Unhallowed Ground by Mel Starr ~ review

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Monarch Books (December 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0857210580
• ISBN-13: 978-0857210586

About the book from Goodreads:

Thomas atte Bridge, a man no one likes, is found hanging from a tree near Cowleys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh and Kate find evidence that this may not be so. Many in the town had been harmed by Thomas, and Hugh is not eager to send one of them to the gallows. Then he discovers that the worldly and corrupt priest John Kellet had been covertly in Bampton at the time atte Bridge died. Master Hugh is convinced that Kellet has murdered atte Bridge - one rogue slaughtering another. Searching for proof he sets out of Exeter, where Kellet now works. But there he finds that the priest in an emaciated skeleton of a man, who mourns the folly of his past life. Hugh must return to Bampton - and discover which of his friends has murdered his enemy...

My take on this book:

This is the fourth installment of the Hugh de Singleton series and Hugh and Kate have been married for about three months when Thomas atte Bridge is found hanging from a tree. While the coroner wants to call it a suicide, the evidence points to foul play. Even though atte Bridge has had run ins with most of the townsfolk and is disliked by all  Hugh is determined to figure out who the murderer is.

This book takes place in 1366 in England, and it's easy to see the author does an amazing job of researching the time period.  Not only am I intrigued by the suspense and mystery of the story but I also enjoy reading about the medical procedures that took place during that time period, as well as medieval life in general. The food in particular that Hugh ate sounded quite different. I found the glossary included in the front of the book quite useful in understanding what was being said. I also enjoy the relationship between Hugh and Kate and look forward to reading more about these two characters.

This book is the fourth in the series and while the author provides a bit of background about the characters ,I recommend reading the series in order to get the in depth background on the reoccurring characters. 

rating 4/5

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.