Synopses & Reviews
The 17th episode in the popular Cambridge series of medieval mysteries, featuring the physician-cum-sleuth, Matthew Bartholomew
In 1358 the fledging college of Michaelhouse in Cambridge is in need of extra funds. A legacy from the Archbishop of York of a parish close to that city promises a welcome source of income. However, there has been another claim to its ownership and it seems the only way to settle the dispute is for a deputation from Michaelhouse to travel north. Matthew Bartholomew is among the small party which arrives in the bustling city, where the increasing wealth of the merchants is unsettling the established order, and where a French invasion is an ever-present threat to its port. But soon he and his colleagues learn that several of the Archbishop's executors have died in unexplained circumstances and that the codicil naming Michaelhouse as a beneficiary cannot be found.
Review
"Gregory again displays her mastery of complex storytelling and period detail." —Publishers Weekly starred review of Killer of Pilgrims
Review
"A perfect choice for historical fans who miss Ellis Peters." —Library Journal on A Vein of Deceit
Review
"Superb . . . the pace never slackens, despite the book's length, and Gregory again proves adept at weaving a plot complicated enough to be baffling but not so intricate as to become confusing." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Review
"The author blends meticulous historical data into a well-paced, hard to put down story...A first-rate treat for mystery lovers!" —The Historical Novels Review
Review
"Gregory has written a very satisfactory addition to this series that will leave the reader looking forward to her next work." -San Francisco Book Review, online
About the Author
Susanna Gregory is a Cambridge academic and the author of the Thomas Chaloner series.