1798 Lt. Dermide Vanderville is sent to Valletta, the stronghold of the Knights of Malta, to meet agent 'Mayflower'. The adventure begins as he believes he has found the agent dead, but eventually he mets up with Felix Gracchus, who seems to be on his own mission and undercover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A well plotted and strong historical mystery. Vivid historical background, well rounded characters, solid mystery that kept me guessing and reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

"Blood of the Knights" by B.M. Howard thrusts readers into a thrilling historical narrative set against the backdrop of Napoleon Bonaparte's era. The protagonist, Lieutenant Vanderville, is tasked with a dangerous mission—to infiltrate the fortress convent of Valletta. His alliance with a renegade Maltese against the oppressive Knights of St. John sets the stage for a tale of espionage, treachery, and political intrigue.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to blend historical accuracy with a gripping plot. Howard paints a vivid picture of the political landscape of the time, showcasing the complex power dynamics and conflicts faced by both the protagonist and the various factions involved. The decision to set the story in the historical context of Napoleon's influence adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

The plot is driven by Vanderville's journey, which takes an unexpected turn when he discovers treachery and murder within the ranks of the agents he's meant to rendezvous with. The stakes are raised as he becomes entangled in the feuds among the knights, the Grand Master's schemes, and the political machinations of the Holy Office. The reader is kept on edge, wondering how Vanderville will navigate this perilous web of deceit.

The characters are well-drawn, and Vanderville's internal struggles and dilemmas add a layer of complexity to his character. The mentor-mentee relationship with Felix Gracchus introduces a dynamic that underscores the challenges faced by Vanderville in the absence of guidance. This emotional and psychological dimension adds depth to the narrative, making the characters more relatable and engaging.

"Blood of the Knights" is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong blend of adventure and intrigue. Howard's storytelling captures the essence of the time period, and the fast-paced plot, combined with well-developed characters, makes for an absorbing read. As Vanderville grapples with the consequences of his decisions, the novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the unpredictable nature of covert operations in a historical setting. Overall, "Blood of the Knights" offers an entertaining and immersive experience for fans of historical fiction and espionage thrillers alike.

Another riotous adventure with a touch of humour.

This is book three of the "Gracchus & Vanderville Mysteries" and it's 1798. We find Lieutenant Vanderville approaching a Mediterranean peninsula, tasked by Napoleon with entering the Maltese convent city of Valletta and providing evidence that will topple the Templars rule. Partnered with a renegade Maltese fighter Vasallo, he is landed by ship only to lose his companion before the mission has begun.

With only a vague notion of who he is to meet, things go from bad to worse as Vanderville discovers treachery stalking the agents he is supposed to be meet. Death soon follows. He also realises that scheming between the knights, the machinations of the Grand Master and his foes in the Holy Office, will make his job very difficult. His aim becomes simply to stay alive until Bonaparte's army arrives. Nevertheless he jumps in with both feet in a fast-moving and colourful escapade, mixed with the light-hearted repartee fans of the series will enjoy.

As with the previous books, this one is meticulously researched and the colourful Maltese background is brought to life in a sometimes less-than-serious way which lightens the tone. We meet Knights Templar, freemasons, partisan fighters and more - colourful characters, all. We also learn more about slavery in the late 18th century.

This is a fine whodunnit which fans of SW Perry, SJ Parris and Douglas Skelton will love. Recommended.