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Matthew Bartholomew #22
A Grave Concern
Identifying the murderer of the Chancellor of the University is not the only challenge facing physician Matthew Bartholomew. Many of his patients have been made worse by the ministrations of a 'surgeon' recently arrived from Nottingham, his sister is being rooked by the mason she has commissioned to build her husband's tomb, and his friend, Brother Michael, has been offered a Bishopric which will cause him to leave Cambridge.
Brother Michael, keen to leave the University in good order, is determined that the new Chancellor will be a man of his choosing. The number of contenders putting themselves forward for election threatens to get out of control, then more deaths in mysterious circumstances make it appear that someone is taking extreme measures to manipulate the competition.
With passions running high and a bold killer at large, both Bartholomew and Brother Michael fear the very future of the University is at stake.
Brother Michael, keen to leave the University in good order, is determined that the new Chancellor will be a man of his choosing. The number of contenders putting themselves forward for election threatens to get out of control, then more deaths in mysterious circumstances make it appear that someone is taking extreme measures to manipulate the competition.
With passions running high and a bold killer at large, both Bartholomew and Brother Michael fear the very future of the University is at stake.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2016
47 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Gregory
86 books431 followersSusanna 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 28, 2020
This amazing medieval mystery is the 22nd volume of the excellent "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles" series from the formidable author, Susanna Gregory.
Story-telling is as usual of a superb quality from this author, all figures featuring in this exciting mystery, whether they are great real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life, while the atmosphere and surroundings of Cambridge are beautifully pictured in this story.
Once again you'll find at the beginning of the book a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, in the AD 1350s, the place where this story is situated, while at the end you'll notice a very well documented and explained Historical Note concerning this marvellous mystery.
The book starts off with a two-part prologue, one that is set in Nottingham, late summer AD 1359, and the second in Cambridge, October AD 1359, and these two events will form a significant part within the main story.
The main story begins in February, AD 1360, with the murder of Chancellor Tynkell, closely followed with the murder of the knight-thief, John Moleyns, who's been replaced from Nottingham to Cambridge, and both men have been similarly murdered.
High time for Physician, Matthew Bartholomew, and his friend the Benedictine monk, Brother Michael, to start their investigations into these murders, but when they have just started their investigations there are confronted with serious burglaries as well as another killing, that of Lucas, apprentice mason of Petit, making our formidable pair determined to catch the culprit(s) of the burglaries and the horrible murders as soon as possible.
What is to follow is that when a new Chancellor needs to be voted, intrigue and deceit will play an important part during election-time, resulting in backstabbing and deaths along the way, making it much more difficult for Matthew and Michael to solve these cases, but after some twists and turns followed by an ingenious plot they will be able to reveal the culprit(s) of the burglaries as well as especially the perpetrators of the political murders.
Very much recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this great series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Magnificent Medieval Mystery"!
Story-telling is as usual of a superb quality from this author, all figures featuring in this exciting mystery, whether they are great real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life, while the atmosphere and surroundings of Cambridge are beautifully pictured in this story.
Once again you'll find at the beginning of the book a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, in the AD 1350s, the place where this story is situated, while at the end you'll notice a very well documented and explained Historical Note concerning this marvellous mystery.
The book starts off with a two-part prologue, one that is set in Nottingham, late summer AD 1359, and the second in Cambridge, October AD 1359, and these two events will form a significant part within the main story.
The main story begins in February, AD 1360, with the murder of Chancellor Tynkell, closely followed with the murder of the knight-thief, John Moleyns, who's been replaced from Nottingham to Cambridge, and both men have been similarly murdered.
High time for Physician, Matthew Bartholomew, and his friend the Benedictine monk, Brother Michael, to start their investigations into these murders, but when they have just started their investigations there are confronted with serious burglaries as well as another killing, that of Lucas, apprentice mason of Petit, making our formidable pair determined to catch the culprit(s) of the burglaries and the horrible murders as soon as possible.
What is to follow is that when a new Chancellor needs to be voted, intrigue and deceit will play an important part during election-time, resulting in backstabbing and deaths along the way, making it much more difficult for Matthew and Michael to solve these cases, but after some twists and turns followed by an ingenious plot they will be able to reveal the culprit(s) of the burglaries as well as especially the perpetrators of the political murders.
Very much recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this great series, and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Magnificent Medieval Mystery"!
June 14, 2016
Another damn good read. It was good to finally find out what was odd about Chancellor Tynkell that kept being mentioned in previous books. I thought maybe he was a hermaphrodite. Without giving it away, it's nothing nearly as shocking as that. And what a cliffhanger! I'm so sad that I have to wait another year before the next one!
June 1, 2017
I have been reading this series in order, yes all 22 now! The writing style is very engaging. Even though the plots are convoluted involving many characters and the pace is a bit slow at times, I never lose interest. The characters are so colourful and the mysteries surrounding the murders keep me reading. The plots are similar though, usually some fanatic or group of fanatics are killing people for some warped cause, leaving Matthew Bartholomew and Michael trying to sort out the confusion. The endings are always similar, quite suspenseful, frenetic and farcical. Many of the side characters are borderline mad, they are so egocentric, self-possessed and paranoid - you name it that they are a bit hard to believe, but on the other hand, their craziness adds a bit of humour and farce to the plot. Often the murderer is quite unexpected and there are lots of twists and turns. The lead character, a physician and academic, Matthew Bartholomew, is one of the few sane people in these books. Other than Michael, all of his other Cambridge colleagues are made to look totally ridiculous, incompetent among other negative traits. Not sure whether the author holds the same view of current academics but she makes this 14th century Cambridge college seem like a lunatic asylum. Fun reading though and I will read number 23 in due course.
June 15, 2024
I just can't get into this book at all. It's too similar to all the books that came before. Of course the weather is a huge feature, of course the characters believe totally fantastical explanations of completely mundane things, of course Matthew is the only one who ever makes any sense with his thoroughly modern reasoning skills. It was fine for twenty books or so but I eventually either had enough or evolved beyond these books as a reader. I'm glad Matilde is coming back into things but it really bothered me why she ran away in the first place. Why can't Matthew, who isn't in a religious order, still teach if he has a wife? Ridiculous. I don't care if it's the most accurate part of the book. This is fiction, why can't our main character get to enjoy his life with the two most important things working together in harmony? It's just annoying.
July 8, 2016
One of the best in the series.The book is well thought out and a good mystery to boot.I like the historical background and the machinations around the election to the University are gently humourous.The hint of a friar being openly camp adds to the novel, and suggests that some medieval people were sympathetic and accepted those who were gay.The history of medieval medicine is fascinatingly written.I enjoyed Matt washing his hands and boiling bandages and had no clue why it seemed to work Matthew is a compassionate man,and has a great empathy with his patients. I am pleased to see that the love of his life is returning, and with it a difficult decision has to made.It is a nice touch not to know what Matt will decide.The problem is we have to wait a year to find out.
July 30, 2016
Busy plot with the usual great writing and complex plotting. We are caught up in the power struggles of the various colleges in Oxford and the murders that inevitably catch Matthew and Michael in their grip. I love reading these books because of the charming characters like Dickon and The brother who talks to animals. What fun
January 14, 2017
a grave disappointment, the worst one of the series yet. I have read all of these books and enjoyed them but this one was a pain. Far too much research thrown in because the author could. Doesn't impress, sorry. Not sure if I will read any future books despite loving the two main characters.
March 13, 2018
Having read many of the books in this series over the years, I was very dissapointed in this one. Sadly, there was a lack of interesting characters. Characters I had enjoyed over the years were missing or had only a few lines: Cynric, William, Clippesby, Matilde, and Agatha. There were no interesting female characters at all. Furthermore, I kept getting some of the more disagreeable scholars confused as they seemed to share the same personality traits (saying hurtful things to others they deemed inferior). Also, the plot was far too convoluted with too many misleading storylines.
Possible spoilers:
I have not read another novel in this series that had so many pieces of evidence that turned out to be downright lies. Also, the investigative skills of the two characters did not actually solve the crimes. The burgulary crime was actually solved by others who were accused. Moreover, key evidence for the murder subplot was given, without any reason, by someone in the burgulary subplot. In addition, Matt and Michael were looking for two articles of clothing. When someone said he/she had lost one, they did not ask for a description. When they had found another one, they did not ask various people in town whose job it was to clean/repair them to find the owner’s identity. All of their investigations lead nowhere.
The ending was so rushed that, after I having finished reading, the reasons given for the murders did not really make sense to me or didn’t seem credible. As sometimes happens in her novels, a person who had seemed quite sane (although with inconstant character traits) turned out to be anything but.
I regretted spending the time to read this novel. Not recommended.
Possible spoilers:
I have not read another novel in this series that had so many pieces of evidence that turned out to be downright lies. Also, the investigative skills of the two characters did not actually solve the crimes. The burgulary crime was actually solved by others who were accused. Moreover, key evidence for the murder subplot was given, without any reason, by someone in the burgulary subplot. In addition, Matt and Michael were looking for two articles of clothing. When someone said he/she had lost one, they did not ask for a description. When they had found another one, they did not ask various people in town whose job it was to clean/repair them to find the owner’s identity. All of their investigations lead nowhere.
The ending was so rushed that, after I having finished reading, the reasons given for the murders did not really make sense to me or didn’t seem credible. As sometimes happens in her novels, a person who had seemed quite sane (although with inconstant character traits) turned out to be anything but.
I regretted spending the time to read this novel. Not recommended.
May 4, 2017
Honestly, this was the most disappointing of her novels. I skipped a few in the middle and don't feel like I've missed much, so that should tell you how bad this one was.
The biggest complaint is the amount of new characters. You know these people aren't going to stay in the storyline, so why introduce so many? It just confuses an already overly-complicated, yet somehow weak, story. It felt like she had several ideas for this novel and couldn't make up her mind where to go with it so she threw all together instead of fleshing one or two out.
I was quite happy not to have another Matt and Michael tied up in a random room, long villain confession, and last minute save. Instead we get Matt and the Sheriff tied up, badly, and several villain confessions. Why do they always feel the need to confess? Why can't the characters just figure it out themselves?
Honestly, as much as I love medieval mysteries, I think I am done with Gregory. I am also done with the elusive Matilde. The reason for her leaving has become jumbled and contradictory. Now, we are promised her return only to be denied it once more in an effort to get us to read the next book. No thank you, Ms. Gregory. I don't think I want to sit through another jumbled account of Matt fumbling his way through a mystery with a fat monk just to have you not have him marry her. We all know that is where you are going with this since you seem afraid to let your main characters develop and change.
The biggest complaint is the amount of new characters. You know these people aren't going to stay in the storyline, so why introduce so many? It just confuses an already overly-complicated, yet somehow weak, story. It felt like she had several ideas for this novel and couldn't make up her mind where to go with it so she threw all together instead of fleshing one or two out.
I was quite happy not to have another Matt and Michael tied up in a random room, long villain confession, and last minute save. Instead we get Matt and the Sheriff tied up, badly, and several villain confessions. Why do they always feel the need to confess? Why can't the characters just figure it out themselves?
Honestly, as much as I love medieval mysteries, I think I am done with Gregory. I am also done with the elusive Matilde. The reason for her leaving has become jumbled and contradictory. Now, we are promised her return only to be denied it once more in an effort to get us to read the next book. No thank you, Ms. Gregory. I don't think I want to sit through another jumbled account of Matt fumbling his way through a mystery with a fat monk just to have you not have him marry her. We all know that is where you are going with this since you seem afraid to let your main characters develop and change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
This all began when new people from Nottingham came to live at the University Town. The rivalry between the once~Nottingham based tomb mason and his fellow immigrant tomb brass lattener or engraver were so disruptive that it also affected their commissions like the one Edith took for Stanmore's tomb which seemed to be stalling and its completion was even doubtful. Missing tools and materials were also cited as cause for delays. Then there was another supposedly healer selling a cure~all concoction to further complicate Bartholomew's medical practice amongst the Poor. Shortly after the Nottingham people's arrival, at the top of the church tower of St. Mary the Great, people witnessed Chancellor Tynkell (who seldom bathed) battling a dark cloaked assassin who later disappeared like the Devil that people thought killed him piercing his heart. First to believe and spread such a tale was William, once member of the Inquisition in Paris but was sent to Cambridge for his over~zealousness and fanaticism and had always been a problem for his colleagues at Michaelhouse... he was also a bigot with total disregard to personal hygiene. Because Michael was offered a Bishopric he wanted Tynkell's murder to be cleanly resolved before he could assume the mitre at Rochester. Tynkell's body would then give answer to his hydrophobia though Bartholomew as his physician had always known but never told anyone... not even Michael. Matt foresaw a figuratively bloody contentious election for the next Chancellor which Michael was wont to rig. Power... ambition... and warped love would rule this one including the tragedy of betrayed friendship... and death would eliminate the other contenders.
March 22, 2024
Is this the end?
Brother Michael has received notice he is to be bishop, Matilde is on her way back to Matthew, the Chancellor Tynell is murdered and all hell is breaking loose with sightings of Satan. Five men are up for election to be the new chancellor. Prime targets for murder! Thefts are occurring with the tomb builders' supplies. Their workers become murder victims, but why? In a very twisted way, lies are told, innocent secrets look like guilty ones, and mass murder is being planned. Deceptions are shocking and the body count rises! Great reading! Brother Michael and John Clippesby and Father William are low key in this story and the students are pretty well-behaved for once. Very little feminine interaction in this story.
Brother Michael has received notice he is to be bishop, Matilde is on her way back to Matthew, the Chancellor Tynell is murdered and all hell is breaking loose with sightings of Satan. Five men are up for election to be the new chancellor. Prime targets for murder! Thefts are occurring with the tomb builders' supplies. Their workers become murder victims, but why? In a very twisted way, lies are told, innocent secrets look like guilty ones, and mass murder is being planned. Deceptions are shocking and the body count rises! Great reading! Brother Michael and John Clippesby and Father William are low key in this story and the students are pretty well-behaved for once. Very little feminine interaction in this story.
February 5, 2019
This is the 22nd book in the chronicles of Matthew Bartholomew, set in Medieval Cambridge, and it was just excellent. It is a strong author who can sustain a tale through so many books, and every one to be fascinating and individual.
In this book the Chancellor of the University unsuccessfully fights with the Devil, leading to a hot contest to elect a new chancellor. Matt and Michael must find out who is killing the candidates, as well as stealing a huge variety of funerary stone and brass.
The tale is pacy and enjoyable, and historically very accurate, painting a lovely picture of real life in Medieval times.
Excellent.
In this book the Chancellor of the University unsuccessfully fights with the Devil, leading to a hot contest to elect a new chancellor. Matt and Michael must find out who is killing the candidates, as well as stealing a huge variety of funerary stone and brass.
The tale is pacy and enjoyable, and historically very accurate, painting a lovely picture of real life in Medieval times.
Excellent.
February 2, 2022
The best in the series, I think, except perhaps for book 1. Chancellor Tynkell has been murdered and the University must have a new chancellor. Michael is preparing to leave Cambridge and take up duties as a bishop, but first he has to guide the University through a contentious election. Meanwhile, there are bickering tomb-makers, a condemned criminal is foisted sin Sheriff Tulyet, and a string of robberies.
We finally learn Tynkell’s long-held secret; I assumed he was an hermaphrodite (previously we had a female character who disguised herself as a male scholar), but I was wrong. Also, the book ends with Mathilde’s return to Cambridge and Bartholomew will be forced to make a decision.
We finally learn Tynkell’s long-held secret; I assumed he was an hermaphrodite (previously we had a female character who disguised herself as a male scholar), but I was wrong. Also, the book ends with Mathilde’s return to Cambridge and Bartholomew will be forced to make a decision.
May 13, 2017
i was sorry to give such a low rating, as I have previously enjoyed all the books I have read in the Matthew Bartholomew series. although I did finish this one I am afraid I rather hurried it along, it was so drawn out and long winded and I got too bogged down by too many characters that I lost the plot (forgive the pun) as to who was on whose side or when they changed sides. I do hope that if there is a next one that it will be a better read than I found this one
October 24, 2019
An involving addition to the series, this mystery shows the difficulty of keeping Medieval towns secure and property safe. The violence is probably realistic, but shocking nonetheless. The novel eliminates some of the continuing characters, murdered, and poses real puzzles for Matthew and Michael. A good read, though the solution is a bit unfair, since some of the information needed to solve the mysteries is withheld from the reader. The author wasn't quite playing fair with this one.
September 28, 2019
Another Matthew and Michael mystery in medieval Cambridge. One is led through a complicated series of events and murders and left wondering till almost the end before all is revealed. Susanna Gregory has a great sense of time and place and an inside knowledge of the ins and outs of crime solving. Relaxing and enjoyable read.
October 2, 2020
if you're into medieval mysteries with a large dose of background historical information this is one of the best in its kind, a very well written and gripping murder mystery with some nice twists in the end. I didn't see the role of the old soldier in the end coming! Curiuos about what Matt is going to decide regarding the return of his Mathilda
June 23, 2021
I always love returning to Cambridge!
Once again Matthew and Brother Michael do not disappoint. I must admit that I am somewhat baffled by Matthews fear of relationships. I am sure that the Hero of Poitiers will figure out the greatest mystery of all someday and will find happiness
Once again Matthew and Brother Michael do not disappoint. I must admit that I am somewhat baffled by Matthews fear of relationships. I am sure that the Hero of Poitiers will figure out the greatest mystery of all someday and will find happiness
May 22, 2022
If you've not read 21 books in this series already, this would be a very good book. So it is hard to give it less than a 3. But, I have bread all the books till now and it just feels that Gregory has nothing left to say. I think I'll have to wait until I've forgotten the books I've already read in order to want to read book 23. So, for me, this book was a 2.5.
February 8, 2019
An enjoyable murder mystery with many twists and turns. The characters are wonderfully conceived and you do feel like you are in 14th century Cambridge. Thoroughly enjoyable - can't wait to read the next installment.
August 7, 2019
Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael are at it again. There have been numerous murders and thefts in Cambridge. The Chancellor of the University has been murdered on the roof of a church. Brother Michael has to organize the election of another Chancellor while searching for killers.
November 18, 2020
It's a book full of twists and mysteries, it has lots of names ,lots facts that made it hard for me to keep on track, crime in it didn't grasp my attention as well written crime mystery book.
I don't think i will be encouraged to read for this author again.
I don't think i will be encouraged to read for this author again.
December 23, 2020
Much mayhem ensues after the murder of Chancellor Tynkell. Also, Mathilde is on her way back to Cambridge, and now Matthew is getting cold feet! Nice set up for the next installment in the series.
July 27, 2024
Another 5* outing for Matthew and Michael. This series goes from strength to strength. Of course there was a wide cast of characters but they were pretty easy to keep track of, even though there were villains galore.
July 12, 2017
It is what it is, and it works well. I want more of Clippesby - I'm a bit anxious also that Michaelhouse is running out of Fellows to be villain or victim.
April 25, 2019
I really liked this book. Such twist and turns. It kept me guessing. I can't wait for the next one to get here. I just ordered it.
August 26, 2019
Not her best
I found the story quite tedious and not nearly as interesting as previous books in the series. Not one I recommend.
I found the story quite tedious and not nearly as interesting as previous books in the series. Not one I recommend.
February 20, 2021
A bit long by about 50 pages. Great plot and twists
February 6, 2025
Dull and slow. Dnf
March 30, 2025
More mediaeval skullduggery, this time centring on tombstones and the chancellorship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews