Ashes to Ashes

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 8

De: Mel Starr

Narrado por: Tim Bruce

Master Hugh, Kate, and their children attend the Midsummer’s Eve fire. Early next morning, Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones.

Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones are those of a bailiff from a nearby manor. Someone has slain him and placed his body in the fire to destroy evidence of murder. Bailiffs are not popular men; they dictate labor service, collect rents, and enforce other obligations. Has this bailiff died at the hand of some angry tenant? Hugh soon discovers this is not the case. There is quite another reason for murder....

©2015 Mel Starr (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

good, mostly (spoilerish)

My wife and I generally love this series, but this has been the most disappointing ending of any of the series so far. I felt besides the lack of justice which can't be helped sometimes, there were some characters that should have been wrapped up at the end of the book, but instead nothing is mentioned about what happens to them. They committed some major felonies against Lord Gilbert and they were low born. It's impossible to believe that they would be given no punishment for permanently damaging Lord Gilbert's favorite servant.

There's also one point in the book where Hugh mentions a person dying that is only described by job title so you're left wondering if it's the same character that had speaking roles in several previous books.

Very enjoyable light read

I enjoyed this murder mystery a lot. Great plot and great characters. Set in 1300s England. Easy to follow on audiobook. Will be reading more from this author.

OK, Mr Starr, we are ready for the next two...PLEASE!

I just adore the adventures of (Now "Sir) Hugh de Singleton, our 15th Century Sherlock. I suppose that since #14 isn't recorded, I'll have to begin with #1 again. (Sadly, my vision keeps me from READING the book, available on Amazon, so I wait for audible)

another excellent "who dun it!" from Mr. Starr

we enjoy the audio books especially with the British accent and all. brilliant and bobs your uncle

I enjoy this series and reader

Rich in historic detail with an entertaining plot, this 8th book in the series still fun and engaging