An Unholy Alliance

The Second Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew

By: Susanna Gregory

Narrated by: David Thorpe

In 1350 the people of Cambridge are struggling to overcome the effects of the Black Death - and with a high mortality rate among priests and monks, the townsfolk are vulnerable to sinister cults that have sprung up. At Michaelhouse, Matthew Bartholomew is training new physicians when the body of a friar is found in the massive chest that the university uses to store precious documents. While investigating, Bartholomew stumbles across a derelict church being used as a meeting place for the mysterious sect he believes is at the heart of a web of blackmail and deceit - with intention to overthrow the established religion.

©1996 Susanna Gregory (P)2017 Hachette Audio

A little better?

The narrator is still trying a bit too hard but I’m getting used to it.

The stories read a little like Scooby Doo. Too much explaining. Every detail has to be tied up and explained in exhaustive detail. Respect the readers more and let us use our imagination.

I’ll keep listening to the books because I do like the time period and the stories aren’t bad. Just a little frustrating.

Better than the first book

Better character and plot development than the first book. The historical elements are still my favorite part of this series.

Good historical fiction read

The story starts slowly and you need to pay attention or get lost in all the characters. The historical detail about the level filth people endured in 14th century may be accurate but it also feels distracting. Still-Matthew and Micheal are a very likeable team and the story pick up steam resulting in a satisfying if tangled conclusion

Great Series

This the second book in the series has more of a feel of what the rest of the books are like. I love the mixture of mystery, history, and humor. David Thorp does a great job doing the voices and putting personality in the characters.

An unholy alliance

Long drawn out tale.
eNot much happens and what does is very repetitive. Narrator was the best part. His many voices of the characters were excellent.