Scholar Richard Sabyn, a particularly obnoxious fellow, was believed to have been struck by lightning. However, Master Wycliffe believes otherwise and calls upon Sir Hugh de Singleton for help. Sir Hugh shares Wycliffe’s suspicions and launches a private investigation, learning that it might indeed be possible to make it look as though a man has died from a lightning strike. But who would go to all that effort, and why?
When fellow scholar Simon Duby dies, it raises even more questions and suspicions. What is the connection between the two men? Sir Hugh believes a bronze pot, a bucket of urine, and a small quantity of charcoal and brimstone may hold the answer. During a bleak 1375, can he survive the insidious plague and several attempts on his life as he continues his quest for truth?
The tale unfolds, with graphic medical procedures, droll medieval wit, misdirection, ambition, romantic distractions and a consistent underlying Christian compassion.
Master Hugh, meeting Hubert the coroner at the scene of the murder, listened carefully to the coroner's surmise that a wolf had caused the great wound. And yet, if so, why was there no blood?
The corpse of a poor scholar, who had tried to sell one of the missing books, is found in the river: but he had not simply drowned ...
Thomas atte Bridge, a man no one likes, is found hanging from a tree near Cowleys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh and Kate find evidence that this may not be so...
Master Hugh and his assistant become involved with a kidnapped maiden, a tyrannical abbot, and a suffering monk - who needs Master Hugh's surgical skills and in return provides clues which assist Hugh in solving the mystery of the tainted coin.
Hugh finds the corpse of a young abbey novice - To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him ...
King Charles of France has announced that he is confiscating Aquitaine, and Prince Edward has sent for knights and men at arms from England to assist him in opposing the French king.
When Bampton’s coroner, Hubert Shillside, does not return from a trip to Oxford, Master Hugh de Singleton is called
Hugh de Singleton must uncover the perpetrator of a poisoning at Kennington Palace
An engrossing read in the successful Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon series.
Sir Hugh is in top form tracking down the wily killer of local clerics while eating his way through a feast of mediaeval dishes
Delve into the world of fourteenth-century England in this thrilling historical mystery, the fifteenth in the brilliant Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton
Delve into the world of fourteenth-century England in this thrilling historical mystery, the sixteenth in the brilliant Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton