Matthew Bartholomew is part of a procession involved in the burying of Sir John Babington, the Master of their College, Michaelhouse. He had died as a result of suicide and must be buried in unconsecrated land. Matthew is not impressed when Thomas Wilson says a few words. Wilson had been one to disagree and contest anything that Babington did. Wilson became Master a week later.
Sir John had been in the process of writing a book on the law. He was enthusiastic about the topic, so why had he ended his life?
While at the meal celebrating Wilson’s appointment, a monk comes to Matthew to tell him that one of the commoners who lived at Michaelhouse had died. When Matthew exams the body he can’t find anything, but he discovers something unusual under the bed.
The following morning, an incident occurred, which set a whole new light on the death. A commoner in the room next to the dead man has been murdered. What’s going on? Matthew and Brother Aelfrith begin an investigation into what has happened. Aelfrith tells Matthew of a conspiracy of Oxford scholars to cause the downfall of the university in Cambridge. This could be what is behind the deaths.
However, the bishop suppresses any thoughts of an investigation. The story stalls, and by December the plague has arrived in Cambridge.
Would the plague stop the mysterious deaths? Author Susanna Gregory’s mystery filled story does have plenty more deaths - and they for the most part are related to the plague. However, there is also plenty of treachery, conspiracy and greed involved. Matthew has more than the plague to deal with, which puts not only his life, but also the lives of his loved ones in jeopardy. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
As Matthew deals with the plague, one cannot help but relate it to the current Covid situation.
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