Picture an English storyteller who swapped spreadsheets for medieval mysteries, crafting tales that whisk you to 14th-century England—meet Michael Jecks! Born in 1960 in Surrey, this master of historical detective fiction defied a family legacy in actuarial science to pen over 50 novels, most famously his Knights Templar series. With a knack for blending gritty history with gripping whodunits, Jecks has captivated readers worldwide.
His journey from computer sales to literary stardom is as intriguing as his plots. After a career shake-up, Jecks turned his passion for medieval history into a prolific writing career, creating characters like Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Simon Puttock, who solve crimes amidst the turmoil of Edward II’s reign. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this historical fiction titan!
The Making of Michael Jecks
Born the youngest of four brothers in Surrey, Michael Jecks was expected to follow his father’s footsteps as an actuary. But number-crunching wasn’t his calling. After abandoning university studies in actuarial science, he spent 13 years in computer sales, working for companies like Wordplex and Wang Laboratories. In 1994, a fateful firing from his 13th employer sparked a bold pivot. Inspired by a visit to Devon’s Fursdon Manor, Jecks began writing, channeling his love for medieval history into his debut novel, The Last Templar, published in 1995.
Settling in northern Dartmoor with his wife, daughter, and son, Jecks found the rugged moors the perfect backdrop for his stories. His fascination with knights and quests, sparked by childhood reads like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, shaped his vivid historical settings. This blend of personal reinvention and historical passion set the stage for his remarkable career.
Michael Jecks’s Unforgettable Stories
Jecks’s Knights Templar series, spanning 33 novels, is his crowning achievement. Set in 14th-century Devon, it follows Sir Baldwin Furnshill, a former Knight Templar, and Simon Puttock, Bailiff of Lydford Castle, as they unravel murders against a backdrop of civil war and famine. The Last Templar (1995) kicks off with a charred body and a string of sinister crimes, hooking readers with its meticulous historical detail and intricate plotting.
Other gems include The Merchant’s Partner (1995), where Baldwin and Simon probe a wrongful accusation, and City of Fiends (2012), a dark tale of rebellion and betrayal. Jecks’s style marries gritty realism with accessible storytelling, earning comparisons to Ellis Peters. Beyond the Templar series, he’s penned the Vintener Trilogy, exploring the Hundred Years’ War, and the humorous Jack Blackjack series set in Tudor England. His work with The Medieval Murderers, a collaborative group he founded, produced linked novellas that showcase his versatility.
Jecks’s novels aren’t just page-turners; they’re time machines. His deep research into medieval life—court intrigue, peasant struggles, and knightly codes—brings authenticity to every scene. Whether it’s a murder in a burned-out cottage or a conspiracy in Exeter’s alleys, Jecks crafts stories that educate as they entertain.
Why Michael Jecks Matters
Michael Jecks has left an indelible mark on historical mystery fiction. His Knights Templar series, one of the longest-running crime series by a living author, has been translated into multiple languages and used in American schools to teach medieval history. As a founder of The Medieval Murderers and the Historical Writers’ Association, Jecks has championed historical fiction, mentoring new authors through initiatives like the CWA Debut Dagger.
His accolades, including a 2007 shortlist for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and his role as Chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association (2004–2005), reflect his influence. Jecks’s ability to make the Middle Ages feel alive and relevant keeps readers returning, proving history can be as thrilling as any modern thriller.
- Born: 1960 in Surrey, England
- Key Works: The Last Templar, City of Fiends, Fields of Glory
- Awards: Shortlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year (2007)
- Fun Fact: He was Grand Master of the Krewe of Little Rascals at the 2014 New Orleans Mardi Gras!
About Michael Jecks
Ready to step into the 14th century? Snag The Last Templar and dive into Michael Jecks’s thrilling world of medieval mysteries!