I love historical fiction! I love thrillers! I just got a double treat!

Hugh De Luc and his dear wife, Sophie, are peasant vassals under the cruel liege lord, Baldwin, Duke of Treille. They struggle to make a meager living as the owners of the local inn in Veille du Père. The papal promise of freedom from the harsh servitude of feudalism is too enticing for Hugh to resist. So, he joins a motley army of Catholic crusaders marching to the Holy Land to recapture Jerusalem from the infidels. Amidst the terrifying carnage and violence, Hugh has an epiphany during a battle with a kind Turk soldier who spares his life. Realizing the futility of his actions, he deserts and returns to France, only to find that his infant son has been killed, his home and inn burned to the ground, and Sophie kidnapped and imprisoned by Norcross, one of Baldwin's bullying minion knights - or so he thinks!

With THE JESTER, Patterson and Gross have truly achieved something remarkable. Using the setting and background of medieval France and the Crusades, they have crafted a beautifully polished veneer and applied it just thick enough to create an exciting, believable, and entirely unique cover for what lies beneath - a story that is, in fact, a 100% modern high-speed thriller. For instance, Hugh's skillful adoption of the guise of a jester and his clever entry into Baldwin's castle is, in essence, an undercover infiltration operation into the enemy camp! The relic from the Holy Land that Hugh unknowingly carries and that causes so much death around him could have been, in a more contemporary story, a piece of microfilm with crucial information worth millions to the holder! Despite many of the plot elements being typical of this genre (some might even say trite) - such as weak underdogs finding strength and moral courage under a new leader; a tender scene where Hugh's wife dies in his arms moments after he finds her; newfound love providing a reason to persevere; and a sex scene just before the battle with a charging enemy - they are assembled in such a way as to be completely irresistible!

I'll admit to using a cliché myself - THE JESTER was a thrilling and highly enjoyable read. Somewhere between the next Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club novel, I truly hope that Patterson finds the time to give us another "historical thriller"!

Paul Weiss

The Jester (My Kindle Review)

Set in the medieval era during the Crusades (1095 - 1291), this captivating tale follows Hugh De Luc. After returning from war, he discovers his village has been brutally pillaged by thieves, the infamous dark riders donning black crosses, who are in search of a highly valuable relic. The tragedy deepens as he learns that his beloved Sophie has been kidnapped and held captive by the man behind the relic hunt. Hugh makes the difficult decision to infiltrate the enemy by assuming the role of a jester, marking the beginning of a thrilling and suspenseful quest.

Compared to Patterson's more recent works, "Jester" stands out as a spectacular historical adventure, revenge, and romance story. Hugh's narrative is filled with numerous shocks and moments of intense suspense, as he proves to be a cunning protagonist. It's evident that Patterson's writing, even with Gross' assistance, is of a higher caliber than his typical works. This is a powerful and emotional novel, featuring a noble and determined hero. A- (91%/Excellent)

This is an excellent example of my distaste for 11th - 14th century history.

The barbarism that prevailed during this period is vividly illustrated through the actions of a Jester during the Crusades.

It serves as yet another instance that fuels my distrust and abhorrence of all religions.

Alas, in a rather clownish move, the only laughter that emerges is at the very end.

Overall, this account earns a rating of 0 out of 10 stars.

It showcases the darker side of history and leaves one with a sense of unease and disappointment.

The actions of the Jester, perhaps representative of a larger trend, highlight the violence and absurdity that could occur within the context of religious conflicts.

It makes one question the true nature of faith and the lengths to which people would go in the name of their beliefs.

This example serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need to examine history objectively.

I just finished reading a remarkable novel by James Patterson. As I was reflecting on the novels I had read a long time ago that I truly adored, this particular one suddenly came to my mind!

It was an absolute delight to revisit this story. The plot was engaging from start to finish, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives. Patterson's writing style is so captivating that I found myself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down.

I thought it was GREAT! It's one of those novels that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller. Whether you're a long-time fan of James Patterson or new to his work, this novel is sure to satisfy.