The Tainted Coin Paperback

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Spring Arbor High School in 1960, and Greenville College (Illinois) in 1964. He received an MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970. He taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School.

Mel married Susan Brock in 1965, and they have two daughters; Amy (Kevin) Kwilinski, of Naperville, IL, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Reivitt, of Portage, MI. Mel and Susan have seven grandchildren.

BOOK 1: THE UNQUIET BONES
Introducing the central character, Hugh of Singleton, a man of faith and medieval surgeon living in Oxford, England. His local vicar politely asks him to examine bones found in the castle cesspit. Hugh’s expert skills help him to identify the bones to be the blacksmiths daughter, so her unstable ex-lover is immediately arrested. But he soon discovers the bones to hold more secrets than he originally assumed.

The story of Singleton's adventure unfolds with realistic surgical procedures, amusing medieval wit, stabs of romance, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion.
 
“I have just finished The Unquiet Bones and I loved it – a breath of fresh medieval air.” – Annie C, goodreads.com reviewer.

BOOK 2: A CORPSE AT ST ANDREWS CHAPELS
Investigating mystery has become Hugh’s second job, this time an animal attack with baffling evidence. Alan, the beadle of the manor, went missing but was found in a ditch mutilated and scratched to death. If a wolf attacked and killed Alan, why was there so little blood? 

“This skilfully woven story is a delight to read. The setting is exceptionally well crafted. Highly recommended.” – Davis Bunn, best-selling author.

BOOK 3: A TRAIL OF INK
Hugh’s friend Master John Wycliffe has had his lifetime collection of books stolen from his room. As bailiff to Bampton Castle he was expected to solve local crimes from theft to murder, and so far he’d done a good job. Hugh must return to Oxford and solve the mystery of the theft, and try to find himself a wife. The third book sees murder, mistaken identity, monks, nobles, and much happens before the last page.

“No, it isn't like reading a fast paced suspense novel set in modern times, but this book, and the other two in the series, make an enjoyable read and you won't be disappointed.” – Mark, Blogger.

BOOK 4: UNHALLOWED GROUND
A locally despised man, for more than several reasons, is found hanging from a rope near Cowleys Corner. Most are glad he took his life and continue their life, but Hugh stumbles upon evidence that says otherwise.
Hugh must follow the trail of bread crumbs across the country and find which one of his friends is the killer. The fourth instalment is yet another tasty slice of medieval crime fiction.

“I found your novel a most enjoyable read and a rewarding venture into the history of Bampton in the company of real and entertaining characters. Should I find myself in the UK again I will definitely stop for a peek at St Beornwald’s.” – Anne Marie C, goodreads.com reviewer.

BOOK 5: THE TAINTED COIN
Enjoy married life in Bampton, a badly beaten travelling merchant stumbles into town and dies on Hugh’s doorstep. An ancient coin was mysteriously found in the now corpse and the hunt for his killer begins. The trail takes to an old enemy, wealth collaborators, and an insane abbot.

“Fans of medieval mysteries will revel in Starr’s lively blending of intriguing suspense and telling historical detail.” – Library Journal.

BOOK 6: ... AN UNCERTAIN SLEEP
At the very end of the 5th book, a sample chapter has been gifted to fanatic readers to give you a taste of what’s to come. Sir Henry Burley, a smaller than average knight had made himself welcome in Lord Talbort’s residence. When morning dawns in Bampton, Sir Henry is found lying on his back with no signs of a struggle.

Everyone assumes poison, but Hugh suspects murder when he spots a single drop of blood near the body. But how did the murderer manage this mysterious feat, with no signs of an entry wound?

The Tainted Coin follows a fictional character, Hugh de Singleton, as he unravels murder and the mysterious origins of an ancient coin. But, everything you’ll read in this book you will also be able to visit. This book is much an informative history book as it is a gripping fiction.

Here are some examples of real sites the author, Mel Starr, has weaved into his chronicles:

BAMPTON TOWN:
Although the author hails from Michigan, he has done his research. Bampton is small town outside of Oxford which dates back to pre-Saxon era, in the 7th Century. Every street name, building and pathway he been plucked from the history books and used in his fictional world. Having taught History in Michigan Public Schools for 39 years, Mel Starr is as good of a history writer as he is a crime novelist.

THE CHURCH OF ST BEORNWALD:
The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is the parish church of Bampton. Originally a Saxon minster, the present building dates primarily from the 12th century and is exceptionally large for a parish church. It has an attractive 13th-century spire and a carved Gothic reredos.

The Church features mainly in the 1st book, The Unquiet Bones.

BAMPTON CASTLE:
Demolished in 1789, the castle was once the defining feature of the small medieval village Bampton. Mel writes about his fictional character, Lord Gilbert Talbot, owning and living in the castle throughout the chronicles, including The Tainted Coin.

MEDIEVAL MEDICAL PRACTICES:
Hugh de Singleton is the resident surgeon in Bampton, and has a knack for solving unusual murders. Mel Starr doesn’t hold back on the details, giving time and care over Hugh’s diagnosis of dead bodies, his many surgical procedures and his various medical observations. It makes for fascinating reading and is a unique snapshot of medieval life. 

Mel Starr is on to a winning series. Fusing history with fiction is not a new game, but Mel’s expertises in the subject shine through his writing making the reader experience the sights and smells of Medieval Britain. Reading his chronicles is like studying medieval history, lifestyle and society without any of the yawning or sudden urge to find the nearest pillow.

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton are growing with every new edition and show no signs of a concluding book. The 6th instalment, The Uncertain Sleep, is due for release in 2013.