The Canterbury Murders

Through all 3 books of this series one thing has been fairly constant. Barling is rude, cantankerous, and does not seem to enjoy life. Whereas Stanton, Barling's assistant, is the complete opposite.It is also in this book that Stanton finally reveals why he has been assigned to Barling.I highly recommend this book, as well as the first two in the series, to anyone who likes mysteries as well as historical fiction.

Once again I have enjoyed the recreation of an era of turmoil and difficulties. I have come to know the two characters, their personalities and their friendship. The description is clear and the narration is breath taking. Only, this time I have found the solution kind of coming out of the blue. Other readers may think different, though. But in general, I really hope that additional issues of the saga will see the light, so that we, who have become fans of Barling and Stanton can continue to join them in such wonderful and terrible adventures.

I enjoy the interaction between Stanton and Billing. And the weaving of background of the other characters is so well done. You find yourself totally absorbed in the story.There are not many really good medieval mysteries written and this is one . I highly recommend the whole series.

The story, well written as always, dragged a bit in the middle while our heros struggled for a solution. Also, the solution seemed to come out of thin air which left me feeling the the author just wanted to end the story quickly.

I’m so glad that I did not live in the same world as Barling and Stanton. The filth would have been bad enough but the superstition and ignorance would have been even worse. However true all of that is, it makes for a wonderful tale and murder mystery.

Barking and Stanton once again looking for a killer. To me barking is the Columba of book reading. Love thieve stories by Ms Powell. Action with suspense. Been tough to put down these 3 books.

Well portrayed characters good sense of historical portrayal and local colour along with plots that will keep the reader guessing until the last couple chapters which then tie up any loose ends.one hopes that this and Stanton and Barling as well as Palmer in the author's previous series will have more adventures beyond the current trilogies.All six are great reads.😊

Another good book, well written and thoughtfully put together, unfortunately it's the last one in the series, I'll be looking for another from this author

This very delightful medieval mystery is the 3rd volume of the amazing "Stanton & Barling" series from the wonderful Irish author, E.M. Powell.At the back of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note, as well as a List of Characters, with wonderful people who are featuring in this great mystery, and not to forget an in formative Bibliography.Storytelling is once more of a top-notch quality, all characters, whether great historical or fantastic fictional, are very lifelike and believable and come all vividly to life within this mystery of murder and mayhem, while the brooding murderous atmosphere in Canterbury during this Eastertime comes superbly off the pages.The book starts on 9 April, AD 1177, in Canterbury, Kent, with the murder of one of the stonemasons called, Peter Flocke, and immediately Prior Benedict of Christ Church is in all sorts of panic as to how to handle this dreadful murder.On 17 April, AD 1177, while making a pilgrimage to Canterbury themselves, Barling especially who's hoping to pray at the tomb of Martyr Thomas Becket for forgiveness in an attempt to cleanse his soul of past sin, Stanton and Barling are all of a sudden summoned by a monk to attend Prior Benedict and Archbishop Richard of Canterbury, where they will be prompted to start an investigation into this murder.During this investigation more murders will occur, with the likes of Robert Norwood, a pilgrim who's making penance for a past sin, Martin Eustace, a drunkard who's working now at the lime quarry, and not to forget, Hilde, an old servant of the Lady Isabel Tyson.What is to follow is a very exciting and gripping medieval mystery in which the reader, such as I, is taken to dark recesses and evil streets as well as the dizzying heights of Canterbury Cathedral by the author, in order to follow closely the investigations by Barling and Stanton, towards an end that is filled with lively events and murder that will captivate the reader until the real culprit(s) of these murders are unmasked.Highly recommended, for this is a superb addition to this marvellous series, look very much forward to the next instalment, and what this episode is concerned I want to call it: "A Magnificent Canterbury Murder Mystery"!

Have now read two books with the characters Barling and Stanton , who are called on in this book, to solve a horrendous murder in the cathedral. Which in time turns to more than one murder. I found reading slightly confusing how Barling suddenly changed his mind who culprits really were, after having previously had two others arrested. Poor Stanton really didn't have much part to play n the book apart from nearly losing his life. Thankfully he lives to assist Barling, perhaps in new book number 4.?

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering in the Stanton and Barling series. Like any good detective story, the main characters share a complex but loyal relationship and each book develops that a degree further. Dealing as they must with a number of grisly murders and a few other distractions, each man brings a different approach to the task in hand. The mystery slowly unfolds to a compulsion I didn't fully see coming. Very satisfactory. I enjoy the medieval settings of this series and the style of writing very much and look forward to Book 4. If you are short of occupation during lockdown, I recommend you read the whole series.Frances

Barling is on a pilgrimage to Canterbury accompanied by Stanton when they are called to investigate the murder of a stone mason working at the Cathedral.I so.loved this latest Stanton and Barling novel. It is well written with great characters. And it is full of twists and turns pretty much up to the end.Totally enjoyable and highly recommended.

Powell has an incredible ability to transport readers to a bygone time, to feel and sense what it was to live in medieval England.The crime plot was gripping and unpredictable as usual.Loved the ending, though sad for Baelings love that could not be named at that time.Can't wait for next book!!