What do you think?
Rate this book
Matthew Bartholomew #7
An Order for Death
Believers in the theory of nominalism have set some Cambridge colleges at the throats of those who believe them to be heretics, and Brother Michael, the Senior Proctor, is struggling to keep the peace. When a nominalist is murdered during a riot, Michael is certain he will find the killer among the Dominicans—but before he can act, his junior proctor, Walcote, is found hanged. Meanwhile, Matthew Bartholomew discovers evidence that leads to Michael himself. Unable to believe his lifelong friend could be capable of such acts, Bartholomew knows that the only way he can quiet his own conscience is to solve the murders himself.
470 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
61 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Gregory
86 books431 followersSusanna Gregory is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She is married to author Beau Riffenburgh who is her co-author on the Simon Beaufort books.
AKA Simon Beaufort
She writes detective fiction, and is noted for her series of mediaeval mysteries featuring Matthew Bartholomew, a teacher of medicine and investigator of murders in 14th-century Cambridge.
These books may have some aspects in common with the Ellis Peters Cadfael series, the mediaeval adventures of a highly intelligent Benedictine monk and herbalist who came to the Benedictine order late in an eventful life, bringing with him considerable secular experience and wisdom combined with a deal of native wit. This sets him apart from his comparatively innocent and naíve monastic brethren. His activities, both as a monk and a healer, embroil him in a series of mysterious crimes, both secular and monastic, and he enthusiastically assumes the rôle of an amateur sleuth. Sceptical of superstition, he is somewhat ahead of his time, and much accurate historical detail is woven into the adventures. But there any resemblance to the comparatively warm-hearted Cadfael series ends: the tone and subject matter of the Gregory novels is far darker and does not shrink from portraying the harsh realities of life in the Middle Ages. The first in the series, A Plague on Both Your Houses is set against the ravages of the Black Death and subsequent novels take much of their subject matter from the attempts of society to recover from this disaster.
These novels bear the marks of much detailed research into mediaeval conditions - many of the supporting characters have names taken from the documentation of the time, referenced at the end of each book - and bring vividly to life the all-pervading squalor of living conditions in England during the Middle Ages. The deep-rooted and pervasive practice of traditional leechcraft as it contrasts with the dawning science of evidence-based medicine is a common bone of contention between Matthew and the students he teaches at Michaelhouse College (now part of Trinity College, Cambridge), whilst the conflict between the students of Cambridge and the townsfolk continually threatens to escalate into violence.
Another series of books, set just after the Restoration of Charles II and featuring Thomas Chaloner, detective and former spy, began with A Conspiracy of Violence published in January 2006, and continues with The Body in the Thames, published in hardback edition January 2011.
AKA Simon Beaufort
She writes detective fiction, and is noted for her series of mediaeval mysteries featuring Matthew Bartholomew, a teacher of medicine and investigator of murders in 14th-century Cambridge.
These books may have some aspects in common with the Ellis Peters Cadfael series, the mediaeval adventures of a highly intelligent Benedictine monk and herbalist who came to the Benedictine order late in an eventful life, bringing with him considerable secular experience and wisdom combined with a deal of native wit. This sets him apart from his comparatively innocent and naíve monastic brethren. His activities, both as a monk and a healer, embroil him in a series of mysterious crimes, both secular and monastic, and he enthusiastically assumes the rôle of an amateur sleuth. Sceptical of superstition, he is somewhat ahead of his time, and much accurate historical detail is woven into the adventures. But there any resemblance to the comparatively warm-hearted Cadfael series ends: the tone and subject matter of the Gregory novels is far darker and does not shrink from portraying the harsh realities of life in the Middle Ages. The first in the series, A Plague on Both Your Houses is set against the ravages of the Black Death and subsequent novels take much of their subject matter from the attempts of society to recover from this disaster.
These novels bear the marks of much detailed research into mediaeval conditions - many of the supporting characters have names taken from the documentation of the time, referenced at the end of each book - and bring vividly to life the all-pervading squalor of living conditions in England during the Middle Ages. The deep-rooted and pervasive practice of traditional leechcraft as it contrasts with the dawning science of evidence-based medicine is a common bone of contention between Matthew and the students he teaches at Michaelhouse College (now part of Trinity College, Cambridge), whilst the conflict between the students of Cambridge and the townsfolk continually threatens to escalate into violence.
Another series of books, set just after the Restoration of Charles II and featuring Thomas Chaloner, detective and former spy, began with A Conspiracy of Violence published in January 2006, and continues with The Body in the Thames, published in hardback edition January 2011.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 11, 2019
This thrilling historical mystery is the 7th volume of the delightful "Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles" from the wonderful author, Susanna Gregory.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, circa AD 1354, while at the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this eventful story are superbly explained.
Storytelling is once more of a top-notch quality, the atmosphere and historic feel of these medieval times come splendidly off the pages, and all the characters, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this exciting historical mystery.
After an intriguing prologue, which is situated at the end of the year AD 1353, the main story will present itself in its full glory as from the Spring of the year AD 1354, where our main characters, the amiable doctor/physician, Matthew Bartholomew, and the formidable monk, Brother Michael, will once more come into action following two consecutive murders at two rival Houses of religion, Carmelite and Dominican, within the University of Cambridge.
The first murder is that of the Carmelite student, Faricius, who's scrip is stolen that contains an important essay, and he's being stabbed to death during a brawl between the Carmelites and Dominicans, while that brawl really is about the nominalism-realism "debate", and the subsequent hatred that that will certainly evoke between various Religious Houses.
After the second murder of the Dominican, Kyrkeby, quickly followed of that of the Junior Proctor, Walcote, Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael, come to learn that this same, Walcote, was the leader of secret meetings that were being held at St Radegund's Convent (Nuns), to plot mischief and murder with some associates there, while also the animosity between the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford will play a significant part in this mystery.
What will ensue is a thrilling mystery where Matt Bartholomew and Brother Michael will have to confront this web of deceit and betrayal between various Religious Houses and persons, but also the rivalry between the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, before they are able, after some twists and an exciting plot, to unravel all the threads of this web, that will eventually lead to the identities of the culprits of these murders.
Highly recommended, this is a great series and this episode is just: "Another Fascinating Glorious Mystery"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Cambridge, England, circa AD 1354, while at the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this eventful story are superbly explained.
Storytelling is once more of a top-notch quality, the atmosphere and historic feel of these medieval times come splendidly off the pages, and all the characters, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this exciting historical mystery.
After an intriguing prologue, which is situated at the end of the year AD 1353, the main story will present itself in its full glory as from the Spring of the year AD 1354, where our main characters, the amiable doctor/physician, Matthew Bartholomew, and the formidable monk, Brother Michael, will once more come into action following two consecutive murders at two rival Houses of religion, Carmelite and Dominican, within the University of Cambridge.
The first murder is that of the Carmelite student, Faricius, who's scrip is stolen that contains an important essay, and he's being stabbed to death during a brawl between the Carmelites and Dominicans, while that brawl really is about the nominalism-realism "debate", and the subsequent hatred that that will certainly evoke between various Religious Houses.
After the second murder of the Dominican, Kyrkeby, quickly followed of that of the Junior Proctor, Walcote, Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael, come to learn that this same, Walcote, was the leader of secret meetings that were being held at St Radegund's Convent (Nuns), to plot mischief and murder with some associates there, while also the animosity between the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford will play a significant part in this mystery.
What will ensue is a thrilling mystery where Matt Bartholomew and Brother Michael will have to confront this web of deceit and betrayal between various Religious Houses and persons, but also the rivalry between the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, before they are able, after some twists and an exciting plot, to unravel all the threads of this web, that will eventually lead to the identities of the culprits of these murders.
Highly recommended, this is a great series and this episode is just: "Another Fascinating Glorious Mystery"!
June 24, 2017
Cracking historical mystery set in 14th century Cambridge. Carmelites and Dominicans are fighting over a philosophical argument, and so when a Carmelite friar is found stabbed, Brother Michael begins investigations amongst the Dominicans. But it soon appears that nothing is as clear cut as it appeared.
