Absolutely smashing historical book with great character building, love the twist and turns of this book, I finishes this book in one sitting as I just needed to know what happened.

This is a really good story with twists, turns.. I cared about the chatacters and want to read more books if this is a series. I devoured this biok in one sitting because I had to know how it ended.

Historical Mystery Fiction is one of my favorite genres and this one set in Canterbury and with the well-known Cathedral as setting is a good tale. The Cathedral has been damaged by fire and one of the stonemasons working on the reconstruction has been brutally murder and marked with a cross. At the Priory the head monk is distressed, as Easter is close, and the King will be visiting. Barling, one of the King’s clerks is on a pilgrimage to Canterbury as penance for his sins. He arrives and is summoned to the Priory and instructed to solve the murder. Having visited Canterbury and having seen the tomb of St. Thomas Becket brought the story alive for me.

An enjoyable medieval murder mystery with great characters based on historical fact. Although this is the third book in the series it reads well as a stand alone.

I’ll start with the absolutely gorgeous covers in jewel tones and rampant griffin-looking creatures. I’ve also purchased the first and second of the series and can’t wait to learn how Stanton and Barling met. Their uneasy relationship, deep-rooted in the hierarchies of the middle ages, and the character conflicts flowing under the murder mystery are fascinating. I’m always happy to find realistic LGBTQ representation in historical fiction. Barling’s relationship with himself and his faith is troublesome for him and one of the reasons they are on the pilgrim road.
The great Canterbury Cathedral where Thomas Becket was murdered, throngs with pilgrims and workers repairing the building after a fire. One of the stonemasons is murdered and the combined detecting talents of Stanton and Barling are called upon by the Lord Prior Benedict to solve this murder before there are more…
Writing Medieval fiction is hard, goddess knows I’ve tried. Sorting out all the relationships in a feudal world driven to extremes by religious obsession, the threads weaving a vibrant tapestry pulsing with easy violence. E.M. Powell has created a fascinating world peopled with complicated characters and given them a compelling mystery to solve. A series I am very much looking forward to keeping up with 😊. Highly recommended.

This was a fun cozy mystery. The characters are fun to read and follow. I adored the setting and time period!

Historical mysteries are either well written and engaging or they try too hard and fail. I was delighted that this one was the former and not the later. Well written characters and a very well plotted mystery.

This is the third book in the Stanton and Barling Mysteries, which just happens to be my first introduction to this wonderfully engaging series. Personally, I do think you can easily read this as a stand-alone, overall this is all about the mystery but I do think if you want to get to know Stanton and Barling and learn more about them and their history I would need to read the previous books too, which I will be doing so.

1177, Canterbury Cathedral, a fire has swept through and ravaged parts of the historic building, the resident prior; Benedict is in charge of the great restoration but things come to a sudden grisly stop when a stonemason is found brutally murdered. Gasp!!

The King’s own clerk; Aelred Barling is only passing through on a pilgrimage to visit the tomb of the martyr; Saint Thomas Becket, with his faithful sidekick; Hugo Stanton. Barling and Stanton are asked to help solve the case and get to the bottom of the heinous crime.

Then, Boom; another murder!! Thing’s are looking uncertain, there are fear and speculation amongst the congregation, Barling and Stanton must work quickly to bring the culprit to justice before blood flows again.

The Canterbury Murder’s is an excellently written, engrossing, fast-paced ‘whodunnit’ what I particularly loved about it, is that it is a small way reminded me of Cadfael, the same intriguing plot which keeps you hooked throughout and charismatic entertaining characters who you can’t help but like instantly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, I’ve not read any of this author before but I liked how Powell’s engaging writing and how she kept you guessing as to who did what and why, I didn’t see the ending coming, I was gripped!

I loved how fast the plot was, as soon as I started reading I was swept away and thrown headfirst into the 12th century, from the first page you just know that this book is going to be a good ‘un and I wasn’t wrong, I loved the journey, I loved that it piqued my imagination.

The Canterbury Murder’s is an intense, mysterious, vivid, atmospheric, tantalising and compulsive read, the perfect historical to really sink your teeth into.

Stanton and Barling, the King's men, go on pilgrimage to Canterbury during Holy Week to visit the Martyrdom of Saint Thomas Beckett, when upon reaching the city they are required by the Benedict the prior of Christ Church, due to the discovery of the mutilated body of one of the masons working on the reconstruction of the Cathedral after a fire that destroyed it.
From this moment, our protagonists will face increasing dangers and more murders before discovering the criminal and his motives. As always, Barling is the cold and passive reason while Stanton represents the active and passionate reason, making each of his adventures a very animated story, full of action on the part of Stanton and Barling's logic and philosophy.
A nimbly written series, historically very well set and worthy of being brought to the screen!

