The Lost Abbot

Matthew Bartholomew #19

by Susanna Gregory

The nineteenth chronicle in the Matthew Bartholomew series.

In the summer of 1358 Matthew Bartholomew finds himself one of a party of Bishop's Commissioners, sent north to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the Abbot of Peterborough. He and his colleagues quickly learn that behind the beautiful façade of the Benedictine monastery there is a vicious struggle for power, and that not everyone would be happy to see the prelate's safe return.

This unrest and discontent seems to have spread throughout the town, and there are bitter rivalries between competing shrines and the financial benefits of the relics they hold. One of these shrines is dedicated to Lawrence de Oxforde, a robber and murderer who was executed for his crimes, but who has been venerated ever since miracles started occurring at his grave. But when Bartholomew and his friend Brother Michael go to investigate, they find murder instead...

'A first-rate treat for mystery lovers' ( Historical Novels Review )

'Susanna Gregory has an extraordinary ability to conjure up a strong sense of time and place' ( Choice )

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Medieval, Historical Mystery, Historical, Crime, Fiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2013

About the author

Susanna Gregory is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She is married to author Beau Riffenburgh who is her co-author on the Simon Beaufort books.

AKA Simon Beaufort

She writes detective fiction, and is noted for her series of mediaeval mysteries featuring Matthew Bartholomew, a teacher of medicine and investigator of murders in 14th-century Cambridge.
These books may have some aspects in common with the Ellis Peters Cadfael series, the mediaeval adventures of a highly intelligent Benedictine monk and herbalist who came to the Benedictine order late in an eventful life, bringing with him considerable secular experience and wisdom combined with a deal of native wit. This sets him apart from his comparatively innocent and naíve monastic brethren. His activities, both as a monk and a healer, embroil him in a series of mysterious crimes, both secular and monastic, and he enthusiastically assumes the rôle of an amateur sleuth. Sceptical of superstition, he is somewhat ahead of his time, and much accurate historical detail is woven into the adventures. But there any resemblance to the comparatively warm-hearted Cadfael series ends: the tone and subject matter of the Gregory novels is far darker and does not shrink from portraying the harsh realities of life in the Middle Ages. The first in the series, A Plague on Both Your Houses is set against the ravages of the Black Death and subsequent novels take much of their subject matter from the attempts of society to recover from this disaster.
These novels bear the marks of much detailed research into mediaeval conditions - many of the supporting characters have names taken from the documentation of the time, referenced at the end of each book - and bring vividly to life the all-pervading squalor of living conditions in England during the Middle Ages. The deep-rooted and pervasive practice of traditional leechcraft as it contrasts with the dawning science of evidence-based medicine is a common bone of contention between Matthew and the students he teaches at Michaelhouse College (now part of Trinity College, Cambridge), whilst the conflict between the students of Cambridge and the townsfolk continually threatens to escalate into violence.
Another series of books, set just after the Restoration of Charles II and featuring Thomas Chaloner, detective and former spy, began with A Conspiracy of Violence published in January 2006, and continues with The Body in the Thames, published in hardback edition January 2011.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting mystery is the 19th volume of the excellent "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles" series from the formidable author, Susanna Gregory.

At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Peterborough, England, in the AD 1350s, where this mystery is now situated, while at the end of the book you'll notice a well researched and documented Historical Note concerning this marvellous tale.

Story-telling from this author is of a superb quality, all the characters, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this mystery, and not to forget the atmosphere in and surroundings of Peterborough in this period of history come magnificently off the pages.

The book heads off with a short two-part prologue, one being set in Peterborough in AD 1313, with the execution of the criminal Lawrence de Oxforde, while the second is set in Clare, Suffolk, Summer AD 1358, where Matilde will set on a new course concerning her feelings towards Matthew Bartholomew after a consultation with a certain seer called, Udela, and these two ingredients will play a significant part in the main story.

The main story starts in August, AD 1358, and our Fellows of Michaelhouse of Cambridge University, which include the physician, Matthew Bartholomew, the Benedictine monk, Brother Michael, Master, Ralph de Langelee, the Franciscan, William, a favourite of mine the Dominican, Clippesby, and not to forget the book-bearer, Cynric, find themselves in Peterborough to investigate the disappearance of Abbot Roger and the Physician, Pyk, who were last seen together leaving the place, but who haven't returned, while also Matilde is making a surprise appearance in this story.

What will follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, in which our Fellows as Bishop's Commissioners are in all sorts of investigations to find the truth behind the disappearance of the "Lost Abbot" , and when more deaths follow they will have to do their utmost, with Clippesby as the star of the show, to unravel the threads of this web of deceit and murder, and only after some nasty twists and turns and some very dangerous moments will they be able in a very spectacular fashion to reveal the surprising culprit(s) behind these horrible murders.

Very much recommended, for this is another superb addition of this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this episode: A Tremendous Clerical Murder Mystery!

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I much prefer the mysteries that are set in Cambridge, with the familiar cast of characters. However, there were several things I particularly enjoyed in this one. Clippesby is one of my favorite Michaelhouse Fellows, and I like that he was featured prominently in this one; likewise, Cynric, even though he was fooled by one of the villains. One of the good points about the ones set outside Cambridge is that I always add to my To Be Seen list, and after this one, I really want to visit Peterborough Cathedral.

And finally, Mathilde makes an appearance! I’m sorry, Ms. Gregory, but I do not like Julitta; I am Team Mathilde all the way.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gregory neither bores nor inspires: this is a readable and immediately forgettable novel that fits comfortably in its genre. This sounds like damning with faint praise, but that's not my intention. It's worth reading unless you have something more important to do. And if the latter is the case, why are you wasting time reading reviews?

[Andy Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Matthew Bartholomew will enjoy this as I did but the series is getting tired and needs to be concluded soon. It is now very formulaic and the plots are getting too predictable even when they are, like here, away from Cambridge. This one is OK but could have been much better.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brings the era to vivid life. Loved the humour as well

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent but not as good as the earlier books in the series. Definitely a bit slow in the middle. But I'm really excited to see what's going to happen with Matt's love life <3

[Millsiebob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly the change in the reader was so disappointing .

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Bartholomew and Michael are on the investigative road to find out the fate of a missing Abbott in Peterborough. They are accompanied by fellow collegians Langelee, William and Clippesby and of course Cynric, the book bearer and friend of Bartholomew. So their adventure begins and of course the plot twists and turns in their search for the Abbott. Ms Gregory explores class conflict in this time period, with Cynric joining a faction in the town, who claim to be against the inequality of the haves and the have nots ( a popular theme lately)- I enjoyed the fact that the book did not allow the reader to totally surmise the conclusion, altho the author certainly gave sufficient clues throughout for those who love to pre-guess motives and culprits. I truly love the character of Clippesby, whose conversations with animals and insects not only entertains, but advances the plot marvelously.
This is another one of Ms Gregory's well researched and well devised mysteries and well worth the read. It also will dovetail well into her future books as Bartholomew is primed to find his "love", whoever she will be.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. The Matthew Bartholomew series have so many components that I enjoy, usually an educational setting, life in the Middle Ages, medicine and suspense.

[Shar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read for the description of daily life in a Medieval town. My favourite minor characters were present and had substantial roles in this novel: Clippesby, William, Cynric and Langelee. As always, there was quite a bit of humour as well as a look at Medieval medicine, and views on paganism which still existed at that time.

As a murder mystery, however, I felt it was disappointing as the motivations for the main criminal plot were nonsense.

Spoilers:

As usual for this series, all the investigations led nowhere and the nicest person and/or least investigated person is responsible. Explanations for the motives and characters’ actions just do not make sense. When everything is wrapped up, I was left feeling frustrated.

An abbot spends a month searching a vast property for treasure without anyone noticing.

A robber buries his treasure in an empty grave plot where, according to local rumour, a jeweller’s treasure is buried. As he is filling the hole, the Sheriff thinks he is digging a hole to steal the jeweller’s treasure. But digging a hole (standing in the hole) is different than filling one (standing on the ground).

An abbot and a leading monk do not mind that all the other monks and helpers will have a horrible death which they could easily avert. They claim they are motivated by treasure, but then claim they will spend it to rebuild the church destroyed by a fire they caused. No one would think this way.

Another stretch of credibility is that the abbot and his “bad monks” counterfeit coins in order to distract their bishop.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gregory finally broke with the formula she's been using for the previous 18 books in the series. Matt, Michael, Langelee, William, Clippesby, and Cynric travel to Peterborough to investigate the disappearance of Abbot Robert and medicus Pyk. Deaths begin happening immediately upon their arrival. Matt and Michael with help William and Clippesby actually do some detective work beyond the usual go back and forth for ten chapters asking the same people the same questions. There are 15 chapters instead of the usual 12 where all is resolved in chapters 11 and 12. Granted, there is still the usual light bulb moment that comes out of nowhere in the final chapters but overall this book is well plotted.

[Sarah Hearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I last read any of Susanna Gregory’s books but I mostly felt the only thing that had happened was the passage of time. Instead of being in Cambridge, Matt Bartholomew, Brother Michael, Williams, Cynric, et al., are in Peterborough. They are sent there by their bishop to figure out why the abbot of the great Benedictine monastery has disappeared. What they find are obidentiaries vying to replace the abbot, two leading town merchants st daggers drawn, and a weird cult surrounding a long-dead thief and murderer.

The plot is very good, well written, interesting, and complicated. It lost a star because of the length. Gregory’s books are a challenge if you’re looking for a light read.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

In investigating the disappearance of Peterborough's Abbot... the Abbot's and the prosperous town's leading citizens' nauseatingly carnal and venal characteristics and activities were brought to light. That being in supposedly Holy Orders were a license to commit Unholy ones... even murder. After resolving the case that brought the Michaelhouse contingent to Peterborough, Michael abandoned his idea of migrating to Peterborough and becoming its Abbot* and his envy for the town's evident affluence was already tarnished by the characters of the town's purportedly upright and upstanding citizens and clergy.

*He again re~set his ambitions to his usual 'bishopric'

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in this excellent series that lets the reader experience the reality of Medieval life in England, with emphasis on church politics and hierarchy, university life, and medicine. These well plotted mysteries educate readers with authentic details of Medieval life, attitudes, beliefs and conflicts. This one takes the protagonists of the series, Matthew, the teacher/physician, and Michael, the church and university official, out of Cambridge to Peterborough to find a missing church man. Not my favorite of the series, but well written and engaging.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently written, I took just one star off because I was disappointed with how much telling of the reasons and actions was used in the final few chapters. I particularly like the portraits of Clippseby who got a lot of his information from the animals, and obviously, despite his eccentricity was a keen observer of people.
I originally picked up a Susanna Gregory book thinking it was a Philippa Gregory one, but she is well worth reading. Her research and historical detail are meticulous.

[Elisabeth Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. This is my second time delving into Matthew Bartholomew’s world.
Some books start out slowly, but boy do they get really interesting the farther in you read.
Love the characters and the plots are creative.
This book was really good with so many twists and “bad” characters

[Grace-Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read books from this series too infrequently to worry about them being formulaic, which I know they are. This one took far too long to keep my attention but I stuck with it and was pleased I did, considering that it was unnecessarily long. I must admit Clippesby's conversations with the animals made me chuckle.

[Nance Roepke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matthew is up to his neck and ridiculous and murderous events in Petersborough. I am getting a little tired of Matthew and his crew after so many books and it takes me a long time before I pick up another one. But the mysteries are good and hard to figure out so that makes it worth another try.

[Karin Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode is set on a mission to Peterborough where there is all sorts of trouble at the Abbey and in the town. I enjoyed the more prominent role given to Clipsby and William makes himself useful rather than spending all his time ranting about heresy.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the blurb suggested. Didn't believe a word of it (except when confirmed by history). Didn't like anyone, so not very concerned about the dangers experienced by the "heroes".

[Elly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most gripping of the Bartholomew stories but it (Clappersby) made me laugh out loud on several occasions.

[Tonya Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such twist and turns. I liked it. One of my favorite series.

[Andy53 · Rating 5 out of 5]

May be the best in the series

[Nicola Royan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what you expect, very satisfying. Also extra Clippesby, my favourite!

[Alison]

Andrew Wincott narrating again and I did try to persevering, but I couldn't so I skipped to the epilogue.

[Own Timis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment of Matthew and Michael, this time in Peterbrough trying to solve disappearances and murders while an uprising forments in the town.

[Lorraine Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Lost Abbot , both Brother Matthew and his friend, Brother Michael, senior proctor of the university at Oxford, find out they aren't as good at reading characters as they thought they were. Commissioned by their bishop to find Abbot Robert of Peterborough, who has disappeared and is thought by many to be dead, the pair arrive at the small town in the company of four other representatives from Michaelhouse: Langelee, a former soldier and spy who is master of Michaelhouse, Clippesby (a brother who mostly feigns madness but does have an illness that causes him confusion at times — the others try to pass him off as a saint), Father William (who avoids cleanliness as if it were a disease), and Cynric, Brother Matthew's bookbearer. They have hardly arrived when they are faced with what seems to be a second murder, as well as being made painfully aware of strong divisions between the two hospitals of the church, the grave of a notorious thief and murderer being worshiped for a fee, imminent violence between church and townsfolk, obedientiaries vying for the still warm position of abbot, and a fomenting rebellion of the poor against the wealthy, and against one rich merchant in particular.

Both church and merchant have hired mercenaries for security and it is desolate country beset by robbers between Peterborough and the nearby lands of the the wealthy goldsmith where Abbot Robert, along with a physician named Pyke, was heading when both disappeared. As Michael and Matthew (acting as corpse examiner) set about their task to discover the truth of what happened to Robert and Pyke, they find few people who liked the abbot and many who would be happy to have been the one to dispatch him to the next world. Rumours about the thief, de Oxforde, leaving behind a great treasure, more deaths, and an attempted poisoning of Matthew, all conspire to cloud the issue of the disappearance of the abbot further, while the mercenaries are more threatening than protective of the visitors.

Before Michael and Matthew uncover a conspiracy most unbecoming of high church officials, they almost lose their lives, and Cynric becomes most disappointed in the rebel supposedly trying to ease the plight of the poor by means of the redistribution of wealth. Gregory's plot, as usual, has many twists and surprises both for the characters as well as her readers, and gives us a fascinating look at life in medieval times. A map of Peterborough in the 1350s at the front of the book helps give body to the landscape of the events, a prologue sets the stage for the key to de Oxforde's treasure, and for a while, it seems that Michael's ambition my lead him away from Oxford to become the replacement abbot of Peterborough. Yet another delicious mystery by Susanna Gregory.

[Shirley Schwartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 19 book in the Matthew Bartholomew series, and I have enjoyed each and every one of them. Ms. Gregory' 14 century mystery series set in Cambridge, England is always one that brings history to life. The books are always very entertaining and the mysteries are always tricky. There is one thing that the books always have and that's lots of murder and mayhem with some light comic relief with Matt's portly friend Brother Michael, and with other members of Michaelhouse College. This book offers that as well, but this one is set entirely outside of Cambridge. Matthew, Brothers Michael, William, Clippesby,Matt's book-bearer Cynric and the head of their college Ralph Langelee are all on a trip for the bishop to the town of Peterborough to find our what happened to the abbot from Peterborough. He went out for a ride with the village of physician to a neighbouring village and never returned. Matt and his Michaelhouse crew find themselves in a den of iniquity. The list of sins in the town is long and Matthew and Michael are at their wits end trying to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of the two citizens. Murders are happening around them, and there is a regular rogues gallery of people that live in the pretty little town. I enjoyed the book, but found it a bit rushed and the book seemed to skip around a bit this time. Still an enjoyable sojourn into 14th century England, and I really enjoy the characters and the interactions between them. The settings are always perfectly described. It's like a step back in time reading a Matthew Bartholomew book.

[Michelle Thompson]

Although I do like the character Matthew Bartholomew, this one was a very hard slog to read. Set in Peterborough, the medic has been asked to try and help solve the disappearance of a lost Abbot who has been missing for a month.

I found there was so much going on in this story - so many characters to keep track of, so many things happening with the plot, and it got a bit confusing. I think I prefer the books that are set in Cambridge as then there is at least a bit of familiarity in the surroundings and its a lot less confusing.

I wasn't sure I was 100% correct, but there were a couple of occasions where I felt this confusion was because the author had used the wrong characters name in a sentence. It felt like she had, but again, this could just be the sheer busyness of this book.

I think I would leave it a while before trying another one from this author. This one has taken a number of weeks to get through and I am normally such a quick reader.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed every book in this series, but this one marginally more than most because it is not set in Cambridge University but in a different location. Why is this better? Well, the author does not assume you already familiar with the buildings and roads and describes them with fresh eyes; she also focuses more on what has become the core group: Bartholomew, Michael, Clippsbey (I do love this character), William, Cynric, and Langlee; and it is slightly less suspenseful because certain secondary characters that I would hate to see killed off (and in true British style, Gregory kills off a lot of people that I would have thought integral to her series) cannot possibly be in jeopardy across that distance.

Overall, I strongly recommend not only this book but every book in the series to lovers of medieval history and British mysteries.