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Matthew Bartholomew #24
The Sanctuary Murders
In 1360 Edward III issues a call to arms, as sporadic attacks by the French threaten to turn into a full-blown invasion. In Cambridge, fear of the enemy is magnified by the belief that foreign agents are lurking in the area. Tension runs ever higher as rumours and ignorance fan the flames of suspicion amid preparations for war.
And then the first murder occurs - of a French scholar living in the town.
At Michaelhouse, Brother Michael is now Master, but his reach of power in the University is under threat by the election of a new Chancellor and his cohort of dubious advisors. Soon, the Colleges begin to squabble amongst themselves, as well as with the town that never wanted a University in the first place.
Amidst this atmosphere of swelling distrust, physician Matthew Bartholomew is called upon to investigate mysterious deaths in a nearby hospital. He quickly realises that there is something odd about the inmates and their keepers - something dark and deadly, which seems to be connected to the growing number of murders in the town. Pressure mounts as the University and the town clamour for answers, leading Bartholomew and Michael in a frantic quest for a solution before the powder-keg of animosity in Cambridge is ignited.
And then the first murder occurs - of a French scholar living in the town.
At Michaelhouse, Brother Michael is now Master, but his reach of power in the University is under threat by the election of a new Chancellor and his cohort of dubious advisors. Soon, the Colleges begin to squabble amongst themselves, as well as with the town that never wanted a University in the first place.
Amidst this atmosphere of swelling distrust, physician Matthew Bartholomew is called upon to investigate mysterious deaths in a nearby hospital. He quickly realises that there is something odd about the inmates and their keepers - something dark and deadly, which seems to be connected to the growing number of murders in the town. Pressure mounts as the University and the town clamour for answers, leading Bartholomew and Michael in a frantic quest for a solution before the powder-keg of animosity in Cambridge is ignited.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
64 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Gregory
89 books433 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
August 24, 2020
This amazing mystery is already the 24th volume of the very delightful "Matthew Bartholomew" chronicles, from the wonderful author, Susanna Gregory.
Once more is the story-telling from this author of a top-notch quality, she produces characters who come all vividly to life within this great mystery, and the hostile warlike atmosphere of Cambridge in the AD 1360s come superbly off the pages.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, in the AD 1360s, while at the back you'll notice a very well researched and documented Historic Note, accompanied with several other educational explanations.
The book starts off with a two-part prologue with England still at war with France, one set in March with a French invasion of Winchelsea, the other set in April, AD 1360, with the first murder of the French scholar, Baldwin de Paris in Cambridge, and these two events in that prologue will form the important basis for the main story to come.
The main story begins in early May, AD 1360, when more murders occur, of a French citizen in Cambridge, being the merchant, Jean Bonet, and refugees, in the form of the Girard family who are seeking shelter at the Spital, and thus high time for Matthew, Brother Michael and Sheriff Tulyet to come into action and start investigating these horrible murders.
Not only the threat of the supposedly French invasion is hampering their investigations, but also the treacherous hostilities between gown and town, and in this dangerous atmosphere Matthew, Brother Michael and Sheriff Tulyet must try to entangle the threads of deceit and death, at the same time with the hope to solve these murders in time before Cambridge erupts in total deadly chaos.
What is to follow is an ingenious and intriguing mystery into which our friends, Matthew, Brother Michael, and Sheriff Tulyet, must do their utmost to save Cambridge from death and destruction, and so in a desperate effort they will definitely catch and reveal the surprising culprit(s) of these murders, all committed out of superstition, spite, intolerance and of course the lust for power.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent additional volume of a fantastic series, and what this episode is concerned, I like to call it: "Another Astounding Medieval Murder Mystery"!
Once more is the story-telling from this author of a top-notch quality, she produces characters who come all vividly to life within this great mystery, and the hostile warlike atmosphere of Cambridge in the AD 1360s come superbly off the pages.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, in the AD 1360s, while at the back you'll notice a very well researched and documented Historic Note, accompanied with several other educational explanations.
The book starts off with a two-part prologue with England still at war with France, one set in March with a French invasion of Winchelsea, the other set in April, AD 1360, with the first murder of the French scholar, Baldwin de Paris in Cambridge, and these two events in that prologue will form the important basis for the main story to come.
The main story begins in early May, AD 1360, when more murders occur, of a French citizen in Cambridge, being the merchant, Jean Bonet, and refugees, in the form of the Girard family who are seeking shelter at the Spital, and thus high time for Matthew, Brother Michael and Sheriff Tulyet to come into action and start investigating these horrible murders.
Not only the threat of the supposedly French invasion is hampering their investigations, but also the treacherous hostilities between gown and town, and in this dangerous atmosphere Matthew, Brother Michael and Sheriff Tulyet must try to entangle the threads of deceit and death, at the same time with the hope to solve these murders in time before Cambridge erupts in total deadly chaos.
What is to follow is an ingenious and intriguing mystery into which our friends, Matthew, Brother Michael, and Sheriff Tulyet, must do their utmost to save Cambridge from death and destruction, and so in a desperate effort they will definitely catch and reveal the surprising culprit(s) of these murders, all committed out of superstition, spite, intolerance and of course the lust for power.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent additional volume of a fantastic series, and what this episode is concerned, I like to call it: "Another Astounding Medieval Murder Mystery"!
August 7, 2022
1360 Because of the threat of a French invasion tensions run high between the town and university in Cambridge. Then the first death occurs. How many more die before Michael and Matthew uncover the guilty party.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery in this series.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery in this series.
September 8, 2022
Quite a good book and well worth a read
August 2, 2019
Another engrossing book by Susanna Gregory
I am so glad I discovered this author years ago on a trip to England. I have had many happy hours following Mathew and Michael and I hope this series will continue for many more episodes. The characters are interesting, the plots twist and turn, and the historical Cambridge is perfect. Thanks, Ms Gregory!
I am so glad I discovered this author years ago on a trip to England. I have had many happy hours following Mathew and Michael and I hope this series will continue for many more episodes. The characters are interesting, the plots twist and turn, and the historical Cambridge is perfect. Thanks, Ms Gregory!
September 7, 2020
A return to form in this book I think. This was a good tense storyline and interesting characters. Up to the standard of earlier Matthew Bartholomew books and much better than the more recent ones.
August 31, 2025
Another great adventure with Bartholomew
Two great main characters Michael and Bartholomew leave you wanting to follow where they lead. A story of terror, revenge and superstition ignite the fires between the University and townsfolk in Cambridge. There is many twists and turns to this plot it may require the devil himself to help Bartholomew out of this one. I will be waiting with impatience for the next in the series.
Two great main characters Michael and Bartholomew leave you wanting to follow where they lead. A story of terror, revenge and superstition ignite the fires between the University and townsfolk in Cambridge. There is many twists and turns to this plot it may require the devil himself to help Bartholomew out of this one. I will be waiting with impatience for the next in the series.
September 7, 2019
Written for Brexit?
December 25, 2019
I love this series set in 14th century Cambridge. 24 books in and everyone is still as mad as a box of frogs. Long may it continue.
July 31, 2021
This one had its roots on the tragedy that had befallen the port town of Winchelsea in Sussex. The French had landed in the town and massacred every man, woman and child found on the streets... including rape, pillage and burn. Some had escaped and some settled in the University Town of Cambridge and had become well~known hardworking upstanding citizens only to be later on murdered... they were of French extraction. At the time of the massacre, the Mayor of Winchelsea was out for a tryst with the miller's wife when he saw the French fleet about to land... instead of giving the hue and cry so his constituents could at least escape or defend themselves, he cowardly hid and let the Enemy do his worst. After the attack, he left his hiding place and when his lover's husband wanted to fight some drunk remnants of the invaders, he let the miller be killed by the stragglers and again hid... his shame overcame by his cowardice. To hide his want of courage and ineffectiveness as a town leader, he put out that the French residents who for years had settled in Winchelsea were spies and had reported back to their masters the perfect time to attack on market day when the lying Mayor was out of town so he could not organize the town's defenses (as he deluded himself into believing)... it was based on this false account told to the murderer that the deaths were visited upon Cambridge where the killer and the unwitting victims met. Some other victims were French war refugees being hidden for a price at the Spital Hospital.
February 23, 2020
We are moving to a new chapter in Mathew's life he is shortly to get married,and leave Michaelhouse.Before this he is called upon to solve a series of murders.The fear of a French invasion leads to trouble in Cambridge.The town and scholars are united in mutual hatred of each other.Added to the mix is the rivalry within Michaelhouse.Brother Michael with Matthew are determined to find the culprit, while preventing a clash between town and gown.It book which has many interesting characters.I took a quick dislike to Sr Alice,her bitchiness goes to show not all nuns are parigans of virtue.The description of infighting of the nuns is humourous.The series portrays medieval Cambridge in great detail and enlightens us on the practise of medicine.I am looking forward to finding out how Mathew copes with being married,and a secular medical man.
August 9, 2019
Every time another book in the series is released, it's like being reunited with all my old friends from Michaelhouse. I have a soft spot for all of them (even William!) which I think is a testament to Ms Gregory's skill as a writer. I don't want them ever to end. I know Matt is about to marry Matilde and leave the college, but surely he can still help Brother Michael solve crimes? I hope so or I'm going to be very sad!
January 29, 2021
Matthew and brother Michael are solving murders while the town and gown are at each others throats. Both groups become united to look for French soldiers and sympathizers after an English town is decimated by French troops. Michael is responsible for a group of nuns who are nearby for a conference.
May 13, 2021
Is this the best Matthew Bartholomew yet?
This book is vintage Susanna Gregory. In my view she is without parallel in the historical mystery genre. The historical context is excellent and the word pictures she paints of the characters are vivid, helped in no small part by an excellent narrator. I have all 24 books and am looking forward to the 25th!
This book is vintage Susanna Gregory. In my view she is without parallel in the historical mystery genre. The historical context is excellent and the word pictures she paints of the characters are vivid, helped in no small part by an excellent narrator. I have all 24 books and am looking forward to the 25th!
September 26, 2021
I enjoyed this historical romp through medieval Cambridge which painted a picture of a difficult past in which racism was alive and well. The underlying detective story also ended with a very different perpetrator to the one that I identified. A mark of good writing is misdirection which Susanna Gregory achieved well.
October 24, 2022
Really sloppy editing, for example:
1. The Magistra Kathryn, in one scene, said "I was reading, not on another planet". I wasn't aware that anyone alive in 1360 was aware of the existence of planets;
2. incorrect use of plural form rather than singular, on more than one occasion;
3. several instances of modern terms.
1. The Magistra Kathryn, in one scene, said "I was reading, not on another planet". I wasn't aware that anyone alive in 1360 was aware of the existence of planets;
2. incorrect use of plural form rather than singular, on more than one occasion;
3. several instances of modern terms.
August 24, 2019
well, I did like it but maybe not as much as previous Matthew Bartholomew stories. I found this one a bit too longwinded and so many twists and turns but I do like the characters and especially Matthew Bartholomew and for that reason, all these books are good.
January 12, 2021
Back in Cambridge amidst much turmoil. The new "triumvirate" leading the University is trying to discredit Michael. Are there French spies amongst the town and University? Another winning addition to the Matthew Bartholomew series.
January 28, 2021
I love this series and was excited when I realised there was a new title that I hadn’t read. Love the ‘Chicken Debate.’ Maybe a little slower than previous titles but still great! Can’t wait to have Matilda back - finally, hopefully!
March 24, 2021
Excellent
As an ardent admirer of the author and this series this episode, once again throughout, kept me uncertain but, naturally, the clever Monk and healer didn't let us down. Brilliant!
As an ardent admirer of the author and this series this episode, once again throughout, kept me uncertain but, naturally, the clever Monk and healer didn't let us down. Brilliant!
September 4, 2022
What was once a great series is really running out of steam and becoming predictable. If it wasn't for my fondness for the characters I would rate it lower. I fully recommend people read the first few books as it was a great series.
August 28, 2024
I thought that I was ready to get back into reading books in this series But I truly wasn't Period the characters are just too ridiculous and I can't get back into it. The mystery was fine. But I'm tired of Michael and all the crazy people who are teachers!
August 13, 2019
Excellent
Yet again another great read from the author, please continue to glue us to Matthew and Michael in Cambridge with the usual cast around them.
Yet again another great read from the author, please continue to glue us to Matthew and Michael in Cambridge with the usual cast around them.
August 20, 2019
Having read the whole series I found this one hard going
August 26, 2019
Always excited to see a new Matthew Bartholomew book and it didn't disappoint. Book 24 in the series and as strong as ever.
January 14, 2020
This is an interesting book with the way that the different monks from different orders interact.
May 25, 2020
Great, as allways
October 8, 2020
Familiar characters, racy plot, nicely tied into contemporary events, could do with a little more editing to avoid repetitions. Missed Mathilde.
March 24, 2021
Loved it. One of my favorite authors. But now I have to wait for the next book.
December 6, 2021
This is another of Matthew Bartholomew"s stories that I enjoy. It has so many twists and turns that I didn't guess who did the murders. I hope this series continues when Matthew marries.
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February 15, 2022The ultimate villain is always the one least likely to be suspected. Excellent historical fiction; the next to last in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews