Publisher's Weekly Review
History teacher and author Starr (The Unquiet Bones) pens a second medieval mystery featuring Master Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Lord Gilbert Talbot's manor at Bampton, England. The discovery of a corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel-that of Alan, the manor's beadle-poses a mystery that Master Hugh must unravel. A subsequent second murder deepens the mystery. Master Hugh is nothing if not deliberate; the narrative proceeds slowly and methodically, adding complications and characters. The story is detail driven rather than character driven, with a groaning board of medieval touches: diet, clothing, calendar with feast days. Starr helpfully provides a glossary for readers who want to tell their beadle from their bailiff. In an era in which religion and culture were synonymous, there's also a goodly helping of theological asides, chubby clergy, and a sympathetic portrait of John Wyclif, the Reformation's "morning star" and a mentor to Master Hugh. Starr pens a competent, albeit slow-moving, medieval tale. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Library Journal Review
This second Hugh de Singleton mystery (after The Unquiet Bones) once again features Master Hugh, who is both bailiff and physician at Bampton Manor. In this suspense-filled tale, the beadle of the manor sets out to find and bring back anyone breaking curfew, but he never returns home. The officer's wife pleads with Master Hugh to search for clues and solve his disappearance. VERDICT The combination of mystery, suspense, and historical fiction creates a delightful tale that will please those readers who enjoy Ellis Peters's Brother Cadfael series. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
