Friday, March 11, 2011

A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr


A Trail of Ink
by: Mel Starr

My Thoughts:

I do have to start out by saying that I think I started the book 3 times before I could really get used to the language. Once I did, though, it was like getting lost in another time. I loved it! This was a great mystery. He keeps you guessing the whole time. While you have your suspicions he adds plenty of rabbit trails to throw you off. I really enjoyed the story of Hugh and Kate, as well. It wasn't mushy-gushy so I believe that man or woman would greatly enjoy this book.

The characters are very dynamic and he adds so much color to them. You can really picture the story taking place right before your eyes. I particularly enjoyed finding out more about the 'feud' between scholars and monks. That was such an interesting concept with them living in the same place, but disagreeing so heartily on issues.

He also includes some interesting historical facts at the end regarding the place he wrote about as well as the first chapter from his next book.


About the Book:

An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn't think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.


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. www.melstarr.org

Contest Info:

Kregel Publishers is graciously donating a $50 Amazon.com gift card for the Litfuse Blog Tour Contest! Woo-hoo (thanks Kregel!) All you have to do to enter is either tweet (see TWEET THIS below) or share the book on Facebook using this link: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ink-Chronicle-Singleton-Surgeon/dp/1854249746/ref=sprightly-20

TWEET THIS: A Trail of Ink by Mel Star. An excellent medieval whodunit. RT for a chance to win a $50 GC to @amazon! http://ow.ly/45c2k #litfuse

  • (and be sure to use the hashtag #litfuse to be entered into Amazon.com gift certificate drawing and no need to email that you tweeted - we'll be able to track it via the hashtag.)

FACEBOOK THIS: A Trail of Ink by Mel Star. An excellent medieval whodunit. Share on your wall for a chance to win a $50 GC to @amazon! http://ow.ly/45c2k


To view other reviews on the Blog Tour click HERE.


1 comment:

Diane said...

I really enjoyed this book too. Can't wait to get my hands on his other books. :O)