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The Templar Detective Thrillers #3
The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret: A Templar Detective Thriller Book #3
*** FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR J. ROBERT KENNEDY *** HAS ONE TEMPLAR'S LOYALTY FALTERED, OR IS SOMETHING MORE SINISTER AT PLAY? When Templar Knight Sir Marcus de Rancourt's sergeant and best friend, Simon Chastain, expresses doubts about the new life they have undertaken, Marcus urges him to seek out the family he hasn't seen in over thirty years, then choose his own path to follow. But when his trusted sergeant doesn't return, Marcus knows something must be wrong, for he refuses to believe decades of loyalty and service would be abandoned without any word. Determined to find out what has happened, Marcus leaves in search of his missing sergeant, and quickly becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit decades in the making. From USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy comes The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret, a pulse-pounding tale of historical intrigue, packed with mystery, suspense, and humor, perfect for fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers in the style of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins. Get your copy of The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret today, and discover whether a forgotten childhood tragedy ends one man's life of honorable service to his Lord and the Knights Templar.
- GenresMysteryHistorical
282 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2018
222 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
J. Robert Kennedy
102 books299 followersWith over one million books sold, award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is the author of over fifty international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers. He lives with his wife and daughter and writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2023
a test of faith
A test of faith not only in the God the Templars worshipped, but a test of endurance and friendship under extreme and seemingly insurmountable conditions.
This is a Count of Monte Cristo trope. An innocent man is charged for crimes he did not commit and locked away in a dark and dingy prison. It’s up to himself and his friends to break him free. But the prisoner is slowly and painfully losing all grip on reality. And the prison is impenetrable.
It’s a good story, not only because of the story itself, but because of being immersed in medieval ways. And Templar ways too. You really are transported to another era. One of the best portals to step into 🏰 ⚔️
A test of faith not only in the God the Templars worshipped, but a test of endurance and friendship under extreme and seemingly insurmountable conditions.
This is a Count of Monte Cristo trope. An innocent man is charged for crimes he did not commit and locked away in a dark and dingy prison. It’s up to himself and his friends to break him free. But the prisoner is slowly and painfully losing all grip on reality. And the prison is impenetrable.
It’s a good story, not only because of the story itself, but because of being immersed in medieval ways. And Templar ways too. You really are transported to another era. One of the best portals to step into 🏰 ⚔️
November 15, 2019
This is by far the best of this series. I really do hate plots like this though, it causes me some anxiety for the falsely accused, but Kennedy as usual, comes through with a balanced outcome that ties everything up and leaves you with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for the next one.
Such an excellent series. I am so glad I found this author.
Such an excellent series. I am so glad I found this author.
January 19, 2026
Part historical and part riveting thriller, J Robert Kennedy’s medieval knight detective series met and exceeded my expectations. I love historical mysteries particularly when they are well settled in their historical backdrop as much as offer a cunningly crafted mystery and an engaging detecting character to solve it.
The Templar Detective and the Sergeant’s Secret is the third in the Templar Detective series of medieval mysteries set in 13th century France. In after thought, I would definitely recommend not jumping in here, but getting the series in order. I didn’t have trouble following the story line or picking up where the last book must have left off, but I could see that this one built on the last.
Knight Templar, Sir Marcus de Rancourt, retired and returned home to France to take up the running of his late sister’s farm and rearing her children. His retinue including his sergeant, Simon Chastain, a loyal and true brother in arms came with him. They have all been through a great deal together and Sir Marcus, back in the Templar fold and given special dispensation to remain on the farm, has a growing ‘found family’ and brotherhood about him now.
But Simon is having a sort of crisis of faith and calling and not sure this new life is for him. Marcus being the type of leader he is tells Simon to go home and give thought to it all.
And, then his loyal comrade is gone much longer than expected with no word and seems to have left them. Sir Marcus knows this is unlike Simon so he goes looking and finds a dark and sinister, long-in-the-making plot of revenge has been sprung. Simon’s past history is laid out even as Sir Marcus gets to the bottom of things.
This was more action and taunt physical danger than the average historical mystery. Men at arms work and intrigue all fueled by a revenge plot that was laid out. I was enthralled to see how the end game would be achieved. It got gritty and plunged dark depths with the torture and imprisonment in the dungeon part right from the opening chapter before it went on to a scene back at the farm when the situation of Simon’s leaving began and Sir Marcus had to way the truth of Simon’s character and loyalty up against the seeming facts.
The Templar Detective and the Sergeant’s Secret was narrated by new to me Philip Battley. I had no trouble settling into his storytelling or voice for the characters. I would definitely listen to more of his work.
All in all, the Templar Detective and the Sergeant’s Secret got me excited that a new series I was trying landed well and made me want to go back for the first two stories and keep right on going until I caught up with the rest of the released books. I would definitely recommend the audio edition and wait for each of those releases for historical mystery fans who like it pulse-pounding at times and on the gritty side with some solid bromancing and occasional banter.
I rec'd an audio digital from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 12.17.25.
The Templar Detective and the Sergeant’s Secret is the third in the Templar Detective series of medieval mysteries set in 13th century France. In after thought, I would definitely recommend not jumping in here, but getting the series in order. I didn’t have trouble following the story line or picking up where the last book must have left off, but I could see that this one built on the last.
Knight Templar, Sir Marcus de Rancourt, retired and returned home to France to take up the running of his late sister’s farm and rearing her children. His retinue including his sergeant, Simon Chastain, a loyal and true brother in arms came with him. They have all been through a great deal together and Sir Marcus, back in the Templar fold and given special dispensation to remain on the farm, has a growing ‘found family’ and brotherhood about him now.
But Simon is having a sort of crisis of faith and calling and not sure this new life is for him. Marcus being the type of leader he is tells Simon to go home and give thought to it all.
And, then his loyal comrade is gone much longer than expected with no word and seems to have left them. Sir Marcus knows this is unlike Simon so he goes looking and finds a dark and sinister, long-in-the-making plot of revenge has been sprung. Simon’s past history is laid out even as Sir Marcus gets to the bottom of things.
This was more action and taunt physical danger than the average historical mystery. Men at arms work and intrigue all fueled by a revenge plot that was laid out. I was enthralled to see how the end game would be achieved. It got gritty and plunged dark depths with the torture and imprisonment in the dungeon part right from the opening chapter before it went on to a scene back at the farm when the situation of Simon’s leaving began and Sir Marcus had to way the truth of Simon’s character and loyalty up against the seeming facts.
The Templar Detective and the Sergeant’s Secret was narrated by new to me Philip Battley. I had no trouble settling into his storytelling or voice for the characters. I would definitely listen to more of his work.
All in all, the Templar Detective and the Sergeant’s Secret got me excited that a new series I was trying landed well and made me want to go back for the first two stories and keep right on going until I caught up with the rest of the released books. I would definitely recommend the audio edition and wait for each of those releases for historical mystery fans who like it pulse-pounding at times and on the gritty side with some solid bromancing and occasional banter.
I rec'd an audio digital from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 12.17.25.
May 13, 2021
Action & a history!
This was so exciting! It covered all aspects that make a book good action, suspense, humor and the good guys wig!! Then add historical information. Perfection!
This was so exciting! It covered all aspects that make a book good action, suspense, humor and the good guys wig!! Then add historical information. Perfection!
June 16, 2020
Another excellent read. Happy I found this series.
May 29, 2018
Excellent Sleuthing Tale Told By A Master Storytelller!
This is the third book in this series and J Robert Kennedy does not disappoint. He also has a chance to explore the backstory of Marcus' faithful Sergeant, Simon. Excellent used of characters introduced in the prior novels too. The characters...imaginary or not...are so well developed.
It would be beyond excellent for James & Laura Acton and Sir Marcus to star in the same novel...in their own time periods of course. Not sure how exactly he might accomplish it...but I can bet he'd figure out a way...especially now that I got him thinking about the premise. (Heck...that may already been part of his plan!) Hands down, I'd definitely read it!
This is the third book in this series and J Robert Kennedy does not disappoint. He also has a chance to explore the backstory of Marcus' faithful Sergeant, Simon. Excellent used of characters introduced in the prior novels too. The characters...imaginary or not...are so well developed.
It would be beyond excellent for James & Laura Acton and Sir Marcus to star in the same novel...in their own time periods of course. Not sure how exactly he might accomplish it...but I can bet he'd figure out a way...especially now that I got him thinking about the premise. (Heck...that may already been part of his plan!) Hands down, I'd definitely read it!
February 18, 2025
The Templar Detective and the Sergeant's Secret is the third adventure of Sir Marcus, a Templar Knight with a keen investigative mind that seems to always end up solving mysteries. Again, J. Robert Kennedy delivers a compelling blend of historical mystery and thrilling suspense that draws the readers into a world of medieval intrigue and hidden agendas. The author masterfully crafts a complex plot, weaving together clues, red herrings, and historical detail to create a truly immersive experience. The mystery itself is well-paced, and the bantering between the templar friends/brothers is fun and lighthearted. As the previous two books, I find this book a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.
March 1, 2026
Riveting. Gave the characters more to life. Enjoyed the back stories and how they affected the character development. Made them feel more lifelike. After reading the Acton/Kane/Delta/Jack series I had to give this series a try and am jot disappointed. Hope J. Robert Kennedy is doing well & am excited and hopeful his next book. If this reaches you Mr. Kennedy, your fans appreciate your work & wish you well. Your in our prayers.
March 18, 2019
Definitivamente esta saga me convence. Los personajes están muy logrados y las tramas son buenas.
Quizá esta novela tiene menos tensión e intensidad que las dos anteriores, pero resulta muy entretenida y con un fondo muy humano.
Quizá esta novela tiene menos tensión e intensidad que las dos anteriores, pero resulta muy entretenida y con un fondo muy humano.
March 4, 2026
The Sergeant
Once again Mr Kennedy has written a delightful story plot that even Sherlock Holmes can not out do.Acused of a crime which he didn't commit, the sergeant struggles to prove his innocence.
Once again Mr Kennedy has written a delightful story plot that even Sherlock Holmes can not out do.Acused of a crime which he didn't commit, the sergeant struggles to prove his innocence.
August 18, 2018
3.75 stars
July 29, 2020
Excellent
Once again the storyline kept me fascinated by Simon's history and how Sir Marcus cleverly, with the aid of his companions came to the rescue!
Once again the storyline kept me fascinated by Simon's history and how Sir Marcus cleverly, with the aid of his companions came to the rescue!
January 31, 2021
The Templar Detective series gets better and better with each book. This one is extremely fast paced and we'll worth the read as is the whole series
August 28, 2025
A great read. Keeps you guessing right to the end.
December 3, 2025
Another good entry in Kennedy's Templar Detective series. The action is good and the characters are all very likeable. In fact, I was going to be very upset if Simon was killed off this early in the series, so I was glad when he was not.
I like the underlying story that arches from book to book so you can watch the relationships between the characters evolve and mature. In that way it reminds me of my favorite series, Longmire. Like Longmire, I find myself interested in the relationships more than the actual plot of each subsequent book in the series. Definitely looking forward to the remaining stories.
I like the underlying story that arches from book to book so you can watch the relationships between the characters evolve and mature. In that way it reminds me of my favorite series, Longmire. Like Longmire, I find myself interested in the relationships more than the actual plot of each subsequent book in the series. Definitely looking forward to the remaining stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews