The Tainted Coin

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 5

By: Mel Starr

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

It is the autumn of 1367. Master Hugh de Singleton 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, makes steady progress - but there are men of wealth and power who wish to halt his search, and an old nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe, is in league with them. 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.

This they do, but not before they become involved with a kidnapped maiden, a tyrannical abbot, and a suffering monk - a man who needs Master Hugh’s surgical skills and in return provides clues that assist Hugh in solving the mystery of the tainted coin.

©2013 Mel Starr (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Best story yet

I have been listening to this series for years and think this is the best story yet.

Another good story!

I really enjoy hearing the tales of Hugh de Singleton, bailiff and surgeon, in medieval times. It’s so interesting that he has a connection to John Wycliffe. The historical details of the series are so well done.

Not the best Hugh mystery

It is still very entertaining and (as always) well read, unfortunately the story is not as engaging as the previous deSingleton stories in the series.

Enjoying the series

I am enjoying listening to this series by Mel Starr. I am a huge fan of Steven Crossley, and know his narration style from the C.J. Sansom, Shardlake series.

The stories are engaging, but not difficult to follow. This is important to me, as someone with ADHD, I can get easily confused about characters.

I like the historical references to every day language from this time period.

I look forward to listening to the rest of the series.

Fun selection with a great nod to archeology!

I really enjoy listening to this narrator's voice. Lots of action and great characters. In chapter 6, (not a spoiler) Hugh finds a Roman site with a hypocaust system - straight out of Time Team!!

I highly recommend this selection!!!

The best so far…

I have listened to all of the books in the series to this point and while they are all excellently written and performed this one captured me the most.

Excellent!

All of these books are excellent and I have enjoyed all of them. Check them out.

Nice Mystery Set in Middle Ages

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author, although I see this is the 5th book in a series. The author gave backstory in a smooth way, such that I did not feel hampered by my lack of knowledge from the previous books nor did it interfere with my enjoyment of this book. Solid story and next I’m going back to start reading the first book in the series.

Medieval detail, great voices

This is a series that pulls you into the tapestry of life in medieval England, with more of an emphasis on the average person, rather than the aristocracy and royalty. Hugh de Singleton is a man of his times, but possesses of an equities g mind with many talents. He makes mistakes,

Love this series

I love these stories, for the historical context, the mystery, and following the characters lives as they change. I have listened to the whole series more than once.