Mel Starr continues Surgeon Sir Hugh de Singleton's adventures as he answers Master Wycliffe's Summons to solve a murder of a scholar in an Oxford college. Hugh leaves his family and bailiff's post to find out why a scholar died, not of lightning as suspected, but of an explosive device similar to those used in wars in France i.e. gunpowder. The answer includes scholars translating gospels into English in secret and rivalries and dislikes among scholars. To complicate matters the plague attacks Oxford. Wonderful combination of scholarship, deduction and red herrings in front of the reader. Enjoy this intriguing historical mystery.

Deftly Drawn…
When one of Wycliffe’s scholars is found dead following a thunderstorm cause must be established. Was it really a bolt of lightning that killed one of his more unlikeable scholars or something else entirely? When another scholar dies things become even more complicated. With a well researched sense of time and place and a deftly drawn cast, this is a mediaeval mystery to keep the reader wondering.

Mel Starr has done well with this series. Likeable characters and completely harmless and inoffensive storylines - rather like dark-age cosy mysteries. None of your anachronistic 21st century mores and attitudes, and modern characters dressed up in period costume. The stories are true to their period setting and the 'olde English' vernacular is wonderful. All characters look, behave and speak just as they should.

If there is one criticism it is that the death of Arthur passed rather swiftly and unremarked, for so prominent a character. Killing him off was a big surprise, since it was akin to Conan Doyle killing off Watson halfway through the Holmes cannon! Arthur's replacement, Sir Jaket, was nothing more than a vague shadow lurking in the background of the story, emerging only when necessary, though his squire Thomas's presence was a little more marked. If Sir Jaket is to remain, hopefully Starr will flesh him out a little more.

one of my favourite series and this didn't disappoint not my favourite era but this series and a couple of other's are moving it up my list

I planned to read this novel by the end of 2021. The first day of the new year isn't bad, surely?

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton are a favourite series of mine. I've been a sucker for Medieval Mysteries since "discovering" Cadfael is a teenager, and this series usually doesn't fail to disappoint. I say "usually" because although I have never given a Hugh de Singleton book less than 3 stars. Yet such a long series as is is bound to be a mixed bag.

Master Wycliffe's Summons is one of the better books in the series, delivering a lot of the ingredients I have come to love. Details about 14th century social history and everyday life, as well as medicine and surgery. An authentic setting.
In this novel, there's a lot of detials regarding the making of saltpetre, which was an essential indgredient in explosives and later, gunpowder. Yes, Hugh gets to dabble in Chemistry.

I would argue that this secondary theme of this novel was the impact of the plague, or the return of the plague which at least one major and well beloved character dies of. Its first arrival in 1348, the Black Death returned in several cycles over the next few decades. Some varied in severity, some killed only a few, but each was devestating in its own way.

The central mystery is kind of slow, but it makes for a gentle read whih isn't too taxing. It also
wasn't easy to guess who did it, and the setting in an Oxford College provided an interesting break from the usual. Normally, the mysteries take place in the various villages in and around Bampton, Oxfordshire.
What was interesting was the way that John Wycliffe featured in the story. He's been in a couple of others, since he's meant to be a personal friend and former mentor of Hugh, but he plays a more prominent role in this one.

The lack of a preview of the next book in the back of this one might give rise to some speculation that Master Wycliffe's Summons is the final book in the series. I don't know if that's true or not, but each of the stories can sort of stand alone.

Thanks to Lion Fiction for approving me for the PDF review copy of this title via Netgalley. This is no way influenced my opinions and all opinions expressed are my own

*Many thanks to Mel Starr, Lion Hudson, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
My first encounter with the series which I have wanted to begin for a long time. Quite enjoyable with a well-depicted period and a mystery that kept me guessing. I was a little slowed down by the language but to be honest it is an asset as it adds to this atmospheric read.

Called to Oxford by his old friend John Wycliffe, Sir Hugh de Singleton confirms Wycliffe's suspicions that a recent death was not caused by lightning but was murder. When another scholar is also found dead, again presumed accidentally, Hugh knows that a plot is afoot. However plague is making inroads in the area and Hugh knows that he is up against time to unmask the killer.
This is the 14th book in a series and , whilst I have not read them all, I really enjoy them. The research is excellent with a real sense of time and place but not to extent that masks a decent plot. The pace of the books is lively and they are not too demanding so ideal for a quick read. Here the formula is not changed and it's great.

1375. Sir Hugh de Singleton is summoned by Master Wycliffe to Oxford. As during a recent storm oone of his scholar's died. But he is suspicious of the cause of death and wishes Hugh to investigate. Unfortunately the plague has once again come to the area.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Lion Hudson for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “Master Wycliffe’s Summons.” All opinions are my own.

Master John Wycliffe of Oxford College asks Hugh de Singleton, bailiff of Bampton Manor to come to the town to investigate a suspicious death. Ordinarily this is far outside Hugh’s bailiwick, but he receives permission from the lord of his manor and makes the trip. Accompanied by his assistant Arthur Wagge Hugh comes to town, and after some investigation determines that the young man died in an explosion, not the lightning strike that the college authorities would like everyone to believe. However, before the investigation can be well begun, someone close to Hugh becomes ill and dies, and it’s evident that the man contracted the plague. Proceedings are abandoned as Hugh takes the body home. It will be taken up again, for Hugh knows that a murderer must be found.

