Character Interview: Sir Benedict Palmer from E.M. Powell's 'The Blood of the Fifth Knight'

We’re thrilled to have here today Sir Benedict Palmer from E.M. Powell’s medieval thriller, The Blood of the Fifth Knight. He is coming to us all the way from 12^th century England.  It is a pleasure to have him with us today at The Literary Nook!

Thank you so for this interview, Sir Benedict.  Now that the book has been written, do you feel you were fairly portrayed or would you like to set anything straight with your readers?

I’m not usually called Sir Benedict. Palmer is just fine. See, I’m not one of those posh-lad knights. I fought my way to knighthood but never had lands or wealth of my own. Best way to describe me? A knight-for-hire. One who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. I think I got a fair portrayal. I just wish Ms. Powell would give me the nod on what might be going on behind my back.

What do you believe is your strongest trait?

Loyalty. But that gets tested. A lot.

Worst trait?

Did I mention I have a temper? Often when I get tested. See above.

Do you have a love interest in the book?

My wife, Theodosia. Not the usual answer, I know. But in the first of my adventures, The Fifth Knight, I fought almost to the death for her. Still would, and would take that death if I had to. There is someone else who’d like to be my love interest. I’m talking about Rosamund Clifford, the mistress of King Henry II. He’s called me back to protect her from an unknown assassin. She’s one of the fairest I’ve ever seen and she likes her men. And me. I just want Theodosia. And to keep my head on my shoulders.

At what point of the book did you start getting nervous about the way it was going to turn out?

In no particular order: my encounters with a leopard. A river in flood. A blazing castle. A jammed cross bow. There are many others. And a letter. Oh, that letter.

If you could trade places with one of the other characters in the book, which character would you really not want to be and why?

Good people at The Literary Nook: my story is a murder mystery also. So if I answered that question, I would have to kill you. (Is that what ‘spoiler’ means in your modern English?)

How do you feel about the ending of the book without giving too much away?

Relieved. But concerned that all the loose ends might not be tied up. Henry still has plenty of enemies, you know.

What words of wisdom would you give your author if she decided to write another book with you in it?

Ms. Powell, with respect: if/when you do find something revolting/terrifying/life-threatening in your research, can you please allocate it to another character and not just me?

Thank you for this interview.  Will we be seeing more of you in the future?

I’m off to Ireland with John (youngest son of Henry II who will one day become the despised King John). I’m sent by Henry to keep watch on the impetuous John. But I uncovers a plot by John to make his mark on the Lordship of Ireland by appalling means. He has to be stopped at all costs and the only one standing in his way is me. I fear Ms. Powell has ignored my answer to the last question completely.

About the Author:

E. M. Powell is the author of medieval thriller The Fifth Knight, which was a #1 Amazon Bestseller. 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 now lives in the northwest of England with her husband and daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society (HNS), International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America, as well as a reviewer of fiction and nonfiction for the HNS.

Her latest book is the historical mystery/thriller, THE BLOOD OF THE FIFTH KNIGHT.

For More Information

• Visit E.M. Powell’s website.
• Connect with E.M. on Facebook and Twitter.
• Become a fan on Goodreads.
• Visit E.M.’s blog.
• Contact E.M.

About the Book:

England, 1176. King Henry II has imprisoned his rebellious Queen for her failed attempt to overthrow him. But with her conspirators still at large and a failed assassination attempt on his beautiful mistress, Rosamund Clifford, the King must take action to preserve his reign.

Desperate, Henry turns to the only man he trusts: a man whose skills have saved him once before. Sir Benedict Palmer answers the call, mistakenly believing that his family will remain safe while he attends to his King.

As Palmer races to secure his King’s throne, neither man senses the hand of a brilliant schemer, a mystery figure loyal to Henry's traitorous Queen who will stop at nothing to see the King defeated.

The Blood of the Fifth Knight is an intricate medieval murder mystery and worthy sequel to E.M. Powell's acclaimed historical thriller The Fifth Knight.

For More Information

• The Blood of the Fifth Knight is available at Amazon U.S. or Amazon U.K.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.