1177, Canterbury Cathedral. Aelred Barling, King’s clerk, and Hugo Stanton, messenger to the court, and Barling’s assistant have arrived on pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas á Becket. But there has been a murder on Cathedral grounds, and Barling is ordered to investigate.

I’ve not read any of the prior books in the Stanton and Barling mystery series, but I can say that I wasn't terribly impressed with this third book. Before the final solution, there are multiple murders, but the investigation was rather muddled. This is due in part to one of Powell’s subplots—a schism between Barling and Stanton that arose after their last murder investigation. It boiled down to each undertaking individual lines of investigation, for their own reasons, without communication between them. While this was more than likely meant to build tension between the characters, it made them seem merely petty.

There were, I believe four murders in total, but the last of these seemed totally pointless, only serving as a means of introducing an unnecessary subplot at the very end of the book. There was also no information/evidence/clue provided that would lead anyone (including the reader) to the solution. Even Barling literally stumbles onto the identity of the murderer.

While I found the mystery wanting, I found the historical background of Canterbury as a shrine and site for pilgrimage quite interesting. Also, I did enjoy the character of Barling. He was, while stern and officious, often quite endearing. The story of why he came to be in Canterbury was intriguing. I only wish Powell had incorporated more of it into the story.

Unfortunately, on the whole, this one just didn’t suit me.

I'm delighted to have found another medieval mystery series with interesting, likeable characters, good plotting, and period settings. The main characters Stanton and Barling are a study in contrasts—one happy-go-lucky, the other a bit pompous and overly concerned with form and rules. The tensions in their relationship are a key part of the novel, and provide a key reason why I'm now waiting for volume four in this series. (I did go back and read volumes one and two in the three days after I finished volume three.) The mystery kept me guessing, which I appreciated.

If I could I would give this 3.5 stars.

Set in 1177 England, this interesting medieval novel is the third in the Stanton and Barling series but my first read by E. M. Powell. It is full of intrigue, betrayals, murder and twists, well thought out and written with thoroughly researched details.

Canterbury Cathedral is a place of pilgrimage as Saint Thomas Beckett was killed and buried there. Characters in this book have their own reasons for visiting the cathedral, some more sinister than others.

Crime solving duo Stanton and Barling, King's Men, investigate grisly murders with irreverent calling cards left behind. The two are quite different men but they build on each other's strengths as they question people and investigate in their own ways. They stay at a local inn so are near the action. Add a monk, pilgrims, doctor, herbalist, young women and many others which means a good list of suspects and side stories.

Learning more about stone masonry was a treat and I like that the story is built around a real place. The ending was a great surprise!

I've toured Canterbury Cathedral and though it has been rebuilt since medieval times it was still easy to feel the atmosphere when reading. The story is fascinating as are the medieval descriptions and vernacular but I was unable to engage or connect with the characters...they felt distanced. Do not expect a cozy mystery but do expect lots of subplots!

Be sure to read all the notes by the author at the end.

My sincere thank you to E. M. Powell and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.