The Fifth Knight - E.M. Powell - A Short Summary and Review
The Fifth Knight - E.M. Powell - A Short Summary and Review
By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures
A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review
The conspiracy of Thomas Becket's murder and the aftermath with the Abbess.
A short summary:
The Fifth Knight revisits the assassination of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, through the lens of conspiracy and consequence rather than martyrdom alone. In the aftermath of the murder, suspicion lingers that a fifth, unseen hand may have played a role, one whose motives reach beyond the four knights history remembers.
The novel weaves together political intrigue, religious power, and the determined investigation led by a formidable abbess, whose intelligence and resolve drive the narrative forward. As secrets surface and loyalties fracture, the story explores how truth is shaped, and sometimes buried, by those with the most to lose.
My favorite quote from the book:
Questions to ponder while reading:
My review:
This is a very fun historical read, fast-paced, action-driven, and clearly written with an eye toward momentum. E. M. Powell keeps the pages turning with sharp dialogue, frequent reversals, and a strong sense of atmosphere, making medieval England feel both dangerous and alive.
The novel doesn’t pretend to be a documentary. It takes liberties with history in the service of suspense, and that’s part of the appeal. Readers looking for strict academic accuracy may spot embellishments, but those looking for an engaging story rooted in real events will likely be delighted.
What stands out most is the strength of the central female character. The abbess brings intelligence, authority, and moral clarity to a world dominated by male power struggles, offering a fresh angle on a well-trodden historical episode.
The Fifth Knight is a brisk, entertaining blend of mystery and medieval drama, perfect for readers who enjoy history with a conspiratorial edge.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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