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.