The Malice of Unnatural Death (Knights Templar) [Mass Market Paperback]

Michael Jecks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007 | Series: Knights Templar

1324. The kingdom is in an uproar. Roger Mortimer—once the king's most able commander, now his most hated enemy—has escaped from the Tower and hired an assassin to murder the monarch. Others have the same idea. In Coventry, a special assassin has been hired: a necromancer by the name of John. But just as his plan begins to succeed, the plot is uncovered. John must escape to a smaller city: Exeter. And when the bodies of a local craftsman and the king's messenger are found in Exeter's streets, Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock, are asked by the Bishop to find the murderer. The dead messenger was carrying a dangerous secret, and the Bishop is desperate that it not be discovered. Baldwin and Simon are reluctant to get involved, but political pressures are growing, and the two must find the murderer before he strikes again. But when murderers use magic, no one is safe.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Without the character list, glossary, maps and author's note, a reader could get lost in Jecks's 23rd Knights Templar mystery (after The Dispensation of Death), but the tale, set in 1324 Exeter during Edward II's corrupt regime, is no less gripping for its complexity. Esteemed Knight Templar turned investigator Sir Baldwin de Furnshill reluctantly joins London's fledgling parliament after the Bishop of Exeter suggests that the king's French wife might be part of a conspiracy against the throne. Soon an inquest into several mysterious deaths uncovers further evidence of a plot centered on the nefarious work of John of Nottingham and Richard de Langatre, necromancers who have found a way to assassinate prominent personages using mommet dolls and bone needles. Fear and speculation spread with the discovery of several corpses, including a royal messenger buried in a rubbish heap. Stirring intrigue and a compelling cast of characters will continue to draw accolades from fans of the author's hefty historicals. (Sept.)
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Review

"Enough 14th-century English malice and murder to keep several intrepid investigators hard at work."  —Kirkus Reviews

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755332784
• ISBN-13: 978-0755332786
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,685 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

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great Jecks offering, May 6, 2007

By 

Laurie A. Atkinson "Scrutator" (Wills Point, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Malice of Unnatural Death (Knights Templar) (Hardcover)

This reader has long wondered how Sir Baldwin was going to continue his disdain for national politics, especially in view of his friendship with Walter Stapleton, a prominent figure in the reign of Edward II. This one goes out a bit on a limb by postiing that curse magic is real and that Bishop Walter, as well as those despicable figures, the elder and younger Despencers, and even the King himself would be the target of a well-financed attempt by a necromancer. There is all the suspense, action, and convoluted plot that we have come to expect of Mr. Jecks, and at least one guessed-at, but never quite thought though surprise. Highly recommended, as are all the series. BTW, it is best to read them in order, I have found. Start with "The Last Templar," if you haven't already.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Should Have a 6th Star!, March 19, 2007

By 

P. Schaum "prussblue" (St. Louis area, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Malice of Unnatural Death (Knights Templar) (Hardcover)

Jecks continues in his excellent murder mystery series, but has gone up a step adding even more intrigue to the mix. Get this one now is my best recommendation. Jecks knows his history as well as his mystery and weaves a time piece work, Medieval, that is certain to keep you riveted to the pages. There are far to many authors that pretend to write period work that fall short of the mark for both the period and the mystery. I think that a truly good author deserves a proper review and Jecks is one of the few these days.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jecks has the period down, August 3, 2007

By 

Ralph E. Self - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Malice of Unnatural Death (Knights Templar) (Mass Market Paperback)

Jecks consistantly delivers a great story. His charters blend in perfectly with the real people of the period. I have enjoyed all of his books and always look forward to the next one. He does not disapoint.