

My Thoughts:  Mel Starr is one of those authors that the reader will either like or dislike.  His books are "heavy" and filled with old English that requires the reader to read and gather information slowly.  Even though this is a mystery/suspense read, it does not, in my opinion read quickly.
This type of book is, also, not my usual genre of reading but when I first read The Unquiet Bones, I was hooked on Mel Starr's books.
Now in Rest Not in Peace (such an unique and oxymoron type of title!) finds us with Master Hugh, a surgeon, who does as he is bid, making a sleeping medicine for Sir Henry.  
But the next morning, the hale and healthy Sir Henry is found dead as a door nail in his huge bed.
This is where it all begins . . . what caused Sir Henry's death?  Was it the sleeping medicine that Sir Hugh had made? no. . . or maybe, just maybe are there is something else in the pot!
Reading more about Sir Hugh's wife, Kate and his sweet, baby girl, Bessie, made the read feel like an old friend.
This is more of a mystery and ends quite differently than I expected.  
It was an enjoyable read!  And would make a great snowy or rainy day companion! 
*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publishing* 
  • Series: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Lion Fiction; 1st New edition edition (November 1, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1782640088
  • ISBN-13: 978-1782640080

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