MEDIEVAL crime writer Michael Jecks is to have his 31st book published in June.

Jecks, from South Zeal, will see his latest book 'City of Fiends' hit shelves on June 7.

Famous for his Knights Templar series of books, Jeck's latest novel is set in 1327.

Keeper of the King's Peace Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock had been tasked with guarding Edward II, but they have failed their task and ride fast to Exeter to inform the sheriff of the old king's escape.

Meanwhile the sheriff has problems of his own. Overnight the body of a young maid has been discovered. The city's gates have been shut against the lawlessness outside the city walls, so the murderer is confined within the sanctuary of the town.

Jecks gave up a career in the computer industry to concentrate on his writing and the study of medieval history. A past chairman of the Crime Writers' Association, he has also set up the Medieval Murderers, a group of authors available for speaking events who tour the country with their entertaining act of anecdotes, jokes and stories.

He lives in South Zeal with his wife, their children and his dogs, with whom Michael walks over the moors and ancient tracks researching his stories.