Book Description: It is the autumn of 1367. Master Hugh is enjoying the peaceful life of Bampton when a badly beaten man is found under the porch of St. Andrew's Chapel. The dying man is a chapman--a traveling merchant. Before he is buried in the chapel grounds, an ancient, corroded coin is found in the man's mouth.
My Thoughts: Ever since reading A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr I have been "addicted" to his books.
Mel Starr writes with a depth that makes the reader stop and take notice..none of that quick, I.know.who.dun.it types of read.
This book takes on the persona of the early years of medicine and detective work. Not only is this read interesting but the reader feels as if he is truly in the early years of learning about medicines, people and superstitions. Mel Starr has done some incredible research to make his reads SO authentic!
The reader will remember that Kate was Hugh's assistant in the previous book but now that Hugh and Kate are married and have a beautiful one year old daughter, Master Hugh has a new assistant so that Kate can stay home and tend the home fires. I love Master Hugh's new assistant, Arthur, the groom. He's realistic and absolutely human!
This mystery surrounds a traveling merchant who is dead and gone about to be buried and a corroded coin is found in his mouth. What does the coin signify? And why place it in the man's mouth? "Why would men do murder for a small silver coin? asked the priest." p.26
This mystery turned out completely different than I imagined...just love when this happens!
One does not have to read that previous books in the "series" to understand what is going on...but once you find a great author you'll want to read the other books, too!
A great medieval read! And I enjoyed the other books in this series but this is my favorite!
- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Monarch Books (January 1, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0857212508
- ISBN-13: 978-0857212504
OOOO, now I have to find out who done it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, going to Amazon right now!