A further episode in the life and fortunes of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in medieval Bampton, Oxfordshire.
Alan, the beadle of the medieval manor of Bampton, had gone out at dusk to seek those who might violate curfew. When, the following morning, he had not returned home, his young wife Matilda sough out Master Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of the manor. Two days later Alan's corpse was discovered in teh hedge, at the side of the track to St Andrew's Chapel. His throat had been torn out - his head was half severed from his body - and his face, hands and forearms were lacerated with deep scratches. Master Hugh, meeting Hubert the coroner at the scene, listened carefully to the coroner's surmise that a wolf had caused the great wound. And yet... if so, why so was there so little blood?
Discover the next gripping installment in the Hugh De Singleton's Chronicles series, following the life and adventures of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in medieval Bampton, Oxfordshire. When the beadle of the manor of Bampton disappears after going out to enforce curfew, his young wife Matilda turns to Master Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of the manor, for help. Two days later, Alan's mutilated body is discovered in the hedge near St Andrew's Chapel. His throat has been ripped out, his head nearly severed from his body, and his arms and hands covered in deep scratches. At the scene, Master Hugh teams up with Hubert the coroner, who suggests that a wolf could have caused the fatal wound. But why is there no blood, and why are there so many scratches? As Master Hugh delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear the community apart. With vivid descriptions of medieval life, graphic medical procedures, and a cast of compelling characters, this story is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. 'This skillfully woven story is a delight to read. The setting is exceptionally well crafted. Highly recommended.' Davis Bunn, best-selling author