The Monastery Murders

A Stanton and Barling Mystery, Book 2

By: E.M. Powell

Narrated by: James Langton

Their lives are ones of quiet contemplation—and brutal murder.

Christmas Eve, 1176. Brother Maurice, monk of Fairmore Abbey, awaits the night prayer bell. But there is only silence. Cursing his fellow brother Cuthbert’s idleness, he seeks him out—and in the darkness, finds him brutally murdered.

Summoned from London to the isolated monastery on the Yorkshire Moors, Aelred Barling, clerk to the King’s justices, and his messenger Hugo Stanton, set about investigating the horrific crime. They quickly discover that this is far from a quiet monastic house. Instead, it seethes with bitter feuds, rivalries and resentments. But no sooner do they arrive than the killer strikes again—and again.

When Barling discovers a pattern to these atrocities, it becomes apparent that the murderer’s rampage is far from over. With everyone, including the investigators, now fearing for their lives, can Barling and Stanton unmask the culprit before more blood is spilled?

©2018 E.M. Powell (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

A well thought out mystery.

This is the second book with Stanton and Barling. Due to a direct request for their services, they end up looking into a murder that took place at a monastery. Soon many interesting things happen leaving your mind to work on the "Who-Done-It" and why. The author brings in a variety of characters that enhance the story. The scenery is well described and the narration was excellent. I loved this book and can hardly wait to read Book #3.

Great series!

I enjoyed the story. The narrator is one of my favorites. I look forward to the next.

Write faster!

I need more books about Stanton and Barling. I enjoyed both books in this series, and I'm going back to listen to previous books before this series - hope they're just as good!

Another great period mystery by Powell

An enjoyable mystery that furthers the story of Stanton and Barling from The King’s Justice. Also gives good insights into the monastic life of the Cistercian brothers from the 12th Century in England. Good story development that engages the reader and keeps things moving. It is always challenging for me to see how someone pledged to the good is capable of rank evil, but it illustrates the truth that we are at heart both saint and sinner, and will be as long as we are in the flesh. Barling’s revelation at the end is also challenging and modern, but it does help to explain many of his character quirks.

The narration

Good solid historical mystery set in a monastery. Likable protagonists, great dialogue, understandable ending. Enjoy if you like straightforward historical mysteries.