A Trail Of Ink

By Mel Starr

Experience the captivating world of medieval Bampton, Oxfordshire with Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Bampton Castle, as he faces his most dangerous case yet.

Master John Wyclif, known for his sharp tongue and wit, is at a loss when his books are stolen. Hugh must recover the books before it's too late, and he sets his sights on the clever and charming Kate to aid in the search. However, their adversaries are not to be underestimated, and a poor scholar is found dead in the river with ties to the stolen books.

Will Hugh and Kate be able to solve the mystery before more lives are lost?

Join them on their thrilling quest for the truth in the latest installment of the Hugh de Singleton series.

'Hugh de Singleton has come to Oxford seeking a wife. He finds treachery and murder. A Trail of Ink is a beautifully written medieval mystery set in 14th century Oxford. Mel Starr writes with the flowing language, startling detail and understated humor of one who has mastered his period and his craft.' - Donna Fletcher Crow, author of A Very Private Grave

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lion Fiction
• Release date: Sep 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781782640868

Mel Starr

Mel Starr is the author of the successful Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton series. He was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, hetaught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years. Since retiring, he has focused on writing full time. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Book preview

I had never seen Master John Wyclif so afflicted. He was rarely found at such a loss when in disputation with other masters. He told me later, when I had returned them to him, that it was as onerous to plunder a bachelor scholar’s books as it would be to steal another man’s wife. I had, at the time, no way to assess the accuracy of that opinion, for I had no wife and few books.

But I had come to Oxford on that October day, Monday, the twentieth, in the year of our Lord 1365, to see what progress I might make to remedy my solitary estate. I left my horse at the stable behind the Stag and Hounds and went straightaway to Robert Caxton’s shop, where the stationer’s comely daughter, Kate, helped attract business from the bachelor scholars, masters, clerks, and lawyers who infest Oxford like fleas on a hound.

My pretended reason to visit Caxton’s shop was to purchase a gathering of parchment and a fresh pot of ink. I needed these to conclude my record of the deaths of Alan the beadle and of Henry atte Bridge. Alan’s corpse was found, three days before Good Friday, near to St Andrew’s Chapel, to the east of Bampton. And Henry, who it was who slew Alan, was found in a wood to the north of the town. As bailiff of Bampton Castle it was my business to sort out these murders, which I did, but not before I was attacked on the road returning from Witney and twice clubbed about the head in nocturnal churchyards. Had I known such assaults lay in my future, I might have rejected Lord Gilbert Talbot’s offer to serve as his bailiff at Bampton Castle and remained but Hugh the surgeon, of Oxford High Street.

Kate promised to prepare a fresh pot of ink, which I might have next day, and when she quit the shop to continue her duties in the workroom I spoke to her father. Robert Caxton surely knew the effect Kate had upon young men. He displayed no surprise when I asked leave to court his daughter.

I had feared raised eyebrows at best, and perhaps a refusal. I am but a surgeon and a bailiff. Surgeons own little prestige in Oxford, full of physicians as it is, and few honest men wish to see a daughter wed to a bailiff. There were surely sons of wealthy Oxford burghers, and young masters of the law, set on a path to wealth, who had eyes for the comely Kate. But Caxton nodded agreement when I requested his permission to pay court to his daughter. Perhaps my earlier service to mend his wounded back helped my suit.

I left the stationer’s shop with both joy and apprehension. The joy you will understand, or would had you seen Kate and spent time in her presence. I was apprehensive because next day I must begin a thing for which I had no training and in which I had little experience. While at Balliol College I was too much absorbed in my set books to concern myself with the proper way to impress a lass, and none of those volumes dealt with the subject. Certainly the study of logic avoided the topic. Since then my duties as surgeon and bailiff allowed small opportunity to practice discourse with a maiden. And there are few females of my age and station in Bampton.

I made my way from Caxton’s shop on Holywell Street to Catte Street and thence to the gate of Canterbury Hall, on Schidyard Street. As I walked I composed speeches in my mind with which I might impress Kate Caxton. I had forgotten most of these inventions by next day. This was just as well.

Master John Wyclif, former Master of Balliol College and my teacher there, was newly appointed Warden of Canterbury Hall. Several months earlier, frustrated at my inability to discover who had slain Alan the beadle and Henry atte Bridge, I had called upon Master John to lament my ignorance and seek his wisdom. He provided encouragement, and an empty chamber in the Hall where I might stay the night, safe from the snores and vermin at the Stag and Hounds.

When I left him those months earlier he enjoined me to call when I was next in Oxford and tell him of the resolution of these mysteries. At the time of his request I was not sure there ever would be a resolution to the business.

But there was, and so I sought Master John to tell him of it, and seek again his charity and an empty cell for the night. The porter recognized me, and sent me to Master John’s chamber. I expected to find him bent over a book, as was his usual posture when I called. But not so. He opened the door to my knock, recognized me, and blurted, Master Hugh… they’ve stolen my books.

