'IT's 1297. Edward I is on the throne of England. As usual, he is at war with the King of France.

William Giffard is on a mission to rescue his father, captured on the battle field and now held in a French prison.

He goes to France to collect information for Edward, concerning the French king's battle plans in return for Edward's assistance in raising the ransom for his father.

Well, that was the plan. But William soon finds himself working for Penance Way, a pilgrim support agency, employed to take a party of pilgrims to Rocamadour — the famous historical and religious site in south west France.

That would be difficult enough in a strange land but William must also identify a relic thief travelling with the party.

When a pilgrim is found dead, William begins to learn that everything is not as it seems.

As more deaths follow, soon William's own life is in danger. With time running out, can William unmask the murderer and discover the real reason he is in Rocamadour?'

Penned by Devon-based writer V J Groom 'Last Rite in Rocamadour', an historical murder mystery, leads the reader along a trail of treachery and suspense.

Intriguingly it comes with its own 'travelling guide' so readers can visit the modern places in France as described in the 13th century storyline.

Published by Austin and Macauley, ISBN 978190 5609598, priced at £7.99.

JOHN HUTCHINS