The Tainted Coin by Mel Starr a middle ages mystery

by
The Tainted Coin is “The fifth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon.”  Set in the mid-1300’s in England, this series by Mel Starr is both entertaining and educational.  From the pages, you are transported to Hugh’s world and all the sights, sounds and tastes.  I have shared portions of these books with my children as we learned about the middle ages.  The descriptive text pulled us right into the era. I have read aloud witty passages to my husband so he knew the source of my laughter.  After sharing my enjoyment of this series with my parents, they have since begun reading the earlier volumes as well.
You do not need the background of the previous stories.  If this is your first introduction to Hugh de Singleton, don’t let that this is the fifth installment deter you.  Take advantage of the reduced price for the Kindle version through January 27th.  You can always go back and read the earlier books to get a more rich experience in Master Hugh’s world (I am!).

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, begins to make progress–but there are men of wealth and power in league with his old nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe, who wish to end his search . . . permanently. 

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 that assist Hugh in solving the mystery of the tainted coin.

Thanks to Kregel for providing me with a copy of this book for the purpose of review.  All opinions expressed are my own. No compensation was received by me.