Without a Trace: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 12

The Hugh Singleton mysteries can be relied upon for a good puzzle mystery and total emersion in life and customs in medieval England. Hugh, who’s a surgeon as well as bailiff to Lord Talbot, invariably invariable saves some sufferer from an injury. In this book he fixes a dislocated shoulder, sews up a torn ear, and more. I always enjoy these operations, which are quite graphic and involve using ancient herbs.The mystery in this book is how Lady Phillipa managed to disappear from her closed conveyance on a well-guarded journey with her husband. She’s the wife of a friend of Lord Talbot, and so Hugh is assigned the job of finding the lady’s abductors and bringing her safely home.Hugh’s search for the abductors uncovers a host of malefactors. Medieval England had numerous criminal gangs — as well as bishops, sheriffs and judges who took fees to look the other way.I love the meals Hugh partakes of at home, at the castle and on the road. I wish I too could enjoy thick slices of cyueles or a pottage of whelks and rice moyle. I’m glad however not to be drinking ale with breakfast every day, but this is fun to read about.These books have a satisfying ring of authenticity, and there’s always a glossary to explain unfamiliar terms.

Hugh de Singleton is pressed into service by Lord Talbot, his boss, to find the wife of a knight who has disappeared while journeying to Brampton Castle. Since this is Lord Talbot’s home and the disappearance took place on his land, he feels responsible to discover what has happened to the lady. So, Hugh is tasked with tracking down the missing woman and her maid. They were both seen entering the covered wagon and had men on horseback nearby the entire trip, but upon arrival at the castle both women were gone.Hugh’s investigation uncovers several unsavory characters who could be responsible from gang members out to rob or kidnap anyone who can be ransomed to bishops or sheriffs who are looking to line their pockets with a little extra currency. While investigating, Hugh makes sure to relate to his readers what he eats, his conversations in Medieval vernacular, as well as coming across one or two who need medical care so he can practice his surgeon’s skill. Hugh has a chance to beg off his investigation but wants to see it through to its completion if possible. He is determined to solve this puzzle as he continues to process over and over again the various clues he has found.In my opinion, the story was slow moving. The mystery didn’t bring forth much tension or need from me to figure out who the culprit was and what happened to the disappearing lady and her maid. That said, however, I did still enjoy reading about Hugh’s interactions with his family and cohorts who help him track down clues. His musings on humanity and its foibles are always interesting and entertaining. I am looking forward to what mystery Hugh gets himself involved in next time.

I have read all of the Hugh de Singleton books and always look forward to the next installment. I really appreciate the historical knowledge that Mel Starr brings to the books...I even find myself looking up locations on google maps to see if they still exist now and think about making a trip to England! I read this book in one sitting on a Saturday and thought the mystery was fairly clever...I did figure it out just about the same time as Hugh did, which is nice: I don't enjoy mysteries where the protagonist has access to more information than I do! So, thanks Mel, and keep the great stories coming!

Hugh de Singleton is back in “Without a Trace,” the twelfth novel in Mel Starr’s fine series about a medieval surgeon with a gift for solving mysteries. This time around, a noblewoman and her serving woman disappear from their wagon on a short journey and a ransom is demanded from Sir Aymer, her unlikable husband. Sir Hugh is asked to investigate the matter.Sir High narrates all the tales in the series, which partially explains their deliberate pace. Hugh worries about the state of the kingdom, describes just about every meal he eats, and, best of all, provides insight into family life in fourteenth-century England. The personal sections are predictably the most moving.Here, Hugh's kidnapping investigation involves an ever-widening circle of suspects, but its resolution is not entirely surprising—if you read the evidence carefully. But that’s what mystery tales are all about.

Good, but not his best.I enjoyed this book, as I do all of his. I am now fully invested in our hero and his lovely family and friends. The books have a similar and familiar vibe to them which is comforting and happiness to be a part of. I liked that this story had a disappearance involved, instead of the typical murder mystery to solve. I do think that Hugh could have pursued some different avenues a little sooner, so that makes me wonder if the author is trying to drag his books out a little bit??? Anyways ... Always a good read from this wonderful author, even if he did make me tear up a little this time as well...I bought this book myself, and for me!!! Hooray!

I love the Hugh de Singleton series. I have all of them. There is so much realism with the medieval surgical techniques, the herbal remedies, the ale and maslin loaves, the observance of Candalmas, Michaelmas, Martinmas, etc. I also appreciate the glossary and maps. Mel seems to have the language down pretty well, too. I love the way the conversations read. This particular episode I wanted to comment on, because it just seems so realistic. No incredible flights of derring-do, no impossible escapes. I think this may be my favorite of the series so far. And I hope there will be many more.

Very readable, nice style of writing, I look forward to the next book. Perhaps with recipes and cooking and taste notes.

As with many of Mr. Starrs books, this is a complicated tale. The plot is involved, the characters are human, not noble. He is a good author. He works hard I think:weaves a good tale. I look forward to more books about Hugh DeSingelton.

I have read all 12 books. Have found them all interesting.The use of the old words and the way they speak those words are interesting.Can't wait for the next book 😀

As always, I’ve enjoyed another of Mel Starr’s novels. I have to say this one kept me guessing at the outcome, as to who did the bad deed. Very suspenseful read.

LOVE THESE BOOKS!!