E. M. Powell

I have mixed feelings about this book - on one hand, I think the 12-century reign of Henry II of England provides rich ground for a thriller, on the other, I wasn't fond of the overall story. Eleanor of Aquitaine as a villain is workable, but the backstory of Henry have a loving relationship and secret marriage with another woman requires quite a suspension of disbelief. In addition, the plot point of a witchcraft trial is more of a 17th-century trend than something suited to a novel set in medieval England. Overall, I felt like I was reading more of a medieval fantasy novel with characterizations designed to endlessly raise the stakes in this thriller rather than a well-research novel with a realistic plot.… (altro)

In 1176 England Aelred Barling is a clerk in the halls of justice of the reign of Henry II. When he is sent with messenger Hugo Stanton to investigate the death of a smith in the village of Claresham. Unfortunately for them this will not be the last death. Both Barling and Stanton seem to have secrets, and look to be incompatible in their nature, but they must work together.
An enjoyable mystery with some interesting characters. So a good solid start to a new series.
Re-read the book and still enjoyed the story… (altro)