The Oath Book

Set amid the turmoil of war, when nobody's life is safe, comes a gripping new murder mystery from a master of medieval crime

1326. In an England riven with conflict, knight and peasant alike find their lives turned upside down by the warring factions of Edward II, with his hated favorite, Hugh le Despenser, and Edward's estranged queen Isabella and her lover, Sir Roger Mortimer. Yet even in such times the brutal slaughter of an entire family, right down to a babe in arms, still has the power to shock. Three further murders follow, and bailiff Simon Puttock is drawn into a web of intrigue, vengeance, power, and greed as Roger Mortimer charges him to investigate the killings. Brilliantly evoking the turmoil of 14th-century England, this novel features well-loved characters Simon Puttock and Sir Baldwin de Furnshill as they strive to maintain the principles of loyalty and truth.

Publishers Weekly

The inexplicable slaughter of Bristol merchant and moneylender Arthur Capon and his family propels British author Jecks's chilling 29th Knights Templar mystery (after April 2010's The Bishop Must Die). In October 1326, Edward II faces perhaps the greatest challenge of his disastrous 20-year reign. His queen, Isabella, and his eldest son, the duke of Aquitaine, are in France with the queen's lover, Sir Roger Mortimer, who threatens war unless Edward gets rid of his regent and alleged lover, Sir Hugh le Despenser. When more murders follow the Capon killings, Mortimer calls on bailiff Simon Puttock to investigate. Simon and Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, keeper of the king's peace, get on a trail that takes them to Wales, where they get involved in the dramatic events leading to Despenser's execution in late November. Once again, Jecks seamlessly blends fact and fiction. (Dec.)