The Canterbury Murders (Stanton & Barling 3) by E.M. Powell

A fire-ravaged cathedral. An ungodly murder.

Easter, 1177. Canterbury Cathedral, home to the tomb of martyr Saint Thomas Becket, bears the wounds of a terrible fire. Benedict, prior of the great church, leads its rebuilding. But horror interrupts the work. One of the stonemasons is found viciously murdered, the dead manís face disfigured by a shocking wound.

When Kingís clerk Aelred Barling and his assistant, Hugo Stanton, arrive on pilgrimage to the tomb, the prior orders them to investigate the unholy crime.

But the killer soon claims another victimñand another. As turmoil embroils the congregation, the pair of sleuths face urgent pressure to find a connection between the killings.

With panic on the rise, can Barling and Stanton catch the culprit before evil prevails againóand stop it before it comes for them?

THE CANTERBURY MURDERS is the third book in E.M. Powellís Stanton and Barling medieval murder mystery series. Combining intricate plots, shocking twists and a winningñif unlikelyñpair of investigators, this series is perfect for fans of Ellis Petersí Brother Cadfael or C. J. Sansomís Shardlake.

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.

3,5/5

Published: Crosshaven Press (November 12, 2020)
Format: ebook
Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

About the Author

E.M. Powellís historical thriller and medieval mystery Fifth Knight and Stanton & Barling novels have been #1 Amazon and Bild bestsellers.

The third Stanton & Barling mystery, THE CANTERBURY MURDERS, will be released in November 2020.

Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she lives in northwest England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog.

E.M. Powell is represented by Josh Getzler at HG Literary.

Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 11
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Passages to the Past

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Friday, January 15
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Saturday, January 16
Review & Excerpt at Older & Smarter

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Interview at Reader_ceygo
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, January 18
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Feature at The Lit Bitch

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Review at Novels Alive
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Feature at Reading is My Remedy

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Interview at Jathan & Heather

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Review at Coffee and Ink
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