"rest not in peace" by mel starr

About the book (from the publisher): Master Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle. Sir Henry—with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants—has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.

The next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to do with the potion.

The sixth tale following Hugh de Singleton, Rest Not in Peace is sure to find its place among fans of detective and medieval historical fiction.

My take: Each year, I look forward to reading the next in the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton. Each book is written as though it's Hugh's journal, containing foreshadowing, witty asides, and hopes and fears—just as a real journal would. I also love the glimpses into medieval medicine, as Hugh is both a surgeon and bailiff. (Though I must admit, sometimes the medical procedures are so graphic that they make me cringe!)

Rest Not in Peace provides the entertainment I have come to expect from author Mel Starr. The stakes aren't as high in this book, as Hugh's life isn't threatened as it is in some of the previous books, but it is no less enjoyable. I will admit that I missed the presence of Hugh's nemesis Sir Simon Trillowe, and I hope that a new antagonist will make an appearance in future novels!

My rating: 4-1/2 stars

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Read my reviews of the Hugh de Singleton novels A Trail of Ink, Unhallowed Ground, and The Tainted Coin.

About the author: Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with an MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”