Maureen Ash Books In Order

Publication Order of Anglo-Norman Mystery Books

Publication Order of Templar Knight Mystery Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of World's Great Explorers Books

Maureen Ash is a British author of historical fiction, mystery and thriller novels. She was born in London and had a long life interest in medieval history. Maureen’s visit to Castles provided her with the inspiration for writing stories. Maureen is currently a resident of Vancouver Island, Canada where she says she enjoys Belgian chocolate, browsing in bookstores and listening to Celtic music. Maureen’s personal detailing her own experiences as a child in London, England when she witnessed soldiers returning home in the Second World War. She is intrigued by the vivid details of the medieval life, and she aims to make the come alive in her beautiful stories.

Maureen became a published author in 2007 when The Alehouse Murders the first book in Templar Knight Series was published. The author also wrote The Devil’s Companion and Death Riddle standalone that were published in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

The Alehouse Murders

The Alehouse Murder is the first book in Templar Knight Series by Maureen Ash. We meet Templar Bascot , who is recovering from 8 years captivity in the Holy Land. Bascot along with Gianni his mute servant is recovering at Lincoln Castle and trying to decide about his future. Then there is Lady Nicolaa, a castellan of Lincoln Castle who is accountable to the King for its security. So when she is informed that four dead bodies have been discovered in the town’s Alehouse, Lady Nicolaa requests Bascot to investigate the murders.

The Alehouse Murders, the first book in Templar Knight Series is a brilliant read. The narrative is quite subdued, and the amateur sleuth is almost in the background compared to the secondary characters particularly the main suspects in the murder case. This might sound like something bad, but actually, it is quite the opposite. What should an investigator do other than listening and watch what the others are saying? Staying apart from the others to see what is going on. This contrast is what makes Bascot stand out.

Additionally, Bascot is a likable character with personal turmoil due to his past choices and future decisions and scarred history. He is compassionate and caring, and one can quickly tell without a lot of flash and smoke that there is much more to him than meets the eye. The relationship that exists between him and his young mute assistant Gianni is beautiful. For Gianni, despite not saying even a single word, is a lovable character as witnessed through his behavior alone.

With all the historical based books, the setting details are so crucial to inform the readers and hook them in that world, and Maureen Ash does a beautiful job of doing precisely that. It is easy to imagine the castle, the land, and the town. Narrowing down from the main plot, the author added a subplot that is unrelated to the murder mystery but helps in details and the personal nature of the sub story helps give the readers more understanding of Bascot.

The picture of this small town of Lincoln and all its beautiful inhabitants in medieval times is beautifully researched and well woven. You feel taken back in time with all its quaint ways and beliefs and struggles to stay alive at that time in history. Bascot is a sympathetic character, he has been through challenging times, and you find yourself rooting with him as he tries to solve the mystery surrounding the murders.

Death of a Squire

Death of a Squire takes place in late 1200AD when King John is on the throne. King John is expected to meet King Lincoln of Scotland. The townspeople are busy preparing for this occasion when the body of Hubert de Tournay, friendless squire is discovered hanging from a tree deep in the forest. Lady Nicolaa, Castellan of Lincoln Castle asks Templar Bascot with his mute servant to investigate and find the killer- something he has successfully done in the debut novel- Alehouse Murders.

Was Hubert’s death revenge killing by peasants angered by the attack of one of their own? Alternatively, was it one of his friends who hated him? Or was his end caused by one of the women he had coerced by blackmailing to comply with his sexual desires? Complicating the matter is King John (highly sensitive to imagine or real) has recently heard rumors of a scheme to depose him in favor of his enemy Arthur. Therefore was Herbert’s murder as a result of knowing too much about the ambitions of the nobles?

As Bascot goes about solving the murder mystery, we get to meet an incredible cast of colorful and wonderfully and also learn about the beautiful history of the time and place.

A Plague of Poison

In the third book in Templar Knight Mystery, the spring of 1201 finds Bascot in Lincoln Castle. The king has offered to restore Bascot father’s income and land if he leaves the Templar order and sign on entirely to Nicolla de Haye in Lincoln Castle.

Bascot who has been recovering from years of imprisonment is trying to overcome his physical injuries of losing an eye and a severely wounded ankle as well as emotional trauma. He has improved a sense of purpose, and now he feels that he should leave the order and accept King John’s offer for his assistant’s sake. Gianni is a mute Bascot found starving in Italy. Even though Gianni lives in a time before the discovery of trues sign language was discovered, he makes his presence in the book strongly felt.

Before Bascot begins his journey to London to confront his old order, a castle scribe is murdered and soon after a family of merchants is also killed. Nichola de Haye once again request Bascot to help solve the murders. There is also a need for urgency as the residents rush to connect many deaths from the past to poison also. Panic suspicions and a rush to judgment sets in, and it is upon Bascot and his mute friend to untangle the whole mess.

The atmosphere of the medieval times in A Plague of Poison is exceptionally well done with plenty of interesting facts and details about how life was in 13th century England. The story also gives some point of view from the killer who adds well to the mystery. Readers get to know what motivated the murderer to poison his victims, through his thoughts and actions.

3 Responses to “Maureen Ash”

1. murph: 2 years ago

   I have just started reading Maureen Ash’s ‘Templar Knight mystery’ series; I own the first two and want to buy the rest of the series. I was devastated to find that the last 5 books are ONLY available in digital format. I really HATE reading books on e-readers, and am by no means the only one that likes to read honest-to-goodness books. Why haven’t Ms. Ash’s books been released in print editions? This is NOT progress. There are millions upon millions of us who love the feeling of holding the physical book as we read. Why are WE being ignored??

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2. Rob: 3 years ago

   I am also becoming increasingly frustrated with this series as I loved the first six books, but cannot seem to find copies of any others other than in ebook form.

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3. RingoDave: 5 years ago

   I am becoming increasingly frustrated with this series as I loved the first six books, but cannot seem to find copies of any others other than in ebook form. As I had issues with Kindle reader in the past (charging me twice for free ebooks and similar) I am reluctant to go back to that. Is there any good reason why books 7, 8 and 9 have not been released in paper form?

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