Ashes to Ashes by Mel Star is the eighth novel in the chronicles of medieval surgeon Hugh de Singlton, bailiff to Lord Gilbert. (The author has helpfully included a glossary of common medieval jobs and other terms in the beginning of the book, but I would recommend just diving in. Looking back and forth at definitions is too distracting.)
When human bones are discovered in the ashes of the local Midsummer Ever fire, Hugh is called on in his capacity as a bailiff to determine whether the death was accidental or a murder. At first, it seems a simple enough task--an elderly man whose description seems to fit has been missing from his home. His widow confirms the man's identity and they hold a Christian burial; but the man's drowned corpse is discovered later that day. Who did they bury, then?
I've read the previous book in this series and quite enjoyed it. The author does a good job of keeping a historically accurate mindset and methodology.
I received this book for free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review .
Four stars
