Lucifer's Harvest

Mel Starr must have been a gifted teacher. I learn something about the Middle Ages every time I read another book about Master Hugh. Lord Gilbert is called to gather men and sail to France to fight on behalf of Prince Edward, and naturally, Lord Gilbert wants his surgeon along for the trek. Unfortunately for Master Hugh, Sir Simon is also among the men called to fight. Once again Master Hugh is called to solve a murder, and he also faces tragedy. It's a short but enjoyable addition to the Master Hugh de Singleton saga.

I have read several in the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr and found each to be entertaining, enlightening as to the historical aspects, and refreshing. I was looking forward with delight to another Hugh de Singleton read and romp through the paths and over the streams of medieval England. That was not the case in this shortened episode in the ongoing tale.

This story centers around the battle between English (Prince Edward) army and the France ending with the routing of the French from Limones. It is essentially the march of the English toward French after crossing the English Channel, the encampment, and the activities of the men in the entourage of the Prince.

Hugh de Singleton becomes embroiled in solving the show more murder of a soldier and is given latitude to try find the true murderer because of a certainty Hugh de Singleton did no murder. Singleton proceeds with his usual methodical analysis of location, people, and deeds and does come to the solution; and in finding out who did it, the cause becomes apparent. The deed was accomplished by and as a result of a perversion.

I was surprised that perversion was a part of one of these stories. It was handled well and as Singleton said, "You cannot escape death..... No man can do so. But you may escape sin. To those who confess their wickedness the Lord Christ is merciful, though men are not. The Lord Christ judges a man, I think, not by where he has been, but by where he is going - the way he faces."

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel to facilitate an honest review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated. show less

I was a little nervous going into this - mysteries aren't usually my thing. This - this has me hooked. I will definitely be reading the other books in the series. Works great as a standalone read, Mwl Starr is an amazing storyteller, and this tale will suck you in and keep you wondering until the last. You won't want to put this thrilling mystery down.

Received for review

My first foray into the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, medieval mystery series and a very enjoyable outing This novella was a simple story that kept me guessing with a bit of a moral twist, as Hugh tries to live the injunctions of the Bible. Hugh accompanies his lord, Gilbert Talbot, to France, along with Prince Edward, the "Black Prince", and we see the English army at the siege of Limoges. The dead body of Sir Simon Trillowe, no friend to Hugh, is found stuffed down a well, and suspicion falls on Hugh as murderer, so Hugh is out to prove his innocence and to find the real culprit through his sleuthing and forensic talent. I enjoyed the details of medieval life and surgery of that period.

I know I will be reading other books in this show more series; this "chronicle" was so good. Highly recommended. show less

Lucifer's Harvest is the 9th (oh my word) book in the Hugh de Singleton chronicles. I've read half of them so far and this one is the best one yet in my opinion. Hugh's liege Lord Talbot is required to travel to France with soldiers to help the Prince take back some conquered land from the French. Lord Talbot decides he wants his surgeon along (a reasonable expectation when going to war!) and so Hugh finds himself traveling to France for the second time in his life, this time with an army.

Hugh's nemesis Sir Trillowe is among the troop and he still hasn't forgiven Hugh for past issues (even though Trillowe is the one behind his own problems). Turns out someone else found issue with him too. Hugh is blamed for the death by the man's show more father. As such Lord Talbot tasks him with finding the culprit to save his neck from being stretched, and the prince agrees with the undertaking.

This was an excellent addition to the series and I can't wait to catch up with the few I've missed to date! show less

The tenth installment of The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Lucifer’s Harvest, continues the adventures of Master Hugh as he accompanies the military campaign of Prince Edward of England as he seeks to recover his lands in Acquitaine. Hugh’s role of surgeon may keep him out of direct military involvement, but it does not keep him from danger. The death of his nemesis mobilizes Hugh to uncover the murderer before he finds himself on the end of a rope.

Mel Starr does a great job of bringing medieval society to life. In Lucifer’s Harvest, the emphasis is on war. Starr’s impeccable research is evident in the detail portrayed in the story. Warfare was very different in the 14th century than it is today, and I found the show more strategy and weapons used very interesting. Hugh, as always, is resourceful in his investigations. With only limited understanding of science and forensics, his intelligence and intuition keep him on track. Hugh is dedicated to truth in all things. His religious views border on the heretical for the time, but add to the thoughtfulness of his examination of human motives and God’s justice. Lucifer’s Harvest is a bit darker than Starr’s previous books. Life is precarious and death comes for all, young and old. The pragmatism in a time of low life expectancies and high child mortality does not subtract from the grief and sorrow of a loss.

It is not necessary to read the previous 9 books of the series to enjoy Lucifer’s Harvest, but I definitely recommend beginning from the beginning of this series. All the books get a recommended rating from me.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Kregel for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

The author’s comprehensive knowledge of the history of medieval England was used to good effect to create a convincing sense of time and place in this easy to read story. I enjoyed the way in which his meticulous attention to detail created a very credible image of what life was like for people living during that time. I was fascinated by the descriptions of battleground conditions and military strategy, as well as by the information about the range of herbal remedies available for treating a whole range of medical conditions and injuries, as well as details of the rather crude surgical techniques available at the time. I also appreciated the “Afterword” as this helped to put the story into an historical context – it is always show more good to learn something new! Hugh is a likeable character and I enjoyed his thoughtful and quite philosophical musings about his life, religion and the situations he encountered on a daily basis. The sleuthing/mystery elements of the story were well-plotted and entertaining. This is the ninth story in The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon and as I had read none of the preceding books there were, understandably, references to previous characters and incidences which would have made more sense to someone who had read the earlier books. In spite if this, the story is straightforward enough to be read as a stand alone piece. I found it a quick and entertaining read but did find myself wondering at which age group it is aimed. The quite simple, straightforward writing style made me think it is a book suitable for teenagers/young adults and, if that is the case, I would award it four stars but as a personal read I would have to give it one less because, at only 148 pages long, it was a rather short novel; in addition, I would have preferred more complexity in the story-telling.
I received this book from Lion Hudson plc (via Library Thing Early Reviewers) in exchange for an honest review. show less