The Jester

By: James Patterson, Andrew Gross

Narrated by: Neil Dickson

Hugh De Luc, a poor innkeeper, returns home from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the Holy Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning.In his absence, Hugh's son has been killed and his beloved wife, Sophie, abducted by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes Sophie is held captive. There he confronts men more evil than he ever imagined and embarks on an epic battle to restore his broken life.

This is a good book.

I took a chance on this one and was not disappointed. It held my interest all the way through, with brilliant characterizations, lots of action, and some history thrown in. Not for the feint of heart. Improbable, but happy, ending. If you don't enjoy this time period, ca 1000 AD, avoid this book. It is about the Crusades.

Yet Another James Patterson

If you like midieval themes, this is one of the best out there. In Patterson's first delve into a quasi-historical fiction, he's done a pretty incredible job. It certainly is better than the Steven R. Lawhead Pendragon series and gets you thinking about the predicament his characters get in. From a historical point of view, it leads the reader through some pretty accurate accountings of landowner abuse of their citizens and what medieval times were like. The plot of one rising as the leader for the benefit of all leaves one, if you have that kind of imagination, cheering in your car seat. I have also read this in hard copy and think that if you are not expecting an Alex Cross novel, like historically based fiction, and can delve into the character development, this one is a barn-burner.

Great book

It is a story of the reluctant heroism of the common man, triumph in the face of tragedy, the encouraging power of loyal friends, and the ability to love again.
Hugh is a lowly innkeeper who joins the Crusade with his mind filled with the ideals of war and the cause behind it. However, reality brings with it disillusionment and sorrow as his friends are slaughtered. No longer filled with innocence, Hugh leaves the Crusade to be with his love and wife, only to find his inn destroyed, his wife taken away, and the infant son he never knew murdered.

With vengeance in his heart, Hugh seeks revenge. Apparent that the only way to get close to the murderers is to become a court jester, Hugh begins a path toward the final confrontation. Along the way, others join his cause and his quest becomes a battle cry for the entire country

ALL-TIME FAVORITE FOR ME!

This was one of my favorite books when I read it the first time years ago, and the audio version did not disappoint. As a lover of historical fiction, this has everything I enjoy!

Great plot

Great plot! So sad though to see what humans have done to each other! Enjoyed listening the voice was great