The Easter Sepulchre - Mel Starr

Catalogue Copy: Keeping watch over the Easter Sepulchre, where the Host and crucifix are stored between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, is considered a privilege. So, it is shocking when it is discovered that Odo, the priest's clerk, has abandoned his post. But as the hours pass and Odo is not found, Hugh de Singleton is called upon.

It is Hugh that finds the dried blood before the alter, and fear grows for the missing man... Will Hugh be called up on to investigate another murder, or will the man be found hale and hearty? But if so, where has the blood come from?

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The Easter Sepulchre is the latest in the highly successful The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon series.  It’s quite a feat to establish a lengthy series these days, but Mel Starr has a loyal following and it’s easy to see why.  Each book in the series is the kind you might want to read snuggled into a cosy chair with a ‘do not disturb’ sign!  The place and period is excellently written and researched and although the characters have grown and changed over the years, each book can still be read as a stand-alone novel.  Keen historical mystery readers finding this one are very likely to seek out other books in the series.

The Easter Sepulchre begins with the disappearance of the priest’s clerk, Odo.  When he is found on Easter Sunday, dead, Hugh must set out once again to find a killer.  Before long, a suspect is apprehended but despite the evidence against him Hugh is far from convinced of his guilt.  

If you enjoy a good mystery, with enough dry wit here and there to amuse and a satisfyingly twisting road to the conclusion, look no further.

9781782643067, Lion Fiction, Published September 2020 (UK).

For transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.