The Abbot’s Agreement

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 7

By: Mel Starr

Narrated by: Tim Bruce

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

“My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the crows. Whatever it was that the crows had found lay in the dappled shadow of the bare limbs of the oak, so I was nearly upon the thing before I recognized what the crows were feasting upon. The corpse wore black.”

Master Hugh is making his way towards Oxford when he discovers the young Benedictine - a fresh body, barefoot - not half a mile from the nearby abbey. The abbey’s novice master confirms the boy’s identity: John, one of three novices. But he had gone missing four days previously, and his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death: The lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh’s sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him....

©2014 Mel Starr (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Narration lacking

There is better narration by Steven Crossley in the previous books. It is not as enjoyable to listen to this narrator.

Well written and read

I have loved following this story. Each book takes you into a part of the 1400’s that I didn’t know about.

Equally great narration! Listen till the end!

To those who miss Steven Crossley: i do, too! BUT Tim Bruce's narration was equally great if you just listened to the rest of the book! Be Kind, please. I definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to hearing more of Hugh DeSingleton's adventures!

Another excellent mystery

With fully rounded characters and fine historical details, these mysteries are a real pleasure to listen to. Although a little slower paced than stories set in more modern times, they continue to hold my interest.

New series narrator does just fine. Good story.

Persistence pays off for Hugh once again. He risks being wrong and us thus willing to change his conclusions as more facts shed light. This time he not only solves the murder, but uncovers a small sect of heretics at the Abbey.
And, by the way, the complainers who dis the narration are mere whiners. Sure, if you've been bingeing, you hope for the same voice and style you've come to expect. Of course Tim Bruce's voice (duh) and style are different! he's his own man. However, while not identical, the narration is excellent and I had absolutely NO difficulty recognizing the different voices whatsoever, including knowing whether it was Hugh or the Abbot speaking. I did find the the pace and tone at a speed of 1.1 worked better--for me, at least.

New narrator

Love the series but I can't change narrators after 6 books. Steven Crossley was the perfect narrator for this series, what happened? I just can't finish this series, it just so disappointing.

A well written and told tale

I like the deSingleton books and this is a good addition. The change of locations and different characters helped keep this series fresh.

narration is a bit off.

I wanted to write a review that will give feedback to the author and the narrator, that is if they're interested. The plot was excellent and the story writing wonderful. There are only a handful of series where I spend my credits willing to buy the entire series. This is one series that I will continue to buy all the books. Starr is an excellent writer and makes the historical parts of his story engrossing and thought provoking.

Regarding narration. I thought the narrator was having an off time of it until I saw it was a completely different narrator. I still think he did a good job. The only problem I saw was the voice he used for Abbot and Hugh were too similar. Later in the book something happens that changes the voice of the Abbot (it's a spoiler so I can't go into anymore detail) So at that point it was easier to differentiate between the two voices. But it was difficult to tell which one was speaking at times which made the story a bit confusing.

I think the narrator does a good job. It must be difficult taking over a series that already has an established and loved narrator. So I have to give him credit for taking on that task.

Would definitely recommend this series to others.

New narrator

Was saddened to see the old narrator leave and thought I’d be disappointed with this one, but ‘twas not the case. The new did just as good as the last one. In other words, he did a good job! So glad.

Another good one!

Hugh de Singleton medieval mysteries continue to please! Keep them coming! I’m glad to know that one can visit some of the sites in the story.