About the Book

1529, London. Jester Will Somers knows all of King Henry VIII's secrets. But when he discovers a body in a courtyard at Greenwich Palace, and a blackmail note arrives soon after demanding information about the king, can he prevent one of his own closely guarded secrets being exposed while also thwarting a plot against the monarch?

Book Synopsis

Introducing Will Somers, the king's jester but nobody's fool in this exuberant, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining mystery set in Tudor England - the first in a new series from the author of the critically acclaimed Crispin Guest Medieval Noir series.

1529, London. Jester Will Somers enjoys an enviable position at the court of Henry VIII. As the king's entertainer, chief gossip-monger, spy and loyal adviser, he knows all of the king's secrets - and almost everyone else's within the walls of Greenwich Palace.

But when Will discovers the body of Spanish count Don Gonzalo while walking his trusted sidekick Nosewise in the courtyard gardens, and a blackmail note arrives soon after demanding information about the king, is one of his own closely guarded secrets about to be exposed? Trouble is afoot at the palace. Are the king's enemies plotting a move against him? Will must draw on all his wit and ingenuity to get to the bottom of the treacherous and deadly goings-on at the court before further tragedy strikes . . .

Review Quotes

An appropriate end to Westerson's series. Long-time fans will be eager to see if Crispin can triumph over the past, and anyone who enjoys medieval mysteries can follow it easily-- "Library Journal Starred Review on The Deadliest Sin"

Devotees of Alan Gordon's Fools' Guild mysteries will welcome this promising series-- "Publishers Weekly"

Familiar historical figures seen from a different viewpoint add spice to the mystery-- "Kirkus Reviews"

For readers who enjoy accurate, in-depth historical details in a mystery-- "Library Journal"

History, mythology, and mystery mix in a rollicking adventure that offers a fresh perspective on the famous Arthurian legend'-- "Kirkus Reviews on Sword of Shadows"

Jeri Westerson is at the top of her game-- "Louis Bayard, bestselling author of THE PALE BLUE EYE"

The Tudor court as seen through the eyes of wily Will Somers, Henry VIII's jester, comes to vivid life in this sparkling mystery-- "C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of THE TUDOR SECRET"

This latest in the always enjoyable, crisply written series delivers an agreeable mix of adventure and atmosphere-- "Booklist on Sword of Shadows"

Well plotted and comes with a deeply satisfying resolution. Another winner-- "Booklist on The Deepest Grave"

Westerson's acclaimed series mixes historical detail with a deep dive into the character of a flawed but honorable hero'-- "Kirkus Reviews on Spiteful Bones"

About the Author

Jeri Westerson was born and raised in Los Angeles. As well as fifteen Crispin Guest medieval mysteries, she is the author of three paranormal series and several historical novels. Her books have been nominated for the Shamus, the Macavity and the Agatha awards.