The greeting startled me. I peered over the scholar’s shoulder as if I expected to see the miscreants and the plundered volumes. I saw Master John’s table, and a cupboard where his books were kept. Both were bare. He turned to follow my gaze.

Gone, he whispered. All of them.

Who? I asked stupidly. Had Master John known that, he would have set after the thieves and recovered the books. Or sent the sheriff to do so.

I know not, Wyclif replied. I went to my supper three days past. When I returned the books were gone… even the volume I left open on my table.

Master John is not a wealthy man. He has the living of Fillingham, and the prebend of Aust, but these provide a thin subsistence for an Oxford master of arts at work on a degree in theology. The loss of books accumulated in a life of study would be a blow to any scholar, rich or poor.

The porter saw no stranger enter or leave the Hall while we supped, Wyclif continued. I went next day to the sheriff, but Sir John has other matters to mind.

Sir John?

Aye. Roger de Cottesford is replaced. The new high sheriff is Sir John Trillowe.

He offered no aid?

He sent a sergeant ’round to the stationers in the town, to see did any man come to them with books he offered to sell. Two I borrowed from Nicholas de Redyng. He will grieve to learn they are lost.

And the stationers… they have been offered no books?

None of mine missing. And Sir John has no interest, I think, in pursuing my loss further.

The colleges have always wished to rule themselves, free of interference from the town and its government. No doubt the sheriff was minded to allow Canterbury Hall the freedom to apprehend its own thief, without his aid or interference.

How many?

My books? Twenty… and the two borrowed.

I performed some mental arithmetic. Master John read my thoughts.

"The books I borrowed from Master Nicholas… one was Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica, worth near thirty shillings. One of mine was of paper, a cheap-set book, but the others were of parchment and well bound."

Your loss is great, then. Twenty pounds or more.

Aye, Wyclif sighed. Four were of my own devising. Some might say they were worth little. But the others… Aristotle, Grossteste, Boethius, all gone.

Master John sighed again, and gazed about his chamber as if the stolen books were but misplaced, and with closer inspection of dark corners might yet be discovered.

I am pleased to see you, Master John continued. I had thought to send for you.

For me?

Aye. I have hope that you will seek my stolen books and see them returned to me.

Me? Surely the sheriff…

"Sir John is not interested in any crime for which the solution will not bring him a handsome fine. Rumor is he paid King Edward sixty pounds for the office. He will be about recouping his investment, not seeking stolen books.

And you are skilled at solving mysteries, Wyclif continued. You found who ’twas in Lord Gilbert’s cesspit, and unless I mistake me, you know by now who killed your beadle and the fellow found slain in the forest. Well, do you not?

Aye. It was as I thought. Henry atte Bridge, found dead in the wood, slew Alan the beadle. Alan had followed him during the night as Henry took a haunch of venison poached from Lord Gilbert’s forest, to the curate at St Andrew’s Chapel.

Venison? To a priest?

Aye… a long story.

I have nothing but time, and no books with which to fill it. Tell me.

So I told Master John of the scandal of the betrayed confessional of the priest at St Andrew’s Chapel. And of the blackmail he plotted with Henry atte Bridge – and Henry’s brother, Thomas – of those who confessed to poaching, adultery, and cheating at their business.

I came to Oxford this day to buy more ink and parchment so I may write of these felonies while details remain fresh in my memory.

And what stationer receives your custom?

Robert Caxton. It was you who sent me first to Caxton’s shop. You knew I would find more there than books, ink, and parchment.

I did? Yes, I remember now telling you of the new stationer, come from Cambridge with his daughter… ah, that is your meaning. I am slow of wit these days. I think of nothing but my books.

You did not guess I might be interested in the stationer’s daughter?

Nay, Wyclif grimaced. I surprise myself for my lack of perception. You are a young man with two good eyes. The stationer’s daughter…

Kate, I said.

Aye, Kate is a winsome lass.

She is. And this day I have gained her father’s permission to seek her as my wife.

Master John’s doleful expression brightened. The corners of his mouth and eyes lifted into a grin. I congratulate you, Hugh.

Do not be too quick to do so. I must woo and win her, and I fear for my ability.

I have no competency in such matters. You are on your own. ’Tis your competency solving puzzles I seek.

But I am already employed.

Master John’s countenance fell. I had not considered that, he admitted. Lord Gilbert requires your service… and pays well for it, I imagine.

Aye. I am well able to afford a wife.

But could not the town spare you for a week or two, until my books are found? Surely a surgeon… never mind. You see how little I heed other men’s troubles when I meet my own.

All men think first of themselves. Why should you be different? I asked.

Why? Because my misplaced esteem tells me I must. Do you not wish the same, Hugh? To be unlike the commons? They scratch when and where they itch and belch when and where they will and the letters on a page are as foreign to them as Malta.

But… I remember a lecture…

Wyclif grimaced.

… when you spoke of all men being the same when standing before God. No gentlemen, no villeins, all sinners.

Hah; run through by my own pike. ’Tis true. I recite the same sermon each year, but though we be all sinners, and all equally in need of God’s grace, all sins are not, on earth, equal, as they may be in God’s eyes. Else all punishments would be the same, regardless of the crime.

And what would be a fitting penalty for one who stole twenty books?

Wyclif scowled again. Twenty-two, he muttered. My thoughts change daily, he continued. When I first discovered the offense I raged about the Hall threatening the thief with a noose.

And now?

Master John smiled grimly. "I have thought much on that. Was the thief a poor man needing to keep his children from starvation, I might ask no penalty at all, so long as my books be returned. But if the miscreant be another scholar, with means to purchase his own books, I would see him fined heavily and driven from Oxford, and never permitted to study here again, or teach, be he a master.

Both holy and secular wisdom, Wyclif mused, teach that we must not do to another what we find objectionable when done to us. No man should hold a place at Oxford who denies both God and Aristotle.

You think an Oxford man has done this?

Wyclif chewed upon a fingernail, then spoke. Who else would want my books, or know their worth?

That, it seems to me, is the crux of the matter, I replied. Some scholar wished to add to his library, or needed money, and saw your books as a way to raise funds.

As it happened, there was a third reason a man might wish to rob Master John of his books, but that explanation for the theft did not occur to me until later.

I am lost, Wyclif sighed. I am a master with no books, and I see no way to retrieve them.

I felt guilty that, for all his aid given to me, I could offer no assistance to the scholar. I could but commiserate, cluck my tongue, and sit in his presence with a long face.

The autumn sun set behind the old Oxford Castle keep while we talked. Wyclif was about to speak again when a small bell sounded from across the courtyard.

Supper, he explained, and invited me to follow him to the refectory.

Scholars at Canterbury Hall are fed well, but simply. For this supper there were loaves of maslin – wheat and barley – cheese, a pease pottage flavored with bits of pork, and tankards of watered ale. I wondered at the pork, for some of the scholars were Benedictines. Students peered up from under lowered brows as we entered. They all knew of the theft, and, I considered later, suspected each other of complicity in the deed.

A watery autumn sun struggled to rise above the forest and water meadow east of Oxford when I awoke next morning. Wyclif bid me farewell with stooped shoulders and eyes dark from lack of sleep. I wished the scholar well, and expressed my prayer that his books be speedily recovered. Master John believes in prayer, but my promise to petition our Lord Christ on his behalf seemed to bring him small comfort. I think he would rather have my time and effort than my prayers. Or would have both. Prayers may be offered cheaply. They require small effort from men, and much from God. The Lord Christ has told us we may ask of Him what we will, but I suspect He would be pleased to see men set to their work, and call upon Him only when tasks be beyond them.

I thought on this as I walked through the awakening lanes of Oxford to Holywell Street and Robert Caxton’s shop. Was it really my duty to Lord Gilbert which prevented me from seeking Wyclif’s stolen books, or was I too slothful to do aught but pray for their return? I did not like the answer which came to me.

As I approached the stationer’s shop I saw a tall young man standing before it, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The fellow was no scholar. He wore a deep red cotehardie, cut short to show a good leg. His chauces were parti-colored, grey and black, and his cap ended in a long yellow liripipe coiled stylishly about his head. The color of his cap surprised me. All who visit London know that the whores of that city are required by law to wear yellow caps so respectable maidens and wives be left unmolested on the street. He was shod in fine leather, and the pointed toes of his shoes curled up in ungainly fashion.

The fellow seemed impatient; while I watched he strode purposefully past Caxton’s shop, then reversed his steps and walked past in the opposite direction, toward my approach. I drew closer to the shop, so that at each turn I could see his face more clearly. His countenance and beard were dark, as were his eyes. The beard was neatly trimmed, and his eyes peered at my approach from above an impressive nose – although, unlike mine, his nose pointed straight out at the world, whereas mine turns to the dexter side. He seemed about my own age – twenty-five years or so. He was broad of shoulder and yet slender, but good living was beginning to produce a paunch.

I slowed my pace as I approached the shuttered shop. Caxton would open his business soon, and I assumed this dandy needed parchment, ink, or a book, although he did not seem the type to be much interested in words on a page.

I stood in the street, keeping the impatient coxcomb company, until Robert Caxton opened his shop door and pushed up his shutters to begin business for the day. The stationer looked from me to his other customer and I thought his eyes widened. I bowed to the other client and motioned him to precede me into the shop. He was there before me.

The morning sun was low in the southeast, and did not penetrate far into the shop. But dark as the place was, I could see that Kate was not within. He of the red cotehardie saw the same, and spoke before I could.

Is Mistress Kate at leisure? he asked.

Caxton glanced at me, then answered, Near so. Preparing a pot of ink in the workroom. Be done shortly.

I’ll wait, the fellow said with a smile. ’Tis a pleasant morning. And if Kate has no other concerns, I’d have her walk with me along the water meadow.

He might as well have swatted me over my skull with a ridge pole. My jaw went slack and I fear both Caxton and this unknown suitor got a fine view of my tonsils.

Robert Caxton was not so discomfited that he forgot his manners. He introduced me to Sir Simon Trillowe. A knight. And of some relation to the new sheriff of Oxford, I guessed.

When he learned that I was but a surgeon and bailiff to Lord Gilbert Talbot, Sir Simon nodded briefly and turned away, his actions speaking what polite words could not: I was beneath his rank and unworthy of his consideration.

We heard naught of you for many months, Master Hugh, Caxton remarked.

This was true. I had neglected pursuit of Kate Caxton while about Lord Gilbert’s business in Bampton. And, to be true, I feared Kate might dismiss my suit should I press it. A man cannot be disappointed in love who does not seek it.

No doubt a bailiff has much to occupy his time, the stationer continued.

Sir Simon doubtless thought that I was but a customer, not that I was in competition with him for the fair Kate. He would learn that soon enough.

The door to Caxton’s workroom was open. Kate surely heard this exchange, which was a good thing. It gave her opportunity to compose herself. A moment later she entered the shop, carrying my pot of promised ink, and bestowed a tranquil smile upon both me and Sir Simon. I smiled in return, Trillowe did not. Perhaps he had guessed already that it was not ink I most wished to take from Caxton’s shop.

Mistress Kate, Sir Simon stepped toward her as she passed through the door. ’Tis a pleasant autumn morn… there will be few more before winter. Perhaps we might walk the path along the Cherwell… if your father can spare you for the morning.

With these words Trillowe turned to the stationer. Caxton shrugged a reply.

Good. Sir Simon offered his arm and, with a brief smile and raised brows in my direction, Kate set the pot of ink on her father’s table and took Trillowe’s arm. They departed the shop wordlessly.

Caxton apparently thought some explanation in order. You didn’t call through the summer. Kate thought you’d no interest. I told her last night you’d asked to pay court. But Sir Simon’s been by a dozen times since Lammas Day… others, too.

Others?

Aye. My Kate does draw lads to the shop. None has asked me might they pay court, though. But for you.

Not Sir Simon?

Nay. Second son of the sheriff, and a knight. He’ll not ask leave of one like me to do aught.

And Kate returns his interest?

Caxton shrugged. She’s walked out with him three times now. A knight, mind you. And son of the sheriff. Can’t blame a lass for that.

No, I agreed.

Can’t think how his father’d be pleased, though. A stationer’s daughter! A scandal in Oxford Castle when word gets out, as it surely has, by now, Caxton mused.

Aye. What lands his father may hold will pass to his brother. The sheriff will want Sir Simon seeking a wife with lands of her own.

I hoped that was so. But if a second or third son acts to displease his father, it is difficult to correct him. How can a man disinherit a son who is due to receive little or nothing anyway? So if a son courting Kate Caxton displeased the sheriff of Oxford, such offense might escape retribution. This thought did not bring me joy.

Nothing much else of that day in Oxford brought joy, either. Even Caxton’s refusal to accept payment for parchment and ink could not raise my spirits. I trudged through the mud to the Stag and Hounds, retrieved Bruce from the stables, and from the old horse’s broad back watched as the castle keep faded into the distance while we two, horse and rider, sauntered past Oseney Abbey toward Bampton and home.

I arrived at the castle at the ninth hour, in time for supper. Lord Gilbert was in residence, so this was a more elaborate meal than when he resided at another of his castles, with several guests, and many grooms and valets occupying lower tables.

A groom brought an ewer, basin, and towel to the high table and I washed the dust of the Oxford Road from my face and hands. The water was pleasingly scented with mint.

I had enjoyed no dinner that day, so as soon as Lord Gilbert’s chaplain offered thanks

Reviews for A Trail Of Ink

[vesper1931 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

1365 Master John Wyelif of Canterbury Hall, Oxford and friend to Hugh de Singleton, has had his library of twenty-two books stolen. Lord Gilbert requests that Hugh investigate and take the opportunity while there to also look for a wife. Surely he cannot get into any dangerous situations.
An entertaining and well-written historical mysery with its likeable characters

[mcfitz_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the third book in a great series, and I liked it the best so far. The setting is 15th-century England, mostly in Oxford this time.Our protagonist, Hugh de Singleton, is bailiff for Lord Talbot, a local nobleman. In this capacity, he investigates crimes, and is a tenacious man when he finds something he thinks is unjust or unmoral.In this volume, the mystery begins calmly enough when Hugh’s old professor Wycliffe reports that his entire library of books—a valuable commodity—has been stolen. The case gets more complicated, with some red herrings thrown in, and of course some danger involved. The actual murder in this instance doesn’t even happen until halfway through the book.The characters are a mixed lot, but Hugh is a good man and true. He is currently searching for a wife after Lord Talbot recommends he settle down. Enter Kate, who made an appearance in the previous book and has a bigger role here. Hugh has a rival that will probably cause more trouble in future books, but so far, the romance is going well, although it’s only a small part of the overall story.Descriptions are done very well, and the pacing is fine. As with the previous books in this series, the pacing is quite slow through most of the story, which forces the reader to consider the slower speed of everyday life in the setting. The ending came up quickly and was over fast, as with many historical mysteries. Some violence (circa 1465), no foul language, no sex.

[lilyroseshadowlyn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After reading Lucifer's Harvest (book 9 in the series) I knew I had to go back and read the earlier volumes. I greatly enjoyed this one, and look forward to reading more from the series once I can get my hands on them.

[medievalgirl-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Trail of Ink has a little bit of everything that makes this series enjoyable, mystery, a colourful and detailed historical backdrop, and some interesting descriptions of Medieval surgery, medicine and other aspects of life. In this novel, there is even a hint of Romance, with Hugh courting Kate Paxton, the stationers’ daughter he met in the last novel. Unwittingly, he also gains himself and enemy, an initially a love rival in the form of Sir Simon Trillowe son of the Sheriff of Oxford who causes problems in the later books
.
This third installment focuses on the relationship between Kate and Hugh, and of course he has a mystery to solve as Doctor John Wycliffe has had all his books stolen. An event which causes Hugh’s friend and mentor some distress- he was a scholar who relied on his books after all. Hugh employer Lord Gilbert Talbot's encouragement to find a wife gives Hugh the perfect excuse to stay in Oxford, and help Master Wycliffe. Of course, Hugh soon falls into trouble as Sir Simon Trillowe is literally willing to go to any lengths to get him out of the way- and it is all the harder to deal with him as his father holds the authority of Sheriff.

Yet the frequency and nature of nefarious plots do harm to or do away with our hero seem to be getting a little implausible. How many times can someone break into his room or his house at night, ambush him in the street, kidnap him, or attack him, and he just narrowly escape? It does seem to be getting to be a little bit of a worn out formula now and perhaps a tad predictable.

I also had a few issues with Hugh himself in the story. For instance, when he is thrown into jail on false charges and facing execution (begging the question of whether a member of the gentry classes actually could be treated thus), he prays in desperation as he can think of no way out, but, when the situation is resolved, he is not depicted as grateful or thankful to God for apparently answering his prayers.
Instead he whines. Also, his lying does get a bit much after a while, especially when there would be other ways to deal with the situation, and his automatic assumption that he is not as bad as others, or that God won’t mind. The ending also seemed a little but rushed, resolved very quickly seemingly without much explanation of the motives of those involved.

Altogether A Trail of Ink is an enjoyable mystery story and light read that does not rely on gory murders (in fact this event does not happen until over halfway through the book), in a fascinating and well-researched setting. The said, the elements of the story which can be repetitive, formulaic and predictable were a shortcoming, which could perhaps prove problematic if the series continues.

[readafew · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the 3rd book in the Hugh de Singleton mystery series and by here the author has the feel of the main characters. Hugh once again gets himself in trouble, merely trying to help out a friend. His friend had his entire library stolen, and for anyone in 1465 that would be devastating, the man in question is a professor, and not only was it a life's collection, it was part of his job. Hugh also proceeds to court Kate in the hopes of making her his wife. Both issues cause Hugh a lot more trouble than one would reason possible, both almost get him killed. I really enjoy this series and only have 2 more to add to my collection. I highly recommend them!

[billc. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book - I love this series (Hugh De Singleton)!

[dawnymae_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a third chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr. We begin in October, of 1365, in Oxford. During this medieval time period, we follow Hugh as he see to Lord Gilbert as his surgeon and bailiff. His old teacher Master John Wyclif seeks his help in finding 22 stolen books of his, which in that time were very precious indeed as most were hand written and bound. He also seeks to steal Kate Caxton heart, but she has another suitor who is none other than the sheriff’s son. It is difficult at first to get used to the syntax used, but with the help of the glossary of definitions it gets much easier to understand. I stuck with it, and found the mystery within a mystery, and a romance too very entertaining. I also look forward to reading the first and third books in the series as well. Hugh finds himself trying to understand where God fits into his life, and is a nice lead in to the next novel. I think this book was a good read and most mystery lovers will find it worth a glance.

[melaniehope · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a very well written medieval mystery set in 14th century Oxford. The main character is Hugh de Singleton who is both surgeon and bailiff. While in Oxford to seek the company of Kate, a woman he hopes to marry, Hugh learns of a theft of books. His friend, Master John Wyclif has collected twenty two books over the course of his lifetime. He is distraught to find them missing and is delighted when Hugh is commissioned by Lord Gilbert to assist John is retrieving his missing books.In his search for the missing books, Hugh meets some very determined adversaries who are out to stop him, permanently if necessary. Later, a young scholar who attempted to sell one of the missing books, is found floating in the the river. What starts out as a case of missing books, suddenly seems to take a turn for something much more complicated and dangerous. Kate, also steps in to help Hugh in his quest to solves the mystery. The sooner they do, the sooner they can get married.This was an excellent mystery with lots of research by the author to make the timeframe authentic and intriguing to read. This is the third chronicle in the Hugh de Singleton series, but the first I had read. I had no trouble reading it out of order and really enjoyed this mystery.

[katylit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the first page of A Trail of Ink I was quickly, and delightfully, transported back to Oxford of 1365. The scholar John Wycliffe has had 20 precious books stolen and Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and baliff for Lord Gilbert Talbot is on the case. He follows a twisted trail to track down the culprits and the books while at the same time wooing a stationer's daughter, Kate Caxton. Mel Starr has written of a down-to-earth hero, with a quiet, steadfast faith, great sense of humour and a love of good food. The dialogue is written with a taste of mediaeval speech, but not too much to be distracting or difficult. Instead it helps to place the reader in the period and adds a charming, interesting variance to our accustomed modern speech.A Trail of Ink is the third in the series of Hugh de Singleton. I've already ordered the first two so I can spend more time in the company of the appealing Hugh and I'm looking forward to the recently released fourth, Unhallowed Ground.

[barbn_15 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wanted to add a comment because Starr's novels, unlike many series, have steadily grown better (more interesting plots, more developed characters) as the series has gone on. His atmosphere has also fleshed out with a darkness that seems very right (and ripe) for the period.

[sensory-376444 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was a bit worried when I received this book and the envelope described the contents as 'religious book'. I do not read christian fiction and I returned to the book's description on LT and found absolutely no mention of religion in it. A bit confusing, that is.There are references to God here and there and that was okay. But I didn't like the assumption that the reader is included in the overall religious belief system that I picked up on. Having said that and so ignoring the religious references I thought it a nice, light mystery. I liked the main character, Hugh, and thought the writing was very good; thankfully not amateurish as 'religious' fiction can sometimes be. All in all, if occasional references to God don't bother you, I'd recommend this book.

[aya8herron · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the third installment of the series, medieval surgeon Hugh de Singleton has not one, but two puzzles to solve. First, Master John Wyclif's treasured collection of scholarly books has been stolen. It's up to Hugh to unravel a trail of deceit and solve a murder in order to see that the books are returned to their rightful owners.Second, Hugh is on a quest to find a wife. With little experience in the ways of winning a young maiden's hand, Hugh sets out to court the young lady who caught his attention in the second chronicle, "A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel." The object of his affections, Kate Caxton, is witty, intelligent, and comely. She attracts more than her share of attention and has no shortage of suitors from which to choose. Will Hugh be able to win over the beautiful Kate or has he met his match in the form of Sir Simon Trillowe? Only time will tell as we follow Hugh on this adventures in Oxford.The Bottom Line: The third book in the series is a quick and enjoyable weekend read. This chronicle features fewer surgeries than the first two books and more emphasis is placed on Hugh's exploration of faith. However, there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Highly entertaining and recommended for fans of medieval mysteries. Also, recommended for fans of Christian fiction. A glossary of medieval words and a map of Oxford are included.

[romonko · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book of Mel Starr's Hugh de Singleton series that I have read, although it is the third in the series. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read the book. I am always looking for new medieval series to read and this one had skipped my radar. The book is set in and around Oxford England in the early winter of 1365. Hugh, who is a bailiff for Lord Gilbert, is taxed with finding 22 stolen books. They were stolen right from a scholar's room. In the 14 century, books were very valuable. But while Hugh is trying to find out what happened to the books he also finds himself in a battle for the hand of a young woman. His adversary is a nobleman who is not afraid to fight to the death. The book is quite well written, and I enjoyed the characters. Hugh is a very appealing hero. I will be continuing to read this series now that I have found it.

[pmarshall_82 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff, faces two challenges when he arrives in Oxford in October 1365. He wishes to win the hand of Kate Caxton and he is facing competition from Sir Simon Trillowe. He also becomes embroiled in the search for twenty-two books from his friend and scholar John Wyclif. Kate’s character is that of an independent woman who is an equal partner in a relationship and one willing to take the lead at times, including looking for murderers. She is not the typical 14-century woman. She is one of the more interesting characters in the novel; otherwise it follows the familiar pattern of medieval mysteries.There was a custom slip on the envelope the book came in and it was marked “religious book.” I would not classify it as that although Hugh has moments of turning to God for help which seemed contrived.I enjoyed the book but would not go looking for another to read.

[sfeggers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the first book I've read in the series and I enjoyed it, but wondered why the author seemed to include spoilers about what happened in the first two books. I would have looked for those too but now know "whodunnit." Oh well. I will definitely look for future books in the series however.I am also a fan of CJ Sansom's Shardlake series and this was similar but a lot lighter and with more humor, a good quick read.

[vanye-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book! I have been reading a lot of Medieval Mysteries in the past several months & Starr is now on my list of favorite authors in the genre. His character"s sense of humor about things including himself I find especially refreshing. I particularly appreciate the inclusion an an actual historic figure-John Wyclif which was done in a very believable way; as well setting the story in a real place-Oxford-a place I find very intriguing in it's own right! This is the 3rd book in the series & I shall read the first 2 just as soon as I can lay hands on them since the 4th will be out very shortly!I credit my fascination w/ this genre to the pace of life in those times as it compares to the modern pace-too darn fast! The fastest they can travel is the speed at which a horse can gallop! I must have been born a few hundred years too late!

[rarelibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is definitely a read alike for fans of Susanna Gregory's Matthew Bartholomew mystery series. The major surface differences are that Trail of Ink is both earlier than Bartholomew and set in the rival English university of Oxford. I was afraid that the comparisons would follow fast and furious on the heels of the obvious (medieval setting, university town, surgeon/doctor main character, mystery solver on accident), but I was pleasantly surprised. The tone to this book is very lighthearted and humerous. Gregory's characters tend to take themselves very seriously and have a much more earnest tone. This book was well plotted and the characters were both likeable and believeable. I haven't read the first two in the series but was in no way hampered by this lack of exposure. There are brief references to earlier cases in the first few chapters, but they are short and sweet and summarieze the gist of the experience well enough for those of us who jumped in here to not miss anything else. Overall: I enjoyed this book. It was a quick, light, fun read. I will definitely seek out the first two books and keep an eye out for any others that may follow this one. Two thumbs up.

[mrslee_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hugh de Singleton sets out on a simple task. He wants to court a lovely woman and visit his friend. But nothing in life is that simple. A man of higher rank is also courting the lady and his friend, John Wyclif, is sorrowing over the theft of all his books. Soon Hugh is given the task by his lord to unravel the mystery and win the girl.I really liked the map of Oxford and the glossary of medieval terms. The author works history into his story nicely. There are also glimmers of good characterization, but I'm afraid I never warmed up to Hugh. It could be the first person format, I rarely like that, but his words and thoughts came across as wooden to me. Also repetitive. I see much potential in Hugh, but in this story his thoughts were shallow and unfinished, as was his faith. I couldn't relate to a person who is set up to be very intelligent, but seems to behave almost simple-minded at times. I like my detectives to be the clever ones, ahead of the rest of the bunch.That being said, I still enjoyed this book, the feel of the town of Oxford, and the people there. I'm not sure I enjoyed it enough to seek out the other novels in this series. I received this book for review from the Early Reviewers program on Library Thing.

[kaitkatjane · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Trail Of Ink, the third chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon was my first book by Mel Starr. I love medieval fiction and also mysteries, so when I learned that this had both I was eager to dive into it. While this isn't an action filled, intense suspense, it was still a pleasant read. It reminded me of a few of Agatha Christie's Professor Periot mysteries books in the way it read, though the mysteries in Christie's are way more intense and gripping. The medieval language took me a bit to get used to but after about 5 chapters I was reading it with ease.Hugh's character was witty and caring, and the type of man I would enjoy associating with. While he took his job seriously, I appreciated the somewhat funny remarks he made on occasion.Perhaps it is because I haven't read the previous two books, but I was left wondering what the characters look like. It did allow me to use my imagination which I liked somewhat, but I didn't even know how old he was. The same was for all the characters. With Kate, the girl Hugh fancies, all I know is that she's mind-blowingly beautiful. I wanted to know what color hair and eyes she had but was left to come to my own conclusions. While this did not cause me to enjoy the book any less, I was wondering throughout the book what the characters looked like.The romance between Hugh and Kate was very sweet, proper, and not excessive. I found myself smiling at some of their conversations. They were a perfect couple! I did long to know more about them both, but I suppose that's what I get for reading the third book in the series first. ;)As for content, there was nothing at all! After thinking for a while, the only thing I could think of to mention is that Kate is very beautiful and Hugh notices many men attracted to her. Other than that, there wasn't even a kiss! Very clean. There was some mild gore but it was very minimal. As a surgeon, Hugh had to set a a broken collar bone, find out of a corpse they found in the river really drowned or if it was foul play, and inspect a man with a few knife wounds. Nothing is really graphic or anything. I wasn't out of ease at all.All in all, this was a good, simple, story set in medieval times. If you are looking for an action-pact suspense or a surprise ending or anything, this book won't amount - but if you are looking for an interesting story with some mild mystery, this is a book for you!

[tracyk1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great book! This was the first book in the series that I had read. It made me want to go out and find the other two books before it. I also can't wait until the fourth in the series comes out. The author has studied medieval medicine and this features in the book. It is interesting. It is also interesting to hear all about medieval Oxford. The only criticism that I have was the map in the front of the book was a bit small and hard to read. I wish it could have been spread out maybe over two pages. I loved the glossary that was included. All in all a great book, and a wonderful read for the mystery lover!!

[cbl_tn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Hugh de Singleton, bailiff of Bampton, learns that his friend John Wyclif's library has been stolen (all 20 books, plus 2 borrowed from someone else), he is given leave to stay in Oxford to search for and recover Wyclif's books. Happily for Hugh, this will give him an opportunity to court Kate Caxton, the woman he hopes to marry. He is dismayed to learn that he has a rival for Kate's affections. Will Hugh solve the mystery of the missing books and win the heart of the woman he loves?This is the third book in a series featuring Hugh de Singleton, and it was my first exposure to the series. Historical mysteries are my favorite genre, and I'm pleased to have another series to add to those that I follow. While Hugh isn't as quick witted as the protagonists in some series, his companions have complimentary strengths, and they work well together. My one complaint is that this book refers in too much detail to events in the two previous books in the series and gives away spoiler information about their plots and the culprits of the crimes investigated in those books. I'll need to wait a while to read those books and hope that I forget what I learned about them from this book.While regular readers of Christian fiction will recognize the publisher as a Christian publishing firm, the Christian content is incorporated so naturally into the story that it will not turn off other readers. Recommended for both historical fiction and Christian fiction enthusiasts.This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

[eawsmom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first introduction to Hugh de Singleton, and once I got used to the style of writing, I greatly enjoyed the experience. Set in the 1630s, this book tells a tale of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff, who ventures into Oxford to woo a lady. While there, he finds that 22 books have been stolen from his former instructor--in those days, a veritable fortune. He also discovers that a gentleman of noble birth is pursuing the same lady who holds his interest. During his pursuit of both the stolen books and the lady, Hugh has several encounters with the nobleman and even ends up thrown in jail, from which he is rescued by his patron and the young lady. Despite these setbacks, Hugh perseveres in his efforts and finally succeeds in determining who stole the books and sees them returned to their rightful owner. I can't tell what happens with the young lady without spoiling the plot, so I will just encourage others to read this book! It's not always an easy read since it is written in what is considered to be the style of the medieval era, but it is enjoyable nonetheless. While there are some allusions to events from the previous books in the series, it can easily be read on its own.I received this book from the publisher through the Early Reviewer program. I will be seeking out the first two volumes in the series and anticipating the publication of the fourth volume.

[celticlady53 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Trail of Ink is the third Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton series. I have not read the first two books in this series and I think it would have helped to read those first, but the book had enough in it to let me know what went on in previous books. A medieval mystery that has Hugh de Singleton looking for some stolen books and wooing Kate Caxton, the stationer's daughter. He is a bailiff of the village of Bampton and he has been asked to help recover a set of books that have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator . Thus starts the adventure for Hugh and Kate, which turns dangerous when there is a series of "events" that follow them.The author appears to be knowledgeable regarding medieval times and it shows in the writing of this book as the reader is swept along into the mystery. If the reader has trouble with the language of this time period, there is a glossary at the beginning of the book. I love historical fiction and this series is a bit different than others I have read and I did enjoy it. Definitely for the history lover!!!

[kittycrochettwo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I must admit I am a huge fan of historical fiction especially mysteries and intrigue, but "A Trail Of Ink" by Mel Starr was my first foray into the midieval time period. I wasn't sure how I would like the time period but I actually loved it! This story is set in the town of Oxford England, where Hugh de Singleton is trying to solve the mystery of his friend John Wyclif's stolen books. Twenty-two books in all have been taken, and two of them are borrowed books from a friend of John's. The books were stolen right out of Master Wyclif's room while he was out to supper. Hugh is also interested in Kate Caxton, a stationer's daughter. So Hugh jumps into solving the mystery as he also tries to to win Kate's favor. While this story was a bit hard for me to get into in the beginning, it soon took off transporting me back to medieval England. The author rolls together mystery, suspense, and murder together to make the story a satisfying read. I did find myself turning to the glossary provided in the front of the book because of some of the words used during the time period. "A Trail Of Ink" is the third book in the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon series, but can easily be read as a stand alone work, although I do wish I had read the first two books in the seriesThe ending provides a teaser for the next book in the series titled "Unhallowed Ground", which I look forward to reading. Book provided by Litfuse and the publisher for review.