This is one of my favourite series. Gregory introduces a wealth of fascinating detail about medieval life - such as the disgusting dishes that are served up during Lent - and writes with plenty of humour. The friendship between Brother Michael and Matthew Bartholomew is warm and believable, and the plot is gripping and well-constructed. Who imagined a dry theological debate could be so dramatic, and be funny and tragic at the same time?
Thoroughly enjoyable, looking forward to the next one.
This is one of my favourite series. Gregory introduces a wealth of fascinating detail about medieval life - such as the disgusting dishes that are served up during Lent - and writes with plenty of humour. The friendship between Brother Michael and Matthew Bartholomew is warm and believable, and the plot is gripping and well-constructed. Who imagined a dry theological debate could be so dramatic, and be funny and tragic at the same time?
Thoroughly enjoyable, looking forward to the next one.
December 17, 2021
Maybe I’m just getting accustomed to Ms. Gregory’s convoluted plots, but this one seemed a bit simpler to follow. As usual, we enter a Cambridge filled with turmoil but instead of conflict between town and gown, this fight is among scholars over the philosophical debate between nominalism and realism. Now, I’m no philosopher and I don’t understand all the nuances of nominalism and realism, but I did enjoy reading about it.
Also as usual, there are plenty of DBs and red herrings and plot twists. Michael finally sees the culmination of his plans to snooker Heytesbury of Oxford into a trade that Michael intends for Cambridge’s benefit. And Bartholomew’s relationship with Matilde is still stuck in the friend zone.
As you can tell, I’m still obsessed with 14th Cambridge, or at least this fictional version of it.
Also as usual, there are plenty of DBs and red herrings and plot twists. Michael finally sees the culmination of his plans to snooker Heytesbury of Oxford into a trade that Michael intends for Cambridge’s benefit. And Bartholomew’s relationship with Matilde is still stuck in the friend zone.
As you can tell, I’m still obsessed with 14th Cambridge, or at least this fictional version of it.
August 17, 2021
Those of us who enjoy historical fiction usually have a period of time that we could point to and say, “this is it!”, and I am no different. The 14th century was a bleak time to be alive. The church was corrupt, the plague wiped out a good percentage of the population, and in Europe the inquisition was in full swing. Fortunately, due to lack of hygiene, medical practices that were sometimes worse than for what they were prescribed, and bad food (and the lack of it), you wouldn’t have to put up with it long. I wonder what mortality tables would look like in say, 1340?
Susanna Gregory’s painstaking masterpiece of a series, of which this is just one installment is not to be missed for those who enjoy this time period and those who enjoy a well researched novel. Based on historic records, Gregory spins a great mystery but does it with humor, and through this marvelous vehicle we learn about the real people who inhabited Cambridge and it’s environs. A solid 5 stars, Gregory is marvelous!
Susanna Gregory’s painstaking masterpiece of a series, of which this is just one installment is not to be missed for those who enjoy this time period and those who enjoy a well researched novel. Based on historic records, Gregory spins a great mystery but does it with humor, and through this marvelous vehicle we learn about the real people who inhabited Cambridge and it’s environs. A solid 5 stars, Gregory is marvelous!
July 27, 2022
More detail than I ever needed or wanted on the religious orders of fourteenth century Cambridge.
October 13, 2015
I've found a comfort zone with these characters. Their shared banter makes me smile and the period is startlingly vivid.
January 16, 2024
I enjoy the 14th century atmospherics of the Matthew Bartholomew books (and I’m glad I don’t have to smell them). But this 450 page book was 100 too long. Bartholomew and his buddy Michael (the University Proctor) set out to investigate a series of murder related to feuding religious orders. But half way through, it seemed to me they were just wandering around in circles (literally and literarily). Like, just doing laps around Cambridge talking to the same people. It was not an unpleasant read, but neither was it to the point. Oh there was an order of nuns running a house if I’ll repute. That was something.
October 23, 2024
Susanna Gregory's Matthew Bartholomew series continues to intrigue me. An Order for Death highlights the philosophical debate between nominalism vs realism. One would hardly expect this debate to engender a trail of bodies, but it seems that it does.
As can be expected of all of this series the solution is intricate and layered and requires the best of both Matthew and Brother Michael.
