MY REVIEW:

It took me a bit to get into A Trail of Ink but once my mind became acclimated to the customs and terminology unique to its medieval setting, the pace accelerated and I found it to be an enjoyable experience. This story had it all. The mystery contained plenty of puzzling twists and seemingly unrelated events to keep this reader guessing. The plot was infused with the perfect balance of action, drama, wit, and even a romantic rivalry. Complete with well rounded and interesting characters, both good and bad, this tale kept me intrigued until the end. I hope to continue the journey with Hugh in a future volume.

I was thankful for the glossary included at the beginning, especially when it came to food descriptions. I could not imagine eating  egg leaches until I discovered it was probably much the same as an egg custard which I do enjoy. However, I still don’t think I’d like eels. I also liked the way Hugh expressed himself by wondering if God had arranged just the right circumstances for him to discover new clues. His faith was so naturally human.

Overall, I would definitely recommend A Trail of Ink as a delightfully different tale of mystery and intrigue. You can purchase your own copy of A Trail of Ink HERE.

This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew’s Chapel

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh’s investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh’s pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn’t think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.  www.melstarr.org

CONTEST:

Kregel Publishers is graciously donating a $50 Amazon.com gift card for the Litfuse Blog Tour Contest! Woo-hoo (thanks Kregel!) All you have to do to enter is either tweet (see TWEET THIS below) or share the book on Facebook using this link: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ink-Chronicle-Singleton-Surgeon/dp/1854249746/ref=sprightly-20

BLOG TOUR:

See what other blogger had to say about A Trail of Ink HERE.