Hello from the Isle of Wight, basking in the beautiful summer heat, kept bearable by the gentle sea breezes. It is truly a good time to be marooned in this backwater to continue my writing. I hope you are all able to enjoy similar pleasures.

My news this week is that I am carrying out final preparations for the launch of “The Treasure of the Visigoths”. This is especially satisfying for me because this novel completes The Languedoc Trilogy, a group of three major works set in and around the mystery village of Rennes-le-Chateau in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

The area has been steeped in the history of so many famous groups – The Secret of the Cathars (volume one), The Legacy of the Templars (volume two) and before that, the Visigoths, sackers of Rome and possessors of the treasures of the temple of Jerusalem. I have gained so much from my visits to this mysterious area and recommend it to others fascinated by these subjects.

I attach a photo of the new cover which Stuart Bache has prepared for me and in which I believe he has captured the air of mystery which seeps into your veins when you are there.

Kindest regards to all my followers – Michael Hillier.