The Leper's Return (Knights Templar) [Paperback]

Michael Jecks (Author)

Book Description

Series: Knights Templar | Publication Date: April 1, 1999

When a local goldsmith, Godfrey of Harwood, is found brutally murdered in his home, Furnshill and Puttock are called on to investigate. But when rumors begin spreading that patients from a local leper hospital might have been involved in Godfrey's murder, a series of vicious attacks on the unfortunate victims ensues, culminating in a disastrous fire at the hospital. In a surprising turn of events, Godfrey's daughter Cecily donates a sum to make good the damage. Her connection to one of the lepers is her motive, and only when that connection has been revealed will the truth about Godfrey's murder emerge.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A neatly constructed tale...An absorbing page-turner...Jeck's historical research, his loving descriptions of the Devon countryside, his neat way of drawing characters, are shown to their best advantage in this book' -- Deryn Lake, SHOTS

About the Author

Michael Jecks gave up a career in the computer industry to concentrate on writing and the study of medieval history, especially that of Devon and Cornwall. He and his wife now live in northern Dartmoor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747259518
• ISBN-13: 978-0747259510
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #849,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Jecks gave up a career in the computer industry when he began writing the internationally successful Templar series. There are now twenty books starring Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock, with more to follow. The series has been translated into all the major European languages and sells worldwide. The Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association for the year 2004-2005, Michael is a keen supporter of new writing and has helped many new authors through the Debut Dagger Award. He is a founding member of Medieval Murderers, and regularly talks on medieval matters as well as writing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fantastic historic detail makes this a good read, August 17, 2000

By 

tregatt (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leper's Return (Knights Templar) (Paperback)

Another triumph for Michael Jecks! In "The Leper's Return," Michael Jecks introduces us to the world of the outcast lepers, the people who care for them and the fear, ignorance and prejudices that the populace at large feels towards them.

The threat of a civil war is looming, but the people of Credition are more concerned about the murder of the goldsmith, Godfrey of London, and the grevious assault on his daughter, Cecily. Many seem to think that John of Irlaunde, a womaniser of some notoriety is responsible. But Sir Baldwin Furnshill, the Keeper of the King's Peace, is not so sure. And together with his good friend and companion in detecting, Bailiff Simon Puttock, the duo are determined to get to the bottom of this perplexing murder. However, adding to the tension is the sudden rise in bad feeling that is being aroused in the populance of Credition towards the lepers. Will Sir Baldwin and Simon also have to deal with the possiblilty of a massacre? Or will good sense prevail?

If you're looking for something that is a little more than a mere historical mystery novel, Michael Jecks's Medieval West Country mystery series is the one for you. The novels are always well written, with plots that will capture your imagination, and characters that will engage interest and compassion. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Leper's Return," I have noticed that the series may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you enjoy mystery novels rich in historical detail and atmosphere and character portrayals that are rich and fully realised, I'd urge you to give the West country Mysteries a go.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth a Read, November 13, 2004

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leper's Return (Knights Templar) (Paperback)

Michael Jeck's books about the West Country of England in medieval times are all well written and researched and his main characters Sir Baldwin Furnshill one time Knight Templar and latterly Keeper of the King's Peace and his friend and associate Bailiff Simon Puttock are now familiar names to the many readers of Jecks books. The plot of this book is built around a Leper Hospital and there is soon murder and mayhem for Sir Baldwin and Simon to deal with. The plots of these books run along at a fast pace and for those interested in the period of the 14th century in England are a joy to read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Michael Jecks, February 10, 2010

By 

M. Frank - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Leper's Return (Knights Templar) (Paperback)

I discovered this author by accident and have been a fan since. The main character, Sir Baldwin is a early version of CSI. Baldwin is solving murders through out the realm using a tenacious need for truth and a focused, sharp intellect. The trappings of the period are thoughtfully and colorfully spun around all the characters giving the reader a feel for the English Moors.