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The Jester  By  cover art

The Jester

By: James Patterson, Andrew Gross
Narrated by: Neil Dickson
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Publisher's summary

Hugh De Luc, a poor innkeeper, returns home from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the Holy Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning.

In his absence, Hugh's son has been killed and his beloved wife, Sophie, abducted by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes Sophie is held captive. There he confronts men more evil than he ever imagined and embarks on an epic battle to restore his broken life.

©2003 James Patterson, All Rights Reserved. (P)2003 Time Warner AudioBooks, A Division of AOL Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"From start to finish, this is supersmart popular fiction, slick yet stirring...unforgettable characters...Patterson's fans will love this one." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Jester

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    548
  • 4 Stars
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    109
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    39
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous book

I wasn't sure what to expect since the other James Patterson books I have listened to were mysteries, but The Jester was an incredible pleasure. The story holds your interest so much so that I was looking forward to my hour commute to work so I could continue with it. I was sorry when it was over. Definitely worthwhile.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining

A good yarn. If you liked Timeline you should enjoy this.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

I haven't even finished the book yet and already decided it's one of the best I've read in a long time. I enjoy ancient literature; and in my opinion, this may well be a modern classic for years to come. I'd like to see James Patterson write more like this.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting but gruesome

I didn’t care for the battle scenes. Too gorey for me. Recommended for those who like that kind of story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

only a fool

I have read this before and it is still one of my favorite stories. Well read/performed.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Characters

All the characters are so colorful and lively. Great plot twist at the end with Emily

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Don’t Bother

This story needs an X rating. I had to fast forward through the sex and beatings. The descriptive narrative was so over done it became boring and lost this readers interest.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Not Sharpe's Rifles, but along the same lines

If you like honor, history, and sword swinging action... The Jester comes close. It's questionable as to historical accuracy, but has the basic elements of a Bernard Cornwell 'Sharpe's' series, just not quite as well done. If you've already gone through the Cornwell series, this will do nicely while waiting for another Sharpe.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

2nd reading

Read this one over 10 years ago. It was enjoyable the 2nd time around as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

captivating

the ending is a touch drawn out, but the story itself will take you back in time

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