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.
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"The Jester is a story about a man who fights in the crusades. He comes back to find his son has been murdered and wife was kidnapped and eventually found dead. This guy hits rock bottom in life and vows to find and kill the person who has destroyed his life. The main character "Hugh" trains with an old man and becomes a Jester. It's his plan to sneak into the palace and kill the man who murdered his wife & son. There is a lot more to the story and the cast of characters Hugh meets along the way are profound. The struggles he goes through on his journey will keep you up reading until you finish the book."
— Jon (5 out of 5 stars)
“This really is an uplifting tale. Patterson steps out of his comfort zone for this title and yet manages to nail the characters and the plot perfectly…This book enriches the imagination of the adult mind…If you truly want to step into a new world but still retain Patterson’s sense of humor and mystery, then France is going to be your next stop.”
— Examiner.com“Once again, plot master James Patterson proves that a radical departure need not be a wrong turn. Readers will find plenty of Patterson’s trademark suspense, in addition to a healthy dose of wit.”
— Barnes&Noble.com“In another departure from his high-suspense detective novels, James Patterson tries his hand at historical fiction and comes up a winner…As fast-paced as any thriller, and just as exciting, The Jester is a colorful picture of the eleventh century and of the types of men and women who survived the often harsh times. It’s a good-against-evil story that readers will relish.”
— RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars, Top Pick!)“From start to finish, this is supersmart popular fiction, slick yet stirring, packed with colorful details of medieval life, bursting with unforgettable characters and clever tropes and themes. Patterson’s fans will adore this one.”
— Publishers Weekly“Replete with his trademark short chapters and surprising twists and turns, Patterson, along with coauthor Gross, keeps the excitement levels high in this rousing adventure tale.”
— Booklist“Patterson, along with coauthor Gross, keeps the excitement levels high in this rousing adventure tale.”
— Booklist“Dickson’s fast-paced reading is sensitive to both the action scenes and the character-driven side of the story. Characters come alive through his attention to their dreams and their failings…Dickson’s voice reveals ruthless, corrupt men for what they are.”
— Booklist (audio review)“Neil Dickson reads the story of Hugh with passion and panache.”
— AudioFile" I've read over 20 James Patterson books, and this one was easily the best of the bunch so far. I expected crime & suspense, but instead I got transported back to the time of the Crusades, and was completely transfixed. Has elements of Dan Brown, and intersperses history with fiction. A wonderful story! "
— Donna, 2/13/2014" Probably my favorite Patterson. "
— Toby, 2/9/2014" This is probably a good read, but I couldn't get into it at my first try. "
— Donna, 1/26/2014" Not your most conventional medieval novel or James Patterson novel for that matter, but without a doubt my favorite book. I cannot explain it other than when I am in between books & need something to read I always come back to this one. It's a great tale of fantasy that allows you get away from "true life" and have a little fun w/ your imagination, but doesn't cross into sci-fi. "
— Nick, 1/10/2014" eh, so so, fighting a cold so mindless wasn't as bad as all that; used some modern day expressions which were kind of weird in 1098 "
— Carol, 1/9/2014" Weird, not like other Patterson books. "
— Elizabeth, 1/4/2014" I loved this book! Patterson embarks on a new direction in writing his first historical thriller. I was completely captivated from the first page and could not put it down until I finished it. I wasn't too impressed with the ending but the ride there was amazing. "
— Shiela, 12/19/2013" This isn't the type of book I would normally read but a friend recommended it. It is set in medieval times and was a pretty good read. "
— Jessica, 12/18/2013" One of the worst books I have ever read. "
— Allison, 12/12/2013" i really enjoyed this Patterson book. A throw back to a different time. "
— Threem94, 12/12/2013" Different for James Patterson. "
— Carol, 12/5/2013" This was something that kept me reading. I was surprised that I was unble to put this one down! "
— Debi, 12/1/2013" Not his normal style but a great read! "
