Title: The Unquiet
Bones (Hugh de Singleton #1)
Author: Melvin R. Starr
Pages: 256
Year: 2008
Publisher: Monarch Books
With
the advent of The Unquiet Bones, Mel Starr has begun an interesting new
series set in medieval England. The
protagonist is Hugh de Singleton, who is the fourth son of a knight and has
just finished training to become a surgeon.
He is a young man who has set up his practice and is awaiting clients
when he is summoned to help Lord Gilbert who is suffering from an injury after
being kicked by his horse.
Hugh
does such a good job that Lord Gilbert offers him a position as surgeon of his
castle and the surrounding village. Hugh
accepts the job as he has had no clients at Oxford where he had set up his
practice. As he is the only one around
with any medical training, he is called on to try to identify some bones that
are discovered in the cesspit. The man
who discovers the bones thinks they are pig bones, but everyone thinks these
are the bones of a missing knight. Are
they? If not, to whom do they belong?
Thus
begins Hugh’s search to identify the bones as well as identify the killer at
Lord Gilbert’s request as Hugh has determined that the bones show signs of foul
play. Hugh travels to nearby villages
where he questions people as to missing persons. He does the same in his new hometown of
Brampton. He feels inadequate for the
task as he has had no training in investigations, but he is encouraged by Lord
Gilbert to continue. Will someone make a
slip during his questioning? How is he
going to find a killer when he is a surgeon?
He continues to treat patients during his investigation and gains a
reputation as a skilled surgeon. Hugh
makes an enemy of Thomas Shilton and his family when his questions raise their
ire. Is Thomas the murderer? Does Hugh have proof? Is someone covering up for him?
During
all this, Hugh fancies himself in love with Lady Joan, Lord Gilbert’s
sister. He knows he is far beneath her
station in life, but yearns for a life with her anyway. Does she return his affections? Will she defy convention to be with
Hugh? What does a traveling band of
performers have to do with things?
This
story is interesting as it depicts in a very realistic way the life and
lifestyles of medieval people in England.
There are other books in the series that will also be reviewed
here. The first chapter from the second
book is included also. I very much
enjoyed Hugh’s investigation and look forward to seeing his character develop
as the series continues.
My
rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988,
FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457