The Fifth Knight

The Fifth Knight #1

by E.M. Powell

When mercenary Sir Benedict Palmer agrees to help King Henry II’s knights seize the traitor Archbishop Thomas Becket, what begins as a clandestine arrest ends in cold-blooded murder. And when Fitzurse, the knights’ ringleader, kidnaps Theodosia, a beautiful young nun who witnessed the crime, Palmer can sit silently by no longer. He and Theodosia rely only on each other as they race to uncover the motive behind Becket’s murder—and the truth that could destroy a kingdom.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Historical Mystery

390 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2012

About the author

E.M. Powell’s historical thriller and medieval mystery Fifth Knight and Stanton & Barling novels have been #1 Amazon and Bild bestsellers.
The latest Stanton & Barling mystery, THE FOREST MURDERS, will be released in 2025.
Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she lives in northwest England with her husband and a social media-friendly dog.
Find out more by visiting her website www.empowell.com or follow her on Twitter @empowellauthor
She’s represented by Josh Getzler at HG Literary.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read Ben Kane's "Lionheart" and Ruadh Butler's trilogy about "The Earl Strongbow", I was very much attracted towards this series about "The Fifth Knight", which is set around the same period of history as the two beforementioned.

I have to admit and say that I'm glad to have started this series, simply because this first episode has truly been an amazing read.

Story-telling is of a top-notch quality, all characters, real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this gripping historical adventure, while the atmosphere and political intrigue of the AD 1170s, during the reign of King Henry II, come superbly off the pages.

At the beginning of the book you'll find a short passage by Saint Thomas Becket, while at the back you'll notice a Historical Note where the historical details concerning this story are superbly documented and explained by the author.

The book starts off explosively with the murder of Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, on 29 December AD 1170, at the hands of four Knights, with as leader, Sir Reginald Fitzurse, and his companions, Sir Hugh de Morville, Sir William de Tracy, and Sir Richard le Bret, and also as an aggressive witness to this horrendous crime is the unfortunate and misguided, Sir Benedict Palmer, but whether he's the real Fifth Knight remains to be seen during this great tale.

After fleeing from the place of execution, being Canterbury Cathedral, they'll arrive at Knaresborough Castle, home of Sir Hugh de Morville, and there Sir Reginald Fitzurse is making plans what to do with their captive, the nun Theodosia, who's real name is Laetitia Bertrand, in a desparate effort to find also her mother, Amèlie.

After hearing of this plan, Sir Benedict Palmer set Theodosia free, and together they go on the run to escape the clutches of Fitzurse and his companions, and in their desperation to escape they need to do everything they can to find Theodosia's mother, Amèlie, and so in an intriguing action-packed and fast-paced tale of murder and mayhem they will encounter several deadly situations before they will reach Amèlie, and hopefully their ultimate goal, King Henry II, but whether they will finally succeed or not is for you reader to find out by reading this great book.

Very much recommended, for this is a terrific start towards hopefully a great series, and what this first episode is concerned, I like to call it: "A Most Compelling Knightly Begin"!

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the world of Henry II and Thomas Becket, Powell imagines that the knights who set out to murder Becket had a second mission and that there was a "fifth knight" pressed into their service. That mission is well thought out and takes the fifth knight, Sir Benedict Palmer, on a quest to save several lives and his own honor.
The retelling of the basis for Becket's murder is inventive. Powell's England is described in vivid detail from the lives of ordinary serfs, seamen and villagers to the details of the convent. It is only in the latter stages of the story that this changes from historical novel to a "bodice ripper" with a fairly predictable resolution.

[Dianne Ascroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fast paced story that provides a new twist on the story of Thomas Becket's murder. Adding the fifth knight changes everything you have heard about the event and opens up a gripping alternative account of it.

I was captivated by Sir Benedict, the knight the title refers to and his feisty companion, Sister Theodosia. I am fascinated by the world these characters live in. I can barely imagine what it would be like to be an anchoress and know that you will never leave the cell in which you live for the rest of your life or to be a knight and face constant hardship and battles. But I didn't have to strain my imagination as the author paints a vivid picture of what these characters' lives are like - I was enthralled by it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this novel and I found that National Short Story week was just the excuse I needed to treat myself to it.

[Lytton · Rating 2 out of 5]

While The Fifth Knight started out as an interesting piece of historical fiction, the story quickly devolved into a melodramatic chase story with predictable plot turns, goofy dialog and villians who wouldn't die. It some interesting elements, but there were a few themes the story went over and over and over. The Kindle serial was also an interesting concept.

[G.A. Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tells the tale of Benedict Palmer, a mercenary knight. His only ambition is to become wealthy, buy a nice house and enjoy his status as a rich hero. To this end he joins a group of nefarious knights whose mission is to assassinate Archbishop Thomas Beckett. Once the gory deed is done, the five knights abscond with innocent young nun, Theodosia. As a child, she was left in the care of the archbishop by her mother, Amelie. The mother, meanwhile, has spent the intervening years hiding in a convent in another part of the country. But now, for some mysterious reason, the wicked knights wish to capture her. There follows a plethora of pursuit scenarios, as Benedict - in a fit of conscience - helps Theodosia escape from the bad guys, and the pair then race over hill and dale in search of Amelie.

I won't give the game away, but the plot of this romantic/historical mystery novel is predictable. While I always have time for a strapping hero, the heroine irked me. I feel the author was deliberately poking fun at Theodosia's religion by featuring many scenes of the nun wringing her hands over supposed sinful behaviour and the constant danger to her purity and immortal soul. It was a bit heavy-handed and not the platform for possible airing of one's beliefs. The author tried to make Theodosia feisty and courageous but, to me, the girl was just a whiner. I would have liked more depth in the two main characters, to make them a bit less cartoonish.

The bad guys were stereotypically evil, although the main villain (Fitzurse) had the bluest blue eyes of anyone in the world, ever. Really, how many times do we need to know his eyes are abnormally blueblueblue? Again, not much depth of character.

The novel is set in 12th century England, and the author tries to illustrate this by veering from allegedly medieval English to modern American English. Coarse language is also used to help us visualise the time period - the lower the character's social status or moral character, the more bad language he/she gets to use. There is also a distinct lack of expression in the dialogue, and so I found myself reading in a monotone and flicking hopefully ahead in the hope of finding an exclamation mark or some '....' The clumsy prose does not flow, and regularly failed to hold my attention. Continuity is also lacking in parts of the novel, which is confusing and frustrating.

My biggest bugbear - the one thing that really made me grind my teeth - is the absence of the most basic research. It doesn't bother me that the author has bent historical fact in order to create a fictional tale. (After all, who really knows what happened hundreds of years ago?) But every time I read the words 'Sir Palmer', I wanted to throw something at the wall. Surely it's not just the British who understand that a knight is referred to by his first name, i.e. SIR BENEDICT. Never, never, never SIR PALMER!!!! It would have taken the author mere seconds on the internet to discover this. I know, because I just tried it for myself.

As an author, I am a champion of self-publishing, but I'm sad to say that this is yet another s/p novel that I struggled to finish.

[Marsha Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read The Fifth Knight for the second time. I love reading anything to do with King Henry II's reign so downloaded this book the minute I learned about it. With an interesting plot twist dealing with the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket and the intriguing under layers of the plot dealing with the main characters, The Fifth Knight is an action packed ride from start to finish. The flavor of the 12th century was spot on and I especially enjoyed one of the main characters, Sir Benedict Palmer. I felt he was very well written and well fleshed out as to his desires and motivations. I was rooting of Sir Benedict to triumph throughout the book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun adventure to listen to that poses the question: What if that fateful day in Canterbury was not just about a quarrel between Henry II and Thomas Becket? What if there was much more to it? What if, in fact, Thomas was not even the primary target?

Obviously, this novel has to work outside of what we think we know about the murder of Thomas Becket, so one has to be prepared for that. If you are open to the what-ifs in history, this book is right up your alley. It is a fast paced adventure, unlikely romance, and mystery. At one point it seems that everyone is on the same side, leaving the reader to wonder why they are fighting then. And that's when the next bomb drops.

I can't say too much more without giving away one of the twists and turns of the plot, but if you are drawn to the story of the four knights who secured their place in history on December 29, 1170, this book gives you a peek at what it could have been.

This was great as an audiobook that I was happy to find available through Kindle Unlimited.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new twist on an old story. Why was Thomas Becket brutally murdered? Because Henry II wanted to be rid of him. That's what we're told. This story is not the one you learned in school.

Most of the plot was excellent. The action sequences were well written even if there were some slightly unbelievable aspects. I found the episode with the wolves compelling. I was annoyed that Fitzurse seemed to be immortal until it become necessary for him to be mortal. Some of the plot made me want to throw things. Of course Theodosia and Benedict were going to fall in love with each other. Stockholm syndrome isn't a new thing. Fine. Whatever. But it is just such an easy road to go down. I guess if you have to give Benedict something to fight for, it might as well be a woman After all, we are constantly being told by everyone around him that he has no morals to fight for.

[Susan Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished episode 2 of this serial. Really a good book.

just finished episode 3. This is getting good.

just finished episode 4. great story!!

just finished episode 5. Wow!!! I didn't see that coming!!

I just finished the 6th and final episode of this book. I read it as a Kindle Serial. It is no longer available in that form but can be bought as a complete book.
It was so very good. I looked forward to receiving the latest episode every 2 weeks.
I highly recommend this book. Very entertaining story.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking good and believable re-write of history with enough tension, character development and 'feel for the era' to make this a straight 5 star read for me.

[OjoAusana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book super boring. I didn't care much for the characters, and felt like i had to force myself to read this :/ but ive felt the same way about the last book i read that was similar to this so might just take a break from this time period/genre for a minute

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Kindle Serial, released in segments. It deals with the knight who was part of the team who assassinated Thomas Becket. But, he soon discovers guilt and true religion from a hostage. The hostage is a nun, who knows a secret for which the other knights would kill to know.

The second part was released on 12/11/12. This is available through Kindle only. The author is no stranger to plot and character development. However, the antagonist seems to kill too many beloved and kind characters. Like the authors of VicLit serials, this author has to pace herself for parts and leaves us craving for more (that's good!) But, also like the serial writers of old, the plot tends to be a bit drawn out, like taffy (but tasty taffy!)

The final part reads like a swashbuckling novel. Its pace is cinematic, climatic, dynamic, but leads us to a final resolution: no, I will not give one detail here.

If you like adventure, scented with the realistic allure of the 12th Century, what keeps you from getting this novel? Billy Joel wrote: "Vienna waits for you." You will understand, after you read it, why I end with the phrase: "Paradise waits for you."

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I loved that the novel started off with an action sequence (Thomas Becket’s murder). I thought it was a great way to immediately introduce the principal characters and throw them together in an intriguing situation rather than having to build a long back story and make everything culminate throughout the novel. I really really liked that element in this book.

The period itself as a backdrop to this story really worked well. It’s a tumultuous time in England mixed with excitement, deception, and intrigue…all the elements that go along with this story. Two thumbs up with the period setting!

That said, if you are looking for a bit of courtly love with knights and damsels in distress then this is the story for you. This book has a little bit of everything: love, mystery, action, adventure, history, and evil villains all wrapped into one quick read!

See my full review here

[Kellyann Zuzulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. Started The Fifth Knight to check out the Kindle serials. I've received 4 episodes, which equals about 280 pages for $1.99. I didn't expect too much. Yet, the writing is excellent; the story is gripping; the characters are unforgettable. Powell has obviously done her research into the period. I felt plunged into the rustic and rough world of the 12th century. I learned something new with Powell's detail around the history of Thomas Becket's murder. (Oddly, I didn't realize he was murdered on December 29th, 1170, which is exactly the day I started reading The Fifth Knight. It's also my husband's birthday but, don't worry, he's in no danger of having his brains smashed against the altar as poor Becket had.) THE FIFTH KNIGHT is storytelling as good as Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth. Will definitely keep reading this author.

[Cora Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of adventure without getting too crazy, excellent use of existing history in a way I never saw coming, and a romance between a knight and a nun! Some of the characters did get a tad one-dimensional toward the end (the good guys were a bit holier-than-thou, the bad guys just evil), but were marvelously human through most of the story. This one's going in the keeper Kindle collection.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

1170 AD Canterbury, this is a fictional retelling of history whereby five knights have been sent to kill Thomas Becket and retrieve the young Sister Theodosia and her mother. This is their adventure.

[English · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fifth Knight is a historical thriller based loosely around the events surrounding the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. The 'fifth knight' of the title refers to a fictional fifth knight who accompanied the four companions who murdered Archbishop Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.
In this version, they have a fictional, second mission, which Sir Benedict Palmer (the fifth knight), gets caught up in, when he rescues the young nun Theodosia.

The Fifth Knight, as already mentioned as a decent historical thriller: with an interesting alternative spin on the real facts. Certain details about the landscape and locations were woven well into the story as well.
There were a couple of historical inaccuracies (pattens did not exist as early as the 12th century), Theodosia in the early part of the book and Brother Edward came across more as stereotypes of dour, sanctimonious and puritanical religious people. Its a stereotype which I find kind of sloppy Falling back on the evil cleric. Which is just one of the most lazy cliches ever. Sorry.

Also, the characters seem to undertake some rather inexplicable transformations in the course of the story.
I doubt Palmer's strong conscience when he apparently had no problem with witnessing and even aiding the murderers of Becket. He's meant to be a soldier of fortune who will do almost anything for money. There is something different about him, a desire to overcome the suffering of childhood, but his transformation just seemed a little too much to be believable. Perhaps if it had been more gradual?

Also, I don't feel the religious or moral sensibilities of the characters were always entirely in line with that of the time period. They came across as rather too modern at times, especially in some of their motivations.
Finally, the incident towards end was just sort of frustrating. I didn't feel it was true to the nature of the characters, after all they'd gone through, and just felt sort of cheap and lowered the tone of the story.

Overall, this was an interesting story. Just not the best. Its not bad for the author's debut. Those who like fiction set in the 12th century, don't be put off by the 16th century armour in the cover. There are two further books in the series, which I might look at soon.

(Followers please note that this is a GM title, so there are sexual references and swearing).

[J.J. Rusz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stuck with E. M. Powell’s “The Fifth Knight” because I genuinely enjoyed her three later Stanton and Barling medieval tales. But this earlier story of a young anchoress and the knight who protects her after the murder of Thomas Becket reads more like a horror/romance than an historical mystery. Theodosia, the would-be nun, practically defines melodrama. And the villains in the tale are without nuance—more monsters than men. Not a satisfying read, though the patient hero of the story has good moments.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts with the murder of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Beckett, slain in his cathedral by a group of Knights. But why was he murdered and on whose orders? The event was witnessed by a young nun, Sister Theodosia, who is kidnapped - seemingly she too was sought by the Knights.
What follows is a whirlwind tale, moving across various locations in England. Theodosia is a resourceful young woman and is determined to find out the truth.
Very good read by an author I have previously enjoyed. I already have the next two books in the series eagerly awaiting my attention.

[Dennis Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and delightful read.

If you love historical fiction, dive in and enjoy the swim. You will love it. Look forward to the next.

[Kendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fifth Knight is a wonderful, fast-paced historical mystery that is filled with intrigue and a touch of romance. Ms. Powell told a remarkable story about the murder of Thomas Becket that has a unique twist on why and how he was killed.

I pretty much loved everything about this, except one thing which I will explain later. Theodosia and Benedict make a wonderful heroine/hero. Their relationship was developed so well and I really enjoyed the opposites attract notion. However, the budding romantic relationship was only a subplot and not the main storyline which I appreciated. Sometimes I want to read about the political intrigue rather than a tedious romance. However, that being said, Benedict and Theodosia’s rapport is intense and I enjoyed the constant rockiness of it.

The villains in this book are true villains in every sense of the word. Fizturse is evil, evil, evil! He is truly repulsive. I thought Ms. Powell did a great job creating his character. He is incredibly handsome with incredible blue eyes. He uses is appearance to get want he wants. Fizturse is able to deceive pretty much anyone to get any information.

The one thing that I didn’t like about The Fifth Knight is the twist towards the end of the book which pertains to Eleanor of Aquitaine who happens to be my favorite historical figure. I didn’t like the way Eleanor was portrayed. I found the twist very difficult to believe; however, it fit well with the overall story. I just didn’t agree with it.

Overall, this is a well-written piece of historical fiction. It has lots of political intrigue and surprises. It is well worth your time to read.

[Ruadh Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good adventure story; a rip-roaring charge that blows out the cobwebs and enlivens the spirit (preferably in a historical setting - and this one is set slap-bang in my favourite period!). The best adventures have become legend - The Three Musketeers, The 39 Steps, Bond, and Treasure Island to name but a few. The Fifth Knight by E.M. Powell is drawn from the same all-action, goodies v baddies style. It was a pleasure from start to finish.
The book is based around the murder of Thomas Becket in December 1170. History remembers how four knights from the court of King Henry II took their master's throwaway remark to heart and crossed the Channel to murder the Archbishop in Canterbury Cathedral in revenge for his excommunication of some of Henry's allies. Powell weaves these 'facts' into her fiction, introducing Sir Benedict Palmer, the eponymous fifth knight, as a confederate of the murdering foursome, as well as Sister Theodosia, a fiery anchoress in the cathedral.
The action starts in the nave at Canterbury and rarely lets up as the story unfolds. The relentless pace gives the book a cinematic feel, like my favourite war movies from the Sixties and Seventies. The twosome are dogged by their enemies as they rush across England allowing us to visit the sweeping secrecy of Canterbury as well as the sodden cells of Knaresborough Castle in Yorkshire before they cross 12th century England between Warwickshire and Hampshire.
Next in the series is The Blood of the Fifth Knight and I am hoping for more intrigue and action in the Plantagenet court from E.M. Powell.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical thriller revolves around the assassination of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket and adds a fifth knight to the known four who were involved. None of these knights are the honorable ones who usually save damsels in distress. They are portrayed more as mercenaries though they try to rationalize their brutality by saying they are carrying out orders issued by King Henry II. E. M. Powell does a masterful job of combining historical facts and personages with the story of her fictional knight and two nuns who are the cause of the action. I turned the pages as fast as I could as the tension built during the relentless pursuit to find and capture the two women. The young anchoress Theodosia witnesses Becket's murder and is kidnapped, dragged to one of the knight's castle and imprisoned. Before she can be tortured to reveal the location of Sister Amelie, the fifth knight, Benedict Palmer, decides to rescue her and flee. Their escape is not smooth and they must overcome one horrific obstacle after another. Who are these two nuns, what is their connection and what is the secret that has cost lives to be lost? What causes Benedict's change of heart which places him in peril? I suggest you read The Fifth Knight to find the answers.

[Mari Cossaboom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the main character, Sir Benedict, but just can’t deal with this writer’s distortion of history. To suggest that Henry was forced to marry Eleanor is ludicrous. Eleanor was the greatest prize in Europe. Powerful, politically astute, proven to be fertile and stunningly beautiful, Henry knew he won the marriage sweepstakes. Although their marriage was clearly complicated and often contentious, they were well matched. They had 8 children, so continued to have conjugal relations long after producing an heir and a spare unlike many other royal marriages. Also, it stretches credulity for Henry to marry a poor farm girl for love. Seduce her and have sex with her for certain, but he knew that marriage among royals was a political and diplomatic affair.

[Bob Glover · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm tired of all the anti-clerical/anti-dogma about the Catholic Church. I have no problems with the antagonist being a cleric...they are human. I'm even okay with a discerning Nun to discover her true vocation is marriage. Why does Ms. Powell have to tear at my faith to compliment her characters. Every organization can have nefarious people in them, but Ms. Powell seems to imply that the dogma of my faith is responsible. I know it is only fiction, but many authors have used fiction as a vehicle for voicing social change. If this is a motive of Ms. Powell, she is entitled to it, but I want to point it out and vehemently disagree with it.

[Candace Nantz-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I had bought it on Kindle series and regretted that only because I hated the wait between episodes. It had a lot of good action and a good pace. Well written and believable. I enjoy books about mid-evil times but at times they can be cheesy. I did not find this with the Fifth Knight. I was sucked into the action right away and it kept my interest throughout the book. !Good entertaining read!

[Melinda Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fifth Knight is a page-turning twist on the murder of Thomas Becket. It has everything a great story needs to hold my interest: action, adventure, intrigue, knights, valiant steeds, swordplay, and an unexpected romance that kept me rooting for Palmer and Theodosia until the very last page. Powell weaves all these elements with historical events into a fresh plot that should appeal to readers of mystery thriller, action adventure, historical fiction, and romance.

[Julie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely EXCELLENT! I loved this story soooooo much! I got it as a Kindle Serial and just happened to get lucky and get it with all the episodes released. Thank goodness for that or else I think I would've gone crazy waiting for it! Great characters. Great story line. Great intrigue. Just great, great, great!! I loved everything!! I can't wait to read it again and again and again....

[Donald Mosier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. There was one plot flaw that forced me to downgrade by one star. But the action was good. The writing was good. I finished it while home sick on Tuesday. And despite feeling awful, I still enjoyed the read.

[Darlene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating tale of courage both physically and spiritually

Well written novel centering on the murder of Thomas a Beckett, the motives behind his death, courage, redemption, and struggles of conscience. Highly recommended.