The Monastery Murders

I would like to thank EM Powell, the publisher and Netgally for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Stanton and Barling Mystery Book 2 reads really well. The King's man and his assistant are asked to investigate a most mordid crime committed in a remote monastery in Yorkshire. The intrigue is intetesting and the characters are well developed and and the end we learn something more about Barling's past. The idea of a team of two working our mysteries has been long known and used by authors and this time is not a wasted one. Also, though language is modern, characters act like they should regarding the period. To sum up, a highly recommendable historical novel!

Interesting murder mystery that will have you on edge of seat until end of book. Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling, two Kings clerks, are asked to investigate a horrific murder in a out of the way monastery. The clerks get there and another murder happens, and another, .....Non stop action. Well written book.

An enjoyable mystery, even though I am a little tired of mysteries. I still found myself wrapped up in the story and thought it was fast-paced and well written. I missed the first book in the series but didn't feel too lost or anything.

I stumbled across the first book in this series a few weeks back, needing something quick to read, and was pleasantly surprised by it. So when i saw book 2 was available, i jumped on the chance to read it.

The Monastery Murders is a great book, one that builds on the first book and takes the series to the next level.

The developing relationship between Barling and Stanton is very enjoyable to read, as we see their pupil and master relationship develop into something deeper and more friendly.

The murder mystery itself kept me guessing right to the end. It was cleverly done, the plot weaves through bloody murder after bloody murder, keeping the reader gripped as we hurtle to its climax.

Added to the fact that its a nice short read, with no wasted pages, makes the lated E.M. Powell novel a huge success.

1176.The sacrist of a Cistercian abbey has been horrible murdered. As the abbot is an old acquaintance of Aelred Barling,a senior clerk at the court of King Henry,it is evident that Westminster dispatches him and his assistant Hugo Stanton to this remote monastery in North-Yorkshire.
It is clear that their presence is not appreciated by the monks but a murderer is at large and a second murder is committed soon after their arrival. To make things worse, the weather takes a turn for the worse and the monastery is completely cut off due to heavy snowfall....and the feeling of security is replaced by a sense of fear.
Of course,an isolated snowed under monastery,is reminiscent of the Name of the Rose and Dissolution but both these book are quite an historical feat (and sometimes a bit of a challenge ) while this is an easy going read,with well developed characters and with a good insight in monastery life in the 12th century. And it is a good mystery !

The Monastery Murders is the second book in the Stanton & Barling series by E M Powell and whilst I have not read the previous book in this series I found the book to be an enjoyable read with no issues from a lack of knowledge of the previous story.

The book is well paced and the author's research clearly shows without overwhelming.

Overall a good book which is recommended

This medieval murder mystery series by EM Powell with senior court clerk, Aelred Barling, and his invaluable assistant, Hugo Stanton, is getting better and better. I recently read the first book, The King's Justice, and this one is a more than a worthy follow up. Whilst Barling and Stanton's relationship has improved considerably, the differences in their characters still gives rise to tension between them. It is 1176 in the austere Cistercian brethren run Fairmore Abbey, situated in a remote, desolate and isolated setting of North Yorkshire. It is Christmas Eve, and the Abbey is rocked by the particularly brutal murder of Brother Cuthbert, the sacrist. An unsettled and unhappy Barling is sent to investigate, but he is not looking forward to meeting a man who knew him in his previous life in Paris and that the case is not subject to King Henry's justice but under the authority of the Church. Amidst freezing weather and snow blizzards, Barling and Stanton, arrive at the Abbey to be greeted by the recently appointed Abbot, Philip de Franingeham.

The arrival of the King's men is greeted with hostility from the monks, and it does not take long for Barling and Stanton to become aware of the deep undercurrents of resentment and conflict in the Abbey, with many unhappy with the Abbot's appointment and the manner in which he runs the Abbey. It does not take long before another horrifying murder takes place, raising the levels of tensions and fear in the Abbey's community and further murders follow. People begin to feel unsafe, and Stanton's efforts to bring in outside help is foiled by the raging snow storms. There is no escape for the inhabitants of the Abbey and even the King's men find themselves surrounded by danger. There appear to be indications that the manner of the deaths seem to be replicating those from a book that had been scribed by Brother Reginald under the rule of the previous Abbot.

EM Powell begins to reveal the background and previous life of Aelred Barling, and how he came to bury himself in the dry emotionless world of the law in a bid to escape his emotionally distraught experiences in Paris, where he was a very different man. As he reveals his past to Stanton, he expects to be judged but this merely serves to build close and stronger ties between the two men. I imagine we might learn more of what lies behind Stanton's troubling past in the next book. Powell's attention to the historical details of the time, and the level of research that underpins this series is to be admired and lends authenticity to this fascinating series. I found this a highly enjoyable and engrossing piece of historical crime fiction with great character development. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.

Stanton and Barling are back, this time to solve a murder at a monastery where undefined animosities simmer under the surface.

After Cuthbert doesn't ring the bell to wake his fellow monks for divine offices, they find him gruesomely murdered in the grate of the kitchen fireplace. Much to Stanton's dismay, the king's men are pulled away from the Christmas festivities in London to solve the mystery at this isolated cloister in Yorkshire. Although the abbot protests that all of his flock is innocent, both Stanton and Barling can sense that something is rotten in Denmark. As they uncover bitterness and jealousies among the monks and lay brothers, the killer resurfaces to find victim after victim. Can Stanton's shrewdness and Barling's logic find the solution in time before they themselves fall victim in the monastery murders?

This book was another fast-paced read from E.M. Powell. Both characters share more about their past lives, with Stanton pining for his lost love Rosamund and Barling trying to forget his youthful days in Paris. The relationship between our two sleuths deepens as one must fight against the clock to save the other when the killer strikes close to home.

As suspicions grow that the murders might be following a pattern outlined in an ancient text, one can't help but compare the book to Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose. The books are markedly different in other aspects, however, as Powell is writing a thriller, and Eco's book is...something else entirely. 

One of the things I appreciate about Powell's books is the way she can blend crisp, understandable, modern-feeling dialogue with accuracy to the medieval period. She omits the "ayes" and "nays" of older-style language, allowing us to comprehend the characters without effort. But at the same time, when a red-blooded medieval man goes to a bear baiting, instead of launching an animal-rights campaign to have the poor animal released, he is truly a man of his time with his blood fired up, enjoying the ferocity of the spectacle. One area that I did feel smacked of modern sensibilities and current cultural agenda was the style of Barling's revelation at the end of the book. 

In sum, this book was a page-turning read, a little gorier than the last one in the series, and I recommend it for those not of faint heart or frail constitution. And as an aside, this may be my favorite medieval book cover ever--I love the fonts, and the image, and everything about it. 

Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was available as an instant read on Netgalley - the second in a series. Set in the 12th century. Following a murder in an isolated Yorkshire monastery, a clerk and his assistant are asked to solve a mysterious murder. The story starts out in London with a bear baiting scene which is very gory - perhaps to highlight the difference between then and now?- I found it quite hard to read. Called to Yorkshire in January things are very cold, bleak and - as the order is Cistercian - spartan. Despite the religious commitment, there are terrible tensions between older and younger monks, monks proper and the monks who do the practical work, and the religious community and those villages that surround them. The mystery itself ultimately seemed a bit implausible, but the setting was compelling, I thought - atmospheric.

In this novel set in England, a clerk and his assistant are summoned to a monastery to solve a gruesome murder. While they are working on this puzzle, murders continue to occur, seemingly tied to an ancient manuscript.

The novel is quite atmospheric, set in a broodingly isolated area during a harsh winter snowstorm. The plot is tight and the characters well-developed, leading to an intense and stunning conclusion.

The author thoroughly researched the background to the book. A bibliography and end notes are included.

I thought this book got off to a rather slow start, but then became quite a page-turner. Although interestingly portrayed, the murders were rather gruesome, as was the bear-baiting scene early in the novel. However, these aspects may appeal to some readers more than they did to my squeamish personality. I also felt the clerk's personal disclosures at the end were lengthy and detailed more than necessary. While they helped to illuminate the clerk's character, they were not essential to the plot development.

I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Stanton and Barling are only recently returned from their last investigation when they are handed a new crime to solve. It seems that there has been a murder at a secluded, the abbot of which is an old acquaintance of Barling's. Upon arriving at the monastery, they are greeted with a gruesome scene: the partially incinerated body of a monk. Barling and Stanton immediately get to work, soon realizing that all is not well among the brothers. The new abbot, Philip, is very young and is disliked by many. Most believe he should not have invited any outsiders to come investigate. After a second brother is murdered and then a third, a connection between the manners of death and a often used text is discovered. Unable to contact the outside world due to a snowstorm, Barling and Stanton must use every their combined skills to catch the killer before they become his next victim.

"The Monastery Murders" by E.M. Powell, is the second adventure of Barking and Stanton and it doesn't disappoint. While featuring pairs of investigators is certainly not new, Powell does it especially well with Stanton's relaxed attitude and Barling's rigid adherence to the rules. The two characters complement each other in a way that keeps the reader "glued" to the pages. The plot is engaging and fast-moving, concluding with a twist most readers won't anticipate. I recommend this book to all and rate it 4/5 stars.

*A copy of the ebook was the only consideration received in exchange for this review.*

A very enjoyable historical mystery, fast paced and well written.
I liked the cast of characters, the plot was sound and entertaining.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

A well-written mystery taking place in the middle ages. The protagonist is an agent of the King and his assistant. A group of monks are being systematically killed off and unless Barling and Stanton could discover the culprit, all those residing at the Monastery could be at risk.

I have no problem recommending the book with two exceptions. There is no warning given to the reader that there is one explicit heterosexual scene and a longer (though not explicit) description of a gay romance. If this were apparent in advance, this reader would have chosen to not read the book. If made into a movie (as written), I expect the film would be rated ‘R’ - though, with a bit of gentle editing (of the book or the movie), it could easily receive a ‘PG-13’ rating. Because of the lack of warning and the possibility of these scenes being triggers for some, the book receives a 3-star rather than a 4-star review.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

The Monastery Murders is the second masterful book in the Barling and Stanton series, from E.M. Powell. It is a novel full of rich characters, a scintillating murderous plot and a backdrop truly immersed in medieval, 12th century England.

Fairmore Abbey is a monastery of the Cistercian Order located in a secluded area in the remote Yorkshire countryside. Abbot Philip of Fairmore, through King Henry’s great justice Ranulf de Glanville, has requested Aelred Barling, the King’s clerk, to investigate a gruesome murder at the abbey. Barling and his assistant, Hugo Stanton, are dispatched in the dead of winter to investigate. No sooner have they arrived at the abbey than the death toll starts to mount, and each a very specific and brutal death. (view spoiler)

Elaine’s writing is just a joy to experience and her ability to build on layers of mystery, suspense and intrigue are amazing. I love a story where we pick-up unexpected information from sources not always straight in front of you. In the opening scene, there is the public spectacle of bear baiting and both Barling and Stanton watch on for a period. This little scene was used to such massive effect as we appreciate how this was all a normal part of public festivities during that period and also how our main characters responded in ways that help build our understanding of them.

What really sets this book apart, is the wonderful characterisation of Aelred Barling and Hugo Stanton. As a duo, they possess background, context, characteristics, motivations, conflicts, uncertainties, skills and dialogue that are totally unique and full of depth. Their characters are full of varying personality shades as they both contribute at many levels of ability and knowledge. Barling is a King's clerk and has a position of authority which frames his intelligent and methodical approach. Stanton is the younger assistant who is also quick-witted, able to read people very well and has a moral compass which challenges our perception of the lower class at the time. They both have their failings, which get exposed at times, showing they are human and can be wrong-footed. Their relationship is gradually maturing and trusting but at times Stanton still oversteps his position to the admonishment of Barling. In my opinion, they are a fantastic duo, much better than the Matthew Shardlake and Jack Barak partnership in the C.J. Sansom series.

This is a book I would highly recommend and while it’s a different story there is a lot of benefit in reading The King’s Justice, first.

I would like to thank E.M. Powell, Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC version of the book in return for an honest review.

When a monk of Fairmore Abbey is discovered dead a summons from Ranulf de Glanville sends
Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling to investigate. In the wintery month of January 1177 they make their way from London to North Yorkshire and this very isolated community. They have not been long at the monastery when the murderer kills again.
A well-written mystery, an enjoyable read. A story where we also discover more of the history of the main two characters, who seem to complement each other throughout the book and become more well-rounded as a result.
It can certainly be read as a standalone story but I would recommend the first book as a worthwhile read.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I can say it won't be my last.I thoroughly enjoyed it.I enjoy CJ Sansoms Shardlake novels and S J Parris' Giordano Bruno novels.I believe E M Powells Barling and Stanton to be right up there with them I will be reading her first,'The Kings Justice' as soon as I can get it.
Set during the reign of Henry the Second so several hundred years before the aforementioned authors books. There are two excellent central characters ,the Kings men Barling the Clerk to the Justice and his assistant the younger less cerebral Stanton. They play off nicely against each other and the partnership is nicely judged with the subordinate Stanton well aware of the limits of his position.no anachronistic attitudes here thankfully..

Called in to a remote Cistercian Monastry in Yorkshire to assist in finding the murderer of one of the monks ,killed in a most horrific and unusual way and the Abbot .who was a student in Paris with Barling needs help.Many of the monks resent their presence and are grudging in any assistance they are willing to offer.Not long after their arrival a second murder takes place and soon the bodies are mounting up.
This is an atmospheric and well written novel with a really well plotted storyline great characters well set in their time .The book is well researched with the depiction of a harsh monastic life and an even harder life outside. When they catch a suspect he is not handed over to the authorities but is to be put in a cell on the Monastry grounds clergy and Lay brothers being subject to church not the Kings law,(The arguement between church and the King lead to the death of Thomas Becket under Henry)
I really enjoyed this book the tale zips along at pace and is a must for fans of historical fiction. Highly Recommended.

A very enjoyable historical mystery, fast paced and well written I am much looking forward to the next one

An interesting book, set in a Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire in the 12th Century just after Xmas. A bleak, cold place where life was hard enough without someone murdering the monks. One of the king's investigator's is sent to find the murderer - at that time there was only on monk had been killed. Once he arrives all hell breaks loose - literally. Will he be able to solve the mysteries before all the monks are killed?

Read it and find out.

Barling is sent to a monastery that has had a horrendous killing. He takes Stanton with him because they do well on solving murder mysteries together. He has no idea what he will be facing when he gets there...

Thomas Mercer and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It has been published.

Winter is setting in when they arrive and it's a dangerous trek to the isolated monastery but they make it safely. Barling is unpleasantly surprised by the abbot who is an old enemy of his. But he intends to find the murderer. He's told no one in the monastery can be guilty, they've all been questioned already. But he's not so sure...

When there are more murders even while they are there, it becomes a more frantic search for the killer. When they find the killings are following a text in the library, it becomes even more scary because there are more to come...

This is a nasty killer who has no feelings for those he destroys. His greed is driving him. And I never would have guessed who it was. This is a well written mystery that sent a chill down my spine. What do you think of it?

Riveting!

Fascinating medieval murder mystery featuring Aelred Barling and Hugo Stanton. It's 1177, Barling, a senior clerk of King Henry's court and his assistant Stanton will find themselves trekking through the wilds of North Yorkshire to a puritanical Cistercian community at Fairmore Abbey, rather than spending the new year ensconced in the celebrations of London (much to Hugo's dismay!)
A White Monk has been found foully murdered. The community has no idea of how such a thing could happen. Barling, as the King's man has been requested by Ranaulf de Glanville, the King's Justice, to investigate the murder at the instigation of Abbot Nicholas from the great Cistercian house of Linwood Abbey. Abbot Philip of Fairmore Abbey had mentioned a preference for Barling as an astute investigator. He had been struck by Barling's fine handling of a previous incident.
What Barling and Stanton find is just the beginning of a gruesome tale where a murderer is loose. The Abbey, situated in an inhospitable location, becomes cut off by deep snows and biting cold. An unholy pall of death and fear encompasses all.
The cut and thrust of the situation and the investigation of potential culprits mesh together as the King's men find themselves flummoxed at every turn. The body count continues to rise, accompanied by sinister, half guessed at clues. Grim indeed is the outlook!
I really liked the way Barling and Stanton grow in their interactions with each other. Powell paints a vivid, rather despairing picture of the Abbey and its surrounds, and the picture of the Abbey community is one that can't hep but show man's frailties.
The medieval flavour of the times, the daily occurrences, indeed the overall picture is masterfully presented.

A NetGalley ARC

An excellent read! Having read several in the Brother Cadfael books, I acquired a taste for medieval mysteries and was pleased to find this book on offer from Netgalley. Ms Powell writes a terrific story and although this is the second in the series, it wasn't hard to catch up and carry on. It's not particularly long and easily read in an afternoon, or over several evenings.

Barling & Stanton are sent to Yorkshire in this book, to investigate a rather gruesome murder that has taken place at a remote monastery. They arrive to find the Father is a university compatriot of Stanton (and who knows a secret about Stanton) and who is obviously concerned about the well-being of his charges. Whilst they are there - not warmly welcomed by the brothers - another murder happens! And then a third! Someone is obviously angry with the brothers, but no one can figure out who or why.

There is some very clever detecting to get the desired (or undesirable?) result whilst the number of bodies continues to mount (I found this part a BIT convenient), and the mystery is wrapped up well.

It was an easy read, well plotted and paced, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. Fortunately, I can start from the beginning as it appears I've got it in my TBR pile already!

Thanks to C J Sansom and S J Parris always looking for more historical thrillers this is another welcome addition will now go back and read the 1st in the series

The setting is historical England and more particularly an abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire. The King's men are sent to help in the solving of a murder at the abbey. That murder soon becomes a veritable landslide of bodies. The narrative is well written it captures both the setting and the time in which it is set. The characters are interesting and add to the complexity of the narrative. I haven't read the first in this series but would happily go back to it and didn't feel not having done so impacted on this storyline which is in itself intact. I think it would appeal to both those who like Historical Fiction and to the Crime book lovers

This is the second outing of EM Powell's Stanton & Barling mystery series - the King's Justice being the first, and one I did not read beforehand.

The series is set in the time of Henry II, in this instance, after the murder of Thomas a'Becket, for which Henry is still atoning. The two are sent to the far flung Cistercian monastery of Fairmore in Northern Yorkshire to investigate the mysterious and gruesome death of one of the monks.

Along the way, and throughout, we are given a glimpse into the lives of these two - master and pupil - which also provides enough of a backstory to the first tome (though I still wish I had read it nonetheless). Far from being welcomed, the two - considered outsiders - are treated with suspicion and contempt.

As the investigations continue, more is revealed about the monks and life in the monastery; the truth lies in the past, and more than one secret is revealed.

Great story-telling - I kept thinking, how will this end, will the body count rise, will our two come close to solving this mystery before becoming victims themselves. I love this period of history, and this sort of mystery novel / series is right up my alley.

Ailred Barling and Hugo Stanton return for another Mystery when they are called away from the Christmas festivities in London to investigate the murder of a monk in a Cistercian monastery in the remote Yorkshire countryside.

This second installment once again delivers a mystery with twists, turns and red herrings which will keep mystery buffs guessing until the end, and a rich historical background. The last story was set in a village, this one details life in a 12th century Cistercian monastery, an order known for its strict routine and rules.
Who knew that it was so strict the monks were not even supposed to have rich illustrations in their manuscripts? Regardless, no monastery was above petty internal strife and vicissitudes of human nature.

I also liked the way that the characters reflect their time, so that unlike in other stories this one does not impose modern ideas, outlook, beliefs, and aspirations onto the past. Well, for the most part, anyway.
As before though, it bears mentioning that numerous murders feature in this story, and the crimes are quite gory and graphic. These stories are not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, but they're great if you can get past that.

The characterization is also excellent. Stanton in Barling are in a way a classic detective duo: they are a perfect mixture of complement and contrast. Both characters certainly develop more though in this story: Barling now seems to have taken his messenger Stanton under his wing, and considers him a true pupil to train up, but he is more willing to listen and respect him as well.

There is a scene towards the end which might have shaken my opinion of Ailred Barling a little, but it does wrap up some of the loose ends about his past, and I don't think it makes me like him any less.

