Mystery in the Minster

The Seventeenth Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

By: Susanna Gregory

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 many of the Archbishop's executors have died in unexplained circumstances and that the codicil naming Michaelhouse as a beneficiary cannot be found....

©2011 Susanna Gregory (P)2017 Little Brown Book Group

seemed endless

I almost never give up on a book, but this was just too annoying to finish. The almost constant unbrotherly nagging and bitching of the monks was unbearable. The female characters, especially Prioress Alice, are not convincing. I just didn't care abput any of them. It's such a shame, since this is a historical period rich with political and philosophical ideas and events.

The best yet.

I read or listen to all of this series in order and I’ve enjoyed them all. But this is the best yet. The mystery was full of twists and turns with satisfactory outcomes. The action was brilliantly written and genuinely exciting.

Great story

Enjoyed very much just as good as rest of series can't wait for next one

Moves along nicely

York makes another great setting for these romps and as usual Matthews and Michael are entangled up to their oxters in intrigue, lies and deceit of those around them. Lots of strands and characters all over the place so you really have to pay attention when listening as it is easy to get confused with so much going on. The icing on the cake of this series really is David Thorpe's reading and the variety of voices he manages to bring in to help distinguish the characters is really remarkable, he really does bring these stories alive.

One of the better Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles

This book is better than many of the recent Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles. Michael and Matthew are in York this time which makes a welcome change and the rising flood waters add some much needed drama. This book has more of a plot than most although it does end up getting very complex at the end.

Not one of her best but still a good listen

Excellent narration from David Thorpe as always. The story this time was not up to the standard I am used to from Susanna Gregory. Weaker plot, some of the York characterisation is thin. I did listen through to the end but struggled a wee bit. midway until the pace quickened , ending quite satisfyingly..