This medieval mystery tells of a planned tournament to be hosted by Lord Hugh in 1322. A month before the planned event a man who whom knights are indebted is found murdered, and it's up to Sir Baldwin and his friend Bailiff Simon to complete preparations and investigate a possibly widereaching, sinister plan. Fine tension against a solid historical backdrop.

"The Tournament of Blood" is slightly different from previous West Country mysteries by Michael Jecks in that it does not focus so much on a rather chilling series of horrific murders and that there are a a lot more characters in this mystery novel than usual. So be forewarned: there are several knights and squires with similar names that a slightly less attentive reader could get quite confused over!

"The Tournament of Blood" opens with the murder of the money lender, Benjamin Dudenay, by Philip Tyrel (information given in the first chapter.) Many years ago, Tyrel lost his wife and children because of Dudenay; and seeing Dudenay again all these many years later, even more prosperous than before and apparently feeling no remorse for his crimes, pushes Tyrel to execute Dudenay quite brutally. Tyrel thinks that his rage is spent; however the authour let's us in on one piece of important information: that Tyrel will soon meet the other men who were responsible for his family's untimely death, and that he will kill again (again info from the first chapter).

It's 1322, and Hugh de Courtenay has decided to host a tournament to take his mind off his current political problems with King Edward II. Many knights have been invited, and Bailiff Simon Puttock has been asked to see to the preparations for the tournament. And while Puttock is thrilled to have been asked to undertake so important a task, having to deal with the sniveling and quarrelsome Hal Sachevyll and Wymond Carpenter, is more than he can bear! Sachevyll and Carpenter have been commissioned to design and construct the stands and have been complaining about shoddy materials and predicting accidents if the stands are constructed with such bad wood. They have demanded that better material be provided for them to work with. This Puttock is loathe to do because the pair have already been paid to buy the materials that they need. Puttock suspects that they have pocketed the money that should have gone towards buying good wood, buying shoddy wood instead. And he's not about to reward the duplicitous pair by paying for more wood to be bought. The quarrel between Sachevyll, Carpenter and Puttock becomes quite acrimonious and things look bad indeed for Puttock when Carpenter is found beaten to death in his tent, and he becomes a suspect of the murder.

Fortunately for Puttock, his good friend Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King's Peace, and the coroner, Sir Roger de Gidleigh, do not believe that he had anything to do with Carpenter's death, and they begin to look more closely into the murder. They discover that Carpenter was murdered in a manner similar to the moneylender Dudenay, and that Dudenay, Carpenter and Sahevyll were partners in quite a few enterprises. They also discover that quite a few people detested all three men -- from knights who blame them for the deaths incurred when their shoddy stands fell apart, to knights and squires who disliked Dubenay because they owed him money. In the meantime, Puttock is discovering that it is not easy to keep his attention focused on preparations for the tournament with a murder charge hanging over his head, his teenage daughter's sudden rebellious behaviour (and her sudden infatuation with a dislikable squire), and the Royal Herald's petty snipping! If only he could solve the murder before the tournament starts! But what Puttock, Sir Baldwin and Sir Roger don't realise is that Tyrel is in their midst under an assumed name, and that he is resolved to execute the third man he holds responsible for the loss of his family.

With this latest mystery novel, Michael Jecks again brings to life colourful 14th century England. The novel is peppered with enough historical fact, so that we understand the political reality of the time; but what I especially liked was his realistic portrayal of what a tournament entailed -- the brutality involved as well as the greed for ransoms (knights who loose the joust and who yield are then held for ransom by the victor). And I thought that Jecks did a wonderful job in depicting all the different hates that the knights and squires had for each other, as well as Puttock's daughter's sudden into bratty teenage behaviour. The mystery itself is a little more straight forward than usual, with very few twists and turns in plot development (except for how Jecks keeps us guessing as to which one of the suspects is Tyrel), however the tension and tight pacing was always there, and contributed a lot towards making this novel a gripping read. I enjoyed this novel immensely, and would heartily recommend to all mediaeval mystery fans.

