A Polluted Font

Mel Starr's latest novel is a medieval crime mystery set in Bampton. When Hugh and Kate's son is baptized, the locked font is dry, and Fr Robert is found dead. Parliament passes a poll tax, causing desperation and unscrupulous elements to exploit people's desperation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: SPCK Publishing

Mel Starr's latest novel is a captivating medieval crime mystery that can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the Hugh de Singleton series. The story takes place in a quaint English village, where Hugh and Kate, a young couple with a newborn son, are preparing for his baptism. However, they are left astonished when they discover that the locked font, where the holy water is stored, is completely dry. Despite ruling out the possibility of a leak, Hugh begins to suspect that there might be a sinister explanation behind the stolen holy water. Just as he is contemplating this, Fr. Robert, the church's priest, is found lying motionless by the rood screen in a pool of blood.

Meanwhile, parliament has passed a poll tax, stipulating that everyone above the age of 14 must pay an equal tax. The villagers are scrambling to find the money to pay the tax, and unfortunately, unscrupulous elements in society see this as an opportunity to exploit people's desperation and make some quick cash. As the plot unfolds, Hugh and Kate become increasingly involved in the investigation, trying to uncover the connection between the stolen holy water and the events at Bampton. They encounter various characters, including a mysterious stranger named Simon, who seems to have a hidden agenda.

Through their investigation, Hugh and Kate discover that the poll tax is not just a simple tax measure but a political tool used by the ruling elite to control and manipulate the population. They also learn about the dark history of Bampton, where a mysterious cult once existed and may still be active. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they face danger and betrayal, and their lives are put in jeopardy.

In the end, Hugh and Kate are able to unravel the mystery and bring the culprits to justice. They learn that the stolen holy water was used as a sacrifice by the cult to summon a powerful demon, and that the poll tax was a means of forcing the villagers to comply with their demands. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Hugh de Singleton series.

Mel Starr's latest novel is a thrilling and suspenseful tale that delves into the dark corners of medieval England. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting, it is a must-read for fans of medieval crime mysteries.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781739417703