Unhallowed Ground (Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon Chronicles #4) by Melvin R. Starr

Jan 22, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A man who commits suicide or was he murdered? Buried where? Why? The year is 1360 something in an unfamiliar land and unique sounding words describe people, positions, and responsibilities. Never before has such a novel attracted my attention…until now.
Mel Starr has written “chronicles” of a character named Hugh de Singleton. This character has more than one job in his village. What the name of the village is, I can’t say. What is this character’s occupation? I can’t spoil the book and reveal w...more A man who commits suicide or was he murdered? Buried where? Why? The year is 1360 something in an unfamiliar land and unique sounding words describe people, positions, and responsibilities. Never before has such a novel attracted my attention…until now.
Mel Starr has written “chronicles” of a character named Hugh de Singleton. This character has more than one job in his village. What the name of the village is, I can’t say. What is this character’s occupation? I can’t spoil the book and reveal what he does.
He is caught in a web of intriguing mystery that twists many times almost like a rope. Maybe that is why there is a picture of that on the cover. It sure grabs one’s attention doesn’t it? In the language of the setting, it seems like one is transported to a time where words such as almoner, farthing, bailiff and Cow-ley were ordinary words.
When I first looked at the book and read the words and definitions, I was thinking I bit off more than I could chew. Would I understand the story or not? Would I be able to follow the characters while trying to figure out the plot? After the first few pages of chapter 1, I was hooked. I had to know how this medieval novel ended. I kept reading as I was carried away to Bampton, following the actions of priests, sires, bishops, and carpenters. There are many more fascinating people in this story who travel to other lands to seek answers.
Sometimes when one reads a novel the characters seem so unreal; however, Mel Starr has done a superb job of helping his readers “feel” the human part of mankind in the story. Never before have I read a book where the setting has taken place in medieval times. Prior to Unhallowed Ground, I would have just looked past the book to genres I am more familiar and comfortable with reading.
I cannot recommend the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton enough. If Mel Starr wrote his past and future novels with the same brilliance as he did this one, he has found a loyal fan indeed! Most novels are based on some known, unknown or little before known fact in history; Mel Starr’s writings are no different. There are other books in this series of chronicles, though each one stands alone, and are titled: The Unquiet Bones, a Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel; A Trail of Ink and then the forthcoming book, The Tainted Coin.
These are stories you will surely read more than once, maybe even getting them for family members, friends or coworkers who love a good mystery. I don’t want to spoil the suspense felt as the book is read so I won’t let the preverbal “cat out of the bag” by saying more. Get the book, curl up, turn off the noise, and get lost for a while in Unhallowed Ground. You will never regret it!
Note: I received a complimentary copy as a blog tour participant for
Kregel Publications.
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Mar 31, 2012 Jann Barber rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this in the First Reads program and if I were to start reading it again tomorrow, would tell myself to either read it all within the space of a few days or else write a list of characters and their relationships to which I could refer after leaving the book on the table for the span of several days.

I read the first book in this series and bought the next two entries on my Kindle, but have not yet read them. I do enjoy the historical background that makes up part of each story. In this book...more

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Feb 03, 2012 Tina Peterson rated it 3 of 5 stars

I found this book rather hard to read. What I did like about the book was the depth of the history, the research and the author's understanding of the period written about in the book. I also really liked the characters of Hugh & Kate who are both very strong, suited to each other and even though they (especially Hugh) have to make tough decisions when it comes to people they know - they do it.

Unhallowed Ground refers to the church's stance that someone who either has committed suicide or i...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Edna Tollison rated it 4 of 5 stars

As this is the fourth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton surgeon, I am starting at the end of the story but that is ok as I begin to read it all fell into place.

When Thomas atte Bridge that no one like was found hanging from a tree everyone thought he had taken his own life, but Master Hugh thought other wise. He though that the man had been murdered and he was going to find out who did it. As he was beginning his investigation he didn't want to get any one else involved as they all had been harmed...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Ann Saylor rated it 3 of 5 stars

Mel Starr has just released another book in his Hugh De Singleton series. It is titled Unhallowed Ground: The Fourth Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon.

