Prince Edward's Warrant

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for a digital galley of this novel.

I have enjoyed the Mel Starr novels featuring Master Hugh de Singleton in the past and liked this one too. I like the personality Starr has given Master Hugh and all the interesting facts I learn when I read one of these mystery novels regarding medicine practiced in 1372, especially the difference between a physician and a surgeon. What bothered me a lot was the plot hole so big a horse and cart could have been driven through it. Naturally that plot hole cannot be spoken of because it would be an immense spoiler. There is a Glossary at the beginning of the story explaining the meaning of words from this period of history so you can easily enjoy this novel even if it is your first time experimenting with the time period. This is story number eleven in the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series and there is a pleasant surprise at the end which will be appreciated by fans who have followed the stories so far.

So - Edward of Woodstock, Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, is suffering once again from the physical malady he had when he first met Hugh de Singleton at Limoges. Master Hugh was able to ease his suffering at that time so he wants Hugh to come to Kennington Palace London to take over his treatment again. It seems the Prince has lost confidence in his physician. On his first night at the Palace Hugh sees Sir Giles Cheyne, who accompanied Hugh from Bampton to London, fall over dead during the evening meal. Prince Edward felt a bond of friendship with Sir Giles and he gives Hugh a Royal Warrant to investigate the crime and bring the criminal to justice. In fact, you might say the Prince enjoyed himself more than most folk would have expected.

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.

The Eleventh installment in this ongoing Medieval Mystery series delivers everything that readers have come to love. A detailed account of everyday life and living in late 14th century England, for one. Only this one is set in London instead of rural Oxfordshire, as is usual. Specifically, its set in a place called Kennington (NOT Kensington) palace, once a Medieval royal residence, favoured by the Black Prince, the famous son of Edward III.
Although, as the author says, he was not known as the Black Prince in his lifetime, and is referred to instead as the Duke of Cornwall.

There are also some good details about Medieval surgery and Medicine. The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton would be sadly lacking without Hugh performing at least one operation in each book. I think the audience would complain! Don't let that put you off though, the surgeries are not described a gruesome or disgusting way. More in a sort of clinical manner one might expect from a medical professional. Yes, they had them in the Middle Ages!
Hugh also comes into conflict with a physician, which leads to some interesting discussion about the differences between surgeons and physicians, and a small helping of acerbic wit from Hugh, and one time even the Prince.

The mystery itself, at the heart of the story seems simple at first, but becomes more complicated as time progressed. I found myself a little confused, towards the end in fact. Needing to give a couple of passages a re-read. I tend to find that I don't read this series primarily for the mystery, but mysteries they are, and its kind of central to the story. I did not predict the culprit or the motive, so that's probably good, although as another reader mentioned: there was something of a plot hole. Something which could have been done earlier and better.
One hopes the author does not write himself into that situation again. Its still very good though: and there is another one coming next year.

Recommended as always for all fans of this series. For the people who say they want vivid, accurate and well researched Medieval Fiction WHY haven't you read this series? There's more than enough to keep people interested who aren't normally into mysteries. Just reading the glossary can be really informative and fascinating.

Thanks to Lion Fiction for my copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, or a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love this character and the stories are always intriguing. This one did not disappoint, and I look forward to the next one!

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

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.

Another fine instalment in this series. I really enjoy the way Starr is able to bring information of the time period to his writing without information dumping. Hugh has gone up in the world in this story. We learn more about the difference between surgeons and physicians. As has been said by others, there’s a bit of a plot hole, but nevertheless an engaging read.

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.