The Tainted Coin (Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon)

Starr's book about Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff, have a unique voice. The stories are told in first person by Hugh. This style has grown in the series, it felt awkward in places in the earlier books but now fits like a well worn shoe. Hugh is an everyman more than a skilled detective. This everyman nature of Hugh combined with the well done use of the first person voice really sets these apart.

Many good historical mysteries (including some I really like) deal heavily in the politics of the time in which they are set. Starr's novels are largely free of any political intrigue (there are a few traces of some religious intrigue). This also sets the series apart.

To really appreciate the books they should be read in order. There are quite a few references to events in prior books, and one of the principal characters is from a prior work. While there are explanations in this book, it is much more satisfying to know the whole story. However, any of the books in the series are a good read by themselves.