The Habit of Murder

Matthew Bartholomew #23

by Susanna Gregory

In 1360 a deputation from Cambridge ventures to the Suffolk town of Clare in the hope that the wealthy Elizabeth de Burgh has left a legacy to Michaelhouse. Yet when they arrive they discover that the report of her death is false and that the college seems destined for bankruptcy.

Determined to see if some of its well-heeled citizens can be persuaded to sponsor Michaelhouse, Matthew Bartholomew, Brother Michael and Master Langelee become enmeshed in the town's politics. They quickly discover that a great many other people in Clare have recently met untimely deaths. These killings, combined with the arrogance Lady de Burgh has shown over the refurbishment of the church and the grotesque behaviour of some of her entourage, have created a dangerous restlessness in the town: an atmosphere intensified when yet more murders occur.

One of the victims is a fellow traveller of the Michaelhouse contingent, and Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael feel honour-bound to identify his killer. It is a hunt which takes them deep into Clare's murky foundations and which threatens their own survival as well as that of their beloved college.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Medieval, Historical, British Literature, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2017

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 delightful mystery is already the 23rd instalment of the terrific "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles" series from the author, Susanna Gregory.

At first I would like to say that story-telling from the author is once again of a superb quality, all figures, whether they are great historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this historical medieval mystery, while the atmosphere and surroundings of Clare in Suffolk, England, come wonderfully off the pages.

Secondly at the beginning of the book there's a well-drawn map of Clare, Suffolk, England, in the AD 1300s, while at the end you'll see a very well documented Historical Note concerning this great mystery.

The book starts off with a two-part prologue, one set in Cambridge, 28 March AD 1346, when Richard de Badew is forced to make a quit-claim with the result that his University Hall will turn into Clare Hall, while the second is set in Clare, Suffolk, February AD 1360, with the death/murder of deputy Roger in the renovated parish church of Clare, and these two events will form the basis for the main story.

In an effort to raise money for the depleted coffers of Michaelhouse, Master Langelee, Brother Michael and Physician Matthew Bartholomew, set off to Clare in the expectation and believe to receive a donation from Elizabeth de Burgh, Lady de Clare, who supposedly has died, and in this mission they are accompanied by Donwich and Pulham from Clare Hall, and not to forget by the three scholars from Swinescroft, Badew, Harweden and Roos, but when they arrive only to find the Lady alive and well.

While staying at the Austin priory, Matthew and Michael, with the help of Master Langelee, are confronted with two more murders, that of the scholar, Roos from Swinescroft and Margery Marischal, wife of Marischal, the steward of the Lady de Clare, and so high time for our formidable duo to start investigating.

What will ensue is a thrilling medieval mystery, where more murders will occur, and backstabbing is happening all over the place, and after quite some eventful twists and turns, followed by an ingenious plot, Matthew and Michael will be able in the end to reveal the culprit(s) of these horrible murders.

Very much recommended, for this another superb addition to this tremendous series, and what this episode is concerned, I like to call it: "A Continuous Fantastic Murder Mystery"!

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael, Matthew and Langelee journey to Clare when they learn of the death of Elizabeth de Burgh, a wealthy lady who may or may not have left a legacy to Michaelhouse. Of course, there is lots of murder and mayhem — I think the environs near Cambridge rival Midsomer for DBs!

The ending is rather sad, IMO. Langelee is going resign as Master and go to France, while Matt will be marrying Mathilde at the end of the term. I’ve always liked Langelee.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. The interaction between Matthew and Brother Michael is always interesting add Master Langley into the mix and you get a good read. Despite the twists and turns they always get their man!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always like this series of books and feel one gets to know the main character Mathew Bartholomew and all his crime solving, but I guess for me they have settled into a general good read as opposed to a really extra specical read. sometimes I get a bit confused as to the characters as there are often so many but I will continue to read them as and when new ones emerge

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great medieval mystery, set this time in a small Suffolk town as opposed to Cambridge. Our two sleuths, Michael, the Benedictine monk and Bartholomew, the physician finally manage to solve the crimes. Always well plotted and amusing, Susannah Gregory`s books make relaxing reads.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1360. Various scholars including those from Michaelhouse travelled to Clare in Suffolk as they had been informed that Elizabeth de burgh had died. They all hope to receive gifts in her will. But not all is well in the town which has so far seen five suspicious deaths. But there will be more. Can Michael, Matthew and Langelee discover the guilty party.
An entertainingand well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters.

[Shar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read most of the books in this series over the years, I found this novel very enjoyable. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. There were various interesting male and female characters of various ages and social class: town, castle, priory, and visting scholars. There were a great number of charcters, as usual, but each person’s characteristics (personality, manners, dress) were so well described that I didn’t get confused. There were interesting comments about regret of past actions as we age, and the difficulty of balancing a demanding career with family life.

Possible spoilers:

My only complaint would be that there were some comments about “unwanted pregnacies” which I doubted people at that time would actually say. Such comments sounded very modern (from this decade) such as (not direct quotes): “my body, my business”, and “what does a man know about it?”, and “Oh, I am a man, so I really can’t comment about that”. Female characters often stated that too many women died in childbirth and that childbirth was dangerous. I am sure people at that time were aware of it, as they were aware of the great number of men dying in warfare, violent skirmishes, or dangerous jobs. I think women at that time, as they did up into quite modern times, quietly dealt with unwanted pregnancies through procedures, and adoption within or outside the family. I think people were practical, and didn’t make the comments written in this novel. These comments jarred me a bit, and brought me out of the book/era. I felt these were the author’s comments, not the medieval characters’.

However, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Mitch McCrimmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now I have read all 23 of this series, in order. The situations are not that original from book to book - similar grasping, self-serving, quite stupid characters constantly bickering over really trivial things, back-stabbing, all the rest. The enjoyable part for me is the humour. The exchanges between characters are so ridiculous that I can't help laughing. Only the setting is different in this one. Instead of familiar Cambridge, we spend the whole story in the small town of Clare, just about 25 miles south east of Cambridge. The whole tale is a farcical romp from beginning to end but great fun. As usual Dr. Bartholomew and his fat sidekick, Michael, solve the mystery of the murders. The endings are always similar - utter chaos but gripping suspense.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arrrggh! The series is over! No more Matthew, no more Michael, Langley, Mathilde, William...or the other host of delightfully eccentric medieval characters. No more Cambridge vs the town. Ahhh I am sad this ride is over. Its has been a pleasure to visit in 14th century Cambridge night after night and learn more about this time period and its craziness. I am truly hoping that there will be a couple more in this series in the future. It would be good to see where they all ended up!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this 23rd in the series having devoured all the others eagerly. I am sad it has ended, but hope for more in the future. I think the main plus for me over the whole series are the fantastically diverse array of characters the author describes. As there are always loads of suspects for the murders, it would be impossible to follow the plot if the characters were less well developed and individual. I particularly like the two main protagonists, Matthew and Michael, but the less prominenet ones are also enjoyable. Who wouldn't love John Clippesby, who eccentrically talks to the animals to gain insights, and the Master of Michaelhouse, Langelee, who is non-academic and loves camp-ball. The reader can really picture them in their mind and they become like old friends by the time you get to the end.
The plots are convoluted and ingenious and I have given up trying to work out 'whodunnit' - I just let the story flow and enjoy the ride!

[Charles Bevan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first Susanna Gregory I have started to read, but have given up half way through. It is an attempt at a poor mans “Shardlake” It even uses some of the phrases used by CJ Sansom in his more superior novels, but just doesn’t work . The plot - if there is one? Goes round and round the houses with the odd “God’s Blood” thrown in with tiresome dialogue until you get the point of no interest in any of the characters or what outcome there might be. It doesn’t take you anywhere, you don’t have any thirst to find out what might be coming- in short I just wanted to throw it in the bin and read something that might challenge me. I am amazed that this the 23rd Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew I hope the other 22 are not as banal. I won’t be bothering to look at any others by this author. Very, very poor

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the tragic news of the Lady of Clare's death reached Cambridge, the three groups of representatives from Michaelhouse, Clare Hall and Swinescroft Hostel traveled together for safety against bandits notorious for cutting off their victims' ears to her funeral in Clare in Suffolk only to find out upon arrival that Lady Elizabeth de Burgh was still on this side of the living. For obvious pecuniary reasons though moot, the Michaelhose contingent's presence at Clare was to find out whether the Lady left something for their College in her will. Given their lack of resources, the Michaelhouse men were able to find accommodations with Austins until the Queen's arrival when the monks were expected to house and feed some of her retinue. There was also the peculiar state of a so~called anchorite who was to Bartholomew strangely clean as to her person and her supposedly walled~in quarters. Then to their mortification and dismay the deaths at the Castle where the Lady of Clare and her entourage reside involved the murders at the Castle's water source of the steward's wife and her purported kinsman and lover... and him also a member of the Cambridge contingent. Michael and Matt were then obligated to investigate. This would be about revenge that would also lead to silencing those who know... plus some surprising revelations.

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mediaeval crime novel. Apparently this is the 23rd book in the series featuring amateur detective Matt Bartholomew. I had never read any of Susanna Gregory's books before but this worked perfectly well as a stand-alone. There is a good storyline and there are plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. For me, the most remarkable thing about the book was that the "cast list" was huge, yet the author somehow managed to introduce people in a way which meant I was never confused about who was who. Quite often a book will only have five or six characters and yet I can be half-way through and still be having trouble differentiating one from another without flicking back through the pages.

[Damien G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is set in the town of Clare where Matthew travels in the hope of a college bequest in the will of a Elizabeth de Burg. To their surprise she is alive and well Michaelhouse is broke and the Matt party will have to find new bequests. The town is in turmoil and during their stay murder raises its ugly head. I did enjoy it, but missed it being set in Cambridge. Despite this, it was a good read. Once again the author has researched the period, and I did like the characterization of the obnoxious squires with appalling dress sense.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from the adventures of Matthew and michael who are involved with several others in a series of murders while supposedly going to the funeral of Elizabeth de burgh, who ultimately is not dead. The story is convoluted with many characters unfamiliar to the reader but the action is fun and always interesting. I miss the other brothers of Mathew's mileau and will. be glad when he returns to his college at Michaelhouse. Still I am such an avid fan of this series that each additional book is a gift and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of this series that combines the best of historical research with a good puzzle/mystery. The protagonists journey to a town away from Cambridge where all kinds of politics and nastiness result in murders and suspicions and lots of jeopardy for Michael and Matthew. A good read based on real historical characters and places. The reader realizes that those who lived in Medieval times dealt with the same mix of motivations, corruptions, and manipulated politics that we experience, but with a level of violence almost unimaginable.

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

Devious minds

As usual, this mystery has a high body count. Some of the earlier deaths were possibly due to medical malpractice or were they? Langalee, Brother Michael, and Matthew have journeyed to Clare to drum up some money but soon get caught up in solving two deaths for a large reward. As the story progresses, there are some interesting characters and some nasty ones. This mystery also touches on women's reproductive rights and medieval abortions. It ends on a very satisfactory note and was great reading. Easier to read than some of her other books.

[Jean Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Susanna Gregory's books and this is no exception. I suspected the culprits but not the ending. I was taking a break from my recent Sci Fi splurge - too many came through from the library at once and all very long - too long in fact - so this was a light read for me. I love the way she uses facual people as her characters even though they are not true to their role in history. I've learned a lot along the way.

[Rebekka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment dragged on a bit, and it struggled to hold my attention. As the series has progressed, and I am close to the end of Bartholomew's and bro. Michael's adventures, I feel that the plot and narrative is not as meaty and imaginative as the books earlier on. That said, the author is beginning to close out some character story lines, and so far, they have mostly been positive. I am looking forward to a satisfying end to the series.

[Mikeh5972 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable investigation from Matthew and Brother Michael. As this story was set in Clare in Suffolk I felt that it missed out on some of the usual animosity between the Cambridge colleges for the stories set in the university. It is amazing how much murder goes on in small medieval towns. The odd surnames of the characters in the stories continues to amaze me.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of slow start, I felt, as many different characters needed to be introduced into the new setting of Clare, but after that a most convoluted tale of murder and mayhem. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I have been waiting with bated breath - for a couple of years now -to hear what Mathilde has been doing and how her arrival will change Matt 's life. Next book, perhaps??

[Sarah Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always reflect on the length of the Matthew Bartholomew books, and it tends to put me off but they are so well written, they actually read quite quickly. I gave this book 5* because I didn’t come close to guessing the truth despite collecting all the clues. I put them together completely wrong so for that top marks.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Matthew Bartholomew, Brother Michael, and Master Langelee go to the town of Clare in hopes of collecting some money from Lady Clare to keep Michaelhouse afloat. They discover several mysterious deaths. There is rancor between the town and the castle. More deaths occur. Matthew and Michael set about to solve the obvious murders and are almost killed themselves in the palace cistern.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like it. It's called the Matthew Barthholomew series, but he's not the one doing most of the investigating. The priest, Michael, does. There are too many names to keep straight - an index with the character's names and jobs would have been helpful, and the plot was too confusing. And I guessed the coup de grace a long time before it happened.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining historical murder mystery. There were a lot of characters to learn bur the book gave an inkling of what life in a medieval town might have been like. I loved consideration and exploration of women their position in society and their rights. It is interesting that twomena rights and choices about their bodies are still seen as controversial today.

[Deborah Grant-Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another twisting mystery with many dubious characters, and no shortage of motive. Amazed the author is still able to surprise us with different insights into medieval life this far into the series but they just keep coming.

[Own Timis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bartholomew books set outside Cambridge aren't always my favourite but I really enjoyed their time in Clare. Again a great cast of characters and a plot that kept me confounded until the last minute.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. There is some actual dectective work in this one. Matt, Michael and Langelee journey to Clare to attend the funeral of a benefactor, who turns out to be alive. They must solve a series of suspicious deaths if they are get the money to keep Michaelhouse going.

[Bernard Borman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

Plot undetectable, too many characters, storyline therefore difficult to follow. Author seems to have lost her way, should reassess approach.

[Mrs Dorothy Gromwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susanna Gregory does it again. !

Another great book. Keep's you hooked from start to finish ! cannot wait for the next one ! I hope there will be another in this story line !