The Jester

I liked this book co-written by James Patterson and Andrew Gross. Hugh De Luc, a poor innkeeper, returns home from the First Crusade, at the end of the 11th century, weary from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the Holy Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning. Hugh learns that he had a son who was killed by a gang of thieves and his wife has been kidnapped by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes his precious wife Sophie is being held captive.