Blood of the Knights: A captivating Napoleonic historical mystery

Lieutenant Vanderville is tasked with entering the fortress convent of Valletta but loses his companion and discovers treachery and murder. He is caught between the feuding knights, the machinations of the Grand Master, and his foes in the Holy Office, and he begins to feel hopelessly unable to find the killer without the sage guidance of his mentor, Felix Gracchus.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Canelo

Lieutenant Vanderville, tasked by General Napoleon Bonaparte with effecting a perilous entry into the fortress convent of Valletta, finds himself siding with a renegade Maltese desperate to end the oppressive rule of the Knights of St John. As his companion is lost, the mission descends into chaos as Vanderville discovers treachery and murder lurking around every corner. Caught between the feuding knights, the machinations of the Grand Master, and his foes in the Holy Office, Vanderville feels hopelessly unable to find the killer without the sage guidance of his mentor, Felix Gracchus. Will he live to regret his rash decision to part company?

This riotous whodunnit, set during the heights of Napoleon's European conquest, is sure to captivate fans of Steven Saylor and S. J. Parris. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in history, filled with political intrigue, religious conflict, and the pursuit of power. Lieutenant Vanderville, a skilled agent, is thrown into the midst of a web of danger and deception as he attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of the convent and uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths that have been plaguing the Knights of St John.

As he delves deeper into the investigation, Vanderville encounters a cast of characters that are as complex and intriguing as the plot itself. The Knights of St John, known for their bravery and loyalty, are portrayed as a group of men who are torn between their duty to the church and their desire for personal gain. Vanderville's mentor, Felix Gracchus, is a wise and experienced agent who has seen it all. He is a man of honor and integrity, but he is also a man who is willing to bend the rules to achieve his goals.

Vanderville's allies, meanwhile, are a diverse group of individuals who each bring their own unique skills and talents to the mission. There is the renegade Maltese, who is willing to do anything to end the Knights of St John's rule; the Holy Office agent, who is determined to bring the killer to justice; and the Grand Master, who is playing a deadly game of chess with Vanderville and his companions.

The story is filled with suspense, action, and intrigue, as Vanderville and his companions race against time to uncover the truth before it is too late. They face countless obstacles and challenges, from treacherous terrain to deadly assassins, but they never give up. They are driven by a sense of duty and a desire to bring justice to those who have been wronged.

In the end, Vanderville and his companions are able to uncover the truth behind the murders and bring the killer to justice. However, the journey is not without its cost, as Vanderville suffers a personal loss that leaves him questioning his own beliefs and values.

This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery. It is a well-crafted and engaging story that will keep you hooked until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Whether you are a fan of Napoleon's era or just a lover of a good mystery, this book is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804362747