In the village of Brampton the annual Midsummer's Eve bonfire is a cause for celebration for all the villagers but the next day the bones of a man are found in the ashes. Surgeon and bailiff Hugh de Singleton takes it upon himself to investigate and his enquiries lead to a neighbouring village where the local bailiff has gone missing. Ascertaining that the body is that of the missing man Hugh looks for the culprit but the lord of the local manor has a already found the perpetrator and hung him. The evidence doesn't add up and Hugh's investigations open up some hidden secrets around the lordship and make him a target for violence.

This is the eighth in a series of tales about Hugh de Singleton, I have only read a couple of them but that doesn't matter, the stories stand up well individually. I think this book is more assured than the earlier ones, Starr has hit his stride with his characters. There is much information about medieval life (and a handy glossary to support) but it is grounded in a vibrant mystery plot that drives the narrative. Whilst this is a short book in terms of length and depth, it is really engaging one. ( )

Although I’m a Cadfael fan, this was the only other Medieval Mystery series I had read until recently. I did recently make a foray into another popular series by an American author, but I prefer this one, as the other seemed a little too OTT.

There is something constant, comfortably reliable about The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton. Those who have read other books in the series will expect not to find any deep political intrigue in the series, set as it is in fourteenth century rural Oxfordshire, with only occasional visits to the county town. Rather it focuses more on the lives and actions and concerns of more ordinary people, and tends to adopt a slower, gentler pace. The stories usually also involve the exploration of some moral or spiritual theme- as Hugh is a sympathizer of John Wycliffe.
Again, this is a detail I appreciate, considering that many works like this have characters who can be rather too modern in their outlook and attitudes, instead of seeing things the way people at the time might have done.

Some of the previous titles in the series (this is the eighth) have been a mixed bag, but I think the last three have been consistently good, exploring some local drama or family conflict alongside the crime. I for once appreciate how the author incorporates aspects of social, legal and medical history into the stories. Of course, the protagonist and sleuth Hugh de Singleton is a surgeon, and always gets at least one medical emergency, but there’s usually something else too. In this one, it’s a property dispute involving the inheritance of a manor. As I am currently researching Medieval Legal records relating to landholding, it was something that I could relate to and understand.

I did notice one historical error, a reference to the deposition of Edward II as having occurred 62 years before. The story is set in 1369, which would place the event in 1307, but that was the year Edward came to the throne, not the year of his deposition, which was 1327. Such mix-ups do happen, I just hope the quality of the stories and the underpinning research is not slipping, as I also noticed a few terms and phrases that seemed a bit too ‘American’ like ‘I was some taller’.
My only other issue was that I did not feel justice was entirely served, but Hugh was hampered by circumstances in this case, not being able to prove that certain parties were involved. That has happened before, in other mysteries, and I guess it could be a reflection of real life.

Other reviewers have mentioned that some of stories seem to be getting a little bit repetitive, and I am inclined to agree (Hugh gets beaten up again, when going home alone in the evening after investigating- really should have learned not to do that by now), but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I think it may have something to do with the rather narrow geographical setting, and cast of characters. I hear, however, that the next book may be set in France, which might add a new and interesting dimension. I’m just glad that there is going to be at another book, as I had heard this was to be the last one.

I would recommend to lovers of more ‘cosy’ and light medieval mysteries, those who are interested in the period, and of course as those who are already following the series.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in the hope that I would write a review. I was not required to write a positive one, and all opinions expressed are my own.
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Ashes to Ashes is the 8th 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.

Hugh, as bailiff to Lord Talbot, is responsible for any trouble that occurs on Lord Gilbert Talbot’s lands. So when bones of a corpse are found in the St. John’s Day/Midsummer’s Eve bonfire he is responsible to find who the victim is and what happened and why. The who, what and why of this who-dun-it.

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. ( )

I am so hooked on Mel Starr’s books! Each time I finish one, I am sad and can’t wait for the next one to be published! His murder mysteries are for sure one of a kind!
I never tire of Hugh de Singleton, Medieval sleuth, doctor and surgeon. The reader becomes involved in all aspects of his life, on every level: professional, social, spiritual, family, and emotional. Through him you step back over 700 years and experience living through his eyes. I love his fantastic wit and dry humor. I can even imagine his tone of voice and mannerisms as he speaks.
In each new book I learn even more history about the 14th century and the incredible medical practices during that time. I didn’t realize the surgeon was also the coroner, with only his backyard or kitchen table to gather information about the deceased!
In this 8th mystery a person’s bones are found in the ashes of a fire after the Midsummer’s celebration. I think this is Hugh’s hardest case to date. There is little to go on and the clues keep shifting from person to person. I began to wonder if he would be able to solve this one, but he did! It was very suspenseful! He and his family faced greater danger than ever before. As with all Mr. Starr’s books, I was entertained, captivated, and surprised! I would give this book six stars if I could! If you like history and mystery you want to read this book!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange or an honest review. The opinions I expressed are my own. ( )

In Ashes to Ashes, the 8th book in Mel Starr’s Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton series, greed is the key motivation for crime. But just who is the greedy party? It seems most everyone has a reason for the murder of a fellow bailiff or at least a reason to cover it up. But Hugh has, besides a strong sense of justice, a stubborn streak that will not let go of a case, even when it turns dangerous.

For fans of both mystery and history, Mel Starr’s books are a perfect fit. I love the detail he includes in his novels — from what the characters eat and wear to the political and religious culture. Times were hard in the 14th century, especially with the impact of the Black Death. Society is changing, but human nature never does. Without any high-tech gadgets, Hugh manages to solve the crime, though justice is not always served. Keen observation and an in-depth knowledge of the human mind makes Hugh formidable when he is in the midst of his investigation. Hugh is definitely a product of his day. Forward looking and a man of science, he has a strong dependence on God to lead and guide. Another book, Lucifer’s Harvest, is in the works, but it remains to be seen if Hugh and his family will remain in Bampton. As honorable as Hugh is, no one really likes a bailiff!

A great series and a great book! Ashes to Ashes can be read as a standalone, but those who have been following the career of Hugh de Singleton are in for another treat.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )