Lovers of historical fiction never seem to tire of reading about the Tudors, and this new take on a jester detective gives you a whole new perspective of that turbulent court. Will is the only man who—as the king’s entertainer, chief gossip-monger, spy and loyal adviser—knows all of the king’s secrets…and almost everyone else’s within the walls of the king’s palaces.
Henry VIII’s court jester Will Somers turns reluctant inquisitor once again when a grotesque murder within the palace walls is linked to the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion in this gripping Tudor mystery.
1536, London. The gruesome murder of a servant in the king’s palace, his throat savagely cut, has brought fear to the court of Henry VIII. When the man’s body is then dug up from the churchyard and disemboweled two weeks later, Will Somers, the king’s jester, is horrified. What terrible mischief is now afoot under the king’s roof?
With Henry VIII distracted by The Pilgrimage of Grace, the religious revolt led by Robert Aske in protest at the king turning his back on the Catholic faith, Will becomes reluctant inquisitor once again. As he attempts to unmask a murderous knave, Will uncovers a chilling link between one of Queen Jane Seymour’s precious jewels, the rebellion, and the dead man. Is a shocking act of treachery behind a grotesque killing?
“A compelling series of puzzles set against the glories and dangers of the Tudor court.” — KIRKUS REVIEW
“Entertaining, bawdy, tense Tudor mystery with vivid characters, unexpected twists, and realistic details of court politics and intrigues during Henry VIII’s reign.” — BOOKLIST
Court jester Will Somers is drawn into another gripping and entertaining mystery when malevolent forces strike again at the court of Henry VIII – and Anne Boleyn is the target.
Greenwich, Palace of Placentia, April 1536. Queen Anne is in peril. In the mid of night, court jester Will Somers is summoned to an urgent assignation when the queen discovers a body in her chamber. Anne wants Will to find out who the man is and how he ended up there. Is someone trying to frame her for his murder?
Anne has many enemies at court, and to make matters worse, Henry VIII is lining up his next conquest and suspects her of treason. Has the formidable Thomas Cromwell been whispering vile lies in the king’s ears, and could Anne be the target of a Catholic conspiracy? As further attacks plague the court, Will is determined to uncover the truth behind the plotting and devilry, but he will need to keep hold of all his wits to do so!
“Historical details mixed with a puzzling mystery make for a fine read.” — KIRKUS REVIEW
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“Westerson’s second King’s Fool mystery vividly evokes the bawdy, lusty, turbulent, highly politicized, favor-currying atmosphere of King Henry’s court, and her vibrant characters, coupled with unexpected twists and a surprising conclusion, make this an entertaining read.” — BOOKLIST
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“I loved the details of the food, the clothes, the way people lived in the palace, even the description of the man in the stables who makes the saddles. I really loved Will himself and loved Westerson’s imagining of him, and I appreciated the way she was able to further illuminate Tudor court life through her clever story. If you are a fan of the Tudors, don’t miss this read.” —GOODREADS REVIEWER
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“With an artful mix of historical details and fiction, author Jeri Westerson engages readers in a mystery of twists and turns, riddles, bawdy humor, and clandestine trysts, featuring a richly developed main character whose observations on court life had me laughing out loud by page three. A thoroughly enjoyable read with a final surprise.” — HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY REVIEWS
Book One
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“COURTING DRAGONS is the first in a new series narrated by Will himself, a sprightly figure with a well-cultivated flair for gossip and a vigorously pansexual appetite. It’s this latter that embroils him in the murder of a Spanish diplomat and a murky blackmail scheme, as well as a possible plot to kidnap Princess Mary. “The court was full of dragons,” Will observes. “Which dragons must I slay to protect Henry? And which to protect myself?” Alida Becker, New York Times Book Review
“Jeri Westerson is at the top of her game with Courting Dragons, which brings the long-ago past to roaring life. As for Will Somers, the wise, witty and sexually adventurous court jester she has enlisted as her hero, he’s both an ideal guide to the tangled history of the Tudors and the kind of sleuth a reader will follow anywhere.” Louis Bayard, bestselling author of THE PALE BLUE EYE, now a Netflix film
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Welcome to the Zazzle King’s Fool Store!
Click on the jester hat below to take you to it. In order to actually get to the page, you must either sign in first, or create an account on Zazzle.com or you will get an page error message. Only two products so far; the t-shirt and the mug.
