Rest Not in Peace (Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon)

Hugh Singleton makes good use of his skills in this book. As a surgeon, he sews up a stab wound and straightens a broken nose. As an herbalist he relieves pain and insomnia. And as bailiff to Sir Gilbert of Brampton Castle, he hunts the murderer of two of Sir Gilbert's guests. Although Hugh is a straightforward, fast-working surgeon, in the matter of solving crimes, he tends to be cautious, slow, and suspicious of obvious answers. In the Middle Ages, it was all too easy to hang an innocent person. Hugh doesn't want that to happen by his act.

I like Hugh's personality and always enjoy his company in these books. He's a thinker, constantly ruminating on human nature, ethics and religion. And I love watching him patch people up. I also appreciate the intelligence of his wife, and Hugh's fondness for wife and child.

I particularly like Mel Starr's style of portraying Medieval life. Hugh always lets us know what's for dinner at the lord's table. The names of the dishes alone charm me: sole in cyve, pottage of whelks, eels in bruit, boar in confit… And I find it amusing that people drink ale at breakfast.

Starr brings this exotic period alive with his knowledge of medieval culture, medicine and vocabulary. Every turn of phrase feels authentic. Every character feels appropriate within his or her rank in life. The glossary of medieval terms is helpful and fun to read.

A delightful series!