Book Review: Unhallowed Ground: The Fourth Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon

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 complicated journey to discover the truth.

I appreciated the character struggles.  I think all readers will identify with the juxtaposition of forgiveness vs. retribution, as well as justice vs. mercy.  These are important issues for us all to wrestle with!

I was intrigued by the element of historical fiction.  The language and scenery will sweep readers into the 13^th century English village life.  I especially enjoyed watching the development of relationships and cultures during a different era of time.

However the overall book lacked luster to me.  It moved at a very slow pace and I found myself wanting to skim across the pages.

I haven’t read the other three books in the series, and they have a very good reputation, so I might suggest starting there if you want to explore the life of a surgeon detective from long ago.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications, and was asked to give my unbiased feedback on the book.