Review of 'The Jester' by Patterson and Cross

What a delightful surprise. I picked this book up on a whim at the local library, something I normally don't do. Most of the time, I stick to the list of books I want to read and don't stray. But, luckily, the cover grabbed my attention (a 10th century castle, Crusades era) and the synopsis sounded interesting. And it certainly delivered. In both story, characters, and suspense. Many of the authors that I've been reading lately seem to be over ambitious in there desire to use paragraph after paragraph to describe landscape, skies, trees, etc. A sometimes cumbersome prose that is distracting to me and takes me away from the actual story. But, Patterson and Cross deliver a straight, no nonsense style of writing that keeps the story flowing and the pages turning. A refreshing diversion from the normal weighty, descriptive writing that I've been used to.

The main Character, Hugh de Luc, is a simple man in a world of nobles, kings, chatelaines, and Dukes. After taking up the Cross and heading off to fight in the Crusades, Hugh becomes discouraged by what he sees in the 'Holy' war and finds that he does not believe in what he is fighting for and that all he wants is to see his beloved wife. With his mind made up, he heads back home only to find that his village has been raided and his inn burned and plundered. But, worse, his wife has been captured (and believed murdered) and his newborn son, who he has never seen, brutally slain. The townspeople try to convince Hugh that his wife is dead, but nobody actually seen her die or has found her body. Driven by rage, revenge, and despair, Hugh sets out to find his wife at the castle of Baldwin, duke of Boree.

The story has many plot turns, action, 10th century warfare, and suspense. Not once did I feel bored, confused, or that the story was drifting from it's primary focus; Hugh de Luc's mission to avenge his wife and son. Under the pretext of a Jester, Hugh is able to infiltrate the Duke's court and gain access to the castle.

Although Hugh finds more despair, treachery, and brutal slaughter during his travels, he also finds love, honor, pride, and a lot of friends who are willing to stand up for what they believe in and help Hugh.

This book has a great story, keeps the story moving, has plenty of action and is perfect for anyone who enjoys seeing the underdog triumph. I give 'The Jester' a solid 8 out of 10 stars!!