The Jester's Magician: A Christian Western Historical Mystery Novel

From bestselling author Ken Pratt comes a thrilling new chapter in the Jessup County Chronicles.

Branson, Missouri, 1884. The Hennessey Brothers' Traveling Show has rolled into town, and with it comes Paul Jandy-"The World's Creepiest Magician." A master illusionist with a flair for theatrics and secrets darker than his stage tricks, Jandy captivates the town, especially Mary Washburn. But while Mary is drawn to his charm, another man, watches in quiet despair. Leonard has loved Mary for years...and now he watches her fall for someone else.

What begins as a weekend of spectacle and celebration spirals into a slow-burning nightmare. Beneath Jandy's showmanship lies a cruel scheme-a brilliant disguise of manipulation and misdirection that will end in tragedy under the lights of Bella's Dance Hall.

Meanwhile, Marshal Matt Bannister plans to enjoy a peaceful weekend with his family. But when his nephew is attacked, a baby's cry leads to bloodshed, and his uncle Solomon mysteriously vanishes, the lawman finds himself at the center of a chilling conspiracy. As Matt uncovers a web of infidelity, arsenic, and attempted murder within his own family, he races against time to save Solomon...and to reach Leonard before a vengeful posse delivers frontier justice without a trial.

In a town where everyone smiles but few are innocent, The Jester's Magician blends the suspense of historical mystery with the emotional weight of romantic tragedy, asking: Can truth survive in a world built on illusion? What happens when the villain wears a smile and the hero doesn't know he's being played?