I requested this title from Netgalley, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

The second outing for the talented detective team of Aelred Barling, royal clerk to Henry II, and his assistant Hugo Stanton is full of chilling atmosphere, both literal and figurative. At the request of Ranulf de Glanville, Justiciar of England in 1177 AD, both are sent north from London, a ten days’ ride in darkest winter, to the remote Cistercian house of Fairmore Abbey in Yorkshire. On Christmas Eve, the mild-mannered sacrist, Brother Cuthbert, was found murdered in a pretty horrific way.

Abbot Philip, who’d known Barling during their youthful studies in Paris, requests his help specifically. While Stanton’s an easygoing sort who enjoys ale, convivial gatherings, and women, Barling is a straitlaced fellow who prefers time at his writing desk. When it comes to their feelings about this mission, though, they’re in agreement: neither wants to go.

When they arrive at the monastery, which is nestled deep into a rocky valley, they discover the place in turmoil, although few openly admit it. Tension spills out from multiple avenues. The older monks chafe at Philip’s election to his current role, the lay brothers resent being treated like mindless workhorses, and many feel uncomfortable breaking their vows of silence to respond to outsiders’ questions. Then a second murder occurs, and another. Each is creatively gruesome.

This strongly plotted mystery is definitely not a cozy! The thawing relationship between Barling and Stanton, already begun after their joint success in The King’s Justice, helps lighten their increasingly heavy investigative burden. Barling sees it as his duty to impart periodic lessons that Stanton hates, but they acknowledge the other’s strengths and gifts. The final outcome, which arrives after a high body count, depends on their bond of mutual trust and is gratifying in that sense, and others.

The cast list isn’t solely male, and the presence of women in this highly regulated masculine environment creates disarray that’s first entertaining, and later dangerous. Hints at secrets about Barling’s past, which he’d rather not think about, contribute another intrigue-filled layer. Sometimes later volumes in a mystery series reveal the truth about earlier whodunits, but fortunately this isn't the case here. Readers who haven’t picked up book one, which I also recommend, won't discover any clues about how that mystery was resolved.

(Reviewed at Reading the Past)

This was a well researched whodunnit that kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the complex relationship between the main characters. I will definitely be reading the others in this series.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author E M Powell, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Monastery Murders in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
I thought the book was very well written with engaging characters. It was packed with intrigue and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to read more in this series. Very entertaining.

Aelred Barling is a scholar and scribe to King Henry. He is sent to a remote abbey in Yorkshire where one of the monks has dies in suspicious circumstances, taking his servant Stanton with him. The Abbot is an old acquaintance of Barling, Father Philip, and Philip knows some of Barling's secrets from their shared time as scholars in Paris. As winter closes in on the isolated Abbey, more and more deaths occur until both Philip and Barling are in danger but who is the murderer?
The historical crime fiction genre is a packed one and this book is definitely not one the best I've read however it is not without redeeming features. Whilst none of the characters are explored in great detail the crimes rack up quickly and there is a bit of a twist in terms of the ending. Unfortunately, although ultimately I did enough the story it was only OK.

Take a remote monastery frequently cut off from the outside world in bad weather, an insular community where it’s not all brotherly love between the inhabitants, add a dash of frustrated ambition, a few secret vices and the harsh realities of monastic life and – as it turns out – you have all the ingredients for murder. Actually, no, you have all the ingredients for a series of murders. And quite gruesome murders they are too.

Finding the culprit is the stern task that faces King’s justice, Aelred Barling, and his assistant/messenger, Hugo Stanton. Their arrival at Fairmore Abbey is definitely not greeted with enthusiasm and they find just about everyone reluctant to help them with their investigation. Barling and Stanton are a sort of medieval Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Barling is all application of method and logic (most of the time) whereas Stanton is better at dealing with people and judging character (most of the time). Together they form an effective, if at times slightly discontented, partnership – albeit one in which Barling is definitely in charge.

Coming in at the second book in a series can sometimes be a problem but not in this case. Although there are hints about events in the first book and little insights into the past histories of Barling and Stanton, there’s not much given away. In fact, just the opposite. The few enticing nuggets the author does give certainly piqued this reader’s interest in reading the first book, The King’s Justice.

The harsh, remote atmosphere of the monastery is really well conveyed. As a reader, you can almost hear the wind whistling round the Abbey walls and feel yourself shivering along with the monks in their draughty dormitories as they reluctantly rouse themselves from sleep to perform the religious offices. As a pattern to the murders starts to emerge (echoes of Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose here), can you blame the monks for wondering who’ll be the next victim or indeed whether the Devil himself stalks the Abbey?

The Monastery Murders is a well-crafted, engaging historical mystery with plenty of twists and turns and a wealth of possible suspects that kept me guessing right to the end.

I love E.M. Powell's novels and her Stanton and Barling mystery series has become one of my favorites - even with just two books out so far! I love that the author is so faithful to historical detail and still brings the characters and their environments to vivid life for the reader.

Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling are such a fun duo! I really appreciate the humor this pair brings to the mystery as well as their somewhat contentious relationship and growing respect for each other. I hope that the author continues to write more of this mystery series.

There is some serious darkness in this latest mystery that the duo must solve. There is a brutal murder in an isolated monastery that requires the brains of Barling and Stanton to solve. The first murder quickly escalates into more equally bizarre and brutal murders. Naturally, nothing is quite as it seems in this isolated place. Everyone has their resentments and grudges and ample opportunities and access to have committed the murders.

The abbot of the monastery knew Barling from his student days and this provides the opportunity for Stanton and the reader to learn more about him. Rather than give away some really wonderful plot twists, I will simply state that I read the novel in about one day and I could not have been more satisfied with the ending. Powell always provides a great mystery with lots of twists, false leads, witty dialog and interesting characters.

I look forward to reading many more novels in the Stanton and Barling mystery series. I always highly recommend Powell's novels, and The Monastery Murders is no exception.

This is the second book in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I thought it was well written, had some fantastic characters and a brilliant plot line. The author really transports you to the time period with the book and you feel as though you are completely immersed in the story - it really had me hooked!

This was a great addition to the series, and whilst it is the second book in the series, I did think that it was fine to read as a stand alone too.

Five stars from me - a brilliant historical fiction story - very highly recommended!!

The murder mystery was just as tricksy as the first novel. People getting murdered left and right! I loved getting a deeper insight into Barling's past. This series is a lot of fun. It is faced paced and I enjoy the banter between Barking and Stanton.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

Aelred Barling and Hugo Stanton are the Kingsmen of King Henry II’s Justices summoned to Fairmore Abbey in 1176 by Abbot Philip to solve a murder set in a bleak snow bound landscape. This book really takes you into the daily lives of the White Monks (so called because they wore habits of undyed wool) and the lay brothers who provide the physical labour. This is an involved mystery for our Kingsmen with many twists and turns. You will be drawn into this bygone world who’s very remoteness provides the heart pounding moments that death brings. The Kingsmen are characters with depth and you really get a good glimpse of their past lives intertwined with this mystery. I will be waiting in anticipation for the next mystery involving our Kingsmen. I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I knew that Daniel was innocent!
What never occurred to me was who was the real murderer. The Murders of the Monastery is a book with many twists and turns that will keep the reader very entertained from the first pages.
The bonus is that in the end Barling tells his secret to Stanton... yes, that secret, the secret that has shamed him throughout his life and that he had never wanted to talk about before.
I am already looking forward to reading the third book in the series!

This is the latest Historical Murder Mystery by this Author that I have read and really enjoyed .
His ability to bring politics and peoples of the time and place to life is unparalleled .

It is Christmas Eve in 1176 at Fairmore Abbey ..... but the night prayer bell fails to ring .
Monk , Brother Maurice hastens to see why Brother Cuthbert has failed in his duty only
to discover his brutally murdered body .
Aelred Barling, clerk to the King’s justices, and his messenger Hugo Stanton , are sent to
investigate the horrific crime . They quickly discover that this House of Peace is anything
but that - full of rivalries and feuds - and soon another body is found , and then another,
just what is happening .?.
Barling and Stanton must keep their wits about them as they find patterns to the murders
which indicate they too might soon be targeted by the murderer .

This is a well crafted murder mystery with the plot weaving through murder after murder
drawing the reader in - invested in the outcome . The development of the Master to Pupil
relationship of Barling and Stanton into something along the lines of friendship was especially
well written
I look forward to reading more by this talented Author