The King's Justice (A Stanton and Barling Mystery, #1)

by E.M. Powell

A murder that defies logic—and a killer on the loose.

England, 1176. Aelred Barling, esteemed clerk to the justices of King Henry II, is dispatched from the royal court with his young assistant, Hugo Stanton, to investigate a brutal murder in a village outside York.

The case appears straightforward. A suspect is under lock and key in the local prison, and the angry villagers are demanding swift justice. But when more bodies are discovered, certainty turns to doubt—and amid the chaos it becomes clear that nobody is above suspicion.

Facing growing unrest in the village and the fury of the lord of the manor, Stanton and Barling find themselves drawn into a mystery that defies logic, pursuing a killer who evades capture at every turn.

Can they solve the riddle of who is preying upon the villagers? And can they do it without becoming prey themselves?

The perfect historical mystery series for fans of C.J. Sansom's Shardlake series and Ken Follett

• ISBN10: 1542046017
• ISBN13: 9781542046015
• Publish Date: 1 June 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Thomas & Mercer
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 288
• Language: English

Reviews

[elysium]

3,5 stars

Hugo Stanton is selected to assist Aelred Barling, appointed clerk of the court, to solve a mysterious death in Claresham. The start is not easy for the two very different men working together and both having secrets of their own. Stanton, in particular, isn’t happy having to work for the king.

Stanton appeared on the Fifth Knight novels, which I enjoyed, but I have to confess that I don’t remember him. It was frustrating at times trying to remember since there are references to the past.

Stanton and Barling are very different personalities and at first, it causes difficulties. Barling does everything by the book and Stanton is more of an improviser. I liked to see how they learned to work with each other and started to respect each other. I loved to read about the normal life since the books I’ve read usually centers at the royal court or something.

It was great to learn more about how the justice system worked in 12th century. I certainly wouldn’t like to be accused of anything in those times.

I enjoyed the book and can’t wait for the next book. Good start for a new series.