📖 Overview
Susanna Gregory is a British author best known for her historical murder mystery novels set in medieval Cambridge and 17th century London. Her most successful series features Matthew Bartholomew, a physician and teacher at Michaelhouse College in 14th century Cambridge.
Gregory worked as a police officer before becoming an academic, earning a PhD in medieval history from the University of Cambridge. This background in both law enforcement and historical research informs the detailed authenticity found in her mystery novels.
The Matthew Bartholomew series spans over 20 books, beginning with "A Plague on Both Your Houses" (1996). Her second major series features Thomas Chaloner, a spy in Restoration London, which started with "A Conspiracy of Violence" (2006).
Writing under her real name Elizabeth Cruwys, she has also authored non-fiction works focused on the medieval period and the history of British towns. Her academic expertise extends to environmental archaeology and the study of ancient diseases.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Gregory's historical accuracy and detailed depictions of medieval Cambridge and Restoration London. The Matthew Bartholomew series maintains an average 4.0/5 rating on Goodreads across 20+ books, with similar ratings on Amazon.
What readers liked:
- Deep historical research and period authenticity
- Complex mystery plots with multiple storylines
- Rich descriptions of medieval medical practices
- Character development over the long series
- Accurate portrayal of university politics and social dynamics
What readers disliked:
- Large cast of characters can be confusing
- Some plots described as overly complicated
- Later books in series can feel formulaic
- Occasional pacing issues with too much historical detail
One reader noted: "Her knowledge of medieval Cambridge brings the period alive without romanticizing it." Another commented: "The medical details are fascinating but sometimes gruesome."
Ratings breakdown:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (25,000+ ratings)
Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (3,000+ ratings)
Amazon US: 4.1/5 (1,500+ ratings)
📚 Books by Susanna Gregory
The Matthew Bartholomew Series:
A Plague on Both Your Houses - During the Black Death of 1348, Cambridge physician Matthew Bartholomew investigates murders at Michaelhouse College.
An Unholy Alliance - Bartholomew investigates a series of deaths linked to a mysterious sect in Cambridge.
A Bone of Contention - The discovery of human bones and strange disappearances lead Bartholomew through a complex web of university politics.
A Deadly Brew - A poisoning at a Cambridge student hall forces Bartholomew to uncover connections to local brewers and the university.
A Wicked Deed - Bartholomew must solve the murder of a woman found in Michaelhouse College while dealing with student unrest.
The Thomas Chaloner Series: A Conspiracy of Violence - In 1662 London, spy Thomas Chaloner investigates murders connected to the restoration of Charles II.
Blood on the Strand - Chaloner investigates a series of deaths among London's elite during the early years of the Restoration.
The Butcher of Smithfield - A murder investigation leads Chaloner through London's meat markets and political intrigues.
Stand-alone Works: The Murder House - A historical mystery set in 17th century London during the time of the Great Plague.
Intrigue in Covent Garden - A complex investigation involving multiple deaths in Restoration London's theater district.
An Unholy Alliance - Bartholomew investigates a series of deaths linked to a mysterious sect in Cambridge.
A Bone of Contention - The discovery of human bones and strange disappearances lead Bartholomew through a complex web of university politics.
A Deadly Brew - A poisoning at a Cambridge student hall forces Bartholomew to uncover connections to local brewers and the university.
A Wicked Deed - Bartholomew must solve the murder of a woman found in Michaelhouse College while dealing with student unrest.
The Thomas Chaloner Series: A Conspiracy of Violence - In 1662 London, spy Thomas Chaloner investigates murders connected to the restoration of Charles II.
Blood on the Strand - Chaloner investigates a series of deaths among London's elite during the early years of the Restoration.
The Butcher of Smithfield - A murder investigation leads Chaloner through London's meat markets and political intrigues.
Stand-alone Works: The Murder House - A historical mystery set in 17th century London during the time of the Great Plague.
Intrigue in Covent Garden - A complex investigation involving multiple deaths in Restoration London's theater district.
👥 Similar authors
Ellis Peters writes medieval mysteries featuring Brother Cadfael, a monk who solves crimes in 12th century England. Her work shares Gregory's attention to historical detail and monastic settings.
C.J. Sansom creates Tudor-era mysteries with Matthew Shardlake, a hunchback lawyer who investigates crimes during Henry VIII's reign. His novels incorporate real historical figures and political intrigue of the period.
Michael Jecks sets his mysteries in 14th century Devon with former Knight Templar Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock. His books feature detailed depictions of medieval law enforcement and social structures.
Paul Doherty writes several medieval mystery series including one featuring Hugh Corbett, a clerk who solves crimes for Edward I. His work incorporates authentic period details and complex murder plots in medieval settings.
Candace Robb creates mysteries featuring Owen Archer, a one-eyed captain of archers turned spy in 14th century York. Her books focus on medieval medicine and politics while incorporating real historical events and figures.
C.J. Sansom creates Tudor-era mysteries with Matthew Shardlake, a hunchback lawyer who investigates crimes during Henry VIII's reign. His novels incorporate real historical figures and political intrigue of the period.
Michael Jecks sets his mysteries in 14th century Devon with former Knight Templar Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock. His books feature detailed depictions of medieval law enforcement and social structures.
Paul Doherty writes several medieval mystery series including one featuring Hugh Corbett, a clerk who solves crimes for Edward I. His work incorporates authentic period details and complex murder plots in medieval settings.
Candace Robb creates mysteries featuring Owen Archer, a one-eyed captain of archers turned spy in 14th century York. Her books focus on medieval medicine and politics while incorporating real historical events and figures.