Review: The Mark of a Murderer

In the eleventh of the Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles, Susanna Gregory has come up with one of her most ingenious mysteries yet. Riots explode in Oxford, forcing some scholars to flee to Cambridge. They claim that the man responsible for murdering an Oxford scholar is also hiding in Cambridge and they attempt to begin an investigation. Brother Michael, however, has his hands full with the impending visitation from the Archbishop of Canterbury and does not want any more problems. However, when another murder takes place, it becomes clear that more went on in Oxford than met the eye – and it is still going on in Cambridge.

As with her other Matthew Bartholomew novels, Gregory creates a rich blend of characters and events and successfully brings her characters outside of their comfort zone. As well as the main intrigue, there are various subplots, not least the mysterious behaviour of Matthew Bartholomew, as he becomes increasingly disinterested in his work. Gregory also provides us with a picture of petty rivalries and past lives, as the Oxford scholars snipe at the Cambridge men, as well as giving us information on Bartholomew’s life at Oxford.

Humour litters the book once again and whilst the story may lurch somewhat slowly to its confusion, unpicking the threads and unravelling the mysteries of the tale make for immensely pleasant reading. Gregory includes enough twists to keep even the most seasoned of mystery readers guessing, and her false clues are well done. I imagined that I had easily solved the mystery, but alas, I had taken but a surface interpretation. As ever, medieval Cambridge is shown to be a bloodthirsty, violent place. One shudders to imagine what it would be like without the guiding hand of Brother Michael and Matthew Bartholomew! Let us hope that they return soon for another adventure.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Book Review: The Mark of a Murderer