Unhallowed Ground, a book review

UNHALLOWED GROUND, by Mel Starr, the fourth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, from Monarch Books, a UK division of Kregel Publications, 2011

I must admit I’m drawn to almost anything medieval, which is why I requested this book for touring on my blog.

I also must confess that I have NOT read the previous three offerings in the series.
But the concept of a 13th Century Surgeon cum Detective intrigued me, not to mention an endorsement from Davis Bunn, whose writing I really enjoy.

Okay, here’s the back cover blurb:

Thomas atte Bridge, a man no one likes, is found hanging from a tree near Cow-leys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh finds evidence that this may not be so.
Many in 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 worldly and corrupt priest John Kellet had been covertly in Bampton at the time atte Bridge died.
Master Hugh is convinced that Kellet has murdered atte Bridge—one rouge slaughtering another. Searching for proof he sets out for Exeter, where Kellet now works. But there he finds 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 . . .

Yes, this further tickled my interest. But . . . the plot is good. Love the characters , and the setting, location and time period captured me. (It’s my heritage) I also believe the author did an impeccable job with research, and presented his story with solidity and knowledge of his subject. Kudos!

Alas, the forward motion was . . . uh . . . a tortoise. It eventually got there, but plodded in too many places that tempted me to flip pages or set the book down. Not good.

Perhaps that’s why most publishers limit series to just three. Having the same characters reappear through four+ books, the only thing that changes is the plot . . . again, not good. I have to say I’m disappointed.

I don’t give “stars” on this blog. If you want to know how I rated it, check Amazon.com and others in the next few days for my final answer.

I’m giving away my review copy to one person who leaves a comment WITH email contact information. Ends one week from today.



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