Hmmm....in a nutshell, I liked this book. I found the changes in the point of view a little irritating and think the author could certainly tighten up this aspect. I also wonder about a couple little details that pulled me out of the time and place...time of day was mentioned frequently and I really wonder at that when timepieces were certainly not common yet. The crimes were horrible, with a twist to one that I found concluded quite satisfactorily for me. The character most involved in this twist (can't give away deatils!) was my favorite and I am glad he'll be in the next book. I hope subsequent books in the series pull me in more. I will certainly give them the chance. ( )

Michael Jecks is a favorite author of mine. I find him to be historically accurate while still creating interesting characters and storylines. With The Last Templar he did not disappoint.
Taking place in 14th century England, the novel focuses on two men. The new Bailiff Simon who is anxious to begin his position and move to the castle at Lydford. The other man is Sir Baldwin the new master at Furnshill Manor. Sir Baldwin has the look and aura of a knight and Simon gets the feeling much sadness underlies his friendly manner.
Within a day of their first meeting Simon is called to the scene of a house fire where there has been a death. Sir Baldwin also shows up at the site and requests to work on what he believes is a murder. Simon remains unconvinced until a death where an abbot who is traveling through is taken hostage and later burned at the stake like a heretic. Is it possible that both deaths are related and if so why? Also who could possibly commit such horrific murders and in the case of the abbot risk eternal damnation for the death of a man of God. These questions and more perplex Simon as he attempts to move forward in solving the two deaths.
This book moves at a fast pace with a lot of action and many twists and turns keeping the reader guessing. As mentioned earlier there is a lot of historical detail here adding interest to the storylines and complex plots. Well drawn characters have depth and act as one would expect men of the 14th centers to act.
This novel is the first of an ongoing series featuring Simon and Sir Baldwin. I believe The Last Templar is a great beginning to what should be a very interesting series. ( )

1st in series

Simon Puttock has just been promoted to bailiff in Devon under Edward II, when a new incumbent takes over the manor of Furnshill on the death of his brother, the previous owner. They have to deal with a rash of burnings: a quarrelsome farmer who is rumoured to have gold buried under his floor is murdered and his house burned down around him, an abbot travelling on his way to take up a position in a monastery is kidnapped and his body is found tied to a tree and burned, and a group of travelling merchants attacked by outlaws are burned in their wagons. This used to be such a peaceful area, what is going on?

Although in a sense one part of the mystery was obvious, I fought against it because the solution seems to militate against it being a series. I still don't like the solution because it seems to be saying that a revenge killing is fine if the right person does it. Having said that I will read the second in the series but with a somewhat wary eye. ( )

Michael Jecks has explained on Goodreads all the problems he encountered while writing this, the first book of his Templar series. I am a fan of everything to do with medieval history, and I really liked The Last Templar, especially the descriptions of the untamed English countryside, as honest subjects of the King hunt down roaming men who terrorize their countrymen. He has a light, but sure, touch with the historical detail. I will read the second in the series, the Merchant's Partner. ( )