Readers who delight in a healthy dose of history with their mystery will find this a fine combination in Jecks' new title. A 1322 tournament leads to murder and an investigation of a host of possibilities in this fast-paced, involving account. Medieval life comes alive under Jecks' hand.

Another chilling tale of murder and mayhem in the medieval West Country mystery series featuring the Keeper of the King's Peace, Sir Baldwin Furnshill, and Bailiff Simon Puttock. This time political affairs of the country frame the mystery.

Edward II's favourite, Hugh Despenser, has been using his favoured position to steal and intimidate. The Marcher lords, tired and fed up with Despenser's corruption, have risen up in arms and declared Despenser to be an enemy of the King. They then marched all the way to London to see the King and demand that he exile the entire Despenser family. Despenser's allies and enemies alike not immediately involved with the Marcher lords actions have all been monitoring the situation. With whom should they throw their lot? This is what brings Sir Gilbert of Carlisle, a former Knight Templar, now one of Despenser's men, to Tiverton. He's not sure of what he should do: whether he should remain loyal to Despenser and probably face exile in some foreign land, or if he should offer his loyalties to another lord. To this end he decides to sound out Lord Hugh de Courtenay at Tiverton, to see if he will throw his lot with Despenser or with Despenser's enemies; and also to ask his opinion on what de Courtenay thinks will happen.

However not everyone's mind is on the political goings on of the land. In Tiverton, the rape and murder of Joan Carter has unsettled everyone's peace of mind. Her murderer is believed to be Philip Dyne, who managed to escape the posse and seek sanctuary within the church. As a self confessed felon, he must now promise to leave England, never to return, or else forfeit his life. Joan's family, bent on revenge and seeking their own brand of justice, are swift to follow Dyne as he makes his way down the highway out of England.

Meanwhile, Sir High de Courtenay is holding a feast at his castle in Tiverton, and has invited all his men to the celebration. This brings Sir Baldwin and his wife Jeanne, as well Simon Puttock to Tiverton. During the feast, news of a grissily find sends Baldwin, Simon and the somewhat corrupt Coroner, into the forest to investigate. There they find the badly beaten and decapitated body of Philip Dyne, as well the body of Sir Gilbert (he had been swiftly, and cleanly killed with a single stroke of a sword) and that of one of his hunting dogs (also killed with a sword stroke). The Coroner keen to wrap things up swiftly, and hoping to curry favour with those in more powerful positions, decides that Dyne murdered Sir Gilbert, and was in turn executed by members of Joan's family. This would make Dyne's execution legal, as he had committed a further crime by killing Sir Gilbert. Joan's family agree to back the Coroner's theory. However Sir Baldwin is incensed. He wants justice for his fellow Templar, and cannot see how Dyne could have successfully murdered a man trained a combat and yet fall victim to the blade of a couple of fat merchants! To him the whole story is preposterous! And so Sir Baldwin, ably assissited by Simon Puttock starts poking around in Tiverton, hoping to uncover the truth of what really happened.

This series keeps getting better and better. And this latest mystery is quite the page turner! With each new person Baldwin and Simon interview, new evidence comes to light that paints quite a different picture. The novel rich in historical detail -- the dilemma that many faced whether to support their King thereby also supporting the corrupt and avaricious Despensers, or to support those against the Despensers and thereby opposing their annointed King -- is deftly related. At the same time, the book also paints quite a vivid picture of daily life in 14th century England.

A rich and complex mystery that truly does deserve an excellent rating.

With his third book, Michael Jecks has hit his stride incredibly sucessfully. This is a complete sucess, a prime example of a goo historical crime novel.

When Peter Bruther, servant to the Beauscyr household, runs off up to Dartmoor to become a tin miner, the family are furious. They demand his return, and attempt to get the Bailiff of Lydford, Simon Puttock, involved in the dispute. But, due to old standing ancient laws, the Beauscyrs have no legal claim on their servant any more. As long as he is mining tin (which will of course eventually beneift the Kings armaments) he is exempt from normal laws.

Then, one morning, Peter Bruther's body is found hanging from a tree on the edge of an ancient woodland...

Cue the investigating team of Simon Puttock and his friend Sir Baldwin Furnshill. They must play games of diplomancy with the Beauscyr family and the mining community, especially the important landowner and mining magnate Thomas Smyth, who controls most of the mining that goes on, to try and stop the situation exploding. They must do this alongside their murder investigation. This task is difficult enough, but it becomes further complicated when an almost all-out war between the miners and landowners begins to rage up on the moor...

Excellent. For any fan of historical novels, i would reccomend this one unreservedly. It's Jeck's best book by far. The plot is absolutely fascinating and multi-layered. The examination of the complexities of English law is engrossing and incredibly interesting, and the tensions between the two groups of people are depicted excellently. As the situation escalates, Jecks manages to pile on a fair amount of suspense, too, which im not always used to in mostly leisurely historical mysteries.

The characters, and their oft antagonistic relationships with one another, are very well developed and interesting. The conclusion is exciting and action-filled, the atmosphere of the setting is drawn out brilliantly, and the final solution is satisfying. This book comes highly reccomended.

Dartmoor has always fascinated me. In this compelling book, Jecks mixes good mystery writing with a depiction of place so realistic one could almost believe one was on windswept Dartmoor.

In this third outing of Bailiff Simon Puttock and Keeper of the King's Peace Sir Baldwin de Furnhill, Former Knight Templar, the investigation begins with the complaints of a knight and his family about the incursions of tin miners into his property. But tinners had special priviledges and could mine the metal just about whereever they wanted. The tension between landowner and tin miners explodes into murder and a near land war. Sir Baldwin assists Simon in resolving the hanging of a former serf who has established a claim for mining and therefore has made himself free before chaos overwhelms Simon's bailiwick. Excellent use of historical detail. Medieval law was often labyrinthine, and presented more loop holes than modern tax law. The two friends are in very good shape as they delve into this complex situation.

I'll probabley go back and finish reading it at some point but it didn't grab me in the same way that the previous stories had. I think part of it was that the the sexual tension between baldwin and his wife is gone. They seem to have settled into a comfortable groove and that made it kind of boring. Also I like to have some idea of what's going on but from reading this it seemed so random and I hadn't a clue as to why the man was killed. I must say I was disappointed.

There is always two things that you can count on when you pick up a Sir Baldwin Furnshill & Bailiff Simon Puttock West Country mystery: an exquisitely well crafted and cunning murder mystery; and that Michael Jecks has peppered the novel with all kinds of interesting bits of medieval facts and history. This latest Furnshill & Puttock murder mystery, "The Boy-Bishop's Glovemaker" takes place during the Christmas festivities of 1321 in the cathedral city of Exeter, and chronicles one of the most chilling and deadliest of cases that Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock have ever taken on.

One of the many festivities celebrated during the Christmas season, is the election of one of the choristers to be "Bishop" for a day. Discipline is relaxed, and the Boy-Bishop and his friends are given some money, food and allowed to wonder about in the city, and to take part in harmless bits of mischief and mayhem. It is also on this day that leading members of the community are presented with special gem studded gloves to mark their service to Church and city. Both Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock are to awarded these gloves; and when they first enter the city, they little expect that such a festive and joyous occasion would lead them to cross paths with one of the most ruthless of killers that they will ever come across!

