Ashes to Ashes by Mel Starr (Book Review)

Ashes to Ashes (Book 8, The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon)

By Mel Starr

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Historical Fiction / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 224

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-133-9

Master Hugh, Kate, and their two young daughters enjoy the Midsummer’s Eve fire.  The following morning they hear a bell ringing at the Church of St. Beornwald.  It is the passing bell.  While the workers were clearing away the ash, they found bones.

It takes Hugh some time, but he discovers they are the bones of a bailiff from a manor some miles away.  Why was he placed there?  Since Hugh is also a bailiff, will he be in danger?  Can Arthur keep him safe?

About the Author-

Mel Starr and his wife have seven grandchildren and two daughters.  Starr grew up in Michigan and taught history in the Michigan public school system for 39 years.  He knows a lot about medieval English medieval surgery.  He currently lives in Michigan

My thoughts-

I haven’t read the first three books in this series.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Unhallowed Ground, The Tainted Coin, Rest Not in Peace, The Abbot's Agreement, and Ashes to Ashes.  I’m not exactly sure what I enjoy so much about these books.  It could be that it’s a mystery, perhaps the time period (late 1300's), orthe way Mel Starr wrote the books.  I think it is all of the above.

The part of the book that I often notice is the point-of-view.  Some books that I’ve read don’t flow when written in the first-person point-of-view, but Mel Starr’s do.  I think they would make great audio books. 

My favorite part of the book is still the glossary.  It has been my favorite in each book of the series.  I enjoyed reading and learning about the clothing, food, and times of the year.  This is helpful, so I don’t need to have a dictionary handy while reading.

Hugh is certainly dedicated.  He is determined to find out who the dead man is and why he died.  I like his determination.  We all need to have his persistence and desire to make sure all wrongs are righted. 

I think this is an excellent book and series.  I’m looking forward to the next book, Lucifer’s Harvest. 

Readers who enjoy mysteries and/or historical fiction will enjoy this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Ashes to Ashes, by Mel Starr, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.