The Tainted Coin

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 5

By: Mel Starr

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

It is the autumn of 1367. Master Hugh de Singleton 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.

Master Hugh’s quest for the chapman’s assailants, and his search for the origin of the coin, makes steady progress - but there are men of wealth and power who wish to halt his search, and an old nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe, is in league with them. But Master Hugh and his assistant, the groom Arthur, are determined to uncover the thieves and murderers and the source of the chapman’s coin.

This they do, but not before they become involved with a kidnapped maiden, a tyrannical abbot, and a suffering monk - a man who needs Master Hugh’s surgical skills and in return provides clues that assist Hugh in solving the mystery of the tainted coin.

©2013 Mel Starr (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Best story yet

I have been listening to this series for years and think this is the best story yet.

Enjoying the series

I am enjoying listening to this series by Mel Starr. I am a huge fan of Steven Crossley, and know his narration style from the C.J. Sansom, Shardlake series.

The stories are engaging, but not difficult to follow. This is important to me, as someone with ADHD, I can get easily confused about characters.

I like the historical references to every day language from this time period.

I look forward to listening to the rest of the series.

Fun selection with a great nod to archeology!

I really enjoy listening to this narrator's voice. Lots of action and great characters. In chapter 6, (not a spoiler) Hugh finds a Roman site with a hypocaust system - straight out of Time Team!!

I highly recommend this selection!!!

The best so far…

I have listened to all of the books in the series to this point and while they are all excellently written and performed this one captured me the most.

Excellent

I love that Hugh has such good morals and conscience. No sending a man to his murder. A long journey to find some hidden riches.