The Devil's Disciples

Matthew Bartholomew #14

by Susanna Gregory

For the twentieth anniversary of the start of the Matthew Bartholomew series, Sphere is delighted to reissue all of the medieval monk's cases with beautiful new series-style covers.------------------------------------The winter of 1353 has been appallingly wet, there is a fever outbreak amongst the poorer townspeople and the country is not yet fully recovered from the aftermath of the plague. The increasing reputation and wealth of the Cambridge colleges are causing dangerous tensions between the town, Church and University.Matthew Bartholomew is called to look into the deaths of three members of the University of who died from drinking poisoned wine, and soon he stumbles upon criminal activities that implicate his relatives, friends and colleagues - so he must solve the case before matters in the town get out of hand...Rumours of plague threaten Cambridge again, ten years after the Black Death had almost laid waste to the town. Neither the church nor its priests had defended people from the disease and now they turn elsewhere for protection, to pagan ritual and magical potions. It is a ripe atmosphere to be exploited by the mysterious 'Sorcerer', an anonymous magician whose increasing influence seems certain to oust both civil and church leaders from power.One murder, another unexplained death, a font filled with blood, a desecreated grave - all bear the hallmarks of the Sorcerer's hand, only the identity of the magician remains a mystery. One which Matthew Barthlomew must quickly get to the bottom of in order for he and his University colleagues to be free from danger...

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

494 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2008

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 very exciting mystery is the 14th volume of the ever improving and wonderful "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles"!

At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, in the AD 1350s, the place where this story is taking place again, while at the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note concerning this marvellous historical adventure.

Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, the figures featuring, whether they are real great historical or very exciting fictional characters, come all vividly to life in this great mystery of intrigue, superstition, mayhem and murder, while Cambridge itself is also once again wonderfully pictured by the author.

The book is set early summer, June, of the year AD 1357, and it starts with a prologue, which will form the basis for the main story that will follow it with murder and suspense.

This time our two protagonists, Doctor Matthew Bartholomew, and his friend the Benedictine monk, Brother Michael, will come into action again to solve a few murders as well as to try to identify the person behind certain actions which the people call the "Sorcerer".

This same "Sorcerer" is making its presence felt by sowing the seeds of unrest, superstition, witchcraft and murder in an attempt to avenge itself against its true enemy the Church.

What is to follow for Matthew and Michael is a web of deceit, intrigue and superstition, into which our investigators have to struggle at first before at last finding their success in establishing and solving certain other crimes, before they are being able to catch and unravel the identity of the person who call itself the "Sorcerer" and bring this person to justice.

Very much recommended, for this is another excellent episode of a very enjoyable series, and that's why I like to call this great devilish story: "A Fantastic Satanic Mystery"!

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I particularly enjoyed this one. More collaboration between Monk Michael & Physician Matthew, and less sniping at each other. I truly did not sort this one out until the author revealed the Sorcerer!
Thoroughly enjoying this series.

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment explores more ways that the Black Death continued to impact medieval life. Initially, much property, even whole villages, were abandoned, but with no one to maintain them, buildings quickly fell into disrepair, driving up the cost of buildings in good condition. Further, when the Death first broke out, priests told the people that only the evil would be taken, but this was quickly disproven. Feeling let down by the Church, some turned to paganism; there had always been healers who employed spells as well as herbs in their cures.

In this book, there are rumors of a powerful Sorcerer, and an increasing interest in pagan rituals. A townswoman named Margery had left her home, a desirable and valuable property, to Michaelhouse, and they plan to sell it. However, it keeps getting broken into, leading Michael and Bartholomew to suspect something is hidden inside. Meanwhile, several recently-buried bodies are disinterred; it is assumed for Satanist rituals. The solution is really much simpler than it appears and as usual, all the murders and other crimes were caused by greed.

I love this series.

[Spuddie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series a lot, although with each passing book, I seem to let more and more time go between them and am a little less enthralled. I read 2 chapters of this one and realized why: It is the same book, written over and over, just dressed up in different clothing. I believe I'm done with the series, but I may save the book and wait a few months to give it another try. It's hard to make this realization about a series that was initially so unique and enjoyable!

[Booknblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

When dead bodies begin to appear and some already dead are disinterred, Matthew and Brother Michael collaborate to find the culprit. They believe it may be the "sorcerer" who has recently appeared because so many have lost faith in the church's ability to keep them safe from the plague.

Highly entertaining as usual.

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the reviews and seeing the average score of 4.1 stars I expected more.
I found the book repetitive and boring (it took me almost 2 weeks to finish it as I literally kept falling asleep after a couple of pages).
The main characters go through the same motions and the same discussions again and again. Once in a while a little nugget of information is added.
If this is the author's idea of building up tension or leading up to a grand finale, I am dissapointed.
As the clues were not so clear, I used other stratagems to find out who did it: who is the most unlikely person to be the Sorcerer and which person comes into the picture and then isn't mentioned any more. Both stratagems lead to the answer(s). Even though the true identity of the second person was a surprise, this felt too much like a deus ex machina to entice me to read more of this same writer.

[Sharon Weyant-Muir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religious strife makes a good mystery

In this novel, Cambridge is again in tension aggravated by drought and very high temperatures. Since there was no refrigeration, food is rotting, growing mold and harboring maggots. Latrines are drying up and a flux has hit the population. Matthew is being worn ragged due to the heat, poor diet, and having only one other doctor in town. But then the deaths start all in the name of witchcraft vs the church and who could best prevent another plague. Father William goes wild preaching against the sorcery and wanting to burn books. Spaulding is going mad and acting out his anti-medical beliefs. Matthew is blamed for Father Thomas' death and is believed by many to be the Sorcerer himself. The students were sent home due to the flux so that made reading the novel easier as we don't have to be distracted by their antics. A very exciting, nail- biting ending!

[Vicki Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s much to like about this book. Like the rest of the series, it contains great historical details using actual people and events. Matthew and Michael are engaging characters and I’m always glad to spend time with them. I am especially interested in the ongoing effect of the plague on all aspects of life. Having now lived during a pandemic, the parallels are hard to miss.

Despite my enjoyment of the background, the actual plot is both overly complicated and boringly slow. At one point near the middle, someone asks Michael why he’s questioning the same people again after two other interviews resulted in no leads. This is a question I asked myself. In addition, the books are getting quite similar.

I’ll still try future books, but will take a break first.

[Lacer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The combined interests of witchcraft and property speculation hit Cambridge, with a mysterious sorcerer tempting Cambridge's citizens away from the Church and a cottage, newly willed to Michaelhouse attracting a bidding war for its purchase. Nobody knows who the sorcerer is (although some think it's Matthew) and nobody knows why the cottage is attracting that much attention and then, of course, this being a Matthew Bartholomew book, people start getting murdered.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another quality addition to this series, this one involves the protagonist, a Cambridge physician/ professor is involved with a purported sorcerer/scammer who ruthlessly tries to seduce the people away from religion, threatening the delicate balance between town and gown. Matthew must plot his course through the maze of conflicting interests and plots to find out who is killing compatriots and trying to focus the blame on him.

[David Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to form with a tale of zealotry, witch craft, property disputes and corruption, all laced with more internal politics, as Bartholomew is accused of killing a patient, of necromancy and is one of the characters considered to be the sorcerer. There were sufficient deaths, twists and character development to keep fans happy

[Nance Roepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book in this series. The combination of witchcraft and religion is very interesting and the book makes it clear that people hedge their bets a lot. Not just in this book but in general. We may no longer believe in witchcraft but we are still a superstitious people. As always, the book is too long and two convoluted for five stars but it is certainly an engaging read.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books and it's hard for me to give an accurate rating because Matt and brother Michael feel like old friends to me. Sometimes the writing is a bit lazy and the books generally follow the same outline, but I still love them so much. I just wish there was more Matilde. I miss her.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this one from the free little library on the hill, didn't realise when i picked it up that it was the 14th in the series.. i read it anyway...

Was a good read, if not a little confusing in places as to who was who.. but guess if i had read the previous 13 i would of gotten it better.

[Hannah Etherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first one I have read, so it worked well as a stand alone. I do feel I would get more background if I have read others, but it was covered rather well. Reminds me of the Brother Cadfael Series. Brilliant historical novel but with some good characters.

[Own Timis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Gregory's Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles. Not her best as I think the first third of the book was a bit slow to make progress, but by the last 100 pages I was captivated. And as usual I had no idea who the villain was until it revealed! Would definitely recommend.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The usual scenario: Matthew and Michael go to the same people and ask the same questions over and over for the first ten chapters, then - voila! - in Chapter 11 the lightbulb clicks for Matthew and everything is resolved in Chapter 12 and the Epilogue. Lots of typos.

[Kelly Artemiou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow start, lots of characters to learn, no major moments in the story until 3/4 in. Even once the major moments came, they weren't as drastic as the build-up made out. One twist; but seemed a little predictable. Some funny moments through the book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual with this series, the villain is always the last person that I expected it to be.

[Jennifer Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

,

[Rose Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Interesting story but am sure at the time people would believe anything and it seems that centuries later the world has not changed

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing characters. Too many clerical types. Needed a refresher on this series.

[Lorraine Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

At any given time in a large, crowded town like Cambridge (1357), any number of problems can arise for the Senior Proctor of the university and his Corpse Examiner, and the week leading up to Trinity Eve is no exception. Between stolen black sheep (Biblical significance?) from Bene't College, a bidding war to buy Sewale Cottage (recently left to Michaelhouse), witches' covens sprouting up in churches, Franciscan priests ranting at the townspeople about the return of the plague, corpses being dug out of their graves and tossed aside, and one devil-worshipper known only as The Sorcerer who is vowing to end the dry spell and take power, Brother Michael and Dr. Matthew Bartholomew have their hands full. Accustomed to townspeople being at odds with the university scholars, they find it strangely unsettling to see knots of people gathering in the market square in groups that combine both scholars and merchants along different lines — those who support the Sorcerer, and those who support the traditional church. Thieves and murderers along the Huntingdon Way keep Sherif Tulyet busy out of town, while patients with the flux due to an unusually dry, hot June keep Matthew running all hours of the day and night, and priests are being murdered with few clues left behind for Brother Michael. When Michaelhouse's Brother Carton is murdered in the chapel at Barnwell Priory, Michael and Matthew have to take a closer look at recent deaths thought to be of natural causes, and the range of suspects widens as people begin to accuse those they do not like without good reason; chief among these is Matthew himself, who has garnered many enemies due to dead patients, unorthodox practices, and his love of anatomy.

The Devil's Disciples is number fourteen in the Chronicles of Matthew Bartholomew, and once again, Susanna Gregory has woven together a masterly plot around historical facts about this medieval university town. There is no end of suspects from both the town, and the university itself, where bigotry runs rampant, bellowing sermons are driving people away from the church, and greed rears its ugly head in the most unlikely places. Add to this, a bishop whose henchmen wreak tyranny over the poor and helpless, and, like Matthew and Michael, you will be perplexed and somewhat disillusioned as you try to unravel, or connect, the clues to the various puzzles. The identity of The Sorcerer will surprise you at the end just as it did Brother Matthew.

This review is part of Mystery Monday meme at mysmsbooks.wordpress.com

[Richard Stueber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another set of mysteries solved by Doctor Matthew Bartholomew and his friend Brother Michael in Cambridge, England in the year 1357.
A number of fanatical preachers are upsetting many of the populace who are turning away from the Church and being fascinated by witchcraft in the form of the mysterious Sorcerer. In those days most people were superstitious anyway and they didn't see that there was much difference for them in following the dark arts instead of organized religion.
Who is the Sorcerer? This is the major mystery in the novel but there are others, Why are recently buried people being dug up? Why has one dead person's hand been stolen? Why have goats been stolen?
Forensic techniques were pretty primitive then, Matthew Bartholomew being more advanced than most as a detective, but I'd say that he and Michael were pretty lucky in getting to the bottom of all this. They were pretty slow on the uptake. Lots of characters were suspected of possibly being the Sorcerer, including Matthew himself.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourteenth in the series by Susanna Gregory starring a monk at Cambridge in the 1400's. This one is based on a find in 2000. A bag of money from the 1450's was found, enough to pay one laborer for six years. Gregory writes a story of how it came to be there, completely fictional, but starring Matt her character from the series. The bishop has collected the money and his messengers have it stolen from them. The thief buries it in a house, and the whole village tries to buy the house when the owner dies. The university comes into it because the owner had left it to them. During the same time, a sorcerer comes to power, saying he can make it rain. I had never realized how much of a trial hot weather could be. The meat went bad in less than one day, as they had no refrigeration. People got diarahhea and died, Yuch! I never had a clue who the sorcerer was, Gregory completly fooled me.

[Mitch McCrimmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of the previous 13 in this series and have enjoyed them all. Will definitely continue with this series. Fun, quirky characters and engaging, complex plots although a few of them get a bit farcical at the end. They are a bit long hence not very fast paced so I tend to wait a couple of months before reading the next one. Very different from CJ Samson's Matthew Shardlake series and Gregory's own Restoration series. The latter two involve more actual historical events. With the Bartholomew series, you get a feeling for what it was like to live in the 14th century but without any reference to broader historical events. The only slight complaint I had about The Devil's Disciples was the occasional use of modern terminology: marketing, market forces, supply and demand, you get what you pay for, recap. Also, a minor error - in the phrase 'ferment religious rebellion' the correct word is 'foment'.

[Cecily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the less complicated plot lines of the Matthew Bartholomew series. It was a (relatively) straightforward matter to keep track of the different characters, the interweaving crimes and motivations and to feel that there was a satisfying resolution at the end. I have to admit to feeling some irritation with Gregory for taking Matthew right up to the point of proposing marriage a couple of books back and then bailing out with a pretty weak plot device, and nearly gave up at that point on the series. However, there is something comfortable and familiar about returning a couple of times a year to reading about the college, Brother Michael and the diminishing number of clerics in Cambridge in this period due to their reliably murderous impluses.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting series if you like historical mysteries set in the Middle Ages as I do. The stories feature two monks in Cambridge, England, who solve crimes. This book is the 14th that I've read in the series, but I found it a bit slow-moving. The author is great at setting and mood, but the plot on this one dragged and the characters were more annoying than they usually are in Gregory's books. As always, the author created her fictional story around real people and incidents that actually happened in Cambridge during that time -- great historical research.

[K.B. Hallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent medieval mystery from Susanna Gregory. I swear you can feel the heat and smell the stench in this book. This series does a great job bring 14th-century Cambridge alive. This time, superstition is on the rise and Matthew and Michael are hunting murders, ghosts, and sorcerers. Oh my.

[Suburbangardener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It's a great trip back to 14th Century England, with all its prejudices and superstitions. Not only is the mystery excellent (the author got me again!), but it has such excellent, rich characters.