This is the twenty-first chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew, a series that started way back in 1996, and which I have been following all the way, as I thoroughly enjoy each and every one of these books.

Matthew is a physician who teaches at Cambridge University, where he is a scholar at Michaelhouse college along with his closest friend, the Senior Proctor Brother Michael, a Benedictine Monk. This latest story is set in 1358, and the tension between the town and the colleges and Hostels is reaching an all-time high.
Matthew’s newly widowed sister has established a new dye works in the middle of town and the smell and effluents being dumped into the river creating concern amongst both town and gown communities. The fact that she has hired former prostitutes is also upsetting some locals, who think that the women are still plying their old trade. The death of one of the town’s brewers sets a series of events in train that result in many deaths. The Colleges and Hostels are at each other’s throats; and there is a threat of the academics relocating to remote sites in the fens. This would break up the university community and turn the town on its head.

Matthew and Brother Michael must find out who is behind the deaths and why, before the split between the townsmen and scholars becomes even more deadly.

Another solid episode in this wonderful series of books. These are reliable reads and I am always sorry to come to the end of another adventure with these old friends. ( )