— Amy, 11/29/2013" this is the best book i have every read i cry every time i read it. i would love it if this book turned into a movie. if it wasn't for this book i would have never found out about James Patterson. he is the best author ever. "
— Evelyn, 11/19/2013" Loved this one so much i read it in 2 sittings - couldn't put it down! "
— Bonnie, 11/19/2013" This was a great book. The only thing I didn't like about it is when the main character has sex with his love interest when their village is under attack. That was very unrealistic to me. "
— Sandi, 10/18/2013" This was as excellent book. I have recommended it to many, but read it so long ago I'd almost forgotten about it. "
— Stephanie, 4/27/2013" the jester is one of james patterson's best books. I have read it 3 times and would read it again. "
— Donna, 4/23/2013" It just didn't grab me. Maybe it's all about timing. "
— Jeni, 3/15/2013" This was not what I expected in my when I saw Patterson's name on the cover. "
— Valerie, 2/4/2013" I've forgotten this book entirely. The only knowledge I have of it is that I read it entirely and didn't like it. I'm not rereading it again just to remember the plot and everything what I hated about this book. "
— Mordie, 12/25/2012" Generally not my "type" of book but still a very enjoyable read. "
— Sandra, 12/7/2012" Patterson is one of my favorites and the Jester is a good example of his writing style. "
— Kay, 9/24/2012" This is Patterson's finest offering. This book is extremely well written and filled with twists and turns. It is a genre he's never explored before or since. Definitely worth the read... "
— Tam, 9/23/2012" A wonderful guest story rich with history of times after the crusades. "
— Linda, 8/24/2012" a light thriller and when i say light... patterson's short chapters are getting really annoying. "
— Miss, 8/1/2012" If you havent read this one it is a Must. Well done and interesting plot! "
— Janet, 7/28/2012" My favorite Patterson novel "
— Larry, 4/22/2012" Decent book. reads like a movie script. good story though. "
— Basil, 2/12/2012" Never ending suffering during the crusades, hard to read, gory, not one of my favorites from this author. "
— Hayseed, 11/14/2011" i really liked this book. especially the time period. "
— Evon, 5/19/2011" This is my favorite book from James Patterson. Loved it! "
— Therese, 5/1/2011" Very exciting and depicting the medieval era perfectly! "
— Shaz, 4/20/2011" It just didn't grab me. Maybe it's all about timing. "
— Jeni, 4/20/2011" This was the first novel by James Patterson that I read. It was awesome!!! I was addicted to his writing style/novels. Once I start reading his books I can't put them down! "
— Jordy, 4/17/2011" One of my all time favorites. Read it at least once a year. "
— Shay, 4/17/2011" Do not expect this book to be like his other books. It is still very good. "
— Leah, 3/8/2011" This was not what I expected in my when I saw Patterson's name on the cover. "
— Valerie, 2/27/2011" This book was way different than any other James Patterson book I've read. It wasn't one of his best but it was good. But I think he should stick to murder mysteries. "
— Shawna, 2/27/2011" Awesome work from James Patterson. I couldn't put this book down. Very different from his other work but a real gripping and engaging storyline!!!! Very impressed!!! "
— Richelle, 2/26/2011" This one I really liked, historical fiction, do not miss this one. "
— Paula, 2/24/2011" This is one of the worst books I have ever read. "
— Kirsten, 2/15/2011" How can you feel the loss of his wife if he beds the next woman he sees? "
— Dion, 1/27/2011" I think I liked this mostly because it was a little different for James Patterson. I thought at the end (this doesn't give away the ending) the epilogue would be brought back to modern times again and tell a little more about what was found and what they did with it. "
— Jill, 1/26/2011James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Andrew Gross is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Blue Zone and The Dark Tide and coauthor with James Patterson of five number-one bestsellers. He has degrees from Middlebury College and Columbia University and lives in Westchester County, New York, with his wife Lynn. They have three children.
Neil Dickson is an actor and audiobook narrator who was a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award in 2011 for Best Audio Drama narration. His extensive acting roles in television and film include Sons of Liberty and the role of King Richard in Lionheart.