The Baker Of Son Frere

Mali arrives in the village of Son Frere to research an old legend which is the basis of his latest romance novel - the story of the two medieval lovers, the Knights, Michaud and Tristan, is compelling.  Mali meets local historian and bakery owner - Rex - a man who, despite a warm and generous welcome, appears to Mali to be hiding something. Bas - Rex's counter assistant - with whom Mali starts a fling, injects much needed energy into the project and awakens Mali to the prospect of something more than just lustful sex, even the prospect of a relationship. Mali returns to Paris with Bas, who is restarting his degree course, and their relationship becomes more serious, and the passion for the mystery only fuels their passion for each other.
The deeper Mali probes into the mystery, the more strangely Rex behaves and Mali is even more certain that Rex is hiding something, perhaps even stalking him. The truth is far more sinister than he could have imagined. Past and present collide and an unspeakable evil threatens engulf them all. The story is written as two stories, interlaced, where the medieval and the contemporary stories are presented side-by-side; each unfolds to reveal a despicable evil; one which persists to the present day; and one which threatens Mali's very existence.