A Trail of Ink by MEL STARR

It makes me more than happy to know that A Trail of Ink by MEL STARR is a series. This novel is the third book in the series involving Hugh de Singleton, a surgeon. In this Medieval mystery Hugh de Singleton becomes wrapped up in a world of intrigue and also, jealousy. The surgeon learns of a friend's lost books. There are twenty-two books missing. Just imagine what this meant in the world at that time. During this era books were truly treasures to own. The missing books belong to John Wyclif. Hugh who reminds me of a gallant gentleman agrees to hunt for the books. To help him along the way he takes his loyal groom, Arthur.

The romp through the streets of England is more than exciting. Men jump out out windows, ears are cut from the head and ladies go undercover on the streets where unreputable women go to sell their wares. Mel Starr is a gifted author. All of my senses were brought alive with the splash of mud, the sight of an ear hanging from a head, a man hanging upside down from a window held only by the hand of another man whose hand was quickly going slack. Plus, there are descriptions of Medieval meal. I could almost lick my fingers and swallow a mug of ale.

"The first remove was of eels baked in spices and pike in galantine...For the third remove the castle cook provided roasted sea bass, perch in jelly, and fried mussels."

 
While chasing thieves and missing books, Hugh does not forget the lady he loves, Kate Caxton. Kate is always a part of the story. At one point, she bravely takes off to help find these unknown scoundrels by walking a street no lady would dare come near. At one point, Hugh speaks of Kate in this way. "Pride is a sin, but it is difficult to walk with Kate and remain humble." Simon, the son of sheriff, would have Kate for himself. His envy and anger does not make Hugh's life any easier.

This is Christian fiction at its best. The lessons are simple. A friend helps his neighbor, A lady will always wait for her gentleman lover through thick and thin, to heal a man without judgement is the weight of a true doctor or surgeon. While hiding in the woods away from assailants, there are many other Christian thoughts whizzing through the air to be caught on a limb to taste later over the next remove.  In the meantime, I will hold tightly to the book in my hand and watch the books upon my desk.




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