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The Jester Audiobook, by James Patterson Play Audiobook Sample

The Jester Audiobook

The Jester Audiobook, by James Patterson Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Neil Dickson Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: August 2005 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781594832789

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

155

Longest Chapter Length:

10:03 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:29 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

05:00 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

442

Other Audiobooks Written by James Patterson: > View All...

Publisher Description

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.

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"The Jester is a story about a man who fights in the crusades. He comes back to find his son has been murdered and wife was kidnapped and eventually found dead. This guy hits rock bottom in life and vows to find and kill the person who has destroyed his life. The main character "Hugh" trains with an old man and becomes a Jester. It's his plan to sneak into the palace and kill the man who murdered his wife & son. There is a lot more to the story and the cast of characters Hugh meets along the way are profound. The struggles he goes through on his journey will keep you up reading until you finish the book."

— Jon (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “This really is an uplifting tale. Patterson steps out of his comfort zone for this title and yet manages to nail the characters and the plot perfectly…This book enriches the imagination of the adult mind…If you truly want to step into a new world but still retain Patterson’s sense of humor and mystery, then France is going to be your next stop.”

    — Examiner.com
  • “Once again, plot master James Patterson proves that a radical departure need not be a wrong turn. Readers will find plenty of Patterson’s trademark suspense, in addition to a healthy dose of wit.”

    — Barnes&Noble.com
  • “In another departure from his high-suspense detective novels, James Patterson tries his hand at historical fiction and comes up a winner…As fast-paced as any thriller, and just as exciting, The Jester is a colorful picture of the eleventh century and of the types of men and women who survived the often harsh times. It’s a good-against-evil story that readers will relish.”

    — RT Book Reviews (4 ½ stars, Top Pick!)
  • “From start to finish, this is supersmart popular fiction, slick yet stirring, packed with colorful details of medieval life, bursting with unforgettable characters and clever tropes and themes. Patterson’s fans will adore this one.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “Replete with his trademark short chapters and surprising twists and turns, Patterson, along with coauthor Gross, keeps the excitement levels high in this rousing adventure tale.”

    — Booklist
  • “Patterson, along with coauthor Gross, keeps the excitement levels high in this rousing adventure tale.”

    — Booklist
  • “Dickson’s fast-paced reading is sensitive to both the action scenes and the character-driven side of the story. Characters come alive through his attention to their dreams and their failings…Dickson’s voice reveals ruthless, corrupt men for what they are.”

    — Booklist (audio review)
  • “Neil Dickson reads the story of Hugh with passion and panache.”

    — AudioFile

Awards

  • A #1 New York Times bestseller
  • A USA Today bestseller
  • Finalist for the 2003 RT Award for Best Medieval Historical Romance

The Jester Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.75 out of 53.75 out of 53.75 out of 53.75 out of 53.75 out of 5 (3.75)
5 Stars: 19
4 Stars: 9
3 Stars: 5
2 Stars: 8
1 Stars: 3
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I've read over 20 James Patterson books, and this one was easily the best of the bunch so far. I expected crime & suspense, but instead I got transported back to the time of the Crusades, and was completely transfixed. Has elements of Dan Brown, and intersperses history with fiction. A wonderful story! "

    — Donna, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Probably my favorite Patterson. "

    — Toby, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is probably a good read, but I couldn't get into it at my first try. "

    — Donna, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not your most conventional medieval novel or James Patterson novel for that matter, but without a doubt my favorite book. I cannot explain it other than when I am in between books & need something to read I always come back to this one. It's a great tale of fantasy that allows you get away from "true life" and have a little fun w/ your imagination, but doesn't cross into sci-fi. "

    — Nick, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " eh, so so, fighting a cold so mindless wasn't as bad as all that; used some modern day expressions which were kind of weird in 1098 "

    — Carol, 1/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Weird, not like other Patterson books. "

    — Elizabeth, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved this book! Patterson embarks on a new direction in writing his first historical thriller. I was completely captivated from the first page and could not put it down until I finished it. I wasn't too impressed with the ending but the ride there was amazing. "

    — Shiela, 12/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This isn't the type of book I would normally read but a friend recommended it. It is set in medieval times and was a pretty good read. "

    — Jessica, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of the worst books I have ever read. "

    — Allison, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " i really enjoyed this Patterson book. A throw back to a different time. "

    — Threem94, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Different for James Patterson. "

    — Carol, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was something that kept me reading. I was surprised that I was unble to put this one down! "

    — Debi, 12/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not his normal style but a great read! "

    — Amy, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " this is the best book i have every read i cry every time i read it. i would love it if this book turned into a movie. if it wasn't for this book i would have never found out about James Patterson. he is the best author ever. "

    — Evelyn, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved this one so much i read it in 2 sittings - couldn't put it down! "

    — Bonnie, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was a great book. The only thing I didn't like about it is when the main character has sex with his love interest when their village is under attack. That was very unrealistic to me. "

    — Sandi, 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was as excellent book. I have recommended it to many, but read it so long ago I'd almost forgotten about it. "

    — Stephanie, 4/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " the jester is one of james patterson's best books. I have read it 3 times and would read it again. "

    — Donna, 4/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It just didn't grab me. Maybe it's all about timing. "

    — Jeni, 3/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was not what I expected in my when I saw Patterson's name on the cover. "

    — Valerie, 2/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I've forgotten this book entirely. The only knowledge I have of it is that I read it entirely and didn't like it. I'm not rereading it again just to remember the plot and everything what I hated about this book. "

    — Mordie, 12/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Generally not my "type" of book but still a very enjoyable read. "

    — Sandra, 12/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Patterson is one of my favorites and the Jester is a good example of his writing style. "

    — Kay, 9/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is Patterson's finest offering. This book is extremely well written and filled with twists and turns. It is a genre he's never explored before or since. Definitely worth the read... "

    — Tam, 9/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A wonderful guest story rich with history of times after the crusades. "

    — Linda, 8/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " a light thriller and when i say light... patterson's short chapters are getting really annoying. "

    — Miss, 8/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " If you havent read this one it is a Must. Well done and interesting plot! "

    — Janet, 7/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " My favorite Patterson novel "

    — Larry, 4/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Decent book. reads like a movie script. good story though. "

    — Basil, 2/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Never ending suffering during the crusades, hard to read, gory, not one of my favorites from this author. "

    — Hayseed, 11/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " i really liked this book. especially the time period. "

    — Evon, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is my favorite book from James Patterson. Loved it! "

    — Therese, 5/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very exciting and depicting the medieval era perfectly! "

    — Shaz, 4/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It just didn't grab me. Maybe it's all about timing. "

    — Jeni, 4/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was the first novel by James Patterson that I read. It was awesome!!! I was addicted to his writing style/novels. Once I start reading his books I can't put them down! "

    — Jordy, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of my all time favorites. Read it at least once a year. "

    — Shay, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Do not expect this book to be like his other books. It is still very good. "

    — Leah, 3/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This was not what I expected in my when I saw Patterson's name on the cover. "

    — Valerie, 2/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was way different than any other James Patterson book I've read. It wasn't one of his best but it was good. But I think he should stick to murder mysteries. "

    — Shawna, 2/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Awesome work from James Patterson. I couldn't put this book down. Very different from his other work but a real gripping and engaging storyline!!!! Very impressed!!! "

    — Richelle, 2/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This one I really liked, historical fiction, do not miss this one. "

    — Paula, 2/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This is one of the worst books I have ever read. "

    — Kirsten, 2/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " How can you feel the loss of his wife if he beds the next woman he sees? "

    — Dion, 1/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I think I liked this mostly because it was a little different for James Patterson. I thought at the end (this doesn't give away the ending) the epilogue would be brought back to modern times again and tell a little more about what was found and what they did with it. "

    — Jill, 1/26/2011

About the Authors

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Andrew Gross is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Blue Zone and The Dark Tide and coauthor with James Patterson of five number-one bestsellers. He has degrees from Middlebury College and Columbia University and lives in Westchester County, New York, with his wife Lynn. They have three children.

About Neil Dickson

Neil Dickson is an actor and audiobook narrator who was a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award in 2011 for Best Audio Drama narration. His extensive acting roles in television and film include Sons of Liberty and the role of King Richard in Lionheart.