He was sorely missed in the movie, but it looks like Ledger’s joker is mentioned in the movie tie-in

If Heath Ledger hadn’t tragically died many wonder would he have put an appearance into the final Batman movie?
None can deny his portrayal was one of the most stunning and believable in movie history for which he rightfully won an Academy Award posthumously.

But the new book adaption of the Dark Knight Rises tells what happened to him: “The worst of the worst were sent here, except for the Joker, who, rumour had it, was locked away as Arkham’s sole remaining inmate. Or perhaps he had escaped. Nobody was really even sure. Not even Selina”

Our full review of the novel and interview with the author is coming soon