Within hours of their arrival, they are summoned to the cathedral by the Dean. It turns out that the cathedral's glovemaker, Ralph, had been robbed and murdered a few days before. Ralph's apprentice, Elias, had been arrested for the crime mainly because it was Elias's knife that had been used to murder Ralph. Elias of course proclaims his innocence -- not that any one believes him. Now however, a Secondary from the cathedral, Peter Golloc, who had dealt with Ralph in the commissioning of the special gloves (he delivered the money and jewels for the gloves) has been found poisoned. The Coroner of the city cannot help but wonder if perhaps Elias is innocent afterall, and that Peter, and an unknown accomplice, may have robbed and murdered Ralph, with Peter in turn being murdered by his confederate. The Dean is appalled by the Coroner's allegations, and asks Sir Baldwin and Simon to investigate. Both men reluctantly agree since they both believe that the two murders are unconnected. However the more they dig, the more deaths they uncover, and it isn't too long before both men realise that they are after a truly cunning, cold blooded and single-minded killer. Will Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock be able to successfully unmask the murderer before (s)he strikes again?

"The Boy-Bishop's Glovemaker" is a really riveting read, full of twists and turns and red herrings that will keep you guessing until the very end! The novel is a well crafted and well written one, and the level of suspense and tension was well maintained and sustained. I enjoyed this latest Sir Baldwin & Simon Puttock murder mystery immensely, and recommend it as a great read, esp if you are an avid reader of medieval mystery novels. A truly fantastic read!!

Personally, i felt very disappointed by The Crediton Killings. While I felt that with the last book, A Moorland Haning (which was excellent) the series had really hit it's stride, this book has stalled it bigtime. There's something so uninspiring about it all, this time around. The character's aren't all that interesting, the plot isn't that interesting (i found it very hard to really mind whether the crime was solved or not, or who did it), and neither is the setting. (This last point is particularly interesting, because i myself live not 30 miles from where all Jecks's books are set)

The writing isn't exactly inspiring, and doesn't power your reading on. And I found the way that Jecks comes at his plot very annoying...he spends so much time leading the reader down the garden path (for almost 300 pages, he concentrates on one particular plotline), convincing them of the verity of one apparent solution, that I became sure that that solution must surely be correct. So, any other solution then proposed completely fails to feel "right". It's almost as if a huge chunk of the book is just one big red-herring, leading practically nowhere, so that when the true solution is revealed, it's rather unsatisfying, of the "well, why on earth did I spend so long reading all that other nonsense?" kind.

Near the end, I mostly skimmed to get the main plot-points, and couldn't wait for it to be over so that I could start something I knew i'd enjoy more. The only redeeming features of this dull run-of-the-mill mystery were some rather nice developments with a couple of the main characters, and Jecks's good grasp of history and of the atmosphere of the time he is writing about, which he captures in all it's finery.

I first became acquainted with the novels of Michael Jecks a bit more than a year ago, when an unknown-to-me resident of my community gave a book to our library that she had bought in England, read on the plane coming home and decided to let others share her enjoyment. That book was 'Squire Throwleigh's Heir'. What a treat! And what a good idea, too, as the library is now ordering the books directly, instead of relying on gifts.

Even though I've now read two of the books out of sequence, I don't think that's a problem, although certainly I'll have to read more to find out how Simon and Baldwin got together in the first place. Michael Jecks is one terrific storyteller, in my opinion. He makes the characters as well as the time in which they live come alive, in ways that other novels seem to miss. And, from reading reviews of some of his other books here, perhaps sometimes his research is not 100% accurate, I really don't know, not having lived during the time being written about. I do know, however, that if I really wanted to learn more history, I wouldn't choose fiction as the means of doing so.

I've read enough of the medieval period, however, to believe that Mr. Jecks has done more than a little homework. I believe his version of the 1300s is more realistic--noisier, dirtier and less nice than that of many another author. On the other hand, his way with dialogue is masterful, and he chooses to forward his story by using that device more often than not.

In this episode, a troup of mercenaries--hard, coarsened men of war--stop to rest in the small town of Crediton, not far from Exeter, and before anyone has time to do much more than blink, two women of the town are found dead. A robbery occurs, and as it happens, the Keeper of the King's Peace, Baldwin Furnshill along with his friend, Simon Puttock, bailiff of Lydford Castle are visiting the local priest to celebrate a visit by the bishop.

