✰✰✰½ Prince Edward has requested that Lord Gilbert Talbot provide soldiers for a battle in France. And so it is that Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, reluctantly leaves his growing family in Bampton, not to fight, but to treat the wounded. Along the way Master Hugh has a run-in with his nemesis, Sir Simon Trillowe. Master Hugh vows not to let his guard down. Unfortunately, when Sir Simon ends up the victim of foul play, naturally everyone blames Master Hugh. With the help of his allies, Master Hugh has little time to investigate in order to try to clear his name before the battle begins.
The Bottom Line: The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon is a cozy mystery series that I always look forward to reading. The 9th installment is a page-turner. It's a very quick and enjoyable read. Plus, I always learn something new about medieval life. Those new to the series will find ample backstory included without having to read the books in order. Enthusiastically recommended to fans of medieval mysteries, Christian fiction, and cozies. A glossary of medieval terms and a map are included.
Details: Lucifer's Harvest (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon) by Mel Starr. Paperback published by Lion Fiction in 2016. 160 p. ISBN: 978-1-78264-188-9 NOTE: I received a free copy from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.
✰✰✰½ Follow the Chief Fool of Toulouse through the twists and turns of this engaging medieval mystery. In the 8th installment of the Fools' Guild Mysteries, the fool Theophilos or Theo (a.k.a. Tan Pierre) and his family are still living in Toulouse. Count Raimon VI is the current ruler of Toulouse and favored by the guild.
When a stranger from Paris, called Baudoin, shows up proclaiming to be the Count's long lost brother, things start to get interesting. As Baudoin's claims are being looked into, Baudoin is found sleeping next to a dead prostitute in a bordello. Baudoin steadfastly insists that he is innocent and beseeches Theo to clear his name.
Only the fools Theo and his clever wife, Claudia, are crafty enough to get to the bottom of things. With the help of their apprentice, Helga, the fools must hurry to uncover the truth before a condemned man is hanged.
The Bottom Line: This highly entertaining mystery gives readers a peek into the live of jesters who did more than just entertain. It is told from the first person point of view of not one, but two, characters: Theo and Claudia. Author Alan Gordon includes fascinating historical details that make the characters and era come alive. Although this is the 8th book in the series, I was able to delve into it without feeling lost. It would be helpful, however, if a glossary were included. In sum, Theo and his family make for fun weekend reading for mystery buffs who want to try something new.
Details: The Parisian Prodigal by Alan Gordon. Hardcover published by Minotaur Books in 2010. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-312-38414-2
