Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Unavailable
    The Tainted Coin: The fifth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon
    Unavailable
    The Tainted Coin: The fifth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon
    Unavailable
    The Tainted Coin: The fifth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon
    Ebook285 pages4 hours

    The Tainted Coin: The fifth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon

    By Mel Starr

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    It is the autumn of 1367. Master Hugh is enjoying the peaceful life of Bampton, when a badly beaten man is found under the porch of St. Andrew's Chapel.

    The dying man is a chapman - a traveling merchant. Before he is buried in the chapel grounds an ancient, corroded coin is found in the man's mouth. Master Hugh's quest for the chapman's assailants, and his search for the origin of the coin, makes steady progress - but there are men of wealth and power who wish to halt his search, and an old nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe, is in league with them. But Master Hugh, and his assistant, the groom Arthur, are determined to uncover the thieves and murderers, and the source of the chapman's coin. They do, but not before they become involved with a kidnapped maiden, a tyrannical abbot, and a suffering monk - who needs Master Hugh's surgical skills and in return provides clues which assist Hugh in solving the mystery of the tainted coin.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLion Fiction
    Release dateSep 20, 2013
    ISBN9781782640820
    Unavailable
    The Tainted Coin: The fifth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon
    Author

    Mel Starr

    Mel Starr is the author of the successful Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton series. He was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, hetaught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years. Since retiring, he has focused on writing full time. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and eight grandchildren.

    Read more from Mel Starr

    Related to The Tainted Coin

    Related ebooks

    Historical Mystery For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Putting Smart Pen to Paper

      Feb 13, 2017

      Putting Smart Pen to Paper
      1 min read

    • Article

      Sabrina Cohen-Hatton

      Sep 20, 2021

      Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
      5 min read

    • Article

      Dishes And Destinations

      Aug 22, 2021

      What do you get when a pasta purveyor and cult homeware brand collaborate? The answer: a delicious and stylish dinner. Slicked in a rich sausage and cime di rapa ragù, the nautical-inspired pasta shapes whisked us off to Puglia. Jordan Kretchmer, wr

      1 min read

    • Article

      Mrs Simpson Learns A Lesson

      Jul 29, 2021

      Mrs Simpson Learns A Lesson
      4 min read

    • Article

      Cornish Cream

      May 6, 2021

      Cornish Cream
      3 min read

    • Article

      Hunting Heroines

      Dec 31, 2020

      Hunting Heroines
      5 min read

    • Article

      Johannesdal

      Dec 18, 2023

      Johannesdal
      3 min read

    • Article

      A Fine Vintage

      Dec 7, 2023

      A Fine Vintage
      3 min read

    • Article

      Story Of A Street

      Oct 9, 2021

      Story Of A Street
      8 min read

    • Article

      Crops for SMALL SPACES

      May 4, 2022

      Crops for SMALL SPACES
      2 min read

    • Article

      Whose Dinner?

      Dec 22, 2023

      Whose Dinner?
      3 min read

    • Article

      A Right Can Of Worms

      Mar 18, 2020

      • When is a worm not a worm? When it’s a wyrm. The word we use derives from the Old English wyrm, a poetic term for a serpent or dragon, a regular figure in a number of widespread mythologies, often large and fearsome, and mercifully unrelated to our

      1 min read

    • Article

      My Own Private Idaho

      Feb 17, 2021

      My Own Private Idaho
      4 min read

    • Article

      Stop Making Rash Promises

      Jun 3, 2020

      Stop Making Rash Promises
      5 min read

    • Article

      Letters

      Apr 21, 2022

      Letters
      7 min read

    • Article

      Letters

      Jan 19, 2023

      Letters
      8 min read

    • Article

      Town & Country Notebook

      Mar 27, 2024

      1) In which year did Elizabeth II succeed to the throne? 2) Greensleeves and Early Windsor are varieties of what fruit? 3) In which county is Reading? 4) The Magna Carta was written in which language? 5) What weather-related event can also be describ

      4 min read

    • Article

      Royal Boars

      Dec 2, 2023

      Royal Boars
      7 min read

    • Article

      Town & Country Notebook

      Feb 7, 2024

      1) How many children did Queen Victoria have? 2) Paris Silverskin is a variety of which vegetable? 3) What is the name of the official church of the Lord Mayor of London? 4) In which musical is Arthur Kipps the main character? 5) What number is repre

      4 min read

    • Article

      An Ode To Ancient Customs

      Oct 28, 2020

      THIS has been the most frustrating of years for those of us wanting to visit country houses. A magnificent spring coincided with lockdown, compelling would-be tourists to stay in their own homes rather than visit other people’s. We have been forced f

      7 min read

    • Article

      Greystoke Castle Cumbria

      Nov 9, 2023

      Greystoke Castle Cumbria
      6 min read

    • Article

      Barking Mad

      Nov 14, 2023

      Barking Mad
      2 min read

    • Article

      Town & Country Notebook

      Apr 10, 2024

      1) In which century was Charles Dickens born? 2) A clouded agaric is a form of what organism? 3) How many legs appear on the flag of the Isle of Man? 4) In music, what does the term Con sordino mean? 5) By what name is the lima bean more commonly kno

      4 min read

    • Article

      Heaven Only Knows

      May 31, 2023

      Heaven Only Knows
      5 min read

    Reviews for The Tainted Coin

    4/5

    50 ratings10 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      Hugh de Singleton is a 14th Century English surgeon who is also the bailiff, or general manager, for the estate of an important nobleman, Lord Gilbert, in the southeastern part of England. A perceptive and principled man for the times, de Singleton has emerged into kind of early police detective, who is kept busy by a continuous stream of crimes--major and minor--ranging from curfew violation to game poaching to murder.The Tainted Coin is the 5rd book in the series. The medieval background enhances the reading experience while putting the clock back to a time before mysteries were solved by forensics. This series just keeps on developing the characters and their relationships; each book adds to my enjoyment. You can read this as a stand-alone mystery however I warn you, you will become attached to the character and times of Hugh de Singleton and will be back for more. I recommend this series for those who like a cozy mystery, a police procedural or just any murder mystery.
    • 4/5
      The historical setting of The Tainted Coin is medieval England in the year 1367. This is a new period read for me and I found it very interesting. So often historical reads are romances and filled with the give and take of the male and female protagonists. However, in The Tainted Coin I discovered Master Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon and found him a character of many fine points that the author develops quite well.The story is written first-person with the voice of Singleton. He is the bailiff for the Lord's estate as well as a surgeon. Author Mel Starr is a historian by education and trade and has thoroughly research this period novel. Included in the front of the book are words and terms to help understand the terminology of the period. But you don't feel as though you are reading a history book. Frankly, you are riding from town to town, from village to village with Singleton and his trusty companion, Arthur, as they ride their horses who have definitely seen better days. It seems that they are constantly looking for lodging and food. Their food is most often maslin (bread made from mixed grains) and ale. They find villains and down-trodden folks. Sick and injured. You sense the justice as it is doled out during that period and which is based on laws hard to comprehend. You grasp the social order and the privilege of rank that exists.Singleton is trying to solve a murder that occured on his Lord's estate and in the process encounters various individuals with problems, and he being a compassionate person seeks to aid them with whatever skills or possessions he has at his disposal.I wish I had had the opportunity to read Mel Starr's other four books in this series, and perhaps I shall someday. You do not, however, need to read them to enjoy The Tained Coin as it is a good stand alone book. I found Starr's style different and refreshing. It was interesting to read this period book and I felt that I could trust Starr's interpretation of the customs of the time. DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Tainted Coin from Kregel Publications on behalf of Monarch Books and the author for the purpose of my honest review. I was under no obligation to provide favorable comments. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
    • 5/5
      I’ve had the pleasure of reading two other books in this series, Hugh de Singleton, A Trail of Ink and Unhallowed Ground and like the others I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. I don’t know if I enjoyed this one more because we’ve been studying the Middle Ages and the Plague in our history in our home school or just because I really enjoy the actual series – regardless this book is the next excellent installment for Mel Starr. Again, we meet Hugh who is recording his story of his continuing job as bailiff and surgeon and he is now a dad to a toddler. The character of Hugh has really evolved and developed as when I began the series Hugh was single with really no interest but his own – now he is faced with protecting not just his wife but his child and the reader can see and feel this struggle in this book as he carries out his job duties. The reader also gets a feel for the struggle Hugh has with the laws regarding villeins and the Lord’s of the manors – his struggle is like all men and/or women – against what the world says is okay versus what God says is okay. I won’t give away the story suffice to say Hugh’s conscience is eased and all is right in Bampton once again – until the next installment. The every day happenings continue in this book as it’s still being written by Hugh instead of about him and some of the food stuffs mentioned has me wanting to try to find a reproduction Middle Ages cookbook – although fish every Friday doesn’t appeal to me, much like it didn’t appeal to Hugh. I again enjoyed reading about the medical procedure in which Hugh helps to improve the condition of a monk’s life by fixing his fistula regardless of the Abbott who thinks God gave it to him so he can learn a lesson. Hugh is a character that I think will continue to grow and learn and ultimately come into his own as he negates the stick path of following what God wants versus what the church or the King wants. I found some things very interesting such as the last rites that the monk wanted to give a character (won’t say who or what or who) but he turns it down because apparently if given last rites, even if you survive one must walk barefoot, fast perpetually and cannot enjoy relations within the marriage for the rest of their lives – they are effectively dead. Also of note, Hugh questions the reading of the banns – which apparently are still read in churches in England today. I could probably go on and on about this book, but I won’t because I want you to read it! Fall into Hugh’s world and discover his Medieval world as he seeks to do the Lord’s work within the law of the land and the church as well as trying new medical procedures, such as leaving wounds to the air instead of festering in blankets and wraps and while reading this work of fiction learning some great historical content as well! **Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
    • 5/5
      A mystery that will have you guessing until the very end.
    • 4/5
      Starr's book about Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff, have a unique voice. The stories are told in first person by Hugh. This style has grown in the series - it felt awkward in places in the earlier books but now fits like a well worn shoe. Hugh is an everyman more than a skilled detective. This everyman nature of Hugh combined with the well done use of the first person voice really sets these apart. Many good historical mysteries (including some I really like) deal heavily in the politics of the time in which they are set. Starr's novels are largely free of any political intrigue (there are a few traces of some religious intrigue). This also sets the series apart. To really appreciate the books they should be read in order. There are quite a few references to events in prior books, and one of the principal characters is from a prior work. While there are explanations in this book, it is much more satisfying to know the whole story. However, any of the books in the series are a good read by themselves.
    • 4/5
      Hugh finds a badly beaten man, saves his family. Good entry.
    • 4/5
      If you're looking for a mystery or like the medieval time period, look no further! It's 1367 and Master Hugh is both a surgeon and the bailiff for a lord, so when a man dies on the lord's land he determines it is murder and starts to investigate. When an ancient coin falls out of the man's mouth, Master Hugh suspects it is the key to his death. As he searches for clues, he encounters powerful men who wish to stop him. Add kidnapping and surgery; this book is never dull!It was interesting to see how a murder could be solved in a time period without our modern gadgets or even DNA. I especially liked learning about the different culture, including what they ate and how they lived. There's a handy glossary in the front of the book to explain some of the terms. There's a bit of dry humor at times that I enjoyed. A fascinating thing I learned was that surgeons were taught not to perform surgeries during certain times of the year because of the movement of planets and stars. They felt a surgery wouldn't be successful and even some of the church believed this! This is book five in the series about Master Hugh, but I wasn't confused at all when reading this first. It's worth checking out!I received this book free from Kregel in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      The fifth installment finds Hugh still holding down two vastly different jobs: bailiff and surgeon. As a new father, Hugh must learn to balance his concerns for his family’s safety with his work responsibilities. So when a chapman is found beaten, Hugh is summoned to provide aid. Unfortunately, the chapman is mortally wounded. Before dying, the chapman mutters a simple, yet puzzling, phrase. Then as Hugh helps bury the man, an ancient coin falls out of the man’s mouth.Written in first person, Hugh chronicles his personal observations and actions as he searches for the both the murderer and the origin of the strange, ancient coin. As Hugh and his brawny sidekick, Arthur, investigate the matter, the mystery becomes more complex. Adding to the challenge, Hugh’s nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe, returns with his minions. Thus, when his wife and child are attacked, Hugh is faced with a moral dilemma. Before he can find closure for the chapman’s death, Hugh must struggle with his conscience, faith, and duty to do what is right.The Bottom Line: Starr’s medieval series is one of my favorites, and I look forward to each installment for an entertaining read. I find the language and information about culture included in these books to be fascinating. I’ve enjoyed watching Hugh’s character evolve. However, this installment includes less input from his wife Kate; I missed her wit and quick thinking.This is a fast-paced read with lots of action, twists, and turns. While descriptions of medical procedures are included in the text, this installment is not too graphic. Also, I have enjoyed reading the books in order; however, each book may be read as a stand-alone. I, for one, am hooked on the series and highly recommend it for fans of medieval mysteries, historical fiction, and Christian fiction. As with the previous books, this book includes a glossary of medieval words and a map of the local area.
    • 3/5
      I've read all in the Hugh de Singleton and enjoyed this one just as much. He isn't as complex as Shardlake but still entertaining and worth reading. This series is fairly light, as compared to other historical fiction, but still interesting and definitely not romance, as is so much else that disguises itself as historical fiction these days. If you haven't read any in the series, you can read them as stand-alones but I think they are more fun if you read them in order.
    • 4/5
      1367 A dying man is discovered near St Andrew's Chapel, and an old coin is discovered in his mouth. Hugh de Singleton seeks the killers and a possible treasure. But many men are also looking for the treasure threatening others.
      An entertaining historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters