The Last Templar Mysteries Series

The first thrilling instalment in a legendary historical adventure series. Paris, 1307. The Knights Templar have been destroyed by Pope Clement, having been persuaded by a jealous king that they are corrupt devil worshippers. There is one survivor – a knight who swears vengeance. Devon, 1316. A charred body is discovered in a burned-out cottage, and newly appointed Bailiff, Simon Puttock, believes it to be accidental. Until the new master of the local manor, Sir Baldwin Furnshill, deduces that they were dead before the fire began. With the assistance of the astute yet strangely reticent knight, Simon begins to piece together the events of the man’s last days. Then word comes of another, far more sinister murder – for in this case, the victim was undoubtedly burned alive. Are the two incidents connected, and will the killer strike again? An absolutely sensational historical mystery by a true master of the genre, ideal for fans of S. J. A. Turney, K. M. Ashman and Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Michael Jecks 'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom 'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low 'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times

No clues, and everyone’s a suspect… Agatha Kyteler, regarded as a witch by her superstitious neighbours, has no shortage of enemies. But when her body is found frozen and mutilated in a hedge one wintry morning, there seem to be no clues as to who could be responsible. Until a local youth runs away and the hue and cry is raised… Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King’s Peace, is not convinced of the youth’s guilt, and he manages to persuade his close friend Simon Puttock to help him with the investigation. As they endeavour to find the true culprit, the darker, sinister side of the village begins to emerge. A chilling, incredibly compelling historical mystery from a legend of the genre, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and C. J. Sansom. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom ‘Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit’ Robert Low ‘The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels’ The Times

The first death was horrifying, the second was awful… the third was inevitable. Peter Clifford, priest of the bustling town of Crediton, is an anxious man. Already nervous about the impending visit of the Bishop of Exeter, he is disturbed to learn that a company of violent mercenaries has taken up residence at the inn. Simon Puttock and Baldwin Furnshill are in attendance to help welcome the bishop. They are initially relieved when a diversion comes in the way of a robbery. But their relief turns to grim outrage when a young girl is discovered murdered, hidden in a chest. This is only the first of the Crediton killings... As murder follows brutal murder, Simon and Baldwin must discover the killer’s identity before he strikes again – and before their own lives are put in jeopardy. An endlessly gripping, deeply shocking tale of medieval Britain, an absolute triumph, perfect for fans of Giles Kristian, S. J. A. Turney and Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Michael Jecks 'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom 'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low 'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times

The death of a runaway could spark a revolt… Devon, 1318. Peter Bruther, who works the land for his lord, Sir William Beauscyr, is fed up with his life of near-slavery, and has run away. Brutal punishments usually fall on the heads of runaways, but Bruther uses a legal loophole: on Dartmoor, tin miners enjoy special protection from prosecution. They are accountable only to the king. Brother swiftly sets himself up as a miner on the moors: safe… or so he thinks. Beauscyr and his two feuding sons are furious to learn they have no legal claim on their wayward man, and demand justice from Bailiff Simon Puttock. They fear more runaways. But other miners resent Bruther’s appearance, too, and they do not want their profitable extortion and protection racket destabilised. Before dissent can spread to other serfs working for Beauscyr, Bruther is found hanging from a tree. Simon, assisted by former Knight Templar Sir Baldwin Furnshill, finds himself investigating cold-blooded murder, and there is no shortage of suspects... An action-packed historical mystery perfect for fans of Susanna Gregory, C. J. Sansom and Rory Clements. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom

No rest for the wicked, not even at Christmas...For Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King’s Peace, and Bailiff Simon Puttock, Christmas 1321 is set to be marvellous. They are to receive the prestigious gloves of honour in a ceremony led by the specially elected Boy-Bishop. But they soon learn that Ralph – the glovemaker – has been stabbed to death. Then Peter, a Secondary at the cathedral, collapses from poisoning. Simon and Baldwin must solve the riddles surrounding the deaths, but as they dig for the truth they find that many of Exeter’s leading citizens are not what they seem to be… The tenth Last Templar Mystery from a master of the genre. Perfect for fans of CJ Sansom and Susanna Gregory.

A house of God hides a dark secret... It’s 1321 and Lady Elizabeth, Prioress of St Mary’s, is struggling to retain her position, especially since Sister Margherita, her treasurer, has accused her of lascivious disregard, claiming that, instead of paying for a new roof, Elizabeth has given money to the new vicar, a man she often sees alone – at night… Sir Baldwin Furnshill, together with his old friend Simon Puttock, is summoned by the Bishop of Exeter’s representative to investigate. There is no doubt that the threefold vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are routinely being broken. When two nuns are murdered, Simon and Baldwin must face their most difficult case yet. The path to the truth twists and turns under the influence of sinister passions and secret ambitions, until they finally uncover the evil that lies at the heart of the convent. A scintillating historical adventure from bestseller Michael Jecks, for fans of C. J. Sansom, S. J. Parris and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom

Two generations slain… but are there more to come? Spring, 1321. As Sir Baldwin Furnshill prepares for his wedding, he receives the news that one of his guests, Roger, Squire of Throwleigh has just died. The new master of Throwleigh is little Herbert, five years old and isolated by his grief, as his mother Katherine unfairly blames him for her husband’s death. At Lady Katherine’s visible rejection of her son, Baldwin feels deeply disturbed about the new heir’s apparent lack of protection. For having inherited a large estate and so much wealth, the five-year-old will doubtless have made some dangerous enemies… When Herbert is fatally hit by a horse and cart just a few days later, seemingly by accident, Baldwin and his friend Simon Puttock suspect foul play. Their investigation will lead them to the most sinister and shocking murderer they have encountered yet. A taut and chilling historical crime novel, perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, Susanna Gregory and S. G. MacLean. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘A torturous and exciting plot… The construction of the story and the sense of the period are excellent’ Shots ‘A gem of historical storytelling’ Northern Echo ‘Tremendously successful medieval mystery series’ Sunday Independent

The town is a powder keg ready to explode… All it needs is a match. England, 1320. The threat of civil war lies heavily on the kingdom. The monk Ralph of Houndeslow is new to Crediton’s leper hospital. He finds that not only are his charges appallingly ill, but bigotry means that they are all shunned by the people of the town. The citizens of Crediton are appalled when the goldsmith is found murdered, and his daughter assaulted. Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Simon Puttock quickly try to piece together the events of that night, yet as they gradually learn the truth, the shock becomes overwhelming. Meanwhile, the lepers lie victim to the rising hatred of the locals as fear and loathing are whipped into a frenzy of persecution. It’s up to Baldwin and Simon to pour water on the blazing rumours. Civil war, a murder investigation and full scale public uproar with dark implications put Baldwin and Simon to the test once again… An exceptional historical mystery from a true master of the genre, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom, Rory Clements and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks 'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low 'A gem of historical storytelling' Northern Echo 'Michael Jecks is a national treasure' Scotland on Sunday

When a Knight Templar is murdered, things get personal for Baldwin… On their way to a feast, Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock find the murdered corpse of Sir Gilbert, a Knight Templar and old comrade of Baldwin's. The situation is confounded when a decapitated body is found. Baldwin and Simon's suspicions that the two deaths are linked seem to be justified when Baldwin himself is attacked. Baldwin and Simon find themselves caught up in a baffling investigation... The ninth instalment in the Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and CJ Sansom.

A gruesome murder with no clues or motives will shake a community to its core. Devon, 1319. Merchants from all over England and beyond are drawn to Tavistock’s famous fair. Wealthy visitors may be a tempting target for cut-purses, but no one expects a murder, let alone a headless corpse… Newly arrived in town, Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King’s Peace, and Simon Puttock, Bailiff of Lydford Castle, are asked by the Abbot to investigate. But where can they start when the corpse itself is unidentifiable? With the town awash with rumours, and no shortage of suspicious strangers, can Simon and Baldwin unravel this complex web of mystery? The continuation of the bestselling historical mystery series from master Michael Jecks, perfect for fans of Rory Clements, S. J. Parris and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Utterly enthralling’ Karen Maitland 'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom 'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low

The knights prepare for combat, but the killings aren’t on the field... It’s 1322, and plans to host a tournament in the spring give moneylenders everywhere a golden opportunity. Many knights in Devon are already indebted to Benjamin Dudenay, and when a month before the festivities, he is found beaten to death, it is not in the least bit surprising. Simon and Baldwin must hurry to find the culprit, but then a carpenter commissioned to build the stands is killed in a similar fashion, leaving them with even more mysteries to solve… The eleventh instalment in the gripping Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of C J Sansom and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom

When the devil comes calling, all you can do is pray. Amidst the myth and folklore of Tavistock, one tale above all others strikes fear into the hearts of the town's inhabitants - that of the murders on the Abbot's Way. A young acolyte paid the price for stealing his abbot's wine when the devil himself led him to his death on the treacherous Devon moors. Now, in the autumn of 1322, it looks as though history may be repeating itself. Abbot Robert has found his wine barrel empty, and a body has been discovered on the moors. Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock are called upon to investigate but it soon becomes apparent that it's not just wine that's gone missing from the abbey, and the body on the moor isn't the last ... The thirteenth instalment in the gripping Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of C J Sansom and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom

The discovery of a young girl’s skeleton leads to Simon and Baldwin’s darkest investigation yet... As the summer of 1322 brings sun to the Devonshire countryside, it seems that the small village of Sticklepath is destined to remain in gloom. Two playmates uncover the body of a young girl up on the moors. The body is that of Aline, the ten-year-old daughter of Swetricus, who went missing six years ago. Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King’s Peace, and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock are summoned to the scene to investigate, and soon discover Aline is not the only young girl to have been found dead in recent years. It seems that the villagers have been concealing not only a serial killer, but, judging by the state of the girls’ bodies, a possible case of cannibalism. But strange noises heard late at night from the Sticklepath cemetery and a haunted look in the eyes of the villagers could suggest an explanation more... supernatural. A dark and compelling historical mystery from a master of the genre. The twelfth instalment in the Last Templar mysteries series. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom

The threat of war looms over England 1326. In an England riven with conflict, knight and peasant alike find their lives turned upside down by the warring factions of Edward II with his hated favourite, Hugh le Despenser, and Edward's estranged queen Isabella and her lover, Sir Roger Mortimer. Yet even in such times the brutal slaughter of an entire family still has the power to shock. Three further murders follow, and bailiff Simon Puttock is drawn into a web of intrigue, vengeance, power and greed as Roger Mortimer charges him to investigate the killings. The twenty-ninth instalment in the gripping Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday ‘Marvellously portrayed’ C. J. Sansom

The city gates are closed; the killer is within the walls… England, 1327. Sir Baldwin and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock have a major problem. The deposed King Edward II, imprisoned under their guard, has escaped. They must ride hard to Exeter to inform the sheriff. But the sheriff has problems of his own. Overnight, the body of a young maid has been discovered in a dirty alleyway. The city’s gates had been shut against the lawlessness outside, so the perpetrator must still be in the town. He tasks Baldwin with uncovering the truth behind this murder. But, with England in tumult, his task will be far from easy… The thirty-first instalment in the Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Philippa Gregory.

One kingdom, two kings. Only one can rule As the year 1326 draws to a close, London is in flames. King Edward II is a prisoner, and the forces of his vengeful queen, Isabella, and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer, are in the ascendant. The Bardi family, bankers who have funded the King, must look to their future with the Queen, steering a careful course between rival factions – if, that is, they can keep themselves alive. Others, too, find their loyalties torn. Guarding the deposed King on behalf of Mortimer, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and bailiff Simon Puttock find themselves entangled in a tightening net of conspiracy, greed, betrayal and murder. The thirtieth instalment in the gripping Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom and Susanna Gregory. Praise for Michael Jecks ‘Michael Jecks is a national treasure’ Scotland on Sunday

A legend is born.The epic prequel to the Last Templar Mysteries series. The Holy Land, 1291. War has raged here for decades. The Crusader forces have been pushed back again and again until just one city remains in their control. One city that stands between the past and the future. One city that must be defended at all costs: Acre. Into this battle comes a young boy. Green and scared, he has never seen combat before. But, fleeing a dark past, he has no choice but to stay. That boy is Baldwin de Furnshill who, one day, will become the Last Templar. This is the story of the siege of Acre, and of the moment Baldwin first charged into battle. This is just the beginning. The rest is history. The epic prequel to the bestselling Last Templar Mysteries series, perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and Ben Kane. Praise for Michael Jecks 'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom 'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low 'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times