The Jester (novel)

The Jester is a historical fiction novel written by James Patterson and Andrew Gross, published in 2003. The narrative is set in 15th-century France during the reign of Louis XI. The story revolves around Hugh de Luc, a French peasant and minstrel, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a dangerous political conspiracy when he stumbles upon a secret that could destabilize the French monarchy. He is forced to use his wit and cunning to survive as powerful figures vie for control of the kingdom. The plot incorporates themes of political intrigue, medieval justice, love, and betrayal.