Lucifer’s Harvest

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 9

De: Mel Starr

Narrado por: Tim Bruce

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, 12 squires, and 20 archers and men at arms, and wishes his surgeon - Hugh de Singleton - to travel with the party, while Hugh’s wife Kate oversees 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.

©2016 Mel Starr (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Short!

I enjoyed this book and it filled in some gaps in the series. Tim Bruce’s narration was excellent as usual. However this book is only 4 hours long- about half the length of others in the series. Same price.

Short but good

Well the group is off to battle and Dreaded Simon shows up. Well all is not well and murder even happens before battle. Another great one!

An excellent tale except for…

Some will find the attitude expressed toward homosexuality offensive, although it is authentic for the historical period.

Lucifer’s harvest

Love all this series! Always look forward to these very wonderful books about the 1300s!

A small gem of the series

This excellent tale is short and bittersweet but enjoyable throughout. Mr. Starr makes good use of existing plot lines and characters to tell of Hugh de Singleton's participation in the Limoges campaign led by three sons of Edward III in 1370. I am working my way through the series as books become available on Audible. Tim Bruce does a fine job as narrator, striking the right emotional note throughout. If you have enjoyed the series so far, this novel is a new high point and not to be missed.

Like potato chips, gotta have another one!

I love the entire series! Hugh de singleton is a level headed surgeon/bailiff which close to Sherlockian tendencies! Waiting for the next one, Mr Starr!

Weak Conclusion !

The author has the hero repeatedly violate precautions he took earlier. The victim’s father then confesses to knowledge of his son’s scandalous behavior. People rarely admit to that which damages their reputation and much less so in reputation oriented societies. It’s odd that the author fell down so at the end. I’d give it 1 star except Mel Starr does such a great job of plot and character development. This combined with the excellent narration raises it to 2 stars. Good editing should have caught this. A real loss as otherwise, it would have been one of my favorite Hugh of Singleton novels.