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Knights Templar #9
The Traitor of St Giles
In 1321, the King's favorite, Hugh Despenser, is using his position to steal land and wealth from the other lords. His rapacity has divided the nation, and civil war looms. In Tiverton, rape and murder have unsettled the town, which is preparing for the feast of St. Giles; Philip Dyne has confessed and claimed sanctuary in St. Peter's church. Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King's Peace, and Bailiff Simon Puttock, arrive at Lord Hugh de Courtenay's castle at Tiverton for the feast. When a messenger arrives calling for the coroner, Baldwin and Simon accompany him to view the body of Sir Gilbert of Carlisle, Despenser's ambassador to Lord Hugh. Not far off lies a second corpse—the decapitated figure of Dyne. When Baldwin and Simon are themselves viciously attacked, they know that a sinister force is at large, someone with a powerful motive to kill. But there are so many suspects.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
33 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jecks
121 books621 followersMichael Jecks is a best-selling writer of historical novels. The son of an Actuary, and the youngest of four brothers, he worked in the computer industry before becoming a novelist full time in 1994
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 18, 2025
DNFing not because it’s bad but because I have more exciting books in my mile long TBR :))
The ~10% I’ve read is pretty good and easy to pick up given it’s the 8th book in a series I haven’t read lol
The ~10% I’ve read is pretty good and easy to pick up given it’s the 8th book in a series I haven’t read lol
October 24, 2025
This is a good fourteenth century mystery featuring Sir Baldwin Furnhill, who is Keeper of the King's Peace. In this story, there is a lot of intrigue and suspense, with many evil characters, several murders, and quite a few red herrings. For readers who like historical mysteries, this is a good one.
June 5, 2018
Six-word Review: Feast, fair, politics, murder, justice triumphs.
In this, the ninth in the West Country series, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, ex-Templar and keeper of the king's peace in Crediton, and his friend, Bailiff Simon Puttock, join the crowds gathering at Lord Hugh de Courtenay's castle in Tiverton to celebrate the feast of St. Giles.
As usual, there are complicated problems in the offing. Hugh Despenser, King Edward II's corrupt favorite, is trying to return from exile and attract fighters to his cause which could lead to a civil war. Sir Gilbert de Carlisle, Despenser's ambassador to Lord Hugh, is murdered while carrying a chest of gold to try and enlist de Courtenay in Despenser's cause.
The head and body of an abjured murderer, Philip Dyne, are found nearby. Harlewin le Poter, the Tiverton coroner, decides that Dyne killed Sir Gilbert and that two upright citizens beheaded Dyne as he was trying to escape.
Meanwhile, the St. Giles Fair is in full swing and the town is filled with villains. One of the most difficult aspects of deciding what really happened is the large number of suspects. It appears many folks had a reason for being in the forest the night Dyne and Sir Gilbert were killed. Sir Baldwin and Simon soon realize that they are targets of a group of cutthroats trying to find the gold and in the process realize that the facts behind the murders are far more complicated than the coroner imagines.
As always, Jecks does a superb job of describing everyday life in 14th Century England. Everything, from feudalistic obligations to how folks thought to how powerful the church was.
Although the book drags in spots, I did enjoy it immensely and recommend it, even if you haven't read the other books in the series.
In this, the ninth in the West Country series, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, ex-Templar and keeper of the king's peace in Crediton, and his friend, Bailiff Simon Puttock, join the crowds gathering at Lord Hugh de Courtenay's castle in Tiverton to celebrate the feast of St. Giles.
As usual, there are complicated problems in the offing. Hugh Despenser, King Edward II's corrupt favorite, is trying to return from exile and attract fighters to his cause which could lead to a civil war. Sir Gilbert de Carlisle, Despenser's ambassador to Lord Hugh, is murdered while carrying a chest of gold to try and enlist de Courtenay in Despenser's cause.
The head and body of an abjured murderer, Philip Dyne, are found nearby. Harlewin le Poter, the Tiverton coroner, decides that Dyne killed Sir Gilbert and that two upright citizens beheaded Dyne as he was trying to escape.
Meanwhile, the St. Giles Fair is in full swing and the town is filled with villains. One of the most difficult aspects of deciding what really happened is the large number of suspects. It appears many folks had a reason for being in the forest the night Dyne and Sir Gilbert were killed. Sir Baldwin and Simon soon realize that they are targets of a group of cutthroats trying to find the gold and in the process realize that the facts behind the murders are far more complicated than the coroner imagines.
As always, Jecks does a superb job of describing everyday life in 14th Century England. Everything, from feudalistic obligations to how folks thought to how powerful the church was.
Although the book drags in spots, I did enjoy it immensely and recommend it, even if you haven't read the other books in the series.
June 26, 2020
I reeally wish Goodreads would do half stars!!! This is closer to a 3.5 for me, but not strong enough for a 4. War is looming and the Earl de Courtenay has summoned his men to see where their loyalties lie. A young abjurer of the realm has been slaughtered brutally, as has an ex-Templar Knight. Naturally Baldwin is desperate to get to the bottom of this. We also get introduced to Knight Bannerett Sir Peregrine of Barnstaple, who I feel becomes a regular guest star in the series. The plot was a little over complex at times , but still really enjoyed this
July 5, 2018
A major improvement over the last book in this series. The story was very well plotted with interesting characters. Baldwin and Simon showed some actual detective skills as opposed to the last book when they blundered around until one of them stumbled upon the solution. I was about to give up on this series but I will give it another chance now.
March 21, 2020
A favourite historical novelist, and very well researched. His author's notes are often a pointer to his research and a way into learning more about the period. However, he is a grand storyteller and the history is just absorbed along with a superb story. His books are set in my county of Devon, a bonus for me.
February 15, 2018
0-7472-6362-0
March 4, 2009
THE TRAITOR OF ST. GILES (Hist. Mys-Baldwin Furnshill/Simon Puttock-England-1321) - VG
Jecks, Michael – 9th in series”
Headline, 2000, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 0747274037
First Sentence: In the servant’s hall of her father’s house in Tiverton, Joan Carter yawned and stretched.
England is in political turmoil and on the verge of civil war. Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock have come to Tiverton Castle for the feast of St. Giles. While there, they are called to the scene of two murders.
A young man, Dyne, accused of raping and murdering a young woman, had claimed sanctuary and was set on the road to leave England. His body has been found decapitated in the woods.
Sir Gilbert of Carlisle, an ambassador set to visit Sir Hugh at Tiverton, has been murdered along with his dog. Tiverton’s Coroner is satisfied that Dyne killed the knight and was killed in turn for having left the road. Baldwin is not satisfied.
I love this series. The story is intricately plotted interweaving the role of politics and religion with personal stories and human foibles. The research is evident and history fascinating.
Baldwin is not always likable but his actions are appropriate for his background and position, yet at times he is the catalyst for humor. Simon, the practical man, is a perfect foil for Baldwin, the former Templar knight. I enjoy seeing Baldwin tempered by his recent marriage, yet miss Simon’s wife Margaret, who has not been a part of this, or the previous, book.
Jeck’s does use a bit of foreshadowing, which makes me crazy as it is so not needed, but I enjoy his writing, nonetheless. I am looking forward to Book 10.
Jecks, Michael – 9th in series”
Headline, 2000, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 0747274037
First Sentence: In the servant’s hall of her father’s house in Tiverton, Joan Carter yawned and stretched.
England is in political turmoil and on the verge of civil war. Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Bailiff Simon Puttock have come to Tiverton Castle for the feast of St. Giles. While there, they are called to the scene of two murders.
A young man, Dyne, accused of raping and murdering a young woman, had claimed sanctuary and was set on the road to leave England. His body has been found decapitated in the woods.
Sir Gilbert of Carlisle, an ambassador set to visit Sir Hugh at Tiverton, has been murdered along with his dog. Tiverton’s Coroner is satisfied that Dyne killed the knight and was killed in turn for having left the road. Baldwin is not satisfied.
I love this series. The story is intricately plotted interweaving the role of politics and religion with personal stories and human foibles. The research is evident and history fascinating.
Baldwin is not always likable but his actions are appropriate for his background and position, yet at times he is the catalyst for humor. Simon, the practical man, is a perfect foil for Baldwin, the former Templar knight. I enjoy seeing Baldwin tempered by his recent marriage, yet miss Simon’s wife Margaret, who has not been a part of this, or the previous, book.
Jeck’s does use a bit of foreshadowing, which makes me crazy as it is so not needed, but I enjoy his writing, nonetheless. I am looking forward to Book 10.
July 24, 2014
Finished reading " The Traitor of St. Giles " by Michael Jecks. I swear, every book gets better and better. The characters don't get stale and each mystery still makes you stop and think. This guy seriously knows how to write a mystery.
1321 and Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock are attending the St. Giles feast. They were invited by their lord Hugh de Courtenay but, of course, there is tragedy. A beheaded body is found in the woods. The body is known to belong to a man named Philip Dyne. His fiance was murdered and he confessed to the crime and ran to the Church for sanctuary and asked to adjure the realm ( which was legal at the time ). After his 40 days at the Church he was to abjure the realm. He had to leave England by a specific route and not leave the road nor stay in one place more than one night or he could be killed for it...and he was being hunted by his fiance's family. Near the body of Philip Dyne was another body. The body of a knight. Rumors had it that the knight, Sir Gilbert of Carlisle, had a message to Lord Hugh from the Despensers ( look into English history to understand why this is a big deal ). Then the knight's guide is found murdered! So much blood. Who killed the knight and why? Was it political? Was it mistaken identity, self defense, hatred? The mystery deepens when Simon and Baldwin are attacked! What motive could there possibly be for an attack on the Bailiff of Lydford and the Keeper of the King's Peace?
1321 and Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock are attending the St. Giles feast. They were invited by their lord Hugh de Courtenay but, of course, there is tragedy. A beheaded body is found in the woods. The body is known to belong to a man named Philip Dyne. His fiance was murdered and he confessed to the crime and ran to the Church for sanctuary and asked to adjure the realm ( which was legal at the time ). After his 40 days at the Church he was to abjure the realm. He had to leave England by a specific route and not leave the road nor stay in one place more than one night or he could be killed for it...and he was being hunted by his fiance's family. Near the body of Philip Dyne was another body. The body of a knight. Rumors had it that the knight, Sir Gilbert of Carlisle, had a message to Lord Hugh from the Despensers ( look into English history to understand why this is a big deal ). Then the knight's guide is found murdered! So much blood. Who killed the knight and why? Was it political? Was it mistaken identity, self defense, hatred? The mystery deepens when Simon and Baldwin are attacked! What motive could there possibly be for an attack on the Bailiff of Lydford and the Keeper of the King's Peace?
February 1, 2016
I can't quite put my finger on it but something about this series is beginning to irritate me. The actual plots are still interesting and the attention to historical detail is v. good, but Simon the bailiff seems to be more a side character than a main character since the introduction of Baldwin's wife.
Other minor grumbles include I must admit I speed-read the final 100 pages which is a sure sign I am bored with a book. I may need to give the series a rest and read the rest at a later date.
Other minor grumbles include I must admit I speed-read the final 100 pages which is a sure sign I am bored with a book. I may need to give the series a rest and read the rest at a later date.
November 16, 2011
Trying to think of a new theme and location for a story was always a challenge, but this one was a story I'd been thinking of for a long time. I wanted to write a book based on the old song "There were three ravens", and this book was the result.
A knight is found in woods, murdered, one of his hounds nearby, and a convicted felon lying near. It leaves the law officers with a riddle to answer. For it's unlikely a felon could kill a trained knight and his dog - and if he did, what happened to the knight's horse and equipment? But when the investigators learn that the dead man was an ambassador for the King's friend, a man with many enemies, their investigation grows more dangerous for all concerned.
A knight is found in woods, murdered, one of his hounds nearby, and a convicted felon lying near. It leaves the law officers with a riddle to answer. For it's unlikely a felon could kill a trained knight and his dog - and if he did, what happened to the knight's horse and equipment? But when the investigators learn that the dead man was an ambassador for the King's friend, a man with many enemies, their investigation grows more dangerous for all concerned.
July 26, 2010
Michael Jecks is known for extraordinary writing. His works bring to life the end period of medieval times for those of us not fortunate to live during them. However, this book I will be rating slightly lower than normal as he forgot the cardinal rule of K.I.S.S. Too many characters dilute the plot and confuse the reader while taking this from a casual read to a plodding affair.
August 29, 2016
As always, Michael Jecks paid attention to his research when writing The Traitor of St. Giles. The story in itself is solid, well-paced and the characters are of a nice diversity representing of all layers of the populace. The series has its ups and downs, and this one is pretty much bang in the middle, a very good read.
November 11, 2014
I always enjoy these books, and they keep getting better and better. There's a pretty big body count in this one....they're dropping like flies at the St. Giles fair! But Sir Baldwin will solve the murder of his Templar cohort, as well as the other murders, with the help of Bailiff Simon, introducing us to many entertaining and interesting characters along the way.
September 7, 2008
Another in the wonderful series of medieval crime. Most of these books are set in Devonshire, a place I've been, so it is cool to read names of places I can picture in my head.
April 27, 2009
book 9
July 17, 2011
Just could not get into it. Bogged down. Stopped 1/3 way through. I like his other novels though.
June 28, 2011
I think this is one of the better ones in the series. There were a lot of possibilities, and Baldwin and Simon had to toil their way through.
shelved
November 14, 2014Michael Jecks' historical mystery series 'Knights Templar'. This volume: Knights Templar #9 - The Traitor of St. Giles.
June 4, 2012
This is a much better book than the last medieval mystery I read. Much better. I don't know if I would read any more, but I did enjoy it enough to want to finish it.
June 11, 2014
Another clever medieval mystery. Full review at classicmystery.wordpress.com
January 30, 2015
Fun with lots of details about the time period. May have to read more of these.
June 28, 2015
Slightly better than the last one but not much. Mistake to leave out Hugh.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews