Review – A Trail of Ink

Mel Starr in his new book, “A Trail Of Ink” Book Three in the Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon series published by Monarch Books returns us to Oxford in 1365 for another mystery involving the intrepid bailiff and surgeon.

When I was a child I fell in love with the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes but, unfortunately, there are a finite number of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Mel Starr to the rescue. While Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon is not the great brain that Holmes is he is up there and Mel Starr gives him quite a workout in this book. This is a book of mystery and suspense and I was intrigued at this because de Singleton is asked to locate 22 missing books that have been stolen.

The first question is how were the books stolen then why were the books stolen and then by whom? As de Singleton sets out upon this task he is also trying to win the hand of the lovely Kate Caxton. Things are complicated by the arrival of another suitor for her hand who is a jealous nobleman. As the investigation continues murder ensues, lives are in danger and grave peril stalks the main characters before a truly exciting conclusion.

I think Mel Starr is an extremely talented writer who really knows how to tell a story that will grab you and keep you flipping pages until you find out who did it. I didn’t read the first two books in the series but, rest assured, I will. And I will be first on-line when the next Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon book comes out. This is a wonderful series and I am glad I discovered Mel Starr and his wonderful hero. I recommend this book highly.