The Unquiet Bones: The First Chronicle of Hugh De Singleton, Surgeon - Softcover

Starr, Melvin Starr

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0825462908 ISBN 13: 9780825462900

Publisher: Monarch Books, 2008

Synopsis

A young woman's remains are found in the castle, and a surgeon is challenged to dissect the mystery and uncover the truth. Hugh of Singleton, fourth son of a minor knight, has been educated as a clerk, usually a prelude to taking holy orders. However, he feels no real calling-despite his lively faith-and he turns to the profession of surgeon, training in Paris and then hanging his sign in Oxford. Soon after, a local lord asks Hugh de Singleton to track the killer of a young woman whose bones have been found in the castle cesspool. Through his medical knowledge, Singleton identifies her as the impetuous missing daughter of a local blacksmith. The young man she loved-whom she had provoked very publicly-is quickly arrested and sentenced at Oxford. But this is just the beginning of the tale. The story of Singleton's adventure unfolds with realistic medical procedures, droll medieval wit, romantic distractions, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion.

"Thoughtful and curious, surgeon Hugh is an engaging character who feels totally real."
--Rikki B.

"I enjoyed the setting, period, the very realistic characters and the dry wit."
--Donna B.

"I read all of it in one go - quite the best medieval mystery I've read in a while. I teach medieval history, so it's always nice to read something by someone who does actually know what he's talking about. Can't wait for the next one! "
--Sarah T.

About this title

Review:

"I would almost have to assume that Mel Starr had a previous life in 14th-century England, so incredibly realistic are his descriptions of life then and his dialogue. The author brings it to life with panache. Starr's lavish use of Medieval English adds a saucy flavoring to his tale. You will enjoy this excellent excursion into the past!" -- Dr Paul Maier

About the Author:

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.

About this edition

• Publisher: Monarch Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0825462908
• ISBN 13: 9780825462900
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 252