by William F. Mann

This was totally different from what I expected. I have a historical interest in the Knights Templar, who were disbanded and mostly executed in 1309. I didn't know that the Freemasons had adopted the name for their own organisation, although I've seen other modern groups do the same.

This story is set in American Civil War times and centered on a historical figure called Albert Pike, who was a general in the Confederate army and a Freemason.

The writing was reasonably good, apart from some of the dialogue, but this just isn't an area of interest for me. I feel the book is mis-titled, though I should have read the description more closely. The first few lines supported the impression that it would actually be about the Knights Templar from the title.

If someone wants to read about Civil War Confederacy and Freemasonry of the time, this should appeal. The connections to the Templars are certainly pure fiction though.

Murder. Torture.  Alchemy.  Now Antoine has to figure how it all fits as did Nicholas Flamel back in the 1300's.  I enjoyed this story.  I also enjoyed the entwining of the story from today with the story back in 1300's.  I like Antoine and how being a Freemason entwines his whole life.  Every time he is involved with a murder there is a Mason connection.  It is up to him to determine how it fits and use the clues given to find the murderer.  This mystery was good.  I was interested from the beginning and interested in how the Masonic symbols were used by the murderer to find what he wanted.  I also liked how the history of alchemy and the history of some of the founding members of the lodge Antoine belongs mixed together.  A good story and I hope there are more coming in this series in translation.

Tightly written thriller. Marcas is a Freemason and a cop. He is to help investigate a murder that happened in the French embassy in Rome which has Freemason ties. His partner for the case, Jade, has no use for Masons so he has an uphill battle dealing with her. She comes to rely on him as the case proceeds.

I loved this! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. It was a page turner. The characters are good. Marcas and Jade are fun to watch. I liked that Marcas explained different Mason symbols and history as the investigation went on and had influence on the case. As everyone is trying to find the parts needed for the secret, as well as the murder, it turns out not to be what I expected. I cannot wait to read book 2 in the series. I highly recommend this.