The Letter of Marque

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 12

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Letter of Marque, Jack is once again aboard his beloved Surprise but stripped of his post captaincy for a crime he did not commit. Bought by Stephen, the Surprise has become a privateer. Sailing into French waters, the two concoct a desperate mission which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from his state of disgrace. A nighttime battle with an unusual climax, a jewel of great value and Stephen's fondness for opium make this segment of O'Brian's masterful series both original and profoundly exciting.

Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.

©1988 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The best historical novels ever written." (The New York Times Book Review)
"No writer alive can move one as O'Brian can; no one can make you laugh so loud with hilarity, whiten your knuckles with unbearable tension or choke with emotion. He is the master." (Irish Times)

"[Narrator Patrick] Tull's characterization of these two heroes, his mastery of dialect and his rousing reading of these dramatic sea sagas have become a standard against which all other productions of O'Brian's work must be measured.... Historical fiction doesn't get any better, and Tull's narration is 'Prime.'" ( AudioFile)

best one yet

the covert actions, the reconciliation at the end....Great book!! but you got to read the others to appreciate

Refreshing

I have listened to all of the Aubrey/Maturin series and this one was one of the very best. Jack being released from the RN seems to have been a great release for O'Brien also. He takes the liberty of straying a little from the confines of the Royal Navy's diabolical treatment of one of their best commanders and tells a thumping good story. Tull, also appears to 'enjoy' reading this one a bit more as his performance is reverting. I loved this one and i am sure you will too.

​Still Listening

​I'm still listening to Aubrey–Maturin series. Actually, I just finished #12, "The Letter of Marque" and as usual, I gave it five stars. I'm really enjoying these books because a part of me has a hidden life that I'm not aware of, by having sea legs and wants to sail the ocean. Besides the super writing from the author, I'm more amaze at listening to the reader.

So far I've listened to 170 hours of Patrick Tull's performance. He has become that neighbor that sits on his porch and telling stories of his time in the Navy. I can't wait for his next visit.

Love it!

Patrick O'Brian is a brilliant story-teller. Patrick Tull gives the story life with his superb narration. Bravo Zulu

greatest story teller with the greatest reader.

unsurpassed storytelling by The Greatest Story writer in the greatest reader of all time. wonderful.

A Happy Ending To Be Sure

Filled with delight and looking forward to the next book. I like this book series.

New Life

I don't know why, but Tull has gone to town w/ the voices on this one. The story is great, one of the best so far, but after listening to the series thus far it was refreshing to here the improved voices.

Very Good

This was a good story, nicely told. Interesting, adventurous, suspenseful, and well-written.

That I came away disinclined to read the rest is probably only my disinterest in the genre.

I would recommend it.

Charactors that are more than characters

Patrick Obrian has created a world full of characters that have become more than just characters in a story. They have become friends (and sometimes foes) whose futures and fortunes are of keen personal interest to me. You can't say fairer of an author. And Patrick Tull brings these friends to life in another excellent performance.

A Change For Jack and Steven interesting

Where does The Letter of Marque rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I liked this book and all of them so far can't wait to read the next one

What other book might you compare The Letter of Marque to and why?

One of a kind story with great characters and enjoyed it and look forward to more

Which scene was your favorite?

There were a few that were both action and emotion, liked all of it

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If it were possible yes

Any additional comments?

Getting close to the end of the series but the stories just keep me interested