3,5 stars

The story starts soon after the events of the last book. Barling is desperate to do a pilgrim to the tomb of Thomas Becket for past sin and hopes to get a peace of mind. But things don’t go as planned and once again they are thrown into a murder investigation, much to Barling’s dismay. There’s still a rift in Barling and Stanton’s relationship because of those events in the last book which doesn’t help their investigation.

We learn more about Stanton and Rosamund’s affair. I’ve been curious to learn more about how the relationship came to be, and just under Henry’s nose. Rosamund’s portrayal was different than I was expecting but oh well. Maybe now Stanton is ready to move on in life.

The best part of this series is the friendship between Barling and Stanton, who have very different character. Even if I sometimes wonder how they manage to solve any murders, that makes for it. Characters and the writing style make up for it.

It was a quick read and I wonder what’s up next for them.

Time spent at Fairmore Abbey, Yorkshire, solving a series of gruesome murders has brought Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling closer together. However, on their return to Westminster the closeness is short lived and all Stanton's attempts to re-kindle it fail.

Unbeknown to Stanton, Barling has confessed to a priest that even though his fifteen year penance for a past sin has ended, he still feels his immortal soul is in peril. To completely cleanse himself of his sin, Barling is instructed to make a Lenten pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury.

Stanton is happy to accompany Barling on this pilgrimage, envisioning comfortable inns along the way and a great Easter feast at the end of their journey with dancing, singing, young female pilgrims and lots of ale. The reality is quite different, although Stanton does quaff a few ales much to Barling's disgust.

On reaching the cathedral and before he can pay his respects at the saint's tomb, Barling is summoned by Prior Benedict. The prior is overseeing the restoration and rebuilding of the cathedral's roof and choir after a fire destroyed them three years ago. He informs Barling that the body of a stonemason has been discovered with multiple stab wounds and a religious symbol carved deeply into his forehead, stirring up an old rumour of a curse.

Once again, Stanton and Barling are called upon to solve a murder, but it must be done before a proposed visit to the cathedral by King Henry II – which means they only have four days to apprehend a murderer.

As in the past, Stanton and Barling begin investigating one murder but soon find themselves with a rising body count and multiple suspects. Matters are made worse by their deteriorating relationship, the pressure of the king's impending visit and Stanton's involvement with a young woman looking for her missing sister. This distracts him from the murder investigation and tempts him to seek closure of a personal loss through a necromancer.

Barling is more testy than usual. The investigation has prevented him from completing his penance and saving his soul. He has also come under a lot of criticism from the prior as to the lack of progress. And Stanton aggravates him more than usual, to the point where he dispenses with his services, an action he later comes to regret.

The Canterbury Murders is another fast paced and intriguing mystery featuring one of my favourite crime fighting duos. There are many false leads before the guilty party is exposed. Once again, I had no idea who the murderer could be until presented with that final revelation.

E.M. Powell has created an immersive medieval experience through her depiction of everyday life and one of the great re-building works of the 12th century. While I love the historical detail in her novels and the mystery element, it is the mismatched characters of Stanton and Barling and their interaction that keeps me coming back for more. I'm looking forward to their next murder investigation.

I am a fan of historical fiction especially, historical mystery. Finding a good book in this genre is tough. So, I am glad to have read The Canterbury Murders by E. M. Powell for she has written a spellbinding mystery.

The book gripped me from the start. It does not progress at a breakneck speed, but it kept my attention all the same due to Powell's lucid writing which results in a smoothly flowing tale. My study schedule went for a toss as I raced to finish the novel just as Barling raced to stop the killers from taking any more lives.

There are plenty of suspects here which threw me off the trail. The twists kept on coming at the end resulting in an explosive finale.

Powell has crafted an unlikely pair of investigators in Barling and Stanton. They are as different as chalk and cheese.

Barling is stiff, prudish, honest, and methodical. He writes down the results of his investigations in an orderly manner on a slate just like modern-day detectives use notebooks to jot down their points.

Stanton is Barling's assistant, has an amiable nature, and likes drinking ale. A lot. But this is offset by his sharp observation skills. Moreover, he is the more approachable of the two. So, he succeeds in gleaning answers from people who would ordinarily not speak out of fear to authority.

Further, Powell presents the viewpoints of several characters which provides a complete view of the case.

The intriguing plot aside, Powell regaled me with the vivid descriptions of the town of Canterbury, the cathedral, the pilgrims thronging the town, and the various inns and alehouses serving them. Finding the killer among this chaos (literally and metaphorically, for Barling is going through a trying time) was difficult.

I cannot say Barling did his job with aplomb. He failed initially, got rebuked by Prior Benedict for his failure. However, Barling persisted in his investigations and thorough study of his notes. He likes to mingle with people of his class and stature which gives the impression that he is haughty. However, by the end, his affection for Stanton (who is more a friend than an assistant, but he does not admit so) leads him to admit his mistakes and give due credence to Stanton's views.

I am also impressed by Powell's exhaustive research into the living conditions of people in twelfth century as well as about the history of the cathedral in Canterbury.

Do read the author's notes at the end. She has tucked in a little surprise there for her readers.

I have not read the previous books in the series, but it did not diminish my reading experience. However, if I had read the previous books, I would have better appreciated the bonding between Barling and Stanton. I would rectify this mistake soon and read the previous books so that I can see this wonderful duo in action once more.

The Canterbury Murders by E. M. Powell is a treasure to read. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.

Many thanks to the publisher for my complimentary digital copy. I opted to provide an honest review.

This third book in the series with Stanton & Barling is the 2nd one I've read, I've missed the 2nd in the series which I've just downloaded so I can catch up. However, it can be read as a stand alone book.

It's a medieval murder mystery, compelling, gripping, well written and researched, based in Canterbury Cathedral. I thoroughly enjoyed it, a relatively light read which is just perfect for the times we live in at present!

Excellent read

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

We've waited a while for the new Stanton and Barling Mystery, and this doesn't fail to please, I was glad to see the duo make a return and see more development in their relationship. Barling is even more grumpy and curmudgeonly then ever. Even though he's only in his 30s or 40s.
Yet both characteristics prove to be strangely endearing. He's not being a jerk to Stanton for the sake of it, or just to belittle him. He genuinely does care for him, he just has a strange way of showing it.
This shows at he end, which I won't give away.

The historical details about Canterbury in the late 12th century, when the cult of Thomas Becket was still in its infancy were, as usual, vivid and realistic without bogging the reader down.

The mystery was complex, and some rather controversial topics were bought up, but done so in a sensitive manner.

Thanks to the publisher approving my request for this title. Unfortunately I didn't download it in tile, so borrowed the book from Kindle Unlimited. My review is based on that and the audiobook.

This is becoming one of my favorite medieval mystery series!
I loved this addition and found it compelling and entertaining.
Vivid and well researched historical background, good character development and a solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I am a big fan of historical mysteries, and I have had my eye on EM Powell’s books for a while. But I had not yet read any of them. So I was happy to be offered a review copy of the most recent title in Powell’s Aelred Barling/Hugo Stanton series, The Canterbury Murders. I liked it a lot.

Powell creates an engaging blend of historical figures (Henry II, Thomas Becket, Archbishop Richard, William of Sens and others) and fictional characters like Aelred, Hugo and Elena. One of the historical foundations of her story is the fire that burned part of Canterbury Cathedral in 1174, and the subsequent reconstruction efforts, which led to the presence of the stone mason who is the first victim. And as Powell mentions in her excellent historical note at the end, the fire at Canterbury bore a sad resemblance to the recent 2019 burning of Notre Dame, in Paris. Pictures of that fire were in my mind as I read the first chapter.

The Canterbury Murders is the third in its series, and I had a little bit of difficulty at the beginning understanding and relating to the relationship between the King’s Clerk, Barling, and his assistant, Stanton. But as I read further into the book, I got comfortable with the characters, and enjoyed the interplay between the two very different men. (Still, I think if you have the chance, I’d try to read the first two books first.) As far as the murders, the plot is solid, with plenty of red herrings, and I was kept guessing until the end. By the way, the end of Powell’s historical note also has a nice bit of info about herrings – red or otherwise…

All-in-all, I enjoyed The Canterbury Murders, and I’ll definitely be going back to read the first couple of books in the series. Please keep in mind that I reserve five-star ratings for only maybe one in thirty or forty books I read, so four stars is a solid “read this book” rating from me. And my thanks again to Crosshaven Press and NetGalley for the review copy.

*Many thanks to E.M. Powell and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Book 3 in the Barling and Stanton series takes us to the late 12th century Canterbury. This time the King's men are tasked with investigating a murder committed in the vicinity of the cathedral which is being rebuilt after a devastating fire. Barling and Stanton are not as close as they used to be, and the difference in characters is a good dynamics for the plot.
There are several more murders, and the duo face all kinds of problems and are offered red herrings before the mysteries are solved.
The plot is interesting, but what I appreciated most was the historical background on the cathedral, on the works connected with restoring its beauty and power, and on medieval pilgrimages. Ms Powell does a grand job describing the ambiance of the place and the times.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an opportunity to read The Canterbury Murders

Pilgrims ... a cathedral under renovations .... a murder ... and two investigators on the case

Although this is the third in this series, it can definitely be read as a standalone .I would still like go back and read the first two though !

What I liked:
✔️ the relationship between our two “detectives” Stanton & Barling
✔️ the book had a way of transporting me back in time to the 12th century. The cathedral under construction kinda reminded me of Pillar of the Earth ( a totally different type of story of course but a favourite )
✔️a classic murder mystery

This is the third book featuring King’s clerk Aelred Barling and his assistant, Hugo Stanton and whilst part of a series can be read as a standalone .

Prior Benedict has been overseeing massive reconstruction works to Canterbury Cathedral when to his horror a stone mason is found stabbed to death with the mark of the cross on his forehead . With the King due to visit within a week he asks for help in solving the murder .
King's clerk Barling along with his assistant Hugo Stanton is already in Canterbury ........Barling to make penance at the tomb of St Thomas Beckett and Stanton along for a pleasurable break . Less than pleased to be ordered to investigate the murder Barling soon has more reason to fear for his immmortal soul when a huge rock narrowly misses hitting him . Worse is to come as more bodies are found - murdered in a similar way to the first . Meanwhile Stanton is distracted by a necromancer who promises to conect him to dead lover .

It is within this setting of a land living within the dictates of a life led by the Church of sin and pennance that our duo must investigate this spate of murders ............ can they succeed before the King arrives ..... will Barling's immortal soul be safe ?

This is another novel by the Author that immerses the reader in the sights and sounds of the times . of how people are able to go about their lives when all around them they are told that their souls are at risk of damnation .

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story takes place in 1177, only 7 years after the murder of Thomas Beckett and many miracles were ascribed to him from the start.
In 1174, a fire destroyed the roof and the famous choir of Canterbury Cathedral where the mortal remains of Saint Thomas Beckett reside. A few years later prior Benedict oversees the massive restoration and rebuilding works. Many problems plague those works but when one of the most talented freestone masons is found stabbed and marked with a cross on his forehead, rumours of a curse spread like a wildfire. With the visit of King Henry II in a week’s time and this murder unsolved, Archbishop Richard asks help from the king’s justice, Ranulf de Granville. He sends them the king’s clerk Aelred Barling and his assistant Hugh Stanton. Luckily or accidentally (?) those have already arrived in Canterbury. Barling is anything but pleased to abort his pilgrimage to the grave of Saint Thomas Beckett. He severely fears for his immortal soul if he can’t complete this penance that he’s ordered to do after confessing his ‘grave’ sin to a priest. They’ve only just started to investigate when a huge rock nearly crushes Barling. But worse is yet to come when more similar murders occur. Hugh Stanton is distracted by a pretty young woman who’s looking for her missing sister and by a necromancer who offers the possibility to talk to his murdered lover.

This book gives an interesting insight into the daily lives of 12th-century ordinary people. Those lives were obviously drenched in religion and the concept of sin and penance. Fear for the final judgement after death and the possible eternal damnation of their souls was a real prospect for the people of that time. But also their devotion to saints and the possible miracles those could work were a part of life. Apart from the obvious Christian doctrine, there was also a belief in black magic and things like necromancers. The reading about pilgrimages makes fascinating lecture. The shrine of a saint was a commercial magnet for the ‘tourist-trade’ offering all sorts of secondary services for those pilgrims.
This differentiating between public beliefs and the more private dabbling in lesser-known practices is also visible in the medical profession. Where the surgeons and physicians were expensive, the herbal remedies and faith healers or saintly miracles were just as much in demand but not always reliable. Neither were those of the surgeons, who didn’t have to be certificated or even properly studied, that relied heavily on bloodletting.
This story offers a mix of real historical figures and made-up characters. Barling and Stanton are on their third adventure in this book and there are multiple references to the previous stories, but the events in this story stand completely on their own. Barling is a bit stern for my taste and I like the young Stanton, with his liking for good ale, a lot better. In the end, Barling proves that he does have a heart though. I only hope that he can forgive himself for something that’s certainly not a sin. Just more proof that religion can really fuck up people’s lives for no good reason whatsoever.
At the end of the book, there’s a very interesting part with historical notes and explanations. The writer did a lot of homework there. Even better, it also contains a list of characters. I wished they put those at the start of an e-book though, as you can’t flip through the pages as you’d do with a paper one.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and the author and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.