Simon and his wife Marguerite have recently lost their toddler son to a childhood illness and have not yet been able to reconcile this loss to or with each other. This leaves Simon to spend perhaps more time than usual with Baldwin and his investigations. Initially, it certainly does appear that the culprit is a young recruit named Cole, but if he really did steal the plate from the mercenary captain, Sir Hector, what did he do with it all before he got conked on the head?

Baldwin methodically and carefully investigates all the possibilities before yet another body is discovered. With none of the modern detection methods available, Baldwin and Simon use their wits and various skills to eliminate the impossibilities and find the improbable culprit. A very satisfying and enjoyable book!

This is a relatively sound debut novel, certainly in terms of the characters involved. They are well developed, full, realistic and likeable. Also, the writing style is good and easy to read, but too much exposure to it makes me find it ever so slightly dull, but that might just be due to the plot, which i didn't find to be very interesting.

It all seems rather repetative. A murder, then another murder, then some treking off into the forest, more murder, more treking, more treking... It's not very original or inspiring, it's dull at times, and isn't interesting enough to compell you to read on and find the solution. However, you should. It is at the last fifty pages where the book picks up and improved quite a bit. Each solution provided is unexpected and well delivered, and they add well-needed complexity to the plot, which wasn't there before.

Overall, this book is a bit drawn out for it's content, although the style and characters are enjoyable, and the plot is dull at times, but enjoyable at others. As a start to a supposedly very good series, it's not all the good, but it's necessary to read it so that you understand the back-story. My advice is probably to buy it, but skim it. That way, it'll probably seem very enjoyable.

If you read this book expecting Ellis Peters or even Susanna Gregory, you will be disappointed. The story does not measure up to these. But if you read the story wanting to read an entertaining mystery with some interesting characters, you will enjoy the book. I found the writing and the history in this book were somehow lacking, but as I said I will try another in the series before I pass judgement. I like Simon and I like Sir Baldwin, but they talk like modern people. The sense of time and place is not here. The book doesn't take you back like it should. So, I will forego a little authenticity for now, and will see if this improves in subsequent books. In the meantime I just enjoyed the story.

Michael Jecks is off to a good start. Sir Baldwin is both knight and monk - the best realized of these characters - although where did he receive release from his vows that make it now possible for him to see marriage in his future? Sir Rodney ("my sword is my right") is probably more typical 14th century knight. Simon the Bailiff has lovely 19th-century relationship with his wife, child and priest. I am looking forward to the next in the series - and seeing this author develop his skill and historical depth. Good work, but not yet in the league with Dunnett or Ellis or Margaret Fraser or Sharan Newman.

Mr. Jecks, in his own Amazon commentary, mentions doing research. I suggest he do some more. His understanding of medieval England and the realities of life therein would shock even the most dimwitted SCA'er.

Where to begin? The errors are so egregious that I'll start by saying that flat stomachs were NOT a feminine beauty ideal at the time, yet Jecks makes much of this and suggests that this flat stomach is part of a female character's sexual allure. Wrong; thank you for playing.

Wolves were rare in England by the time in which this novel is set; I suggest the author take a look at, say, _Man and the Natural World_ by Keith Thomas which states on p. 273 "Already at the beginning of the early modern period, England was distinctive among European countries because she had no wolves...the wolf seems to have survived on the North Yorkshire Moors and other high parts of England until the 15th c."

In writing about pre-industrial societies one should know at least a little about horses. I found myself startled that the writer did not know a trot from a canter (gaits with very different mechanics and speeds) and threw in "horsey" words like "pastern" where they simply didn't go. The most spectacular example of this occurs near the end of the story, where a runaway horse slips on some ice and breaks its leg, which, the author solemnly informs us, is hanging from the forelock. The forelock is part of the mane; it is that tuft that grows between the ears and usually lies along the forehead. Horses can hurt themselves in all sorts of amazing ways but I've never heard of one quite like this. :)

These may sound like pedantic quibbles, but they add up, and for the discerning reader such egregious errors are like repeatedly finding worms in one's salad.I think the author has some potential but he will have to do some more research, I'm afraid.

