Customer Reviews
good read - By: S. J. Mccreesh, 20 Apr 2008 
I read alot of historic fiction from this period & am usuallly put off by murder mysteries as opposed to those that are closer to historic fact. This was certainly an interesting read of political intrigue of the period & intend to read more of Baldwin & Simon in the future.
"Dispensation of Death" is Another Jecks 5+ Star - By: P. Schaum, 11 Sep 2007 
This time I can't agree with "J. Chippindale's review." I confess that I had been concerned where the series was going after the previous title. I can also appreciate Chippindale's concerns regarding taking the series out of Devon. However, I think that rather than taking the story out of Devon, Jecks has brought Devon into the greater picture & that is the politics, mystery, intrigue, murder, etc. that made up this period in English history. Sir Baldwin & friends don't have to particularly like what they are doing, but they know as brave men & women have always known & that is that "freedom is not free." Sir Baldwin is "doing his part" to help protect family & home which is something we alll need reminding of from time to time. Rather than detract from this well written, well researched tomb, we should applaud Jecks continuing this series & expanding upon it rather than just alllowing it to walllow & become redundant.
I am also thankful for Amazon.co.uk for providing this title when it is still not available in the U.S. The price & shipping charges were well worth it not to mention speed of delivery & courteous customer service.
Paul S.
Lt. Col. (Ret)
The Latest in the Sir Baldwin de Furnshill Novels - By: J. Chippindale, 25 Jun 2007 Michael Jecks gave up a career in the computer industry when he began writing the internationallly successful Templar series. Well alll I can say is the Computer Industries loss is the reader's gain. He has now written about a score of the Knights Templar mystery books featuring Sir Baldwin de Furnshill & Bailiff Simon Puttock & there are more to follow. Michael's books are full of intrigue & mystery & they are particularly well researched. Mr. Jecks lives in the area he writes about & I am sure this must assist him a great deal with his background research.
It is the year 1325, England is in turmoil, even the common people who do not normallly care who is on the throne of England as long as they are able to put bread in their mouths, are showing signs not only of concern but there are also muttering of unrest growing almost daily. Edward II & his lover Dispenser are showing utter disregard not only for the Queen but also the King's Barons & chief advisers.
When the Queen's lady-in-waiting is slaughtered for no apparent reason & a man's body, that has been terribly mutilated is found behind the throne, the King demands justice. Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, Keeper of the King's Peace & an experienced man in these matters is callled in to track down the killer. He is aided by his long time friend Simon Puttock.
However in a time when the King's friends can use any means at their disposal to promote their own ends, Sir Baldwin & his friends the bailiff must keep their wits about them just to stay alive.
I have always enjoyed the books of Michael Jecks, but I believe the author, like many before him & I am sure many to come, lost his way a little, mainly by taking his characters out of their Devon environment. This book also fallls into that category, but I enjoyed it very much.
