A Corpse at St. Andrew’s Chapel

Mel Starr
Monarch Books
ISBN 9781854249548
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (08/10)

 

If you like dark ages and medieval story settings you will love “A Corpse at St. Andrew’s Chapel,” the second book of the Hugh de Singleton murder mysteries. Daily life in 1365AD in the town of Bampton, just outside Oxford, UK, will have readers wistfully enjoying a slower pace of life where if you do not make, build, grow or trade for things, then you do not have them. However, the harsh reality of the inhabitants of the Manor grounds is soon realized as Master Hugh, Baliff of the Manor, becomes responsible for explaining the deaths and curious occurrences in his jurisdiction.

The lovely, intelligent writing of author and historian Mel Starr has resulted in an unhurried, enjoyable read to find out who, or what, has killed the Beadle of the Manor. The cause of this and other deaths and mysteries needs to be solved promptly by Master Hugh, but the heart-stopping, fast pace of many murder mysteries was absent. I truly did enjoy the lack of panic. I had time to relish the daily life of the characters – how problems of lice and infidelity were dealt with; how the wood for building was prepared; the responsibilities of various positions under Lord Gilbert; and how Master Hugh – also the town’s Surgeon – tended to physical ailments and accidents in this early time of medicine. I learned an awful lot about the late 1300s from this book. I also developed quite an interest in the character of Master Hugh. Only glimpses into his personal life and physical appearance are given throughout, until his trip into Oxford. I think the next book, “A Trail of Ink,” is going to be a very good read indeed.

It is not necessary to read the first of the series, “The Unquiet Bones,” to understand this novel. However, it too sounds fascinating, and now that I have experienced the storytelling and knowledge of author Mel Starr I want to know more about Hugh de Singleton, Baliff and Surgeon, I have every intention of reading it as well. This second book, “A Corpse at St. Andrew’s Chapel,” is a terrific murder mystery, and a totally enjoyable reading experience. I highly recommend it.

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