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  • A Summer of Discontent

  • The Eighth Matthew Bartholomew Chronicle
  • By: Susanna Gregory
  • Narrated by: David Thorpe
  • Length: 19 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (185 ratings)
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A Summer of Discontent cover art

A Summer of Discontent

By: Susanna Gregory
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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Summary

Matthew Bartholomew jumps at the chance to travel to Ely with Brother Michael, as it will give him a unique opportunity to study in the richly stocked library of the Benedictine priory.

Michael has been summoned to the city by his bishop, but it isn't until they arrive that they discover the reason - the bishop has been accused of murder. The charge seems ludicrous, but Michael takes the investigation seriously and energetically sets about his task. Almost immediately he discovers that there appears to have been a series of unexplained deaths in the area.

At the same time, Bartholomew comes across an underground movement of rebellion against the church and the tithes they demand from the laity, and the two men also learn that there has been a spate of burglaries which are being blamed on a band of travellers.

Then a fellow of the priory is murdered almost under their noses. Can this death be connected to the others? Are all the killings linked to the burgeoning rebellion in the city?

Once again Susanna Gregory has created a superbly crafted mystery narrated with wit and style against a perfectly realised period background.

©2017 Susanna Gregory (P)2017 Little Brown Book Group

What listeners say about A Summer of Discontent

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellently researched & read Medieval who done it

Another great story and brilliantly read tale of 14th century Cambridge. Matthew Batholomew and Brother Michael once again have to unravel the tale behind a number of murders. I enjoyed reading the book myself, but David Thorpe's reading brings another very satisfying dimension to this novel.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

best of the series so far

I really like this series and while admittedly they can be a bit long winded they are well written. some are not as good as others but that is so very subjective but what is undeniable is that the narrator is brilliant so much so i have brought other books simply because he is narrating. would definitely advice reading in order.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Susanna Gregory is way to obsessed with obesity

I like this series but I'm getting bored of descriptions of Michael's eating habits.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A good listen with nice historical detail

If you could sum up A Summer of Discontent in three words, what would they be?

Historical + detective = interesting

What did you like best about this story?

The mystery, although slightly predictable, was nevertheless interesting, in some places amusing and the interplay between the two main characters had depth. I feel as if the author has finally got into her stride and, having already listened to the newly published books, this is the first book I can say I thoroughly enjoyed all the way through.

What about David Thorpe’s performance did you like?

Thorpe does a pretty good job of Bartholomew but has a strange interpretation of some of the other characters, especially female voices and one of the monks who is small in the previous book. Nevertheless, in A Summer of Discontent this is one of Thorpe's better performances.

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

Not a comedy but there were moments between Bartholomew and Michael that did make me laugh, other than that it was an interesting read/listen.

Any additional comments?

If you have found the earlier books hard to get through then start with this one as both the books and the narrator get significantly better from here on in.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • GB
  • 02-01-22

Summer of mayhem!

Lots of murders and overall mayhem, as usual, on a background of historical authenticity. Another excellent and thoroughly enjoyable tale from Susanna Gregory. Added to this, a brilliant interpretation of various characters by the superb narrator; Michael is absolutely perfect! Together with Matt, they (as brought to life by David Thorpe) make me wish I could go back in time. The interrogation in the Infirmarium of the deaf Roger (interspersed with shouts of war from another patient) was absolutely hilarious! Brilliant series, great characters, awesome narration.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Showstopping

This really kept me on the edge of my seat from the start to the end. So many funny moments too with the hapless Tisalia - maturity/maternity - “Michael is a man of God and deserves to be happy,” - and the Old Men “”I didn’t see if he wore an earring,” “The Scots are coming!” A complex plot and lots of interesting characters, lashings of Poison, and the Dry dry wit of Matthew Bartholomew. Must Read.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent use of different voices from each character.

Another reader who doesn't make the effort to check pronunciation of foreign words, hence Cynric, Kunrik, has become Synric

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Not my cup of tea :(

Actually gave up with over 9 hours' listening still to go :( It's all a bit laboured in terms of plot and characters and the narrator grates horribly - especially with Michael's voice and, sadly, he's one of the people we hear from the most. Probably just my view, but I shall have to avoid both Brother Bartholemew's adventures and anything narrated by David Thorp in future :(

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Rather disappointing compared to rest of series

The historical note at the end was riveting but the fictional plots were unnecessarily complex . I thought the infirmary denouement particularly far fetched. It was a very long book which was appropriate for the complexities and the performances were excellent .

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A great listen

Really enjoyed this one even though the ending wasn’t really a surprise. Fantastic characters and good historic context.

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