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Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Abbot’s Agreement (Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon) is a historical mystery by Mel Starr. While travelling to Oxford to purchase a Bible, Hugh de Singleton, a surgeon, and his companion, Arthur, see a corpse in the field. They notify Eynsham Abbey and monks identify the body, which has stab wounds, as John, their missing novice. Abbot Thurstan hires Hugh to find John’s murderer in exchange for a Bible. As the investigation proceeds, Hugh experiences animosity from members of the abbey and knife-wielding neighbours who had motives for killing the novice. The investigation takes an unusual turn when the abbot has a serious accident and Hugh goes into hiding after being accused of heresy by the abbey’s prior, causing a rift among the monks.
It is not often I come across mysteries with religious plots that are pleasant without being too spiritual, and The Abbot’s Agreement (Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon) happens to be one. The story is not fast-paced for Mel Starr has a laid-back, unhurried writing style that is appropriate for its medieval setting. This is more noticeable because Hugh de Singleton narrates the drama very descriptively while conducting his investigation. He and Arthur never fail to amuse me as they describe persons or events. A couple of fascinating observations for me were the simple meals of the folks, which mainly consisted of ale, bread and pottage; the other was the surgical procedures that make me appreciate modern medicine. I enjoyed reading Mel Starr’s The Abbot’s Agreement.
