"Exciting Historical Fiction"

Known for his terse, simply worded mystery novels, Patterson deviates greatly from the norm to pen this historical tale of romance and deception in eleventh century France. With a first person account of poor innkeeper, Hugh De Luc, Patterson probes the force behind a relic of the crusades and the loss of lives when greed consumes those who desire this relic.

Leaving behind his young wife Sophie, Hugh journeys east to join the crusaders in their quest to quench the Turks. With the passage of two years until his return, Hugh discovers that his wife is missing, and a band of marauders murdered the son he never knew. His vengeful path leads him into the arms of Lady Emilie, a lady in waiting to Anne, wife of Stephen of the duchy of Boree. Training as a jester, Hugh travels to Treille to confront Lord Baldwin, the man he holds responsible for Sophie's abduction. With his wit and charm, Hugh infiltrates himself into Baldwin's home as a jester and subsequently leads the people of his hometown to defend their property.

Mystery fans beware, for the only mystery element present here lies in the discovery of Sophie's tormentor and the knowledge of the relic that Hugh doesn't even know he carries. But his fast-paced tale, devoid of eleventh century language, proves true to Patterson's quick plot summaries and enigmatic characters.

Reviewed by Sheri Melnick
Posted March 28, 2003