A Polluted Font

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon, Book 16

By: Mel Starr

Narrated by: Tim Bruce

Delve into the world of fourteenth-century England, in this thrilling historical mystery. It may be enjoyed as complete in itself or as part of the Hugh de Singleton medieval mystery series.

When Hugh and Kate’s newborn son is taken to the church to be baptized, they are astounded to find that the locked font is completely dry. The possibility of a leak is quickly ruled out, and just as Hugh is beginning to wonder if there may be a sinister explanation for the stolen holy water, Father Robert is found lying motionless by the rood screen in a pool of blood.

Meanwhile, parliament has passed a poll tax, stipulating that everyone above the age of fourteen is to be taxed equally. Folk are soon scrambling to find the money to pay, and, inevitably, unscrupulous elements in society see an opportunity to feed off people’s desperation and make some cash. But what connection can there possibly be between this and events at Bampton?

©2023 Mel Starr (P)2025 Blackstone Publishing

Good

Holy water. What powers does it have? A lot and people are trying to steal as much as possible. Love these stories!

Another wonderful listen from Mel Starr.

I love listening to these stories from medieval Britain. instead of tales of famous figures from the past, we get to spend time with the common people who had to live under a feudal aristocracy. The main character is an intelligent and honorable bailiff who also acts as the doctor of the village. We see him at home and at work. I especially like the laid back tempo of the stories. They take my mind off the terrible state of the world we live in and provide a much needed respite from daily cares and obligations.

Informative and Entertaining

Starr does such a wonderful job of depicting and explaining life in 1300s England as he unravels the crime. Really enjoyable series

Very good story, but short — audible shouldn’t charge a whole credit for it.

I really enjoyed the story and performance, but Audible should not charge a whole credit for these 4 hour audiobooks.

Medieval storytelling at its finest!

Mel Starr always tells what they had to eat. I sometimes look it up on Google. The dinner of Welks (sea snails) sounded particularly disgusting. I don’t like chewy seafood.