The first brilliant novel in the Templar series describes the founding of the mysterious order of the Templars, and evokes the brutality and bravery of those setting out on a Crusade to free Jerusalem

1095 and crusading fervour has swept Europe. Christ's fief of Jerusalem has been seized by the Infidels. The Frankish Knights of the West are to march east to liberate the Holy City. Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer, the soon-to-be founders of the Templar Order, and Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor, leave the security of their homes in Burgundy, France, with a plan to join Count Raymond of Toulouse's army, and march across the known world to Jerusalem.

Follow the crusaders as they march through Europe into the glories of Byzantium and onto Syria and witness the hardships, bloodshed and trickery they encounter on their treacherous travels to the Holy Land.

"Praise for Paul Doherty and his other novels: 'Resurrectionist magic" - New York Times

"The best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters" - Time Out

"I really like these medieval whodunnits" - Bookseller

"Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining" - CADS 20

"This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller" - Huddersfield Daily Examiner

"The maestro of medieval mystery" - Books Magazine

"Doherty dazzles with his story-telling" - Nottingham Evening Post