Book Review: Jester Leaps In

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Jester Leaps In     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Alan Gordon
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Fools' Guild Mysteries # 2
St. Martin’s Minotaur, Nov 2000, $23.95, 288 pp.

In the thirteenth century, The Fool’s Guild feels their underlying mission beyond entertainment is to quietly keep the political balance in a unreliable world. In that regard, the Guild sends Theophilas also known as Feste to Byzantium serendipitously to investigate two matters of concern to the peace of the continent. Theo is to look into the recent disappearance of six guild members. Additionally, he is to check into rumors that have spread across Europe (at least among the Fool’s Guild members) that Crusaders will invade Byzantium not Jerusalem.

Only a fool would undertake this treacherous mission, but Theo, accompanied by his wife and fellow Fool Viola, still travels to Byzantium. As Theo and Viola begin to investigate both matters, they conclude that involvement begins at the highest levels of the Emperor’s government. However, neither one of them knows that an unknown assailant plans to add Theo and Viola to the list of vanished Fools.

The second Fool medieval mystery (see the entertaining Thirteenth Night) is an exciting historical tale that makes the thirteenth century vividly come to life. The story line employs an enjoyable who-done-it accompanied by a high level conspiracy, starring two likable characters who define Fool as genius and athletic. However, sub-genre fans will devour this tale and its predecessor because Alan Gordon’s picturesque descriptive plot turns back the clock seven hundred years.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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