As can be expected of all of this series the solution is intricate and layered and requires the best of both Matthew and Brother Michael.
April 9, 2019
A good bedtime read
As always with this author, the pace is very well suited to a half-hour or so read before sleep. Cliffhangers abound to ensure reading continues tomorrow night.
I like the fact that the author draws on scholarship to populate her novels, and all is revealed in the Historical Note at the end.
As always with this author, the pace is very well suited to a half-hour or so read before sleep. Cliffhangers abound to ensure reading continues tomorrow night.
I like the fact that the author draws on scholarship to populate her novels, and all is revealed in the Historical Note at the end.
June 28, 2021
In A Masterly Murder, when Michael was whetting his appetite for the Mastership of Michaelhouse (it would have been so apt as an alliterative title)... Langelee, the ex~spy turned philosopher and one of the contenders for the same position, revealed Michael's secret negotiations with a Fellow from the rival University of Oxford, so he was asked to recuse himself. In this next chronicle, since Michael's secret was out... that alarmed some zealots fiercely loyal to Cambridge's interests who then decided that Michael was a traitor to his Order as well as to his University, thus a nascent plot to murder the hedonistic fat monk and replace him as Senior Proctor was hatch. The Lenten Season came and there was an acrimonious debate between proponents of Nominalism and Realism during the 4o~day~long fasting and restrictions... amid enforced diets and confinement, tempers were frayed and a riot ensued between the opposing factions and death followed. The melee was triggered by a taunting proclamation nailed to the Nominalists Dominicans' door by the Carmelites favouring Realism. Layer upon layer of events... some so Hilarious that even with Death stalking the University denizens, one could not help but howl with laughter ~ like the Convent supposedly populated by Pious Nuns instead it was a Coven of Prostitutes... a Sex~tion of Sirens, their contention was that because they were a Poor Concern, they had to do something to generate income plus most of the inmates were not really nuns but daughters and relatives of the nobility, the wealthy and the powerful... like dimwitted 'one lover a week' goddess~like Tysilia imbued with an over abundance of libido inversely balanced with the lack of common sense and had already caused one suicide...
February 15, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have only recently discovered the Matthew Bartholomew series and am racing through them very quickly. Book no 7 has been the most entertaining so far.
I laughed so much I cried when reading the episode of Kyrkeby corpse. I shall say no more but if you read this book, you will definitely know when you come to this chapter. It is hilarious and the author describes the scene so well you can picture the comedy taking place.
Brilliant mystery and I didn't guess who did it until nearer the end. It isn't easy to uncover the plot and the author ensures there are lots of false trails and mis information that doesn't come together until the end of the book. So you really do have to read all the book to solve the mystery and understand the motives for the murders.
A great read!
I laughed so much I cried when reading the episode of Kyrkeby corpse. I shall say no more but if you read this book, you will definitely know when you come to this chapter. It is hilarious and the author describes the scene so well you can picture the comedy taking place.
Brilliant mystery and I didn't guess who did it until nearer the end. It isn't easy to uncover the plot and the author ensures there are lots of false trails and mis information that doesn't come together until the end of the book. So you really do have to read all the book to solve the mystery and understand the motives for the murders.
A great read!
December 20, 2020
I'm writing this as much as an aide memoire for when I'm looking to buy my next books as a general review.
I couldn't finish this book. It was repetitive and I got thoroughly bored with the descriptions of what seemed to be every singkle meal - as it's set in medieval Cambridge I suspect that this was done to add realism, but for me it only made the story even slower.
I have read all of the previous books in this series, so I knew it wouldn't be the fastest paced mystery I'd read and I wanted a fairly cosy read for the dark afternoons in the run up to Christmas, but after struggling for what seemed like an age (and having problems reading the tiny font), I just gave up, and I don't think I'll return to the series.
I couldn't finish this book. It was repetitive and I got thoroughly bored with the descriptions of what seemed to be every singkle meal - as it's set in medieval Cambridge I suspect that this was done to add realism, but for me it only made the story even slower.
I have read all of the previous books in this series, so I knew it wouldn't be the fastest paced mystery I'd read and I wanted a fairly cosy read for the dark afternoons in the run up to Christmas, but after struggling for what seemed like an age (and having problems reading the tiny font), I just gave up, and I don't think I'll return to the series.
June 22, 2022
Realism vs. Nominalism sits at the center of this story. I did further research into one of the strangest religious (although Aristotle and Plato also argued it) debates. It revolves around whether things like redness and roundnesss have an existence of their own. While I didn't see which camp St. Thomas Aquinas fell into, reading his work would indicate he was a realist in which universals like redness are real. The review is too short for an in-depth analysis but those who are interested I found several enlightening You Tube videos on the topic. And yes, Gregory writes another great mystery.
March 3, 2024
The historical setting, the characters and the crime plot were all fun. Also it was educational about the religious debate of that time. Particularly enjoyed it being set in Cambridge, so I could map the places in the book onto what currently exists today. But people unfamiliar with the city may get less out of it.
This is my first Susanna Gregory book. But am seeing she has done a lot with a similar setting, so am not giving it 5 stars because guessing it will seem formulaic and/or repetitive if you read her other ones too. I am still keen to try another though.
This is my first Susanna Gregory book. But am seeing she has done a lot with a similar setting, so am not giving it 5 stars because guessing it will seem formulaic and/or repetitive if you read her other ones too. I am still keen to try another though.
June 3, 2017
This one started a little slowly, a debate is raging in Cambridge between the relative merits of nominalism versus realism and the monks and the friars are literally at each other's throats. Throw in some murders and Michael and Matthew are investigating again. It certainly picked up towards the end, although I did guess one of the plot points fairly early on.
January 24, 2020
Good plot twist in medieval Cambridge
This for sure has a great plot twist and the good doctor once again manages to figure/stumble upon the truth!
I have to say I wish there was more explanation given of the two philosophies as they were so pivotal. Also for me the historical note is never long enough!
All in all it was a good story with characters now well familiar.
This for sure has a great plot twist and the good doctor once again manages to figure/stumble upon the truth!
I have to say I wish there was more explanation given of the two philosophies as they were so pivotal. Also for me the historical note is never long enough!
All in all it was a good story with characters now well familiar.
October 1, 2024
Loved this story. A witty and engrossing read. I think Susanna Gregory is a genius at conversation, Her writing is a warm hug and so clear i see it as if it were a screen play in front of my eyes. Great fun. a definite 5/5 for me
March 25, 2025
Siamo a Cambridge e qualcosa di strano sta succedendo; come sempre del resto. Non solo incontri segreti, ma il giovane segretario del nostro monaco preferito viene trovato in una posizione un po'...appesa. Da lí le cose iniziano a succedere un po' come una valanga che cade dalla montagna fino alla fine, dove un super plot twist mette fine alla storia per mandarci direttamente ad Ely nell'ottavo libro.
L'ho adorato, come gli altri. E ora via con il prossimo 💃🏻
L'ho adorato, come gli altri. E ora via con il prossimo 💃🏻
March 13, 2018
Read it out of order with 6 and 8. Felt more tied around itself without being better than #6 and 8. Still interesting.
December 11, 2018
3.5. Way too long.
December 11, 2018
3.5. Way too long
April 9, 2019
Medieval historical murder mystery/fiction
June 29, 2020
Great
This author is the best for dragging the reader here and there until you are confused and you think you have the answer guess what...read till the end.
This author is the best for dragging the reader here and there until you are confused and you think you have the answer guess what...read till the end.
May 20, 2022
A rather convoluted story with a twist at the ending. The main characters continue to be incredibly immature. The murders are not solved by intelligence but by a lot of bumbling and luck.
Read
December 8, 2022I am naming my fencing dummy Faricius. He deserves an interesting name!
May 5, 2024
Another series of murders. This time the conflict is between the various religious orders at the university.
August 28, 2024
Who knew Cambridge could have so much mayhem in the 1300s? This is the second time I've read this book and it's still great.
November 14, 2024
My first Susanna Gregory was great. Excellent characters, well-constructed and complex plot as well as some humour. Solution a bit too complicated for me and I was lost at times.
April 19, 2025
Excellent. Unexpected. Just well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews