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Title: A Poisonous Plot

Subtitle: The Twenty First Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

Author: Susanna Gregory

Narrator: David Thorpe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-04-15

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1358, over a century after its foundation in Cambridge, the college of Michael House is facing a serious shortfall of funds and competition from upstarts rivals such as Zachary Hostel. Their problems are made no easier by the hostility of the town's inhabitants, who favour the university moving away to the Fens.

This simmering tension threatens to break into violence when a well-known tradesman is found dead in one of the colleges. Matthew Bartholomew knows he was poisoned but cannot identify the actual substance, never mind the killer. He also worries that other illnesses and deaths may have been caused by the effluent from his sister's dye works.

Torn between loyalties to his kin and to his college, he fears the truth may destroy both his personal and professional lives, but he knows he must use his skills as a physician to discover the truth before many more lose their lives entirely.

Critic Reviews:

"Susanna Gregory writes with fluency and energy, avoids archaic vocabulary, despite her 14th-century setting and, having had a career as an academic, bases the stories in this enjoyable series on careful research." (Literary Review)

Members Reviews:

Never Stopped Laughing - My Favorite Series

This is another great book in the Matthew Bartholomew series about a Doctor in 17th Century Cambridge. Matthew, along with the Senior Proctor, Brother Michael must find oust what is causing the "debilitas" killing and sickening so many residents of Cambridge. In addition he must prevent his sister, Edith, from being attacked by townspeople over her factory for making dyes which are causing a ghastly smell, and also why town and gown are at each other's throat and on the verge of massive riot.

The duo of Mat and Brother Michael find themselves in one scrape after another. In addition the University, Michaelhouse, where they teach is on the verge of bankruptcy and needs to be rescued by finding a rich benefactor. Who is the sinister person causing all the trouble in the town by spreading lies and rumors? This is the main mystery to be solved, but there are many side mysteries along the way.

There are so many hilarious characters in the book that each chapter is a real treat. I have been reading the series since Book I and although this is 21 in the series, you can still enjoy it without having read the previous books. I am sorry that more of the series is not on audio, as I enjoy the series so much. I hate it when I read the end and find I enjoy listening to the book over again.

David Thorpe does an excellent job in reading. He gives all the characters unique voice which really bring out the personality of each character.

I love Susanna Gregory 's characters the are so vivid and funny

The narrator does not give Michael's voice the strength it needs which is disappointing. For that reason I was unhappy with the performance.

excellent story.

Well written and read story. I have always loved the characters and they were really brought to life by the narrator

A surfeit of voices?

Would you consider the audio edition of A Poisonous Plot to be better than the print version?

yes

What aspect of David Thorpes performance might you have changed?

His vocal characterisations

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh. If Ms.