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Matthew Bartholomew #17
Mystery in the Minster
The seventeenth chronicle in the Matthew Bartholomew series.
In 1358 the fledging college of Michaelhouse in Cambridge is in need of extra funds. A legacy from the Archbishop of York of a parish close to that city promises a welcome source of income. However, there has been another claim to its ownership and it seems the only way to settle the dispute is for a deputation from Michaelhouse to travel north.
Matthew Bartholomew is among the small party which arrives in the bustling city, where the increasing wealth of the merchants is unsettling the established order, and where a French invasion is an ever-present threat to its port. But soon he and his colleagues learn that many of the Archbishop's executors have died in unexplained circumstances and that the codicil naming Michaelhouse as a beneficiary cannot be found...
'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)
In 1358 the fledging college of Michaelhouse in Cambridge is in need of extra funds. A legacy from the Archbishop of York of a parish close to that city promises a welcome source of income. However, there has been another claim to its ownership and it seems the only way to settle the dispute is for a deputation from Michaelhouse to travel north.
Matthew Bartholomew is among the small party which arrives in the bustling city, where the increasing wealth of the merchants is unsettling the established order, and where a French invasion is an ever-present threat to its port. But soon he and his colleagues learn that many of the Archbishop's executors have died in unexplained circumstances and that the codicil naming Michaelhouse as a beneficiary cannot be found...
'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)
389 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2011
51 people are currently reading
367 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 48 reviews
February 13, 2020
This thrilling mystery is the 17th volume of a delightful series called the "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles" from the author, Susanna Gregory.
Story-telling has been once more of a superb quality, all figures featuring, whether they are real historical or fantastic fictional, come splendidly to life within this mystery of mayhem and murder, and besides that the city of York, England, and its atmosphere at the time are both wonderfully pictured and described by the author.
At the beginning of the book you'll see a well-drawn map of York, England, in AD 1358, and its there where this mystery is situated, while at the back you'll notice an extensive researched and explained Historical Note concerning this wonderful tale.
The book starts with a prologue divided into two parts, the first one being 19th July in AD 1352, at the deathbed of Archbishop Zouche of York, who's making his final decisions known to his executors how he wants his wishes fulfilled, includeing a church in Huntington that should go to Michaelhouse in Cambridge, the second one being a summons from York to Master Langelee of Michaelhouse in Cambridge that if he wants to get this particular church he has to fight for it in York.
The main story will develop itself in April, AD 1358, when our protagonists, Physician Matthew Bartholomew, his friend the Benedictine monk, Brother Michael, accompanied by the Master of Michaelhouse, Ralph de Langelee, the lawyer, Radeford, and Matthew's book-bearer and friend, Cynric, are finding themselves now in York to make their claim known for that church in Huntington, while York itself is in turmoil from different factions.
At first they will encounter stiff opponents in the vicars-choral, under the leadership of Ellis, and they are thwarting them at every opportunity to obtain that church with the help of the deceitful lawyer, Dalfeld, when all of sudden murders are committed.
What will follow is an eventful and gripping mystery, where especially the once executors of Zouche's will are murdered one by one for not fulfilling their promises, but when also Radeford from Michaelhouse gets murdered while attempting to retrieve the missing papers concerning Zouche's will, the Michaelhouse fellows and Cynric start to investigate the case on their own, and after quite some nasty twists and turns, followed with a very well constructed and executed plot the surprising culprit(s) will be revealed and punished in the end.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent edition of a terrific series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Magnificent Minster Mystery"!
Story-telling has been once more of a superb quality, all figures featuring, whether they are real historical or fantastic fictional, come splendidly to life within this mystery of mayhem and murder, and besides that the city of York, England, and its atmosphere at the time are both wonderfully pictured and described by the author.
At the beginning of the book you'll see a well-drawn map of York, England, in AD 1358, and its there where this mystery is situated, while at the back you'll notice an extensive researched and explained Historical Note concerning this wonderful tale.
The book starts with a prologue divided into two parts, the first one being 19th July in AD 1352, at the deathbed of Archbishop Zouche of York, who's making his final decisions known to his executors how he wants his wishes fulfilled, includeing a church in Huntington that should go to Michaelhouse in Cambridge, the second one being a summons from York to Master Langelee of Michaelhouse in Cambridge that if he wants to get this particular church he has to fight for it in York.
The main story will develop itself in April, AD 1358, when our protagonists, Physician Matthew Bartholomew, his friend the Benedictine monk, Brother Michael, accompanied by the Master of Michaelhouse, Ralph de Langelee, the lawyer, Radeford, and Matthew's book-bearer and friend, Cynric, are finding themselves now in York to make their claim known for that church in Huntington, while York itself is in turmoil from different factions.
At first they will encounter stiff opponents in the vicars-choral, under the leadership of Ellis, and they are thwarting them at every opportunity to obtain that church with the help of the deceitful lawyer, Dalfeld, when all of sudden murders are committed.
What will follow is an eventful and gripping mystery, where especially the once executors of Zouche's will are murdered one by one for not fulfilling their promises, but when also Radeford from Michaelhouse gets murdered while attempting to retrieve the missing papers concerning Zouche's will, the Michaelhouse fellows and Cynric start to investigate the case on their own, and after quite some nasty twists and turns, followed with a very well constructed and executed plot the surprising culprit(s) will be revealed and punished in the end.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent edition of a terrific series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Magnificent Minster Mystery"!
January 20, 2022
I did very much enjoy this installment of the Doctor Bartholomew series. Of course the city of York has changed much since the 14th century; however, many of the churches remain. I am particularly fond of All Saints Church (All Saints Pavement), a Grade I-listed building with its 14th-century west window depicting scenes from the Passion and Resurrection and a 12th-century door knocker known as the “Gates of Hell.” My personal favorite thing about the church is the beautifully-painted turquoise ceiling.
Of course, the Minster is an utterly magnificent structure that still today attracts hordes of people every year — tourists, now, rather than pilgrims — and it still dominates the city skyline.
The story centers on a previous Archbishop of York, William Zouche, who began construction of his own chantry during his life, and left money and instructions in his Will for its completion. This much is historical fact. Ms. Gregory builds a clever mystery around this and incorporates the various religious organizations of the city into her story. The Master of Michaelhouse, Langelee, formerly worked as an agent for Zouche, and Zouche had stated the he wanted the living of the nearby parish of Huntington to go to Michaelhouse. This meant that one of their student-priests would receive the tithes which would benefit the College. However, the Codicil that controls this bequest is missing and the Minster’s vicars-choral have laid claim
We haven’t visited the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey where the Michaelhouse men lodge during their visit to York, so that is on my list of places to visit next time.
Of course, we have visited the famous Shambles, the narrow streets and alleyways that still remain from the medieval period. The buildings there house shops to part tourists from their cash, and I admit to contributing my share, particularly at a glass shop where I bought some lovely Christmas ornaments and a couple of glass cat figurines. In medieval times, much commerce was likewise aimed at separating pilgrims from their money, so the old adage is true: “There is nothing new under the sun.”
In the end of the story, which also includes French spies, a flood, and a pair of beautiful women out for revenge, Michaelhouse concedes Huntington to the vicars-choral when a witness states that Zouche died before signing the Codicil. Michaelhouse accepts compensation in the sum of one hundred marks for dropping their claim, so, other than all the deaths that occurred, including a Michaelhouse lawyer named Radeford, Michaelhouse got the better end of the deal and alleviated its immediate shortfall of cash.
Of course, the Minster is an utterly magnificent structure that still today attracts hordes of people every year — tourists, now, rather than pilgrims — and it still dominates the city skyline.
The story centers on a previous Archbishop of York, William Zouche, who began construction of his own chantry during his life, and left money and instructions in his Will for its completion. This much is historical fact. Ms. Gregory builds a clever mystery around this and incorporates the various religious organizations of the city into her story. The Master of Michaelhouse, Langelee, formerly worked as an agent for Zouche, and Zouche had stated the he wanted the living of the nearby parish of Huntington to go to Michaelhouse. This meant that one of their student-priests would receive the tithes which would benefit the College. However, the Codicil that controls this bequest is missing and the Minster’s vicars-choral have laid claim
We haven’t visited the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey where the Michaelhouse men lodge during their visit to York, so that is on my list of places to visit next time.
Of course, we have visited the famous Shambles, the narrow streets and alleyways that still remain from the medieval period. The buildings there house shops to part tourists from their cash, and I admit to contributing my share, particularly at a glass shop where I bought some lovely Christmas ornaments and a couple of glass cat figurines. In medieval times, much commerce was likewise aimed at separating pilgrims from their money, so the old adage is true: “There is nothing new under the sun.”
In the end of the story, which also includes French spies, a flood, and a pair of beautiful women out for revenge, Michaelhouse concedes Huntington to the vicars-choral when a witness states that Zouche died before signing the Codicil. Michaelhouse accepts compensation in the sum of one hundred marks for dropping their claim, so, other than all the deaths that occurred, including a Michaelhouse lawyer named Radeford, Michaelhouse got the better end of the deal and alleviated its immediate shortfall of cash.
April 4, 2017
Rating is probably a little padded (maybe more like 2.5?) because I read this by the pool and the beach on a very lovely island with a drink in hand, but meh. Best choice on the leftovers shelf and did the trick. Research/exposition is clumsily inserted, and running gags aren't quite funny enough to merit the running, but I'm fascinated by the time period and love a cheap mystery.
September 14, 2017
I've seen some quite negative reviews for this one on Goodreads and I can sort of get where they're coming from. It's yet another Matthew Bartholomew book set outside Cambridge, this time in York, they're never as good as the ones set in Cambridge because the town is such a character in itself. This one is also a bit more tense, with less laugh out loud bits, there's murder, including one particularly tragic death and (literally) disaster. It also suffers from too-many-characters-itis. AND there's a certain trait in pretty much all of the Matthew Bartholomew villains, that's getting a bit tiresome and a bit obvious. However, I didn't actually dislike this book, as usual I liked the Michaelhouse characters (and Cynric features heavily in this one, yay!) and for once, in a Matthew Bartholomew book set outside Cambridge, I appreciated the change in location because having lived in York for a year, I always like reading historical fiction set in places that I know and 14th century York sounds amazing.
May 30, 2018
Not my favorite Matthew Bartholomew but still a fun read.
June 9, 2025
Read for a book club, DNF. Desperately needed an editor omg
February 12, 2012
I was actually really disappointed by this book. I love Susanna Gregory and the Matthew Bartholomew mysteries are my favorite series ever. Yet this book had almost none of the humor that the previous books had and the whole situation between him and Matilda has been drawn out so long that I almost feel as though they're too old now to have any constructive sort of relationship. I mean, there have been 17 books and he wasn't a spring chicken at the beginning. I just don't care anymore, it's become burdensome. Furthermore, I felt like the characters lacked depth, even including Bartholomew and Michael. So hopefully the next book will be more exciting and have the old Matthew back with the usual humor that the previous books possessed. This one fell flat.
August 28, 2011
It's ok. Matthew, Michael, and some other members of the college go to York to try and sort out some business. The book doesn't feel all that different from the other book(s?) in the series where some members of the college go on a trip to sort out some business.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
St. Michael's College, Cambridge, better known as Michaelhouse, is perennially short of funds. So, when the Master, Ralph de Langelee hears that a parish and its income in the Archdiocese of York has been bequeathed to Michaelhouse, he decides to go and claim it since the bequest is being challenged by a group of clerics in York. To go on the journey, Langelee recruits Brother Michael, a Benedictine monk who is SeniorProctor at the University, and John Radeford, a lawyer Fellow of Michaelhouse. In turn, they drag along Matthew Bartholomew, physician, on the grounds that his patients are working him too hard. Along with Matthew comes his book bearer, Cynric, a Welsh ex-soldier. Their mission is to find the document leaving the parish to Michaelhouse and thus prevent it from falling into the greedy hands of the vicars-choral, a group of clerics hired by the canons of the cathedral (minster) to perform their religious duties. While in York the scholars will be confronted with more than a search for a missing codicil. Not long after they arrive, Sir William Longton is shot by an arrow as he is walking with the group from Cambridge. Some speculate that the arrow was meant for Matthew. Other characters they meet include a Franciscan lawyer who knows nothing of poverty; a defrocked priest who is the guardian of St. Samson's toe; a Benedictine prioress who seems to know nothing of chastity; two nieces of the deceased Archbishop, one a wealthy widow, the other a novice who wants to study theology; a group of French Benedictines who are widely suspected to be French spies, a group of litigious Carmelites, and other characters who get involved with the story at some point or another. Added to this is the weather - incessant rain - which is causing the rivers to flood.
Although it is nice to get away from Cambridge for a change of scenery, it seems to me that the story here is somewhat convoluted. The change of locus gives Gregory a chance to flex her creative muscles in devising new characters but it seems that she has to take longer to do it. A whole chapter at the end of the book is used to explain the mystery; it could have been much simpler. Maybe she's trying to do too much with one story. There are a number of currents here, each one could have been a story in itself. There is the quest for the codicil bequeathing the parish and its income to Michaelhouse. There is the danger posed by the flooding rivers; the unmasking of theFrench spies; the religious rivalry between the various houses; the feud between the mayor and the merchants. There is more than enough danger to satisfy any reader.
In spite of its flaws, Mystery in the Minster is a worthy read. Susanna Gregory manages to tell a good story, impart some historical knowledge, and entertain all at the same time. I especially appreciate the historical note at the back of the book; knowing that the story has some factual underpinning only increases its value.
Although it is nice to get away from Cambridge for a change of scenery, it seems to me that the story here is somewhat convoluted. The change of locus gives Gregory a chance to flex her creative muscles in devising new characters but it seems that she has to take longer to do it. A whole chapter at the end of the book is used to explain the mystery; it could have been much simpler. Maybe she's trying to do too much with one story. There are a number of currents here, each one could have been a story in itself. There is the quest for the codicil bequeathing the parish and its income to Michaelhouse. There is the danger posed by the flooding rivers; the unmasking of theFrench spies; the religious rivalry between the various houses; the feud between the mayor and the merchants. There is more than enough danger to satisfy any reader.
In spite of its flaws, Mystery in the Minster is a worthy read. Susanna Gregory manages to tell a good story, impart some historical knowledge, and entertain all at the same time. I especially appreciate the historical note at the back of the book; knowing that the story has some factual underpinning only increases its value.
July 1, 2020
Physician Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael of Michaelhouse College in Cambridge travel to York. The previous Archbishop of York had intended to leave the living of Huntington to Michaelhouse, but the codicil to his will cannot be found and the bequest is being challenged. On arrival, the visiting scholars find that several of the executors of the will have died mysteriously and gangs of local noblemen are threatening violence.
This was an enjoyable book with an interesting plot (though maybe with a few too many characters to keep track of) and the setting of medieval York was well described. The legal aspect of the plot was similar to an earlier book in the series, but the subplots added originality. It would have been nice to see more of the usual banter between Michael and Matthew - this book had a more serious tone - but the figure of the uncouth Master of the College added some welcome light relief.
I really like this series and the main characters, and will definitely read more.
This was an enjoyable book with an interesting plot (though maybe with a few too many characters to keep track of) and the setting of medieval York was well described. The legal aspect of the plot was similar to an earlier book in the series, but the subplots added originality. It would have been nice to see more of the usual banter between Michael and Matthew - this book had a more serious tone - but the figure of the uncouth Master of the College added some welcome light relief.
I really like this series and the main characters, and will definitely read more.
July 26, 2021
When the Archbishop of York died, there were problems as to the successful fulfillment of his behests like that which concerned his chantry chapel and those executors responsible to oversee its completion... unfortunately the task remained unfinished, the money gone and the trustees slowly dying one by one. Then there was the Bishop's unwritten legacy to Michaelhouse which was being contested by the group of arrogant York~based canons obsessed with their footwear and were being represented by an unctuous lawyer~forger whose services were for sale to the highest bidder. Then Michaelhouse's own lawyer and Fellow (Radeford) was poisoned while searching for a written codicil by the Archbishop giving the contested church and its living to the Cambridge College. Guess who could have gone unchallenged into the uncatalogued and messy library and was even joyfully welcomed by the victim?
June 2, 2019
Enjoyed this. Yet again, quite a few dead bodies racking up. I liked the references to hygiene and prohibition of dissections, although if that's mentioned in every book, it might get old.
A bit bewildering how a city of 13,000 could get visitors so lost so often, but having been to the Shambles, maybe it's not so far fetched.
Certainly wasn't expecting the 'solution', which seemed a bit too Bond villain in how it was revealed.
A bit bewildering how a city of 13,000 could get visitors so lost so often, but having been to the Shambles, maybe it's not so far fetched.
Certainly wasn't expecting the 'solution', which seemed a bit too Bond villain in how it was revealed.
September 20, 2021
4B this series is sliding into mediocrity. I loved Matthew Bartholomew and still do. But his life choices seem to be stuck at 25 years old instead of 40. Though I don't think this series as is good as it was in the beginning I am sure I will continue to read it. But if you are just starting out in the series, start at the beginning. The books are much better.
August 26, 2023
strong in historical background
The mystery of who did what was convoluted and depended on good luck and Matt’s forensic and intuitive abilities. The scholarship and feel for the fourteenth century is fantastic. Well worth the time to read for anyone with an interest in the Middle Ages in England.
The mystery of who did what was convoluted and depended on good luck and Matt’s forensic and intuitive abilities. The scholarship and feel for the fourteenth century is fantastic. Well worth the time to read for anyone with an interest in the Middle Ages in England.
May 28, 2024
Matt and Michael actually do some real sleuthing in this story. It's not the usual go back and forth and ask the same questions of the same people until Voila! the culprit reveals themself in Chapter 11. A good plot and engaging read. There are a lot of typos but it's a much better story than the usual Gregory book.
April 9, 2025
It had a strong historical foundation, but the characters and writing felt more modern. I liked the combination - sometimes the distant past feels like an alien world, but they were people just like us. There were several different threads to this mystery that went in interesting directions. The main cast were flawed but generally likeable.
April 6, 2024
I thought myself clever that I'd guessed the main villain halfway through the book, but instead Susanna Gregory turned the plot on its head and I ended up being totally wrong.
4*s only because the cast of characters was so large as to be baffling at times.
4*s only because the cast of characters was so large as to be baffling at times.
August 8, 2018
This is well-written and has an historically accurate setting and cast, according to Gregory's information at the end. A nice pot-boiler that comes to an unexpected conclusion.
May 29, 2019
3.5 stars
An ok murder mystery. The characters are well written, but the plot tends to get bogged down in places. All-in-all, not a bad book.
An ok murder mystery. The characters are well written, but the plot tends to get bogged down in places. All-in-all, not a bad book.
July 6, 2019
another great addition to this Medieval mystery series, this one set distant from the protagonist's home ground in York, with its politics and different millieu
September 18, 2022
A good historical mystery . Susanna Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew book in the series was as good as the others.
September 24, 2022
Good history, tiresome characters.
They all bicker and quibble like a flock of old hens. I found it tiresome. Barely finished the book. No variety from book to book.
They all bicker and quibble like a flock of old hens. I found it tiresome. Barely finished the book. No variety from book to book.
December 27, 2024
This episode is set in York which adds to the interest.
January 17, 2024
As the title shows here, this book is the 17th in quite a substantial crime series. It is however the first one I've had the pleasure of reading, so everything was new to me.
Set in the mid-14th century, this particular adventure took place in York. These two aspects immediately gave me pleasure, as I knew little about either and wanted to know more. I found the style of writing very interesting too; although the cover tells us the protagonist is Matthew Bartholomew, he actually doesn't take centre stage until the end. Until then, he is just one of a bunch of people getting involved in a mystery, which becomes ever more entangled with suspicion and intrigue.
The plot takes place ten years after the Black Death has ravaged Europe, and during the Hundred Years War between England and France. The concern about French spies was referred to frequently in the book, and was a key factor in people's behaviour. The main storyline was about property, and the squabble between two religious sects as to who was going to inherit a church.
I enjoyed this book, but did find the myriad of characters quite confusing, along with the intentional confusion over whether they were goodies or baddies. Overall, however, it was a good read, excellent research, and I am sure I will enjoy reading more of her work.
Set in the mid-14th century, this particular adventure took place in York. These two aspects immediately gave me pleasure, as I knew little about either and wanted to know more. I found the style of writing very interesting too; although the cover tells us the protagonist is Matthew Bartholomew, he actually doesn't take centre stage until the end. Until then, he is just one of a bunch of people getting involved in a mystery, which becomes ever more entangled with suspicion and intrigue.
The plot takes place ten years after the Black Death has ravaged Europe, and during the Hundred Years War between England and France. The concern about French spies was referred to frequently in the book, and was a key factor in people's behaviour. The main storyline was about property, and the squabble between two religious sects as to who was going to inherit a church.
I enjoyed this book, but did find the myriad of characters quite confusing, along with the intentional confusion over whether they were goodies or baddies. Overall, however, it was a good read, excellent research, and I am sure I will enjoy reading more of her work.
July 5, 2012
Wow! A wild ride through 14 century York. This book is indeed a breathtaking ride. The setting for this the seventeenth book in the Matthew Bartholomew series is York in the mid 1300's. Matthew, his larger than life friend Michael, Headmaster Langellee and a lawyer from Michaelhouse, (their house of learning in Cambridge). Ms. Gregory is a wonderful author and her medieval series never disappoint. The pace in this book is breathtaking as Matt and his friends are trying to find evidence to claim a bequest that Michaelhouse had been promised. They are racing against a particularly ruthless and clever killer and they are also racing against the weather as the two rivers that run through York are in danger of overflowing their banks causing catastrophic floods. As usual there are many bodies along the way and a labyrinth of clues for Matt to follow. These books are so realistic and so true to history that it actually puts the reader right there in the setting of the novel. Ms. Gregory uses real historic figures as well as her wonderful fictional characters to tell her stories. I really enjoy both of her historical mystery series, but Matthew Bartholomew is a long-term favourite of mine. I look forward to each new installment in the series.
December 30, 2015
As much as I loved the setting of the novel (as a former York resident) I was disappointed by how slow moving the story was.
The main protagonist (Matthew) is a quick witted and intelligent medicine man who is called to be part of a team of scholars who need to sort out the ownership of a church in York which has been bequeathed to their Cambridge college by a former archbishop of York, now deceased. However, the main overseers of the Will have been dying at an alarming rate and, as well as trying to find if those deaths could have been prevented the ownership of the church is also called into question by some elders of a monastery.
The pace was very slow at points although it did pick up towards the end chapters. I think some prior knowledge of some of the characters was needed but it could work well as a standalone novel.
I have not been put off by reading something else by the same author but maybe this book is only for die hard fans of Susan Gregory or York!
The main protagonist (Matthew) is a quick witted and intelligent medicine man who is called to be part of a team of scholars who need to sort out the ownership of a church in York which has been bequeathed to their Cambridge college by a former archbishop of York, now deceased. However, the main overseers of the Will have been dying at an alarming rate and, as well as trying to find if those deaths could have been prevented the ownership of the church is also called into question by some elders of a monastery.
The pace was very slow at points although it did pick up towards the end chapters. I think some prior knowledge of some of the characters was needed but it could work well as a standalone novel.
I have not been put off by reading something else by the same author but maybe this book is only for die hard fans of Susan Gregory or York!
May 1, 2013
Mystery in the Minster is another excellent entry in the Matthew Bartholomew series by Susanna Gregory. Master Langelee takes Bartholomew, Brother Michael, and law professor Radeford to York, his old stomping ground, York, to contest with the new powers that be that a small parish was left to Michaelhouse by the dead archbishop.
With the setting in York and not in Cambridge, this is not a typical entry in the series. The above listed characters are the only recurring ones present in this volume. But the people of York are just as greedy and are just as willing to kill as the people of Cambridge, so we Matthew's and Michael's wits are put to the test as they try to keep the body count from rising further and get the inheritance all straightened away.
A flood in York adds to the suspense and drama. Fourteenth century Britain was a pretty lousy time and place to live.
With the setting in York and not in Cambridge, this is not a typical entry in the series. The above listed characters are the only recurring ones present in this volume. But the people of York are just as greedy and are just as willing to kill as the people of Cambridge, so we Matthew's and Michael's wits are put to the test as they try to keep the body count from rising further and get the inheritance all straightened away.
A flood in York adds to the suspense and drama. Fourteenth century Britain was a pretty lousy time and place to live.
July 30, 2015
I've always enjoyed Susanna Gregory's Matthew Bartholomew series. This book is number 17. I love the description of life in 14th century England. This time, Matthew is forced to go to York with a small group from Michaelhouse to dispute a claim for a parish church that would help improve its income. Of course, murder and intrigue seems to follow the good doctor. Maybe it's the change of scenery from Cambridge, but I found this book so much more enjoyable to read.
February 6, 2020
I got a third of the way through and gave up. I’ve read a few of Gregory’s books and they are dire. The woman is a terrible author: WHY do all her characters behave and speak as though they are in an Enid Blyton book? Dreadful childish dialogue, grown men making snippy stupid remarks that would make an even slightly self aware teenager blush!!!
I like the medieval subject matter but no. Just no. Life is too short to tolerate such crap writing.
I like the medieval subject matter but no. Just no. Life is too short to tolerate such crap writing.
January 7, 2012
I love this series. There are always new characters for a twist, but the main characters remain the same. It's like visiting with some old friends and listening while they tell you about their latest adventure. This time, Matthew and Michael get away from Cambridge. Matt hopes for some peace and quiet, but finds treachery and murder around every corner.
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