Step into the gritty, gripping world of 14th-century Cambridge, where Matthew Bartholomew, a physician with a knack for unraveling mysteries, battles plague, murder, and medieval mayhem! Crafted by Susanna Gregory, the Matthew Bartholomew series is a historical mystery gem that blends meticulous period detail with pulse-pounding suspense. With 25 novels spanning over two decades, this series invites readers into a world where science spars with superstition, and every cobblestone street hides a secret.
Whether you’re a history buff or a mystery lover, Bartholomew’s adventures at the College of Michaelhouse offer a thrilling escape into a time when the Black Death loomed and danger lurked in every shadow. Ready to uncover the secrets of this captivating series? Let’s dive in!
How Matthew Bartholomew Began
Susanna Gregory, the pseudonym of Cambridge academic Elizabeth Cruwys, launched the Matthew Bartholomew series in 1996 with A Plague on Both Your Houses. A former coroner’s officer with a passion for medieval history, Gregory drew inspiration from her academic surroundings and her fascination with 14th-century life. Her goal? To craft a sleuth who was both a man of his time and ahead of it, skeptical of superstition in an era ruled by fear and faith. The result was Matthew Bartholomew, a physician whose forensic curiosity and reluctant heroism made him a standout protagonist.
Gregory’s deep research into Cambridge’s past, combined with her knack for weaving complex plots, set the stage for a series that’s as educational as it is entertaining. Her collaboration with historian Beau Riffenburgh (her husband) under the pseudonym Simon Beaufort further honed her ability to ground fiction in historical truth, making the series a favorite among readers craving authenticity.
The Heart of Matthew Bartholomew
The series kicks off with A Plague on Both Your Houses (1996), where Bartholomew grapples with the impending Black Death and a suspicious death at Michaelhouse, setting the tone for his dual role as healer and sleuth. In An Unholy Alliance (1997), he investigates a string of murders tied to rumors of devil worship, navigating a town rife with post-plague paranoia. A Deadly Brew (1998) sees him untangling a mystery involving poisoned wine and rampant robberies, while Mystery in the Minster (2011) takes him to York to probe a disputed legacy amid a rising body count.
At its core, the series thrives on its vivid portrayal of 14th-century Cambridge—a muddy, vibrant town where town-and-gown tensions simmer, and the clash between emerging science and entrenched superstition fuels conflict. Themes of loyalty, justice, and resilience shine through Bartholomew’s partnership with Brother Michael, a portly Benedictine monk whose ambition and wit complement Bartholomew’s pragmatism. Gregory’s intricate plots, often likened to untangling a giant knot, keep readers guessing, while her unflinching depiction of medieval squalor and violence adds gritty realism.
The series’ strength lies in its balance of historical accuracy and storytelling flair. From the stench of Cambridge streets to the politics of Michaelhouse, every detail immerses readers in a world both alien and relatable, where Bartholomew’s forensic skills feel like a precursor to modern detective work.
Why Matthew Bartholomew Resonates
The Matthew Bartholomew series has carved a niche in the historical mystery genre, earning praise for its rich world-building and compelling characters. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its ability to transport them to a turbulent era, with many calling Bartholomew “a friend” after 25 books. Its blend of intellectual rigor and high-stakes drama appeals to readers who love Ellis Peters’ Cadfael series but crave a darker, more grounded tone.
Gregory’s commitment to historical detail has also made the series a quiet influencer in the genre, inspiring writers to prioritize authenticity without sacrificing suspense. As the series marked its 20th anniversary with reissued editions, its enduring appeal lies in its timeless exploration of human nature—greed, fear, and hope—set against a backdrop that feels both distant and eerily familiar.
- First Book Published: 1996 (A Plague on Both Your Houses)
- Total Books: 25 (as of The Chancellor’s Secret, 2021)
- Setting: 14th-century Cambridge, England
- Author’s Real Name: Elizabeth Cruwys
Grab A Plague on Both Your Houses and step into Matthew Bartholomew’s thrilling world of medieval mysteries—where every clue could save a life or uncover a killer!