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Matthew Bartholomew #25
The Chancellor's Secret
In 1360, the Great Bridge over the River Cam is close to collapse. To repair it will cost the town and the University dear, especially if its rotten wood is replaced by more durable stone. As arguments rage over raising the money other, equally heated, differences are coming to the boil over the election of a new Chancellor. While the majority support Brother Michael for the post, at least one of his opponents aims to seize it by fair means or foul. Then the discovery of a body under the bridge and the disappearance of two scholars throws a more sinister shadow over both disputes.Matthew Bartholomew, the University's Corpse Examiner, already has his hands due to marry in under a fortnight, he is determined to conclude his teaching duties and deal with an outbreak of the summer flux before relinquishing his official duties. With more deaths, an 'accident' at the bridge and an increasing stench of corruption over the financing of the bridge's repairs, he realises he owes more to his soon-to-be former colleagues than to his future life as a secular doctor.But will there be enough time for him to unveil the identities of those who seek to undermine both the town and the University, or will he prove powerless to protect those he loves from death or disgrace or worse?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
45 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Gregory
87 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 38 reviews
September 2, 2021
Gutted this is the last book in this series. I have come to adore the main characters, especially Clippesby. I will miss having more of their adventures to look forward to after reading all 25 books in the series. Hope it's not the end of the Chaloner books too.
September 16, 2021
This amazing medieval mystery is the 25th and at the same time a marvellous sending off of the brilliant "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles", from the formidable author, Susanna Gregory.
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, the story is superbly executed, all characters, whether great real historical or fantastic fictional, come vividly to life within this astounding medieval mystery, and the times and atmosphere of Cambridge in the 1360s come brilliantly off the pages.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge in the AD1360s, while at the end you'll notice an Historical Note, where the historical details concerning certain people and places are wonderfully described and explained by the author.
The book starts off with a short prologue, set in early June, AD1360, with the murder of John Baldok by unseen hands, and this murder is the prelude of much more mayhem and murders to come.
The main story is set in the very hot month of July, AD1360, with on the one hand the Benedictine Brother Michael, who after having been voted Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, is in the background dealing and negotiating with three of the King's Vicars-General about his appointment and other secret things concerning Cambridge University, namely William Teofle, John Tinmouth and Thomas Ely, while on the other hand our main protagonist, the Physician Matthew Bartholomew, is left mainly on his own with the investigations of the increasingly number of murders in Cambridge, but later on he will be assisted by the Franciscan, Father William, and in his own remarkable way, the unforgettable Dominican and animal-whisperer, John Clippesby.
What is to follow is an action-packed and tremendous medieval mystery, where Matthew has his hands full in his attempts to solve these murders and sometimes he will also be heading in the wrong direction, before important pieces will finally fall into place, and this puzzle of mayhem and murders will be completed when all the pieces are fitted together and the culprit(s) are revealed in a most dramatic fashion, and this incredible series will thus also end in a most compelling and enjoyable way with Matilde and Matthew finding their domestic bliss.
Highly recommended, for although this is the last exploit of Matthew and Michael, let it be said that this final episode is an excellent, exciting and thrilling volume, and that's why I want to call this fantastic outing: "A Most Wonderful Bartholomew Farewell"!
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, the story is superbly executed, all characters, whether great real historical or fantastic fictional, come vividly to life within this astounding medieval mystery, and the times and atmosphere of Cambridge in the 1360s come brilliantly off the pages.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge in the AD1360s, while at the end you'll notice an Historical Note, where the historical details concerning certain people and places are wonderfully described and explained by the author.
The book starts off with a short prologue, set in early June, AD1360, with the murder of John Baldok by unseen hands, and this murder is the prelude of much more mayhem and murders to come.
The main story is set in the very hot month of July, AD1360, with on the one hand the Benedictine Brother Michael, who after having been voted Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, is in the background dealing and negotiating with three of the King's Vicars-General about his appointment and other secret things concerning Cambridge University, namely William Teofle, John Tinmouth and Thomas Ely, while on the other hand our main protagonist, the Physician Matthew Bartholomew, is left mainly on his own with the investigations of the increasingly number of murders in Cambridge, but later on he will be assisted by the Franciscan, Father William, and in his own remarkable way, the unforgettable Dominican and animal-whisperer, John Clippesby.
What is to follow is an action-packed and tremendous medieval mystery, where Matthew has his hands full in his attempts to solve these murders and sometimes he will also be heading in the wrong direction, before important pieces will finally fall into place, and this puzzle of mayhem and murders will be completed when all the pieces are fitted together and the culprit(s) are revealed in a most dramatic fashion, and this incredible series will thus also end in a most compelling and enjoyable way with Matilde and Matthew finding their domestic bliss.
Highly recommended, for although this is the last exploit of Matthew and Michael, let it be said that this final episode is an excellent, exciting and thrilling volume, and that's why I want to call this fantastic outing: "A Most Wonderful Bartholomew Farewell"!
August 10, 2021
Wish there more stories.
Too bad this is the last book. I'll miss the Michaelhouse scholars and the Cambridge townspeople. And really miss Matthew and Michael.
Too bad this is the last book. I'll miss the Michaelhouse scholars and the Cambridge townspeople. And really miss Matthew and Michael.
February 10, 2022
The final book and one of my favorites in the Matthew Bartholomew series. At last, Matt marries his Mathilde; Michael becomes University Chancellor; Matt’s sister, Edith, remarries wisely; Sheriff Tulyet finally understands what a monster his son is; several more townspeople and scholars are murdered; Matt and Michael solve them; and Michaelhouse is finally solvent with a promising future! A neatly-wrapped, happy ending for all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
Enjoyable through the end of the series, Susanna Gregory created a lively medieval world. I will miss spending time there. The last book ended well and true to the characters. Even so, I am sad to say good bye to Cambridge, the scholars and scoundrels, and most especially to Matthew and Michael.
August 22, 2021
The 25th book and I still stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it because I couldn't wait. Most series jump the shark at some point. This one just got better and better. I really wish there were more to come. I truly hope Ms Gregory reconsiders. There is scope for it since Michael manages to keep Matt as Corpse Examiner. I don't want to say goodbye to my friends in Cambridge forever. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2021
What a satisfying ending to a wonderful series! I loved how all the storylines got wrapped up, and once again appreciate Susanna Gregory for her knowledge of History, her sense of humor, her incredible imagination, characters, and plots for 25 books. If you have to end the series, this was a great way to do it. I will miss Michael and Matt et al, but it was a very satisfying ending. I am so grateful for her Historical Notes. I have enjoyed them in every book, but this book particularly. They were just a perfect ending. Farewell Oxford - might have to start over with Book1 😉
February 5, 2022
Highly entertaining and historically intriguing
The entire 25 book series is not only inspired by actual historical events, places, and people but is equally entertaining in Gregory's unique style of spinning truth and fiction in a colorful yarn of mystery and suspense. From book one in the series, Gregory's characters become alive in such a way that the reader immediately feels a kinship toward them- a connection lasting even beyond the 25th book marking the end of the series. It leaves the reader hungry foe more!
The entire 25 book series is not only inspired by actual historical events, places, and people but is equally entertaining in Gregory's unique style of spinning truth and fiction in a colorful yarn of mystery and suspense. From book one in the series, Gregory's characters become alive in such a way that the reader immediately feels a kinship toward them- a connection lasting even beyond the 25th book marking the end of the series. It leaves the reader hungry foe more!
August 11, 2022
1360 Cambridge. While Michael is involved in the elections to Chancellor, it is up to Matthew to solve the disappearance of several scholars and the murder of others while dealing with the spread of flux throughout the city.
An entertainingand well-written historical mystery.
An entertainingand well-written historical mystery.
January 5, 2023
If this is truly the final Matthew Bartholomew story, then I will miss him, Michael, and all of the other characters that I've enjoyed spending time with.
This story was particularly good. Lots of twists and turns and the ending was unexpected but satisfying.
This story was particularly good. Lots of twists and turns and the ending was unexpected but satisfying.
February 15, 2023
Such a slow book, it’s an interesting read but it takes the author a long time to say anything.
November 29, 2021
This is billed as the final chronicle of the Matthew Bartholomew series; and its been a cracking series to read. However, the final story is thrilling, exciting, historically accurate and has a proper ending.
Matthew is a medieval physician in Cambridge, torn between teaching students, many of whom are not interested, and healing the poor of the town. He also assists Brother Michael with the many murders that seem to cross their paths. In this book Michael is aiming to be elected Chancellor of the University. However, the current Chancellor, who has just resigned, is found dead; and he's not the only one. In fact, by the end the reader feels knee-deep in bodies! While Michael is busy with politics, Matthew has to try to solve some of these murders.
The result is a fascinating and exciting read, transporting the reader to medieval Cambridge, meeting some very unsavoury characters along the way. Brilliant.
Matthew is a medieval physician in Cambridge, torn between teaching students, many of whom are not interested, and healing the poor of the town. He also assists Brother Michael with the many murders that seem to cross their paths. In this book Michael is aiming to be elected Chancellor of the University. However, the current Chancellor, who has just resigned, is found dead; and he's not the only one. In fact, by the end the reader feels knee-deep in bodies! While Michael is busy with politics, Matthew has to try to solve some of these murders.
The result is a fascinating and exciting read, transporting the reader to medieval Cambridge, meeting some very unsavoury characters along the way. Brilliant.
April 10, 2022
Though this is the 25th in a series, but it can be read as a brilliant stand alone novel. If you like historic mysteries give this a try or even the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and hope it’s not to be the last one. Matthew Bartholomew lectures in medicine at Cambridge but is also known for his services to the poor, his dealing with dead bodies and finding out who killed them, ably assisted by Brother Michael. The historic setting is superb, (c14th C) the characters are well written and the mystery keeps you entranced till the end. I didn’t want to put it down.
October 12, 2021
cracking good read
This many stranded story and the underlying tale of a bridge that still stands to this day, holds the attention to the end. It certainly brought the ancient town of Cambridge to life, sinuously winding the words around the streets and the university and the inhabitants to give us an understanding of life in those times. As in the title, a cracking good read and great fun.
This many stranded story and the underlying tale of a bridge that still stands to this day, holds the attention to the end. It certainly brought the ancient town of Cambridge to life, sinuously winding the words around the streets and the university and the inhabitants to give us an understanding of life in those times. As in the title, a cracking good read and great fun.
January 24, 2022
And so the end. Brilliant series set in 14th century Cambridge. Full of rogues, rapscallions, murderers, lunatics, eccentrics, quakebuttocks, humgruffins and flapdoodlers. And that's just the women.
Bartholomew and crew will be much missed.
Bartholomew and crew will be much missed.
March 20, 2022
I'm so sad this series is over! I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping the the Chronicles of Matthew B. will continue with his new life outside of the University.
The book nicely tied up all loose ends and gave readers closure to our time with Matthew, Michael and Mathilde.
Kudos!
The book nicely tied up all loose ends and gave readers closure to our time with Matthew, Michael and Mathilde.
Kudos!
April 7, 2023
An excellent end to an enjoyable and excellent series.
Dr Matthew Bartholomew is still teaching medicine at Cambridge University in 1360, during the reign of Edward III. He is still assisting Brother Michael who has climbed the ranks of university politics.
Ably assisted by Cynric, his book bearer, Father William and Clippseby (who talks to the animals and finds out much that goes on in Cambridge) and several other wonderful characters, Matt unravels several gruesome murders, helps the town fight floods, supports Michael in his various negotiations on behalf of the university. He also prepares to wed Mathilde the love of his life, and for whom his life will change forever.
These great characters have been in and out of the books, which number 25, with many other memorable characters and murders.
I have read all, but books 20-24, and decided to jump to the last to finish off, but no doubt these will be on my reread list.
Thank you Susanna Gregory for an amazing series.
Highly recommended
Dr Matthew Bartholomew is still teaching medicine at Cambridge University in 1360, during the reign of Edward III. He is still assisting Brother Michael who has climbed the ranks of university politics.
Ably assisted by Cynric, his book bearer, Father William and Clippseby (who talks to the animals and finds out much that goes on in Cambridge) and several other wonderful characters, Matt unravels several gruesome murders, helps the town fight floods, supports Michael in his various negotiations on behalf of the university. He also prepares to wed Mathilde the love of his life, and for whom his life will change forever.
These great characters have been in and out of the books, which number 25, with many other memorable characters and murders.
I have read all, but books 20-24, and decided to jump to the last to finish off, but no doubt these will be on my reread list.
Thank you Susanna Gregory for an amazing series.
Highly recommended
December 2, 2021
When Philip Chaumbre left Cambridge he was a poor man unfit for marriage... years passed and fortune had finally cleaved to him... he heard that the woman he loved was widowed and in dire financial trouble ~ for she would be forced to sell her husband's business legacy to cover her London~based son's gambling debts. What could he do but to settle into a suitable arrangement with her ~ marriage to Edith, the woman he still loved... Bartholomew's widowed beloved and only sister. He paid off Richard's debts and was happy to be back in Cambridge... to a town riddled with diarrhea or what was known then as the "flux"... graduation and end of term fever... the town's death trap of a bridge and the question of building a stone bridge... corrupt town officials involving greed and bribery and later on murder... Bartholomew's upcoming nuptials... Michael's challenged Chancellorship and his secret plans for the University... alternating town and gown deaths... children with the capacity to murder... and duplicitous students' dastardly actions. Layer upon layer of events... topped by a flood after an intense summer that was extremely inconvenient for most of the denizens... what the waters revealed would alter their lives in a manner they had not even envisaged. A most fitting ending for a faithful and heart~warming old friendship. Timeless... for I could still revisit these beloved friends and characters in my digital library.
December 21, 2022
Pleasant and generally up to the standard of the series. The Matthew Bartholomew series have always been an entertaining way to to while away the time but it is the characters and not the mysteries that kept me coming back. I did question how one character could be such a successful villain due to the way they were portrayed. Also I was a little surprised how little we saw Matilde as the marriage was meant to complete the series but in this book she was a cipher.
Still a pleasant end to a series.
Still a pleasant end to a series.
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January 21, 2023Brilliant Journey into the past.
Nothing to dislike about the storyline of Matthew Bartholomew,intriguing,exciting sometimes frustrating.I would recommend this set of books to my one granddaughter,a lover of history and intrigue.I find all Susanna Gregory Matthew books so exciting,full of interesting detail to the period ,details of a little of Cambridge.Very interesting details of many of her characters.Interesting to know that many of the characters were real people and woven into the story line.
Nothing to dislike about the storyline of Matthew Bartholomew,intriguing,exciting sometimes frustrating.I would recommend this set of books to my one granddaughter,a lover of history and intrigue.I find all Susanna Gregory Matthew books so exciting,full of interesting detail to the period ,details of a little of Cambridge.Very interesting details of many of her characters.Interesting to know that many of the characters were real people and woven into the story line.
April 8, 2024
As I listened to this final book, I honestly thought I would be rating it 5 star. But I was so disappointed with the ending. Not about the murderers or anything like that (as far fetched as usual), but the lack of detail about the big event which had been a very long time coming. After this book, I am sorry William was never allowed to become a junior proctor. Without giving anything away, he was a bit of superstar and very funny too! I will especially miss Clippesby, but looking back the series should have ended after 20 books.
January 27, 2022
I have read and listened to the entire series. They are slightly formulaic and the mystery is normally solved by a price of information appearing in the last few chapters allowing the murders(s) to be found. I often find I have guessed who it will be well before. However the depth of the characters and the world they live in is so good that the books are still an excellent read.
March 19, 2023
I am afraid i did not enjoy this book as much as the author's earlier Challoner books, this one seemed to drag on and be more drawn out and i feel the last few of these books have not been as good as earlier ones
January 12, 2022
Another great read. Shame we've got to say goodbye to Matt and co.
February 23, 2022
Final book in the series. A real cliff-hanger of a finale!
February 28, 2022
A satisfying final instalment of the Chronicles of Matthew Bartholomew.
August 31, 2022
What an ending to this series and I have never worked out the murderer in any of these books.
January 23, 2024
Loved it
May 31, 2024
I shall miss this series and its colourful cast of characters.
This last book was a fantastic ending to the 25 books.
This last book was a fantastic ending to the 25 books.
August 9, 2024
What an ending! I am very sad to say goodbye to Matthew and Michael but I couldn't have asked for a better final novel with a fantastic and satisfying finale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews