Jeri Westerson, author of the Crispin Guest medieval noir mysteries, kicks off a new historical mystery series with Courting Dragons. Will Somers actually was the jester to Henry VIII through his reign, then jester to all of Henry’s children, including Elizabeth I. This book is the first King’s Fool mystery, featuring a character who had access to all of the court, knew their secrets, and is the perfect amateur sleuth.

“A jester walked a fine line between distraction and destruction.” By 1529, Will Somers had been the jester for Henry VIII for four years. He’s young, only twenty-four, and a favorite of the king, with his own seat just below Henry’s at the table, and allowed even into the king’s bedchamber. He’s a subtle advisor to the king, putting gossip and ideas into ridiculous song and rhyme. But, there’s an atmosphere of fear in the court in 1529, as Henry waits to see if the Pope will allow him to divorce his first wife, Catherine, in order to marry his current love, Nan Bullen. The Spanish ambassador and his retinue are waiting, supporting Catherine of Aragon, but having to be adept in their dealings with the English court. Will constantly juggles his admiration for the queen and her daughter, Mary, with his love and allegiance to the king.

But, Will’s personal affections are easily swayed. He beds Don Gonzalo de Yscar, an aide to the Spanish ambassador. The next day, Will’s dog, Nosewise, finds Gonzalo’s body in the gardens. Then Will receives a blackmail note, threatening to reveal his romantic actions unless Will spies on the king. Will turns to his lover, Marion, for advice. She knows him well; knows his duty to the king as well as his fickleness in flitting from man to woman in his romantic life. Marion loves Will, and she’s willing to help him in his plans to uncover a blackmailer.

As threats, attacks, and murders occur, though, Will is soon looking for a killer. His life as the king’s fool is already a dangerous, political one, always at the beck and call of Henry, assuring the king, while also acting as his conscience at times. Now, Will adds a role as an amateur detective, searching for a killer at court.

Westerson’s books are never easy to read. Her books are filled with the details of English history of the time, with all of the religious and political turmoil. Courting Dragons is fascinating for someone who appreciates the intrigue, politics, and history of the Tudor court. With the promise of future books, it’s easy to see that Will will be caught up in all of the political maneuvering and marriage issues that took place in Henry VIII’s lifetime. As an actual historical figure who managed to survive all those years in the court, it’s obvious that Will Somers grows to be a shrewd, political creature. We meet the king’s fool as a young romantic figure tiptoeing through minefields in this book. People who want to read a fictional account of Henry VIII’s court, set in a mystery with the perfect amateur sleuth, should be ready for in-depth historical details in Courting Dragons.

Check out the book trailer for Courting Dragons.

Jeri Westerson’s website is http://www.jeriwesterson.com/

Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson. Severn House, 2023. ISBN 9781448309870 (hardcover), 224p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley to review for a journal.