Templar Knight Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order for the Templar Knight Series

The Templar Knight Mystery series by Maureen Ash follows a linear, chronological timeline. To get the best experience of Bascot de Marins' recovery from his Crusader trauma, his evolving fatherly bond with his mute servant Gianni, and the shifting political landscape of medieval England under King John, you should read the books in order of publication. Here is the recommended reading path:

1. The Alehouse Murders (2007) - The series debut introduces Bascot de Marins, a Templar Knight returning from years of brutal captivity in the Holy Land. Recovering his health at Lincoln Castle, Bascot is tasked by Lady Nicolaa with solving the murders of four people in a local tavern.
2. Death of a Squire (2008) - The suspicious hanging of a friendless squire in the woods surrounding Lincoln tests Bascot's detective skills as he uncovers a web of greed and local rivalries.
3. A Plague of Poison (2009) - When a wealthy local landowner is poisoned, suspicion immediately falls upon a young woman. Bascot must navigate medieval class bias and familial grudges to find the true culprit.
4. Murder for Christ's Mass (2009) - Set during a snowy winter, the clerk of the local mint is found dead in the streets of Lincoln with a rare coin from King Stephen's reign in his hand, pointing to a larger conspiracy.
5. Shroud of Dishonour (2010) - The murder of an unpopular nobleman threatens the fragile peace of Lincoln Castle, forcing Bascot to investigate the victim's sordid past.
6. A Deadly Penance (2011) - A merchant is murdered shortly after performing a public act of penance, leading Bascot into a labyrinth of religious guilt and secular greed.
7. The Canterbury Murders (2013) - Traveling away from his Lincoln base, Bascot visits the pilgrimage site of Canterbury, only to find himself investigating a string of murders among the pilgrims.
8. A Holy Vengeance (2015) - A murder at a sacred shrine triggers superstitious panic, and Bascot must work quickly to prevent mob violence from consuming the town.
9. Sins of Inheritance (2017) - Family greed and legacy disputes turn deadly, requiring Bascot to dissect the toxic relationships of a wealthy household.
10. Quest of Malice (2019) - The murder of a servant of the Templar Order near Lincoln sets off a hunt for a killer that links back to Bascot's own past in the Crusades.
11. Crusade of Murder (2021) - The eleventh novel dives deeper into the political tensions of medieval England and the lingering shadows of the Crusades.
12. Death in Dover (2024) - A atmospheric short story that takes Bascot to the coastal port of Dover to solve a quick but dangerous mystery.

Meet Bascot de Marins and Gianni

At the heart of the series is Bascot de Marins, a former Templar Knight. Having spent eight years imprisoned and tortured in the Holy Land, Bascot returns to England physically scarred—having lost an eye—and emotionally haunted. Rather than returning immediately to active military service for the Templar Order, he is permitted to recuperate at Lincoln Castle. Bascot is a deeply human protagonist; his investigations are fueled not just by a duty to the law, but by a compassionate desire to find justice for the vulnerable.

Accompanying Bascot is Gianni, a mute Italian boy whom Bascot rescued from the streets of Italy during his return journey to England. Gianni serves as Bascot's assistant and primary companion. Over the course of the novels, their relationship grows from master and servant into a touching father-and-son dynamic. Gianni's sharp eyes and silent presence often help Bascot gather clues that others would miss.

Setting the Scene: 13th-Century Lincoln

Maureen Ash's series is set during the early 1200s, primarily during the turbulent reign of King John. The stories are meticulously grounded in the history of Lincoln, England, and Lincoln Castle. The historical castellan of Lincoln Castle, Lady Nicolaa de la Haye, is a key supporting character who frequently employs Bascot to solve crimes that threaten the stability of her domain. Ash excels at painting a vivid picture of medieval life, from the muddy, candlelit alehouses to the grand, superstitious atmosphere of local shrines and the strict, structured life within the castle walls.

What to Know Before You Start

If you are a fan of Ellis Peters' famous Brother Cadfael series or C.J. Sansom's Shardlake novels, you will find yourself right at home in the Templar Knight Mysteries. The series balances the cozy, self-contained structure of classic whodunits with authentic historical realism. While each book features a standalone mystery that is fully resolved by the final page, the character progression of Bascot and Gianni is a rewarding thread that ties the entire series together.

The Companion Series: The Anglo-Norman Mysteries

In addition to the Templar Knight series, Maureen Ash has written another historical mystery saga set in medieval England: the Anglo-Norman Mysteries. This series began in 2015 with Death Riddle and follows Estrid, the daughter of an English thegn who died at the Battle of Hastings, as she fights to clear the name of her son Godric. If you enjoy Ash's rich historical detail and engaging mystery plots, the Anglo-Norman Mysteries are an excellent companion read after you finish Bascot's adventures.