Murder by the Book cover art

Murder by the Book

The Eighteenth Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

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Murder by the Book

By: Susanna Gregory
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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About this listen

It is drawing near to the end of term, and the University at Cambridge is in turmoil over the opening of a new common library. There is an attack on one of the masters at a meeting to discuss the matter, and a body is found floating in the pond in the library's garden on the eve of its opening. Meanwhile, there are rumours of a large force of dangerous smugglers lurking in the Fens. Aided by their friend Sheriff Tulyet, Bartholomew and Michael must thwart the invaders before the Feast of Corpus Christi the following week. To fail might mean the destruction of the town....

©2012 Susana Gregory (P)2017 Little Brown Book Group Historical Mystery Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant
Yes, I agree with a previous review, far too many bodies in this one. It was hard to keep up!

Midsummer Cambridge!

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Lots of previous humorous characters included.
Interesting story with no apparent clues.
Michael's Grandmother starred too and she is a fascinating character.

Good story

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Enjoyed this as usual and David Thorpe’s narration is spot on. Like the other reviewers note, it is fair to say there are just too many bodies which throw the whole thing into confusion. After the previous ‘Murder in the Minister’ with its clever plotting this one seems a bit chaotic. But I love the appearance of Dame Palagia the elderly spy mistress and grandmother of Michael and I really enjoyed the story. If you are a fan you will enjoy this. If you are new to the series then start at the beginning with ‘A Plague On Both Your Houses’….

More medieval mayhem in Cambridge

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Very enjoyable: deaths a plenty, potential job opportunity, a smitten character, new characters to loathe - and a well ordered plot. There is as busy an ending as ever, There is also the waft of impending change in this novel. The performance of David Thorpe occupies these Matthew Bartholomew stories so well and carries the listener through over fourteen hours with an unflagging freshness. For me it is the journey of the adventure rather than the solution to the convoluted mystery in these Matthew Bartholomew novels that I really like. Listeners will be easily able to select this audio-book as a listen without worry and with real expectation.

No Death by this Book!

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So many people die in this book it's hard to keep track. As always it's an enjoyable listen and the historical details are very good but I can't help thinking that if the plots of these books were just a little bit simpler the books would feel more like a story and less like a collection of events.

Far too many deaths!

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