Hugh must deal with this and the deaths -- for there are more -- throughout “Master Wycliffe’s Summons,” the fourteenth book in the medieval series, this one set in circa 1375. Death and dying will be part and parcel of the plot in the book, along with the Christian doctrine and practices that underscored all daily life. You will be immersed in this as you read along.

Our murdered scholar is found to be involved in a forbidden practice; translating the Bible to English. In discovering this and trying to find the murderer Hugh is attacked, and so must send his companions to continue the investigation, including John Wycliffe. All of this takes time and thus the book does meander a bit, especially since the plague is driving potential suspects out of Oxford.

A trap is set, and it succeeds. Hatred is a powerful force, and crimes must be covered up. But dogged investigation does have its day, even if it takes a while. Hugh returns swiftly to Brampton and finds that the plague has arrived there. How this will affect future books, readers will just have to see.

“Master Wycliffe’s Summons” is another competent tale from Mel Starr, filled with historical facts (how explosives are created with saltpeter, for instance) and why an English Bible was considered treasonous. It takes a while to get to its conclusion, but fans of the series should find this no hindrance to enjoy this latest book, and anyone new to Hugh de Singleton and his adventures will find it a satisfying read (although you really should start at the beginning – no reason to miss out on all the others!).

Mel Starr has the talent to take me back in time (here it's 1375) and make me feel right at home. Sir Hugh de Singleton is the bailiff to Lord Gilbert, Third Baron Talbot in Bampton when he receives a request from John Wycliffe of Queen's College, Oxford to come examine the body of one of his students who seems to have died from a lightening strike. Wycliffe doesn't believe that to be the cause of death and he wants his friend to come investigate this death. Master Hugh and his assistant in other cases, Arthur Wagge, leave immediately to try to find out what is making Wycliffe question the cause of death for the student.

This is a lovely book with special treats enjoyed by readers of historical mysteries: a Glossary for those of us who can't always remember what a word or phrase means during this time period and a drawing of the streets and locations spoken of in the city of Oxford. Both helpful to readers who are reading the 14th volume or those just embarking on this series. There are three distinct lines of substance, each with major historical significance, to keep the story moving forward which kept me interested from first page to last. Both Wycliffe and Master Hugh have prominent roles in the solving of these mysteries so if you favor one character over the other you will still be satisfied at how well they work together. Definitely recommended for readers contemplating trying a mystery set in this time period and for readers already familiar with the series. A satisfactory way to spend your reading time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for an e-galley of this novel.

Enjoyed this story line set it the 14th century, the language was tough going for me at the start but soon settled into enjoying this book and didn't want to put it down until I knew who the murderer was

Another great series of mysteries playing in the Middle Ages that I have missed before! Although my introduction to Hugh de Singleton comes somewhat late in the series, the book was sufficiently stand-alone to read without any difficulty and, thankfully, without any long-winded recaps in the text.
'Master Wycliffe's Summons' are written in the first person, from the viewpoint of the likeable, tenacious Sir Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, bailiff, and well-known sleuth of his closer environs. While Sir Hugh is investigating one suspicious death another one occurs, but in a completely different manner. The plot entails a whole lot of action and dangerous twists, including the recurrence of the bubonic plague, yet the story meanders at a relatively slow and comfortably steady pace. In the process, interesting tidbits are being revealed, such as the first use of gunpowder in Europe, beliefs about the bubonic plague at the time, as well as attempts to protect oneself from it, not to forget descriptions of the culinary fare dished out in colleges and hospitals. It seems that a lot of pease and bean pottage was being consumed... Although the prose is in modern English, lots of expressions from the 14th century are included, providing additional authentic atmosphere and a cosy aura.
I enjoyed this book and its characters immensely, and recommend it to all those with a bent for medieval mysteries!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me this eARC.

I really enjoy historical mysteries. I'll read mysteries set in pretty much any historical period, but admit to having a soft spot for the 14th Century, which is what drew me to Master Wycliffe's Summons—that, and the fact that Wycliffe appears in the title. Wycliffe was one of the early proponents of translating the Bible into English, which was a dangerous stance at the time, and which makes him of great interest to me.

Master Wycliffe's Summons if the first title I've read in the Hugh de Singleton series, but it's the 14th volume in that series, so I'm stepping into things a bit late. Nonetheless, I had no difficulty whatsoever sorting out the characters and following the action. The text makes it clear that this volume isn't the first in which Singleton has worked with Wycliffe, which opens up the interesting possibility that if Wycliffe keeps appearing, we may get some interesting portrayal of the process by which he became a proponent of the vernacular Bible. In this volume, Wycliffe is not yet an advocate, but a side part of the mystery involves a small group of Oxford students translating the gospels into English—and Wycliffe and Singleton's awareness of how dangerous this undertaking might be if the wrong people found out.

So, to be honest, I'm primarily reading Master Wycliffe's Summons because of my interest in Wycliffe, not because of a specific interest in this series. That said, Master Wycliffe's Summons is certainly satisfactory. The characters are interesting and have a back story. The plague makes an appearance, which is always a sort of bonus in mysteries set in this period. While the mystery is not complex in the way of the best historical mysteries (such as Pears' An Instance of the Fingerpost), the solution isn't obvious from the start, and the main characters engage in some interesting detective work on their way to a solution.

This is a series I will keep reading when I'm in one of my need-some-historical-mystery-entertainment-stat moods. Given Wycliffe's presence, I'll be tracking it and looking for Wycliffe's next appearance. If historical mysteries are an important part of your entertainment reading, you will most likely enjoy this title.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.