When the font at Bampton is found to be empty of holy water, Hugh Singleton is charged with investigating. The aftermath of the Plague means that money is tight and the King has enacted a new Poll Tax, every person has to pay and this makes some desperate. Hugh is also charged with demanding the tax from the people of Bampton. Could the disappearance of the Holy Water be connected to the need for individuals to raise money quickly?
This is the sixteenth volume in this very entertaining series. It's short, it's fun and it's beautifully researched. A comfortable read ( )

After reading the first couple of chapters I thought maybe the plot wasn't up to par with earlier books in the series. It seemed the only crime for Hugh to solve was the theft of holy water from the baptismal font at St. Beornwald's Church. The presumption was that the water would being used for the black arts. When Father Robert was found near death in the sanctuary, I was excited. I hoped he would die and there would be a murder to solve. That sounds mean but Father Robert survived not only the attack to his head but he survived Hugh's brain surgery. I thoroughly enjoyed how Hugh removed a blood clot under the skull as well as remove a loose bone that he was not sure where it belonged. He operated with the limited knowledge of medicine in the medieval era but also used common sense to treat his patient. Wine was used as the antiseptic to clean the head both before and after the surgery. Lo and behold Father Robert recovers!

Hugh’s investigation of the theft and attempted murder were one and the same. If he discovered who was stealing the holy water he would discover who whacked Father Robert over the head. Hugh had to travel on horseback, usually at night, over unsafe roads where robbers were prevalent. However, with the death of the king, the coronation of his 10 year old heir Richard brought more crooks out in full force. There were frequent all night watches at the church to catch the thief but the thief was wily. He continued to steal holy water and not get caught. Until he did.

You gotta love a character who doesn't know what to do with a bone inside a brain so he throws it out. If you haven't read the series yet I highly recommend you do so. Most of the books can be read as standalones so start anywhere. ( )