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Matthew Bartholomew #8
A Summer of Discontent
It is 1354, and the Bishop of Ely has been accused of a most terrible murder. Glovere was steward to Lady Blanche de Wake, a close relative of the King. A malicious gossip, his body was discovered days after the Bishop had publicly threatened him. Protesting his innocence, the Bishop summons Cambridge proctor Brother Michael to help clear his name. When Michael and his friend, Matthew Bartholomew, inspect the body, they realize someone has stabbed him quite precisely in the back of the neck. When two similar murders are discovered, it is clear that whoever the murderer is, he is getting better and better at his modus operandi.
520 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2002
47 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Gregory
86 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 66 reviews
November 1, 2019
This exciting historical mystery is the 8th episode of the wonderful "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles" from the author, Susanna Gregory.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of a place called, Ely, England, at around AD 1354, and this is the place where this mystery is situated, and also the See of the Bishop of Ely.
The historical details concerning this wonderful tale can be found at the end of the book within the Historical Note, and these details are superbly documented and explained by the author.
Storytelling is once more of a superb quality, the characters, whether they are real historical or great fictional and whether they are figuring in a major or minor part, come all vividly to life within this mystery, and not to forget the atmosphere of these medieval times come beautifully off the pages.
The book starts off with a two-part prologue which is set in February, AD 1354, and this will be the important basis for the main historical mystery.
The main story is set in Ely, in the month of August, AD 1354, and our formidable duo, Doctor Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael will come once again into full action, and this time in an effort to save Bishop Thomas de Lisle of Ely from an accusation of murder, an accusation made by Lady Blanche de Wake, kinswoman of King Edward III.
What is to follow is an exciting mystery where murder is rife, where royal, religious and political intrigue is a everyday occurrence, and where Brother Michael and Doctor Matthew are being led a merry-go-round in their investigations to find the killer of these murders, before a kind of breakthrough afford them to locate the surprising murderer and his accomplices, and in the end be able to solve this case in this world of power, mayhem and murder.
Very much recommended, for this is truly a great series and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Mystery To My Complete Contentment"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of a place called, Ely, England, at around AD 1354, and this is the place where this mystery is situated, and also the See of the Bishop of Ely.
The historical details concerning this wonderful tale can be found at the end of the book within the Historical Note, and these details are superbly documented and explained by the author.
Storytelling is once more of a superb quality, the characters, whether they are real historical or great fictional and whether they are figuring in a major or minor part, come all vividly to life within this mystery, and not to forget the atmosphere of these medieval times come beautifully off the pages.
The book starts off with a two-part prologue which is set in February, AD 1354, and this will be the important basis for the main historical mystery.
The main story is set in Ely, in the month of August, AD 1354, and our formidable duo, Doctor Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael will come once again into full action, and this time in an effort to save Bishop Thomas de Lisle of Ely from an accusation of murder, an accusation made by Lady Blanche de Wake, kinswoman of King Edward III.
What is to follow is an exciting mystery where murder is rife, where royal, religious and political intrigue is a everyday occurrence, and where Brother Michael and Doctor Matthew are being led a merry-go-round in their investigations to find the killer of these murders, before a kind of breakthrough afford them to locate the surprising murderer and his accomplices, and in the end be able to solve this case in this world of power, mayhem and murder.
Very much recommended, for this is truly a great series and what this episode is concerned I like to call it: "A Mystery To My Complete Contentment"!
December 22, 2021
Another excellent installment in this series. In this one, Michael and Bartholomew, along with Cynric and Beadle Meadowman, are in Ely, Michael having been summoned by Bishop de Lisle to investigate an accusation of murder made against him by a female relative of the King. While they are investigating, though, several other murders occur, all by the same method.
I actually figured out the murderer in this one. Ms. Gregory pointed out the many reasons why it couldn’t be this person and naturally, that made me suspicious.
As always, the historical bits, and notes at the end are fascinating.
I actually figured out the murderer in this one. Ms. Gregory pointed out the many reasons why it couldn’t be this person and naturally, that made me suspicious.
As always, the historical bits, and notes at the end are fascinating.
August 19, 2017
Just too many things going on at once. I still love this series though.
August 14, 2017
I didn't like this volume as much as the others in the series. It's set at Ely, near where some of my ancestors settled much later than the Medieval period setting of the mystery. This novel isn't as engaging as the prior volumes in the series to me because it's just too much--too many deaths, too convenient for not being detected. It stretches credulity too far, and has too many villains! And the solution isn't very satisfying.
September 21, 2016
This one was more obvious than most simply because there was only one person you didn't expect. Not my favorite way of picking the bad guy but still one of my favorite duos to read about.
April 22, 2021
I’m am enjoying this series... really, I am. However, this one just kept spinning in place. I found myself exasperated & disappointed. The ending made sense, so I’m good now.
Meanwhile, I do want to recommend the Historical Notes!!! Suzanna’s research is impressive & illuminating.
Meanwhile, I do want to recommend the Historical Notes!!! Suzanna’s research is impressive & illuminating.
April 22, 2021
2.0. So really disappointing. I love Dr. Bartholomew. He really doesn't need a sidekick, especially not one like Brother Michael who is so self-serving and manipulative. He treats Bartholomew so badly and as a result the good doctor is minimized by putting up with it. In addition to that the series has given Michael a bigger and bigger role and spends way too much time talking about fat white ankles, obesity, gluttony, eating, Etc. We get the point already! Michael is fat. His fellow monks are fat. They all are more concerned about eating as much as they can than about anything Godly. This book take place in Ely at Michael's Priory. All of the monks are unlikeable creatures either because they are weak or because they are just bad. The bishop, his niece and his servant or unlikable people. Most of the townspeople that are encountered in the book or unlikable. Other than the romantic almost interest, the gypsies are unlikable. So what can we expect except that the book will be unlikable.
Then there is the plot itself. It is over 500 pages of talking about eating and multiple deaths and lots and lots of stuff thrown into the pot. Although I like Dr. Bartholomew a great deal and I like the variety of characters in Cambridge, the author has added too much distasteful stuff to the mix. I will probably try the next book but, if it is more of the same, it will probably be the last. Which makes me very sad because the series started off so well,
Finally there is the narration for the audiobook. The narrator doesn't do much for the story. He doesn't provide a lot of inflection. When he comes to dramatic or exciting part like a fight scene he simply talks faster rather than changing his inflection a great deal. And his voice for Michael probably adds to my dislike for the character. Michael's sounds condescending and whiny and demanding all at the same time.
Then there is the plot itself. It is over 500 pages of talking about eating and multiple deaths and lots and lots of stuff thrown into the pot. Although I like Dr. Bartholomew a great deal and I like the variety of characters in Cambridge, the author has added too much distasteful stuff to the mix. I will probably try the next book but, if it is more of the same, it will probably be the last. Which makes me very sad because the series started off so well,
Finally there is the narration for the audiobook. The narrator doesn't do much for the story. He doesn't provide a lot of inflection. When he comes to dramatic or exciting part like a fight scene he simply talks faster rather than changing his inflection a great deal. And his voice for Michael probably adds to my dislike for the character. Michael's sounds condescending and whiny and demanding all at the same time.
July 7, 2011
When a series of books is set in a particular location, setting one of the stories elsewhere can be a bit of a risk, especially in a series like this where the location is such a feature of the books that it almost takes on the status of a character.
However, Susanna Gregory's writing ability seems to have improved with each successive story and in this one, set in Ely rather than the usual Cambridge, she paints such a vivid picture of the town and priory that the change in location added to my enjoyment of the story rather than detracting from it.
The central characters of Michael and Bartholomew are one of the other pleasures in the series and they are as well portrayed as always. This is something else that seems to improve a little with each book.
The story is quite incident-packed and moves along at a good pace. Whilst the resolution of the mystery was slightly wacky that's kind of par for the course with this series, and I read them more for the characters and the portrait of medieval life (though I've no idea how accurate it is) than to find out whodunnit.
However, Susanna Gregory's writing ability seems to have improved with each successive story and in this one, set in Ely rather than the usual Cambridge, she paints such a vivid picture of the town and priory that the change in location added to my enjoyment of the story rather than detracting from it.
The central characters of Michael and Bartholomew are one of the other pleasures in the series and they are as well portrayed as always. This is something else that seems to improve a little with each book.
The story is quite incident-packed and moves along at a good pace. Whilst the resolution of the mystery was slightly wacky that's kind of par for the course with this series, and I read them more for the characters and the portrait of medieval life (though I've no idea how accurate it is) than to find out whodunnit.
November 15, 2020
I'm afraid this series is done for me. The ending was completely implausible and silly. I also find the main characters are becoming inconsistent in order to accommodate the supposed mystery of whodunnit. There are so many better books out there to read rather than waste any more time with this drivel.
April 7, 2018
This is the 11th novel I have read in this series and probably the last. I always enjoy learning more details of medieval life, the relationship between town and clergy, and the friendly banter between Matthew and Michael. This one takes place in Ely, which tells us more about Michael’s abbot, and the interplay between abbot and prior, as well as that between town and priory. I find it useful to read the Historical Notes (at the end of the novel) first.
Unfortunately, as many others have written, it becomes obvious that the author writes by a formula and the identification of the villain becomes predictable. Whoever seems kind, gentle, and selfless is shown, at the end, to be mentally unstable. Almost all the other characters are absolutely detestable: excessively selfish, greedy, incompetent, arrogant, or purely evil. Too many over-the-top nasty characters.
We see that life in 1354 was extremely harsh for peasants as they most often can not even afford to buy bread due to the incredible greed or incompetence of landowners (here, the priory). There is the threat of insurrection as peasants are stretched to the limit and some of them try to incite the masses to revolt. I had just previously read The Lost Abbot which had a similar theme.
The author shows Michael as a huge glutton (one scene of monks stuffing themselves at a meal was off-putting). He is unwilling to see a connection between the surfeit of food at the priory and the peasants’ poverty. Also, I was disgusted early on by the prior’s inability as a leader or administrator. He had no interest in making sure that the principal monks (treasurer, almoner, etc) were competent, causing the great suffering of peasants, and ultimately, murder.
As usual, the plot was convoluted with far too many suspects. I skipped whole paragraphs as Matt and Michael discussed the possible motives of their suspects. Towards the end, when it was revealed that there were three murderers, I just stopped caring and lost interest.
The fate of a youth, Julian, who didn’t want to work in the hospital and stated he was better suited to being a warrior, was a shock. The treatment of a mentally disabled girl was also unsettling.
If you like medieval mysteries, this novel may be for you, but take a break before reading another book in this series as Susanna Gregory tends to write by a formula.
Unfortunately, as many others have written, it becomes obvious that the author writes by a formula and the identification of the villain becomes predictable. Whoever seems kind, gentle, and selfless is shown, at the end, to be mentally unstable. Almost all the other characters are absolutely detestable: excessively selfish, greedy, incompetent, arrogant, or purely evil. Too many over-the-top nasty characters.
We see that life in 1354 was extremely harsh for peasants as they most often can not even afford to buy bread due to the incredible greed or incompetence of landowners (here, the priory). There is the threat of insurrection as peasants are stretched to the limit and some of them try to incite the masses to revolt. I had just previously read The Lost Abbot which had a similar theme.
The author shows Michael as a huge glutton (one scene of monks stuffing themselves at a meal was off-putting). He is unwilling to see a connection between the surfeit of food at the priory and the peasants’ poverty. Also, I was disgusted early on by the prior’s inability as a leader or administrator. He had no interest in making sure that the principal monks (treasurer, almoner, etc) were competent, causing the great suffering of peasants, and ultimately, murder.
As usual, the plot was convoluted with far too many suspects. I skipped whole paragraphs as Matt and Michael discussed the possible motives of their suspects. Towards the end, when it was revealed that there were three murderers, I just stopped caring and lost interest.
The fate of a youth, Julian, who didn’t want to work in the hospital and stated he was better suited to being a warrior, was a shock. The treatment of a mentally disabled girl was also unsettling.
If you like medieval mysteries, this novel may be for you, but take a break before reading another book in this series as Susanna Gregory tends to write by a formula.
September 23, 2023
A good proportion of my enjoyment of these books is that they're set in the cities I know well and I particularly enjoyed the history of Ely as a pre-draining-of-the-fens small city dominated by religious buildings.
Without that personal connection, I probably would have docked a star.
Non-specific spoilers ahead: The mystery was convoluted and rested on a few weird coincidences. It feels like messy writing that characters were apparently convinced someone was crushed by falling masonry but then she were completely fine with not even a scratch. I can't really picture what that looks like: Was she visibly under a chunk of rock? If not, why didn't they check on her? If she was under at least some debris, how was she totally uninjured? Add to that, she was still & silent during the dramatic moment they all thought she'd died but luckily regained consciousness right at the dramatic/comic moment for the reveal... or that more than one hand to hand fights ended with both main protagonists totally unable to identify who they were fighting with. I get that medieval buildings are dark at night but there seemed to be a lot of plot-driven, witness-couldn't-quite-work-something-out-until-a-convenient-moment. Just a lot of coincidence.
Gregory continues to be a bit oddly concerned with characters overeating and how "grotesque" fat people are, and her depiction of a woman who is implied to have learning difficulties and enjoy sex is also problematic.
Despite all that, I'll probably continue to read a couple of these a year and enjoy the historical atmosphere
Without that personal connection, I probably would have docked a star.
Non-specific spoilers ahead: The mystery was convoluted and rested on a few weird coincidences. It feels like messy writing that characters were apparently convinced someone was crushed by falling masonry but then she were completely fine with not even a scratch. I can't really picture what that looks like: Was she visibly under a chunk of rock? If not, why didn't they check on her? If she was under at least some debris, how was she totally uninjured? Add to that, she was still & silent during the dramatic moment they all thought she'd died but luckily regained consciousness right at the dramatic/comic moment for the reveal... or that more than one hand to hand fights ended with both main protagonists totally unable to identify who they were fighting with. I get that medieval buildings are dark at night but there seemed to be a lot of plot-driven, witness-couldn't-quite-work-something-out-until-a-convenient-moment. Just a lot of coincidence.
Gregory continues to be a bit oddly concerned with characters overeating and how "grotesque" fat people are, and her depiction of a woman who is implied to have learning difficulties and enjoy sex is also problematic.
Despite all that, I'll probably continue to read a couple of these a year and enjoy the historical atmosphere
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
Matt was accompanied by Michael, guarded by Cynric and Meadowland, to Ely. Matt was given permission to research further his treatise on fevers and the Monk was summoned by his Bishop so Michael could extricate him from the stigma of murder. The Bishop was accused of murdering the Duchess of Lancaster's obnoxious steward... given both parties' enmity the murder was not too difficult to believe. Given also their present acrimony, one would never believe that the Bishop and the Duchess were once lovers. Blanche, before she married her Molly Duke, had several lovers and one of them was the Bishop of Ely, Thomas de Lisle. He got her pregnant and she tried to get rid of the baby... but was unsuccessful and thus gave birth to the Holy Harlot. She was called Tysilia and she was made known to all and sundry to be the Bishop's niece. Unfortunately, she was born without wits as well as without morals (though she drew the line on incest) and apparently the lust that brought her parents together was her only legacy aside from her beauty. Her father~uncle fostered her to relatives and then to various convents, and all had the same complaints ~ she had sex with almost all the men in her vicinity (only those with well~muscled legs and thighs). Matt did not get far with his research, the death of the steward was just the beginning of a string of murders and all the victims had in common was that, they were all bad men. Another good mix of Hilarity and Mystery.
March 2, 2018
Benedictine Brother Michael is summoned to Ely by the bishop to investigate a suspicious death. When he and physician Matthew Bartholomew inspect the body, they realise the dead man was murdered by being stabbed in the back of the neck. When two more locals die, Michael comes under pressure to resolve the crime quickly.
This wasn't my favourite from this series for a couple of reasons. First, the setting moving from Cambridge to Ely. Although it was quite interesting to learn about another medieval town, I really missed the lively University life and the escapades of the students. More importantly, the murder count rises at such a rate that it becomes pretty obvious who the murderer is - most of the other suspects have been killed off! So there is not much suspense.
Brother Michael and Bartholomew are great characters, and their squabbles are as amusing as ever. The corruption and venality of the medieval monks are also really well described, as are the various unsavoury townsfolk who appear. Overall, though, this one was a bit too subdued for me.
This wasn't my favourite from this series for a couple of reasons. First, the setting moving from Cambridge to Ely. Although it was quite interesting to learn about another medieval town, I really missed the lively University life and the escapades of the students. More importantly, the murder count rises at such a rate that it becomes pretty obvious who the murderer is - most of the other suspects have been killed off! So there is not much suspense.
Brother Michael and Bartholomew are great characters, and their squabbles are as amusing as ever. The corruption and venality of the medieval monks are also really well described, as are the various unsavoury townsfolk who appear. Overall, though, this one was a bit too subdued for me.
April 21, 2021
The Matthew Bartholomew series is one of my favourite series of historical crime novels, set in late Medieval Cambridge and the surrounding area . I love the characters of the physician Matthew and his friend Michael the Benedictine Monk and visiting their world is a great pleasure.
In this novel, Michael is summoned by the Bishop of Ely to clear his name following the murder of a townsman. He takes Matthew (reluctantly) with him, and many more murders follow. The plot becomes rather labyrinthine and the book is perhaps overlong, but I enjoyed it and the setting in the city of Ely which I know fairly well. I will always think of the 'murderous monks' whenever I visit in the future!
In this novel, Michael is summoned by the Bishop of Ely to clear his name following the murder of a townsman. He takes Matthew (reluctantly) with him, and many more murders follow. The plot becomes rather labyrinthine and the book is perhaps overlong, but I enjoyed it and the setting in the city of Ely which I know fairly well. I will always think of the 'murderous monks' whenever I visit in the future!
June 30, 2017
In this one, Matthew joins his friend Michael for a trip to Ely, Michael has been summoned by his bishop, Matthew wants to continue working on his treatise on fevers in the priory library. Of course, Michael turns out to be summoned as there has been a murder and Matthew ends up helping to investigate. It soon turns out that there was more than one body and the body count continues to mount up.
I generally prefer Matthew Bartholomew books that are set in Cambridge but it was good to see Matthew travelling again, particularly to another location in the Fens that I know.
I generally prefer Matthew Bartholomew books that are set in Cambridge but it was good to see Matthew travelling again, particularly to another location in the Fens that I know.
March 25, 2018
Ugh, what a slog. This book was way too long and there was way too much going on. I knew that this book had jumped the rails when it turned out that the killer's real problem was his addiction to the use of hemp! The strange thing is that you think that as much space as Gregory takes up, she wouldn't make illogical leaps in her story. Sometimes characters just say and assume things for which there is no basis in the text. Makes for a very disjointed read at times. This one might have soured me on the Bartholomew series for a way.
February 24, 2020
I did enjoy reading this book. However, so many murders, it was easy to discover who was the murderer. I do enjoy the description and atmosphere of Susanna's Medieval Cambridge and in this case Ely. I do feel she harps on too much on the gluttony aspect of her characters. It is very nauseating. However, I do except gluttony was rife in those people that were rich, they didn't have much of a past time except eating. I do love the banter between Michael and Matthew but sometimes, when reading Michael's eating habits puts me off him.
All in all a good read!
All in all a good read!
October 23, 2024
When Brother Michael is ordered to Ely by the bishop, Matthew Bartholomew travels with him in the hopes of exploring the library there and completing his treatise on fevers. As one can expect in A Summer of Discontent it doesn't turn out to be that simple.
The Bishop of Ely has been accused of murder and expects Michael to clear him and Michael expects Matthew to help him solve the murder. One should not be surprised when there is more than one.
The Bishop of Ely has been accused of murder and expects Michael to clear him and Michael expects Matthew to help him solve the murder. One should not be surprised when there is more than one.
August 19, 2022
This was leisurely... Super leisurely, 500 pages worth of leisurely. I don't think there was enough twists and turns to warrant 500 pages, I skipped 50 or so only to find nothing had happened and I'd not missed anything.
Maybe a better editor. Gregory also needs to work on the dialogue between characters which I don't find convincing myself.
Apart from that, good holiday read and interesting discovering more about Ely and the lives of monks.
Maybe a better editor. Gregory also needs to work on the dialogue between characters which I don't find convincing myself.
Apart from that, good holiday read and interesting discovering more about Ely and the lives of monks.
January 16, 2018
Pretty solid. Accidentally read this before reading #7... kind of spoilery, but necessary given the repeating characters. More info on how the church was organized at the time, and how they interacted with the town. Also like the end bits where the original historical notes are provided for context.
August 17, 2018
For the very first time Gregory's books I spotted the killer almost immediately, so I'm very proud of myself. Having said that, I must confess that this is not my favourite among Matthew Bartholomew's chronicles. I've found it a bit slow and boring at certain points, though it recovers towards the end. Anyway, I still remain a huge fan of the series and I can't wait to read more.
June 16, 2017
A compelling read (too compelling - finished at 3am) A strange variety of people get killed, mostly in a way that is almost (but not to Bartholomew) undetectable. The answer may surprise you, it did me.
March 2, 2018
another excellent book in the Matthew Barthomolew series, i have read others, not necessarily in the right order, but its not vital to do so, unless you are passionate about the chronological order of Barthomolews life and exploits. Each book does stand alone
December 22, 2021
Well, it's been 8 days and two books since I read it, and I now can remember nothing about what happened. A bunch of people probably died? And monks were probably shown to be at least as flawed as the townspeople? I remember enjoying reading it, though.
September 5, 2022
As with all the books in this series, the plot moves very slowly with very little sub-plot to keep the reader entertained. I've now read 8 books in the series and will likely move on to something else for a while. I truly wish Ellis Peters had written more in the Cadfael series.
May 31, 2024
Michael and Matthew are at Michael’s home priory of Ely for this episode where numerous members of both the priory and the town are killed and Matthew’s attempts to spend time in the library are thwarted.
January 12, 2018
Good story. Somewhat slow at times, which is typical of this series. But, this also seemed a bit far fetched at times with about 10 deaths by the end!
June 8, 2019
Practically everyone is guilty of murder in this medieval historical novel.
March 31, 2020
Another great instalment of the Matthew bartholomew chronicles. I think this is the first one I have read where I actually guessed the murderer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews