Unhallowed Ground

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 4

By: Mel Starr

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Thomas atte Bridge, a man no one likes, is found hanging from a tree near Cowleys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh and Kate find evidence that this may not be so.

Many of the town had been harmed by Thomas, and Hugh is not eager to send one of them to the gallows. Then he discovers that the priest John Kellet, atte Bridge’s partner in crime in A Corpse at St. Andrew’s Chapel, was covertly in Bampton at the time atte Bridge died.

Master Hugh is convinced that Kellet has murdered atte Bridge - one rogue slaughtering another. He sets out for Exeter, where Kellet now works. But there he discovers that the priest is an emaciated skeleton of a man, who mourns the folly of his past life. Hugh must return to Bampton and discover which of his friends has murdered his enemy.

©2013 Mel Starr (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Delightful series

This series is interesting, peaceful listening. The characters are vivid, the writing style evocative of the historical period, the plot interesting without inflicting disturbing violence or gruesome descriptions. I have enjoyed all 4 I’ve read so far.

Well done as always

I’ve enjoyed this series tremendously. It is historically accurate and the characters are interesting. This story does end on a melancholy and perhaps ambiguous note which some listeners have not enjoyed as much, but life, even in medieval times (or perhaps particularly in medieval times!) does not always work out as we expect and how the characters in this story cope with such ambiguity gives us an insight into who they really are.

Interesting, I would like to see a glossary added.

So many terms are archaic. Dictionaries cannot help where one is unsure of the spelling due to the local accent.

Realistic (at least to me)

I enjoyed the story told from Hugh’s perspective. Seems to be realistic according to some of the language

Fun, lighthearted listen with great narrator

I don’t remember how i found this series but I’m glad I did. It’s a pleasure to listen to, with an outstanding narrator with a calm, soothing voice. The mysteries are not deep but enjoyable and I generally know everything is going to workout, which is a nice break from darker stories. I usually listen when gardening and love the history and period I don’t know a lot about. Definitely worth a listen !

Suicide or Murder

This is a wonderful series set in medieval England. When a man, Thomas atte Bridgethat, is found hanging from a tree, Hugh at first assumes it is a suicide. But upon investigation, he learns that the man was despised by almost everyone. Forced to take a second look at the death, Hugh learns that a priest he's familiar with was greatly harmed by the dead man. I like the pace and the period details of this series. Things are never what they seem, and the surgeon digs to get to the bottom of each mystery.

Very interesting tho not best in the series so far

Historically fascinating to see various new facets of 14th century life. However, this tale is slow & pedantic [even at 1.1 speed]. Even with a less than satisfying ending it's yet good enough, that I shall now begin Book 5

Great Series

I love the Steven Sailor series about Rome, Sub Rosa, so it was great to find a series set in medieval England. The books keeps your attention, the reader is excellent, with his expressiveness and different voices he uses.
Well written series!

Love It

The story and narration is excellent! I highly recommend this series of books to everyone.

Wonderful series

I love this series because I care deeply for the main characters and seeing Justice brought to the good people in medieval England!!