Edward, Prince of Wales in 1372 suffers a relapse of his illness and summons Hugh de Singleton to help again. While at dinner at Kennington Palace, the knight who collected Hugh, Sir Giles Cheyne, dies. Edward instructs Hugh to discover the culprit.
This is the first of the series that I have read and can easily be read as a standalone story.
I enjoyed the mystery set in this interesting time-period, the writing and the well-drawn out characters, and would like to read more of the series.
A NetGalley Book
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Master Hugh de Singleton is back with a new chronicle of a mystery solved in Prince Edward’s Warrant. Hugh must leave the comfort of his hearth to minister to the Black Prince Edward. Having served him well in France, Hugh is called to treat and cure, if he can, the malady that afflicts the prince. But as always, Hugh soon finds himself in the midst of a mystery, this time the poisoning of one of Edward’s favorite knights. The bodies soon pile up as Hugh doggedly follows the clues.

Mel Starr’s historical mysteries are some of my favorites. Limited by his time and place, Hugh manages to use his intuition, limited scientific knowledge, and insight into the human psyche to solve complex crimes of passion and greed. The setting for the latest novel is Kennington Palace, a long gone favorite of Prince Edward. Life at court, with its protocol, amusements, and hierarchy, is shared with a detail that adds to the narrative. Hugh is a chronicler of more than murder and mayhem, and shares his thoughts on the fashions, customs, and politics of 14th century England. I especially love Hugh’s musings on the religious practices and dogma of the day. Hugh also has a dry wit that is spotlighted in his dealings with Edward’s personal physician. While Hugh may be a mere mechanic in his profession as surgeon, he is much more practical and methodical in his study of the common diseases of the day than the puffed up Dr. Blackwell. As both bailiff to Sir Gilbert and surgeon, Hugh brings a mix of expertise to his quest for the perpetrators. Fans of mysteries will love Hugh’s detecting prowess.

Another winner from the skilled pen of Starr, Prince Edward’s Warrant is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and medieval fiction.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Lion Hudson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Hugh de Singleton is summoned to the Black Prince's side to ease the man's illness. When a man falls dead from poison, Hugh is then asked to find the murderer.

This was my first introduction to Master Hugh and now I dearly want to start from the beginning. He is a charming and interesting character. He is witty and more than holds his own against those who dislike him. Through the whole story, all he wants is to return home to his wife, which is more than understandable.

The details of the time period help make this a delight to read. Master Hugh conducts his investigation with logic, although there were moments when his introspection was a bit repetitive.

For fans of medieval tales, I would highly recommend Hugh de Singleton. I was given a copy through NetGalley for reviewing purposes. ( )

1372 and Edward of Woodstock is suffering from a recurrence of an unpleasant malady that has laid him low. He sends for Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Bampton, who has helped to relieve his symptoms in the past. When Hugh arrives at Kennington Palace he prescribes his herbs for the Prince but when a knight of the household is found dead Hugh's other talents as an investigator are needed and he fears he may not return to Bampton anytime soon.

Mel Starr has written a series of books featuring Hugh de Singleton and whilst I have not read them all I have read several. They do not have the most complex storylines but are well-researched and entertaining. this book is no exception ( )

Title: Prince Edward’s Warrant (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton #11)
Author: Mel Starr
Pages:
Year: 2018
Publisher: Lion Fiction
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Hugh de Singleton finds himself summoned by Prince Edward, heir to the throne, to arrive at Kennington Palace. It seems the Prince is suffering from a malady that Hugh treated previously in Limoges with success. The Prince has lost his patience with his own physician’s attempts at curing the illness. Hugh has no choice but to go. While at dinner the first night, a knight keels over at the table dead. It is discovered he was poisoned. The Prince remembers Hugh’s solving a prior crime, so he commissions Hugh to find the culprit of this one.
Hugh reluctantly agrees even though he wants to go home to Bampton, his wife and children. As the investigation drags on, Hugh wonders if he will ever get home. However, he continues to ask questions hoping that someone will let something slip or remember something they had previously forgotten. He knows that all it could take to point him in the right direction is one question answered in a different way. More bodies appear with Hugh no closer to finding the guilty party. However, he has garnered someone’s attention as his own body has been threatened!
I enjoyed Hugh’s observations of life and religion. These thoughts he wisely keeps to himself as the vein of his religious ideas could bring him a great deal of trouble. The setting for this story was Kennington Palace instead of Hugh’s small village of Bampton. While his “Watson”, Arthur, accompanies him this time, the rest of the locals of Bampton aren’t in the story. I liked the interplay between Hugh and the Prince’s physician as it made for humorous reading. The glossary was a big help as well, explaining the various terms for food, clothing, etc. The plot was not the most interesting, but Hugh makes up for any deficiencies. Mel’s books are always on my “to be read” list, so I am putting the next adventure for Hugh on my list as book twelve, Without a Trace, will be released next year. ( )