One, wintry morning, local midwife and "witch" Agatha Kyteler is found dead in a hedge at the edge of a field, her throat cut so viciously that her head is nearly severed. There seem to be no clues at all, until soon afterwards a youth - who recently boasted at how he felt the woman deserved death - flees the village of Wefford, seeming to confirm his guilt. All around are convinced that he is the culprit, but Sir Baldwin Furnshill, Keeper of the King's Peace, is not so sure...there are several niggling doubts, several things which the youth's guilt would leave unexplained. And Baldwin seems to be proved right when the runaway is captured once more, and soon after it is revealed that in fact has an alibi...Which means that Simon Puttock, bailiff of the area, is going to have to reassess his ideas and begin again...

As far as historical mysteries go, this one is much more satisfying than his first, THE LAST TEMPLAR, which left a bit to be desired. THE MERCHANT'S PARTNER is a much better book, full of intrigue, red-herrings, subtle historical detail (be it correct or not, I don't much mind), good characters and an adequate plot.

I don't think anyone will claim that it's full of action and excitement, but despite that this book is a page-turner because Jecks' writing really, really flows, leading us from one scene to the next with smooth ease. While in his first book the only characters who seemed real or developed were the two leads, this time around the development of his subsidiary characters is far more satisfactory, and the plot is a lot more interesting as well. Red herrings are laid expertly, taking the reader, and the investigators, completely down the wrong path, until the end when we finally see the light in what is an excellent solution to the mystery. If you're a fan of the historical mystery sub-genre, I would recommend you try Jecks...certainly, the rest of the series shows much promise indeed.

I usually do not do reviews with Amazon but after reading the previous one of this book I simply had to.

I am a frequent reader of medieval mysteries and have read most of the "classics". With Michael Jecks series I found a new delightful author for myself.

Even if historical backround may not be researched thouroughly enough (I do not know enough to judge this) I liked the book immensely.

For me it was one of those books I simply cannot lay down. The mystery itself is surprising (even if the final solution is a bit aprupt and simple) and kept me guessing the whole book through. Furthermore I like the main characters - while defining the two major actors (bailiff and knight) in the first novel, other characters achieve more depths in this second story (e. g. the seargeant) - and their development from the previous book.

I for sure am looking forward to read the next novels (which I just ordered) and hope that the quality of the books continues to be good.

Another triumph for Michael Jecks. I cannot rave enough about this series! This time we enter into the world of the outcast lepers, the people who care for them and the fear, ignorance and prejudices that the populace at large feels towards them. Adding to the tension, is the murder of goldsmith Godfrey of London, and the attack on his daughter. The novel is well written; the characters capture your interest and compassion; and while the final resolution of the murder- mystery might leave you feeling a little short changed, it is still worth a read.

A good mystery, although it did tend to get bogged down at times. Not as intriguing as the previous mysteries in the series but enjoyable nontheless. Part of the problem I suspect is that few of the characters are likeable; it is especially difficult to feel any real empathy for Lady Katherine, who looses both her husband and son in a matter of days. However the book is rich in detail and atmosphere, and is, as I had already noted a rather good mystery.

I enjoyed this book primarily because it successfully recreates a segment of life during the Middle Ages -- an extremely interesting historical period that is much misunderstood and maligned. There are problems, however. For one thing, the book is too long and padded. Moreover, it does not even remotely approach a top-flight mystery. No, I couldn't figure out who did it (the use of deductive reasoning is pointless here, for there are really no clues with which to work). But I did know who didn't do it. Unlike Agatha Christie, for example, Michael Jecks doesn't know how to reveal the inner thoughts of his characters without revealing their innocence! This, of course, is a major weakness for any mystery writer.

The bottom line? This is an enjoyable read, as long as one doesn't expect too much from it.