Thomas atte Bridge, a town criminal disliked by everyone in the town, is found hanging from a tree at the beginning of the story. The townspeople all assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh believes otherwise. As the bailiff, surgeon, and detective in the small 13th century town of Bampton, England, Master Hugh sets on a complicate...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Karen Brooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Once I started reading this series featuring Hugh de Singleton by Melvin R Starr, I couldn’t stop. Searching for historical fiction that really captured a specific era (I was looking for the late 1300s, early 1400s) but was tight, well written and engaging proved harder than I initially thought – in that, I had already read so many good novels, it was hard to find new material. That was, until I stumbled upon Starr’s series.
The fourth book in the Hugh de Singleton series, the surgeon who become...more Once I started reading this series featuring Hugh de Singleton by Melvin R Starr, I couldn’t stop. Searching for historical fiction that really captured a specific era (I was looking for the late 1300s, early 1400s) but was tight, well written and engaging proved harder than I initially thought – in that, I had already read so many good novels, it was hard to find new material. That was, until I stumbled upon Starr’s series.
The fourth book in the Hugh de Singleton series, the surgeon who becomes a bailiff to Lord Gilbert Talbot (he of the arching brow), Unhallowed Ground is probably grimmer and darker than the other books in one way and yet, in another, also has a delightful and quite charming parallel narrative as Hugh is no longer a bachelor and early in the book he receives some wonderful news that will change his and Kate’s lives.
The tale commences with the death of a character we’ve come to know and loathe from an earlier book, the violent and manipulative Thomas Atte Bridge. Discovered hanging from a tree at the crossroads, it’s first believed that the man committed suicide, only, Hugh and Thomas’ poor wife, don’t believe that to be the case.
But when Hugh’s investigation uncovers a ream of suspects, all of whom not only had good reason to do away with Atte Bridge, but are decent upstanding citizens as well, Hugh finds himself facing a serious moral dilemma. When his investigation uncovers a criminal prepared to harm more than a villain, but Hugh and his wife, the bailiff’s anger is roused and he stops at nothing to find out who’s the culprit and why they’re prepared to go to such lengths to stop him discovering their identity. Only this time, the answers are not what Hugh expects…
Against the backdrop of the investigation, life at the manor and within the surrounding village is gently drawn. The reader follows Hugh on his investigations and intellectual peregrinations as he tries to fathom who the most likely culprit might be. In this book, we are also given a peek into married life and the role of a new wife and doting husband – and it’s utterly charming but realistically drawn as well. Likewise, the travels that Hugh undertakes as he seeks the killer, the insights into professional roles and respect for skills, medical, surgical, carpentry, horsemanship etc. are also lightly but accurately drawn.
These books are like a time capsule into a world and time past, but as I say repeatedly in my reviews, without sacrificing story. The pace can be slow, but the writing is always elegant and the characters beautifully drawn. Another delightful read.
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Jan 06, 2012 Natasha rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first historical crime novel that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the fourth novel in a series, I had not read the others but on the strength of this book I think I will. Hugh De Singleton (Surgeon & Bailiff) is asked to investigate the apparent suicide of local ruffian and all around bad guy, Thomas Att Bridge who was found hanging. No-one is sad that he has died and many people have good enough reason to want him dead. Hugh wrestles with his own conscience throug...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Nupur rated it 3 of 5 stars

The fourth book in the Hugh de Singleton series by Mel Starr.

Hugh de Singleton is your all-in-one - surgeon, bailiff, estate manager, awesome husband and soon-to-be doting father, although he does seem to have more mysteries to solve than surgeries to perform!

The book itself follows the pattern of its three predecessors' bailiff believing there's more to it than meets the eye, embarks on a mission to solve the murders, struggles with moral questions and draws upon his faith to deal with them. Al...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: england, historical-fiction, christian-historical-fiction

I only recently discovered ‘The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton’, which attracted me for a number of reasons. As a fan of the Cadfael series a Medieval Crime Mystery series seemed interesting, as a lover of Medieval History the setting attracted me, and as a Christian the religious aspects and the fact that novels in this genre tend to be ‘cleaner’ than others also seemed a plus.

