Customer Reviews

No Law in the Land (Knights Templar)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

No synopsis, just a readers impression. I couldn't believe that Jecks could do any better, but he has. Whether you are a Jecks fan or new to him, this title is most worth the read! If you have missed older titles, I would offer them up as historical (14th century) murder mystery at its best.

I have read the entire series and this is the first book that I considered not finishing. The plot is weak and the characters seem to be acting "out-of-character" with the rest of the series for no good reason. The Despenser is a bad guy. I got this several books ago. This book just seems to work too hard to make everything horrible for our lead characters to no purpose. Lots of messy storylines that never came together. Not up to Jecks normal standards.

i have read all of jeck's books and I must say on this one i had to struggle to finish it. very weak plot, one almost knew where it was headed: too many sub-plots, none connected with each other and boring, edith has ever been the hard-headed daughter and therefore not very likabled character, in short too much to keep reader interested

I think this is only the second Jecks book I have read.
Few comments, I found it a little bit of a struggle trying to keep all the various characters/locations/plots together at times. It jumped around quite a bit and without any real familiarity (and reading it in stages over about a week) I struggled to keep everything straight a little at times.
Secondly, although it is described as a mystery there is precious little in it that is remotely mysterious. You pretty much know who does what and why most of the time.
Lastly, I don't know what Publisher's Weekly is talking about - the 'period language' is almost unnoticeable.
In all it is an interesting read for lovers of historical fiction and if you can keep all the threads properly intertwined you should enjoy it.

How does Michael Jecks do it? Here we are 27 titles into the Knights Templar series and he's still cranking out crackerjack murder mysteries set in 14th Century England. I've read most of the books in the series but it's been a while since I've had a fix of Furnshill/Puttock. Starting in on NO LAW IN THE LAND, it wasn't long before Jecks had transported me back to Devon in 1325 just in time for some thoroughly nasty doings.

As with earlier books in the series, NO LAW IN THE LAND finds England in chaos, erratically ruled by Edward II, who has ongoing problems with the French and rebellious knights not to mention his wife. Edward's closest friend and advisor, the power-hungry Sir Hugh le Despenser, is ever scheming to enlarge his power and wealth. Against this backdrop of turmoil, murder most foul occurs when a band of travellers - men, women and children - are brutally slaughtered. The Furnshill/Puttock team is called upon to investigate, aided by Sir Richard de Welles, coroner of Lifton. As Furnshill and Puttock unravel the mystery, they realize there's more sinister elements at play involving Despenser, the outlaw knight Sir Robert de Traci and his psychotic son Basil, two less-than-pure monks vying for an abbacy and other assorted villains. Attempting to solve the attack on the travellers and subsequent murders, Puttock discovers his family has been targeted as part of Despenser's larger machinations. Jecks nicely juggles the various plot elements till the truth is finally revealed.

NO LAW IN THE LAND is wonderfully done, intricately plotted and filled with interesting - if often despicable - characters. He effortlessly immerses his readers in life in 14th Century England, a harsh existence yet one populated by honest and honorable men and women who are struggling to survive.

I enjoyed NO LAW IN THE LAND. Like the rest of the series, you have to pay attention as Jecks interweaves the various plotlines together to make a wonderfully puzzling medieval murder mystery. Recommended.

I loved this book! I've read all but one of the previous books in the series and I've enjoyed them all. I would recommended this book for those who enjoy history, especially medieval, and for those who are looking for a mystery. I will say, however, to really enjoy any series that it is really beneficial to read the series in order, especially when dealing with a historical context and characters who have played important roles to the series. Jecks does not make guessing who the perpetrators are easy. Once again, I'm left wondering who killed a character at the end of the story and thrilled about some characters getting what they deserve. Of course, there are characters again who do not deserve to get killed or hurt, but this story is set in 14th century England and No Law in the Land is an apt title. If you are looking for a good mystery, this book is it. But, if you're looking for a relaxing, happily ever after no-brainer, you need to look elsewhere.

This is yet another great story by Michael Jecks. His stories are guaranteed to keep you interested and coming back for more!

Love, love, Michael Jecks!!! This series is outstanding. If you have just discovered him and are thinking about getting this book, then you must go back and start from the beginning of the series after finishing this book. You won't be sorry.

This is a typical Templar series book from Jecks. That means EXCELLANT! Once again he takes us to the heart of the 14th c English turmoil of the final days of Edward II. I cannot decide between the life hattering troubles of Baldwin and Simon or the intrigues and crimes of despencer and his minions. Great reading!