A YOUNG woman dressed in ragged men's clothes, a wounded knight, and a boy are on the run in 13th century England.

They are refugees from France, where communities are being slaughtered in the crusade to wipe out the Cathar heresy. Hot on their heels are merciless avenging angels, three knights recruited by the Catholic Church in France to murder them.

Meanwhile Sir Richard Straccan, former crusader and dealer in holy relics, has been set a task by the church in Britain: to escort a great copper bell from London to a monastery in the north. His pilgrimage is dogged by calamity, as oxen sicken and die, the cart carrying the bell catches fire, and waifs and strays join his tattered procession.

The two stories interweave as the refugees turn to Sir Richard for protection. But why is the Catholic Church so determined to kill them, and in particular the boy David D'Ax? And why are young women vanishing from their homes along the bell's route?

An historical crime novel of great richness, which brings to vivid life the horrors of the Cathar 'crusade', the filth and noise of 13th century London and the humour and hardiness of the pilgrims. There's also a villain as sick and chilling as anything Thomas Harris could have dreamed up, a cast of supporting characters - spies, thieves, lepers, pilgrims and monks - that leap off the page, and a healthy dose of magic and violence. A cracking read that will leave you wanting more.

Updated: 09:05 Wednesday, February 04, 2004