By way of a brief introduction the series is set in the late 1300s (14th century) and the protagonist Hugh de Singlet...more I only recently discovered ‘The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton’, which attracted me for a number of reasons. As a fan of the Cadfael series a Medieval Crime Mystery series seemed interesting, as a lover of Medieval History the setting attracted me, and as a Christian the religious aspects and the fact that novels in this genre tend to be ‘cleaner’ than others also seemed a plus.

By way of a brief introduction the series is set in the late 1300s (14th century) and the protagonist Hugh de Singleton is the younger son of a knight who trained as a surgeon (different from a physician) who was appointed Bailiff of the Oxfordshire Village of Bampton on the Weald after treating the Local Lord.
Bampton is a real village a short distance from Oxford, and most of Hugh’s sleuthing and medical work takes place in and around the region. John Wycliffe the controversial theologian also makes an appearance as a secondary character in a number of the stories, as a friend and mentor of Hugh, who adheres to some of his teachings and doctrines which went against the mainstream teaching of the Catholic Church.

With this particular instalment, the fourth in the series, I was generally satisfied. The crime itself is not described in graphic detail, nor does the author seem to delight in gory descriptions of brutal acts, and the aspects of social history are interesting. Some of the descriptions of medieval surgery and medical practice are also fascinating, as well as the everyday lives of ordinary folk. The historical elements seem to be well done, plausible and authentic- and appear to be well researched for the most part. The glossary is useful for the more unfamiliar terms.

Yet the novel does seem to drag a little towards the middle. The main reason for this seems to have been that Hugh just did not have much to do, and so his daily life and routine just seems to have become part of the plot, and, whilst this work for a while, it cannot always hold one’s interest. Admittedly, it would not be much of a mystery novel if the case was solved easily or quickly, and the process of investigation is as important as the resolution, yet the story just seemed slow and plodding in parts.

Hugh’s moral dilemma is worked into the story well, and adds a somewhat deeper element. He must investigate the murder of a hugely unpopular member of the community whom almost everyone seems to have had motive to slay and at first is convinced that a corrupt and murderous clergyman who had previously been complicit in another crime must the culprit, despite the fact that all who know him insist that he is a changed man.

When he goes to confront the man, he must in some way confront his own unpleasant prejudice to find that his prime suspect could not be guilty. Gradually, as the suspects become fewer it becomes apparent that one of his friends may be responsible.
As this becomes apparent, Hugh is torn between pursuing the felon as his role and justice demands, and abandoning investigation because of the possibility of having to send one of his friends to the gallows if he does discover a murdered amongst them.

Yet the conclusion of this moral dilemma (and the solving of the murder) is distinctly unsatisfactory, as well as morally questionable, which is the main reason why I gave this novel a lower rating than I perhaps would have done.

On a moral level, I much prefer the married Hugh in this Novel to Hugh the Bachelor in previous novels who was in the habit of ogling a particular teenage scullery maid, as well as any other pretty face who could turn his head, or distract his attention. He is, in my view a far more appealing character when he is not occupied by thoughts of women and fantasising about the benefits of marriage as in the second novel which I hope soon to finish.

Overall, ‘Unhallowed Ground’ was and enjoyable and pleasant read, likely to satisfy lovers of historical fiction if their expectations are not too high. Those who expect the High Drama of political intrigue will be disappointed, but those who prefer ‘cosy’ rural settings may take to it more. As murder mystery it is good, though perhaps not the best, the most intriguing element may the protagonist belonging to a much misunderstood and underrated profession which the author has clearly taken trouble to acquaint himself with.
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May 18, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

UNHALLOWED GROUND by Mel Starr is a medieval police historical fiction. It is book #4 in the “ Chronicles of Hugh De Singleton, Surgeon” series,but can be
read as a stand alone. See,”The Unquiet Bones”,”A Corpse at St Andrew’s Chapel”,and “A Trail of Ink”. The saga of Hugh de Singleton continues as a tale of medieval murder,mystery,and life. “Unhallowed Ground” follows Singleton as he searches for a killer through Exeter and Bampton,as he discovers corruption,and past mistakes. Fast paced,full of...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, fiction, mysteries, review-copy, reference

Unhallowed Ground is the fourth book in the "Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon", however it is easily read as a stand-alone. This is the first of the series I have read, and I found no problems with starting at this point. There is enough information and character development that I could easily connect and not feel lost.

Taking place in 14th Century Bampton, England, Unhallowed Ground centers around Master Hugh de Singleton who is both a surgeon and bailiff to Sir Gilbert. Master Hugh is...more Unhallowed Ground is the fourth book in the "Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon", however it is easily read as a stand-alone. This is the first of the series I have read, and I found no problems with starting at this point. There is enough information and character development that I could easily connect and not feel lost.

Taking place in 14th Century Bampton, England, Unhallowed Ground centers around Master Hugh de Singleton who is both a surgeon and bailiff to Sir Gilbert. Master Hugh is a walking contradiction because he's looked at with suspicion because of his job as bailiff and revered because of being a good surgeon. This makes for a very interesting protagonist.

Written in first person and being able to see through the eyes of Master Hugh was fascinating and made for a captivating and unforgettable story. When he sees Thomas atte Bridge hanging from the tree and studies him, he discovers that the apparent suicide is possibly not a suicide at all. As he continues his investigation, he discovers not only was Thomas atte Bridge a despicable man (worse than he originally knew), but he wrestles with the thought of possibly arresting a neighbor or "good" person who was involved in the murder.

Master Hugh is newly married and discusses this information with his wife, Kate. She is an intelligent woman who also noticed from the beginning that Thomas atte Bridge's death was not as it seemed. With each dead end Master Hugh would hit, Kate would be there as a sounding board and help him decide if it was worth continuing the investigation.

This book was an amazing read! I am so taken with the writing style of Mr. Starr, that I really want to read all the books in this series. He is truly a brilliant writer who seems to effortlessly bring to life 14th Century England. His prose and ability to describe in detail day-to-day life transports the reader back in time and allows on to actually feel like they are a part of that time period.

This book comes HIGHLY recommended!(less)

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Mar 02, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book as a GoodReads give away to review. Unhallowed Ground is about an investigation into an apparent suicide, in which the main character Hugh de Singleton has his doubts and tries to pursue the possibility of murder. The dead man certainly had enough enemies in town creating potential suspects. Hugh has to struggle with finding the truth or making enemies with those who he suspects. Not everyone is happy that Hugh won't accept the suicide theory.

The plot was well developed and...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: medieval, christian-historical-fiction, christian-suspense, mel-starr

It is honestly hard to find Christian Fiction books set in Medieval times. One of my very favorite time periods to read about with my unrealistic dreams of castles and knights in shining armor! This book was superb! The mystery of whodunit kept you reading and guessing and trying to figure it out right alongside of Hugh. I loved the relationship with Hugh and his new bride Kate too which gave us another side of Hugh.. super helpful in character development. Mel Starr graciously gives us a mini d...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was my first book in this series so I had fun figuring out some of the words, which I thought was neat. Maybe because some of my family no longer with us used some of the same words? And Hugh’s herbal medicines would interested a lot of people today, I wonder myself if some of these remedies will work just as well as prescription medicines.

I felt bad that Hugh was on his own thinking that someone else murdered old atte Bridge, instead of him taking his own life. Well except Hugh’s new wife...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Nate LaClaire rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In Mel Starr’s fourth tale of Hugh de Singleton, medieval surgeon, Unhallowed Ground, we find our protagonist investigating the murder of one Thomas atte Bridge after this unlikable fellow is found hanging from a tree. While Master Hugh would like to believe the popular opinion that the victim took his own life, his finding of evidence to the contrary requires him to investigate his friends and neighbors to determine who took the life of their common enemy.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The stor...more In Mel Starr’s fourth tale of Hugh de Singleton, medieval surgeon, Unhallowed Ground, we find our protagonist investigating the murder of one Thomas atte Bridge after this unlikable fellow is found hanging from a tree. While Master Hugh would like to believe the popular opinion that the victim took his own life, his finding of evidence to the contrary requires him to investigate his friends and neighbors to determine who took the life of their common enemy.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The story, which is written in the first person, pulled me in and helped me to understand the culture through the eyes of one of its inhabitants. A thorough glossary is included in the front of the book for assistance in understanding some of the more archaic terms that are used throughout the book. That is to say, the book is not only enjoyable but also educational. The story is also aided by a map in the front of the book that shows where locations in the book are in relation to each other.

One of the things that I enjoyed about the book was seeing the author’s own modern-day thoughts expressed through the Master Hugh. Numerous times in the book the narrator explains a religious or other practice or belief and then offers his disagreement with the practice or belief. It is fascinating to see some aspects of the culture of 1366 and these comments helped to remind me that it is unrealistic to believe that the entire population agreed with all of what we would now consider primitive ideas.

Among other things, the book shows that Christ can change our hearts and that we must not assume that this fact applies only to ourselves. Master Hugh learns this lesson when he takes a long journey to find the man he is certain committed the murder only to find someone else entirely.

I was afraid that a book about a medieval surgeon would include descriptions of medical practices that I would rather not know about (or be reminded of), but this was not the case. While it did describe some medical procedures, I found the descriptions non-nightmare-inducing.

This is an excellent book and I encourage you to read it if you like mysteries and/or historical fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”(less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Jacque Stengel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Just when I thought authors can't surprise me any more, along comes another surprise. I know virtually nothing about the 1300's in England so I wasn't sure what to expect. I came away from this book wanting more and glad to know that this is a continuing series so I can keep it going! I didn't read any of the others and I would highly encourage you to start at the beginning to get the inside scoop on the characters. It can be read without going back, but I felt like I was missing something in pl...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mel Starr in his new book, “Unhallowed Ground” Book Four in the Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon series published by Monarch Books returns us to Oxford in 1366 for another mystery involving the intrepid bailiff and surgeon.

From the back cover: 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 se...more Mel Starr in his new book, “Unhallowed Ground” Book Four in the Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon series published by Monarch Books returns us to Oxford in 1366 for another mystery involving the intrepid bailiff and surgeon.

From the back cover: 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. Searching for proof 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.

When I was a child I fell in love with the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes but, unfortunately, there are a finite number of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Mel Starr to the rescue. While Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon is not the great brain that Holmes is he is up there and Mel Starr gives him quite a workout in this book.

I think Mel Starr is an extremely talented writer who really knows how to tell a story that will grab you and keep you flipping pages until you find out who did it. Not only do de Singleton and his fiance, Kate go down blind alleys in their efforts to find the murderer they also becomes targets of the murderer themselves. “Unhallowed Ground” is a very exciting book that will keep you engrossed in the characters as well as life in England in the 1300′s. This is a wonderful series and I am glad I discovered Mel Starr and his wonderful hero. I recommend this book highly.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Monarch Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”(less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Wendy Hines rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When Thomas atte Bridge is found hung from a tree in the village, Master Hugh, bailiff of Bampton Manor, accompanies the town coroner to the great oak. There, Thomas' wife is sobbing, holding his knees while many of the villagers look on.

At first, it looks like a suicide but Master Hugh finds the evidence to the contrary. Thomas has a busted lip, broken tooth, mud on the heels of his shoes and redness on his wrists. He is sure someone murdered him. However, the coroner declares it a suicide and...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Jordan Mierek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received a copy of UNHALLOWED GROUND by Mel Starr from Kregel. I’d never heard of the “Hugh de Singleton, surgeon” series before, but now that I’ve read this fourth chronicle, I feel inclined to read the others. Hugh de Singleton is not only a surgeon, but he is also Lord Gilbert Talbot’s bailiff. I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages, the time period this series takes place in, and so was thrilled to immerse myself in the pages. It’s a fast read at only 224 pages, and includes a ta...more I received a copy of UNHALLOWED GROUND by Mel Starr from Kregel. I’d never heard of the “Hugh de Singleton, surgeon” series before, but now that I’ve read this fourth chronicle, I feel inclined to read the others. Hugh de Singleton is not only a surgeon, but he is also Lord Gilbert Talbot’s bailiff. I have always been fascinated by the Middle Ages, the time period this series takes place in, and so was thrilled to immerse myself in the pages. It’s a fast read at only 224 pages, and includes a tantalizing glimpse at the fifth book in the series.

UNHALLOWED GROUND begins in the year 1366 when Thomas ate Bridge is found hanging. As a man of ill repute, the people declare the deed a suicide and are please that Thomas is gone. Hugh de Singleton, however, feels there is more to the hanging than suicide. Thomas has a mark on his wrist, as though he were hung, and mud only on the heels of his boots, not on the stool he supposedly used. Hugh de Singleton believes Thomas was murdered, and sets out to find the killer. I won’t give the mystery away, but it is cunningly written, shifting through many suspects and numerous motives. Once I began chapter one, I couldn’t stop reading until I had completed the book. I did guess at the murderer about halfway through, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story.

UNHALLOWED GROUND starts with action, and never lets up. The historical mystery aspect reminded me of the middle grade “Lady Grace Cavendish” mysteries, which my cousin introduced me to a year ago. I have loved history since I was a child, and even more so now after studying my genealogy, which I can trace back to the Middle Ages. UNHALLOWED GROUND is rich in historic details, so it was easy to picture my ancestors in the setting. The dialogue is very realistic, and my mind kept inserting accents.

Although I enjoyed reading the book, a few things stood out to me. At times I felt distant from the story, and would have liked more insight into High de Singleton’s emotions. Oftentimes, the author told events, rather than showing them, and when Hugh de Singleton occasionally addressed the reader as “you,” I was jarred from the story.

Overall, I rate the story four out of five starts. I recommend UNHALLOWED GROUND to any fans of mysteries and historic fiction.
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Jan 23, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the fourth installment of the Hugh de Singleton series and Hugh and Kate have been married for about three months when Thomas atte Bridge is found hanging from a tree. While the coroner wants to call it a suicide, the evidence points to foul play. Even though atte Bridge has had run ins with most of the townsfolk and is disliked by all Hugh is determined to figure out who the murderer is.
This book takes place in 1366 in England, and it's easy to see the author does an amazing job of rese...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Tammy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A quiet time book that enables the reader to draw closer to God.
I think that as a christian I need to have a close relationship with the Father. I don't always take the time I should to have that intimate relationship-that one.on.one.time but Gene Edwards does make some valid points and points that are well worth the time to try and incorporate.
Yes, most of us, who are church goers, have probably heard most of what is in this book time and time again but sometimes we need a reminder of how impo...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Bamptom in the year 1366, believes that Thomas, a man found hanging from a tree, has been murdered. All others, with the exception of his wife, believe that Thomas took his own life. As Hugh sets out to uncover the truth, he begins to uncover more and more evidence supporting his belief Thomas was murdered, but soon finds himself in a dilemma of having to investigate his friends for the murder of a man who was once his enemy.

This is the first chronicle o...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Tina Peterson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found this book rather hard to read. What I did like about the book was the depth of the history, the research and the author's understanding of the period written about in the book. I also really liked the characters of Hugh & Kate who are both very strong, suited to each other and even though they (especially Hugh) have to make tough decisions when it comes to people they know - they do it.

Unhallowed Ground refers to the church's stance that someone who either has committed suicide or is...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction, christian-suspense, kregel-publications, review-books

I had the privilege of having read Mel Starr’s A Trail of Ink and as much as I enjoyed that one I’d have to say I’ve enjoyed Unhallowed Ground just as much or maybe more. This is the fourth chronicle of a surgeon by the name of Hugh de Singleton who is living and working in the 1300′s and as one will start realizing as they read, you will be taken fully back into that time with the language as well as how operations are performed – I found the performance of the couching surgery for cataracts qu...more I had the privilege of having read Mel Starr’s A Trail of Ink and as much as I enjoyed that one I’d have to say I’ve enjoyed Unhallowed Ground just as much or maybe more. This is the fourth chronicle of a surgeon by the name of Hugh de Singleton who is living and working in the 1300′s and as one will start realizing as they read, you will be taken fully back into that time with the language as well as how operations are performed – I found the performance of the couching surgery for cataracts quite interesting. The author has provided a glossary at the beginning so that unfamiliar terms can be understood at a glance but it’s not really hard to figure out what certain terms mean, although figuring out the holidays celebrated then does take some calculation.

This is written by de Singleton, it’s his journal of his daily life as he goes about his life being a bailiff, surgeon, newly married and soon-to-be father. This book isn’t being written about him but rather by him so if you don’t want to read a book that is detailing events by the main character then you may want to pass this up. Yes we are told what he has for breakfast several times as well as other dining details, but I found it to be the mundane parts of the book that had me more relating to the characters.

Some parts really struck me, such as how Hugh de Singleton struggles with not believing everything the Church teaches or the current medical ideas of the day, such as back in the day Galen (I had to google this man) taught that a woman who was raped couldn’t become pregnant during said assault unless she was a willing participant – this mind set occurs in one of de Singleton’s cases that must be dealt with while he is investigating what most believe is a suicide when he believes otherwise.

The historical accounts are what draws me in, since I enjoy history this book really intrigued me as I read about certain beliefs, including those of the Church, that some physicians of the day were questioning but couldn’t say much out loud for fear of reprisals. Hugh de Singleton mentions a few times how he fears that something he writes could be found by a Priest or Bishop but questions whether they’d concern themselves with him. I almost forgot I was reading a book by a real, living author because I got so wrapped up in Hugh’s life in this book that he became almost real and it felt like I was truly reading his account. A book to be truly enjoyed and savored.

**I was provided a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.(less)

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Jan 23, 2012 Kevin Sorensen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction

I'll state right up front that I have not read any of Mel Star's other novels involving Hugh de Singleton. There are three and they may be found here. I found, however, this story was not connected to the other three in plot, but simply in characters. Thus, I didn't feel like I was missing out on something and I enjoyed this very much. I find it difficult to keep up with multi-volumn books these days and reading #4 in a series of at least four (there's a teaser at the end looking toward book #5)...more

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Jan 15, 2012 Jerelyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: medieval-mystery

Unhallowed Ground by Mel Starr
In this fourth book of the Huge De Singleton series we find Hugh now happily married and back in Bampton. An old adversary is found hanging by the neck at the cross roads where suicides are buried. The coroner is convinced it is suicide and Hugh knows it is not. He is not surprised when his inquiries turn up one suspect after another after all Thomas Atte Bridge or his brother had bullied, cheated and stolen from many in this small community.
I have a few gripes wit...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Edna Tollison rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As this is the fourth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton surgeon, I am starting at the end of the story but that is ok as I begin to read it all fell into place.

When Thomas atte Bridge that no one like was found hanging from a tree everyone thought he had taken his own life, but Master Hugh thought other wise. He though that the man had been murdered and he was going to find out who did it. As he was beginning his investigation he didn't want to get any one else involved as they all had been harmed...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Diane Estrella rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love how this book in the series picked up right where A Trail of Ink left off. I feel like I am on a journey with these characters and have a vested interest in their lives.

The author does a wonderful job of immersing the reader completely into this time in history. Everyday mundane things are made to be significant because in these people’s lives, they were. Nothing with the mystery is obvious, and clues unfold in natural and insignificant ways. This is real detective work. Piecing together...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Lau rated it 3 of 5 stars

Just a few quick notes: the author uses enough period vocabulary that it will initially slow some readers. Mr. Starr provides a useful glossary, but flipping back and forth to check words was slightly inconvenient. I appreciate the thoroughness, however, and soon got used to the vocabulary.

Pacing was a little slower than I usually like, however, there are limitations in a world that moves at a walk and is lit by fire. The history seemed sound.

The characters in the novel are strongly portrayed an...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Bill Bradford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-mystery

A series that gets better with each book, and this is the best one so far. It is helpful to have read at least the preceding book in the series, if not all, but the characters continue to develop and grow, the history is good (and the glossary is especially helpful), and the story is well done. I am eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

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Unhallowed Ground (Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon Chronicles #4)

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